Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 8
Key specs: Display: 6.8" vs 6.2" and Battery: 5000 mAh vs 4575 mAh. Key specs: Display: 6.8" vs 6.2" and Battery: 5000 mAh vs 4575 mAh.
Why compare these? Both the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and Google Pixel 8 are premium flagship smartphones competing in the same market segment. This makes them direct rivals for buyers looking for premium flagship features and performance in 2026. Understanding their differences helps you choose the right one for your specific needs.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Samsung Galaxy | Google Pixel |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.4★ (1,341 reviews) | ✓4.6★ (1,129 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Class-leading 200MP main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom | Unprecedented 7 years of full OS and security updates |
| Main Drawback | Slow charging speed (45W) compared to competitors | Storage uses older UFS 3.1 standard (competitors use faster UFS 4.0) |
| Market Position | Flagship | Flagship |
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
Qualcomm Adreno 740
Google Pixel 8
Android
7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (until Oct 2030)
Google Tensor G3 (4nm)
Immortalis-G715s MC10
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 8
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Google Pixel 8
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Google Pixel 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,341)Amazon | ★4.6(1,129)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates | 7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (until Oct 2030) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Google Tensor G3 (4nm) |
Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno 740 | Immortalis-G715s MC10 |
RAM | 8GB / 12GB LPDDR5X | 8GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0) | 128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1 |
Display Size | 6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.2" |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display | Actua OLED, 120Hz, 2,000 nits (Peak) |
Resolution | 3088 x 1440 pixels (QHD+), 500 ppi | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 428 ppi |
Refresh Rate | 1–120Hz (Adaptive) | 60Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive LTPS) |
Peak Brightness | 1,750 nits (Peak) | 1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 200MP Wide (f/1.7, 85° FOV), Laser AF, OIS | 50MP Octa PD, f/1.68, 1/1.31", OIS, EIS, 2x Optical Quality Crop |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) | 12MP, f/2.2, 126-degree FOV, Autofocus (Macro Focus) |
Telephoto Camera | 10MP Telephoto (3x optical, f/2.4) + 10MP Periscope (10x optical, f/4.9); OIS | No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom |
Optical Zoom | 3x, 10x Optical Zoom | 2x Optical Quality (via Main Sensor cropping) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 100x Space Zoom | Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom) |
Video Recording | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps | 4K @ 60fps (10-bit HDR); Audio Magic Eraser |
Front Camera | 12MP Front (f/2.2, 80° FOV), Dual Pixel AF | 10.5MP Dual PD, f/2.2, Fixed Focus, 4K @ 60fps |
Battery | 5,000 mAh (Typical) | 4,575mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | Up to 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0 (Adapter sold separately) | 27W Fast Charging (50% in ~30 min with 30W adapter - sold separately) |
Wireless Charging | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare | 18W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen) / 12W (Qi-certified) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 | USB Type-C 3.2 |
Durability | IP68 (Water resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (Front & Back) |
Dimensions | 6.43" x 3.07" x 0.35" (163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm) | 5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35 in (150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm) |
Weight | 8.25 oz (234 g) | 6.60 oz (187 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock (Class 3 - Banking app compatible) |
Extras | Integrated S Pen (2.8ms latency); Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox | VPN by Google One, Clear Calling, Call Screen, Crash Detection, Temperature Sensor (Pro only - NOT on Pixel 8) |
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Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
Qualcomm Adreno 740
8GB / 12GB LPDDR5X
256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0)
Pros
- Class-leading 200MP main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom
- Custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy provides top-tier performance
Cons
- Slow charging speed (45W) compared to competitors
- Large and heavy (8.25 oz) form factor is difficult for one-handed use
Google Pixel 8
Android
7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (until Oct 2030)
Google Tensor G3 (4nm)
Immortalis-G715s MC10
8GB LPDDR5X
128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1
Pros
- Unprecedented 7 years of full OS and security updates
- Actua display is exceptionally bright (2,000 nits) and sharp
Cons
- Storage uses older UFS 3.1 standard (competitors use faster UFS 4.0)
- Tensor G3 chip trails Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 in raw power and efficiency
Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the better buy for most people - its 200MP camera crushes the Pixel 8's 50MP.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra if: you shoot a lot of photos, need long battery life for travel, or want premium features like the S Pen. (6.8" display, 5000 mAh battery)
Choose the Google Pixel 8 if: you prefer a lighter phone, want the latest software updates for years, or take casual photos without needing the highest specs. (6.2" display, 4575 mAh battery)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.6★ vs 4.4★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Google Pixel
Class-leading 200MP main Priority
Class-leading 200MP main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Unprecedented 7 years Priority
Unprecedented 7 years of full OS and security updates
→ Choose Google Pixel
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Bottom line: The Google Pixel 8 leads with a 4.6★ rating versus 4.4★. That said, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra could still be the right pick depending on your specific priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra or Google Pixel 8?
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the better choice if you prioritize class-leading 200mp main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom. Google Pixel 8 wins if you value unprecedented 7 years of full os and security updates. Both are rated highly (4.4★ vs 4.6★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and Google Pixel 8?
Key differences: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra offers class-leading 200mp main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom, while Google Pixel 8 stands out with unprecedented 7 years of full os and security updates. Consider that Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra slow charging speed (45w) compared to competitors. Meanwhile, Google Pixel 8 storage uses older ufs 3.1 standard (competitors use faster ufs 4.0). Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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