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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSamsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 8
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the premium option here, and it's hard to ignore its jaw-dropping 200MP camera. In real-world use, that means stunning photos and incredible detail that the Google Pixel 8's 50MP camera simply can't match. The Pixel 8 offers a more compact form at just 6.60 oz, making it easier to handle in one hand. Plus, its 7-year software update promise is a game-changer for longevity,.
📱 Display: 6.8" vs 6.2"🔋 Battery: 5000 mAh vs 4575 mAh⚖️ Weight: 8.25 oz vs 6.60 oz
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Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
★4.4
(1,332)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
Graphics:Qualcomm Adreno 740
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Google Pixel 8
★4.6
(1,129)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (until Oct 2030)
Processor:Google Tensor G3 (4nm)
Graphics:Immortalis-G715s MC10
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Google Pixel 8
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)Winner
Google Pixel 8
6.2"
Refresh Rate
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
1–120Hz (Adaptive)
Google Pixel 8
60Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive LTPS)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
Google Pixel 8
Google Tensor G3 (4nm)
RAMKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
8GB / 12GB LPDDR5XWinner
Google Pixel 8
8GB LPDDR5X
Storage
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0)Winner
Google Pixel 8
128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
200MP Wide (f/1.7, 85° FOV), Laser AF, OISWinner
Google Pixel 8
50MP Octa PD, f/1.68, 1/1.31", OIS, EIS, 2x Optical Quality Crop
Ultra-Wide Camera
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Google Pixel 8
12MP, f/2.2, 126-degree FOV, Autofocus (Macro Focus)
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
5,000 mAh (Typical)Winner
Google Pixel 8
4,575mAh (Typical)
Wireless Charging
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare
Google Pixel 8
18W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen) / 12W (Qi-certified)
Design2 specs
Weight
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
8.25 oz (234 g)
Google Pixel 8
6.60 oz (187 g)Winner
Dimensions
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
6.43" x 3.07" x 0.35" (163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm)
Google Pixel 8
5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35 in (150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB
Google Pixel 8
5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
+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
★4.4(1,332)Best Buy
Google Pixel 8
★4.6(1,129)Best Buy
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Google Pixel 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,332)Best Buy | ★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
Rating:★4.4(1,332)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
Graphics:Qualcomm Adreno 740
RAM:8GB / 12GB LPDDR5X
Storage:256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0)
Display Size:6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display
Resolution:3088 x 1440 pixels (QHD+), 500 ppi
Refresh Rate:1–120Hz (Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:1,750 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:200MP Wide (f/1.7, 85° FOV), Laser AF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Telephoto Camera:10MP Telephoto (3x optical, f/2.4) + 10MP Periscope (10x optical, f/4.9); OIS
Optical Zoom:3x, 10x Optical Zoom
Digital Zoom:Up to 100x Space Zoom
Video Recording:8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps
Front Camera:12MP Front (f/2.2, 80° FOV), Dual Pixel AF
Battery:5,000 mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:Up to 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0 (Adapter sold separately)
Wireless Charging:Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1
Durability:IP68 (Water resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Dimensions:6.43" x 3.07" x 0.35" (163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm)
Weight:8.25 oz (234 g)
Biometrics:Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition
Extras:Integrated S Pen (2.8ms latency); Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox
✓ Pros:
- • Class-leading 200MP main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom
- • Custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy provides top-tier performance
- • Excellent battery life with 5,000mAh capacity
- • Integrated S Pen adds unique productivity features
- • Premium build with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and IP68 rating
✗ Cons:
- • Slow charging speed (45W) compared to competitors
- • Large and heavy (8.25 oz) form factor is difficult for one-handed use
- • Expensive starting price
- • No microSD card slot for expandable storage
- • Included USB cable is only USB 2.0 despite port supporting 3.2
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Google Pixel 8
Rating:★4.6(1,129)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (until Oct 2030)
Processor:Google Tensor G3 (4nm)
Graphics:Immortalis-G715s MC10
RAM:8GB LPDDR5X
Storage:128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1
Display Size:6.2"
Screen Type:Actua OLED, 120Hz, 2,000 nits (Peak)
Resolution:2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 428 ppi
Refresh Rate:60Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive LTPS)
Peak Brightness:1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:50MP Octa PD, f/1.68, 1/1.31", OIS, EIS, 2x Optical Quality Crop
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP, f/2.2, 126-degree FOV, Autofocus (Macro Focus)
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom
Optical Zoom:2x Optical Quality (via Main Sensor cropping)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom)
Video Recording:4K @ 60fps (10-bit HDR); Audio Magic Eraser
Front Camera:10.5MP Dual PD, f/2.2, Fixed Focus, 4K @ 60fps
Battery:4,575mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:27W Fast Charging (50% in ~30 min with 30W adapter - sold separately)
Wireless Charging:18W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen) / 12W (Qi-certified)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2
Durability:IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (Front & Back)
Dimensions:5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35 in (150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm)
Weight:6.60 oz (187 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock (Class 3 - Banking app compatible)
Extras:VPN by Google One, Clear Calling, Call Screen, Crash Detection, Temperature Sensor (Pro only - NOT on Pixel 8)
✓ Pros:
- • Unprecedented 7 years of full OS and security updates
- • Actua display is exceptionally bright (2,000 nits) and sharp
- • Face Unlock is now secure enough for banking/payments (Class 3)
- • Compact form factor with premium satin metal and glass finish
- • Smartest software features in class (Call Screen, Magic Editor)
✗ 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
- • Optical fingerprint sensor is slower/less reliable than ultrasonic rivals
- • Charging speed (27W) is relatively slow
- • Ultrawide camera lacks the higher resolution (48MP) found on the Pro model
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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. That said, grab the Pixel 8 if you want a lighter phone that's easier to handle and offers 7 years of updates.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra if: you love photography and need the best camera, you often use your phone for productivity with features like the S Pen, or you want a large, vibrant display for media. (6.8" display, 5000 mAh battery)
Choose the Google Pixel 8 if: you prefer a lighter device for one-handed use, you want the longest software support in the industry, or you mainly take casual photos and don't need extreme detail. (6.2" display, 4575 mAh battery)
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra excels if you value class-leading 200mp main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom. Google Pixel 8 is better if you prioritize unprecedented 7 years of full os and security updates. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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