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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSamsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Google Pixel 8a
If you're looking for the best of the best, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the premium option here with its jaw-dropping 200MP camera and powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip. So, what's the key difference? Performance and camera quality are where the S23 Ultra shines, but the Pixel 8a is a fantastic choice for those on a budget.
📱 Display: 6.8" vs 6.1"🔋 Battery: 5000 mAh vs 4492 mAh⚖️ Weight: 8.25 oz vs 6.63 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 8a
★4.4
(1,570)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G3
Graphics:Arm 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 8a
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)Winner
Google Pixel 8a
6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Refresh Rate
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
1–120Hz (Adaptive)
Google Pixel 8a
60–120Hz (Smooth Display)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
Google Pixel 8a
Google Tensor G3
RAMKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
8GB / 12GB LPDDR5XWinner
Google Pixel 8a
8GB LPDDR5X
Storage
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0)Winner
Google Pixel 8a
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 8a
64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Google Pixel 8a
13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
5,000 mAh (Typical)Winner
Google Pixel 8a
4,492 mAh (Typical)
Wireless Charging
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare
Google Pixel 8a
Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W)
Design2 specs
Weight
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
8.25 oz (234 g)
Google Pixel 8a
6.6 oz (188 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 8a
6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 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 8a
5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); 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 8a
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
★4.4(1,332)Best Buy
Google Pixel 8a
★4.4(1,570)Amazon
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Google Pixel 8a |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,332)Best Buy | ★4.4(1,570)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates | 7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Google Tensor G3 |
Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno 740 | Arm 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) | 6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display | Actua OLED Display |
Resolution | 3088 x 1440 pixels (QHD+), 500 ppi | 1080 x 2400 pixels (FHD+), 430 ppi |
Refresh Rate | 1–120Hz (Adaptive) | 60–120Hz (Smooth Display) |
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 | 64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OIS |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) | 13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) |
Telephoto Camera | 10MP Telephoto (3x optical, f/2.4) + 10MP Periscope (10x optical, f/4.9); OIS | N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens) |
Optical Zoom | 3x, 10x Optical Zoom | N/A (Optical quality at 0.5x and 1x via sensor crop) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 100x Space Zoom | Up to 8x Super Res Zoom |
Video Recording | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
Front Camera | 12MP Front (f/2.2, 80° FOV), Dual Pixel AF | 13MP Front (f/2.2, 96.5° FOV), Fixed Focus |
Battery | 5,000 mAh (Typical) | 4,492 mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | Up to 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0 (Adapter sold separately) | Up to 18W (Adapter sold separately) |
Wireless Charging | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare | Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB | 5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); 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 | IP67 (Dust and water resistant up to 1m); Gorilla Glass 3 (front); Matte composite back; Aluminum frame |
Dimensions | 6.43" x 3.07" x 0.35" (163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm) | 6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm) |
Weight | 8.25 oz (234 g) | 6.6 oz (188 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition | Under-display Fingerprint Sensor; Face Unlock |
Extras | Integrated S Pen (2.8ms latency); Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox | VPN by Google One; Titan M2 security; Gemini AI integrated; Audio Magic Eraser |
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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
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Google Pixel 8a
Rating:★4.4(1,570)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G3
Graphics:Arm Immortalis-G715s MC10
RAM:8GB LPDDR5X
Storage:128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Display Size:6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Actua OLED Display
Resolution:1080 x 2400 pixels (FHD+), 430 ppi
Refresh Rate:60–120Hz (Smooth Display)
Peak Brightness:1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:64MP Wide (f/1.89, 80° FOV, 1/1.73"), Quad PD AF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Telephoto Camera:N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens)
Optical Zoom:N/A (Optical quality at 0.5x and 1x via sensor crop)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x Super Res Zoom
Video Recording:4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Front Camera:13MP Front (f/2.2, 96.5° FOV), Fixed Focus
Battery:4,492 mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:Up to 18W (Adapter sold separately)
Wireless Charging:Qi Wireless Charging (7.5W)
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2
Durability:IP67 (Dust and water resistant up to 1m); Gorilla Glass 3 (front); Matte composite back; Aluminum frame
Dimensions:6.0" x 2.9" x 0.4" (152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm)
Weight:6.6 oz (188 g)
Biometrics:Under-display Fingerprint Sensor; Face Unlock
Extras:VPN by Google One; Titan M2 security; Gemini AI integrated; Audio Magic Eraser
✓ Pros:
- • Unmatched 7-year software support commitment in the mid-range segment
- • Bright 120Hz Actua OLED display (2,000 nits peak)
- • Flagship-grade Tensor G3 processor brings premium AI features (Magic Editor, Audio Magic Eraser)
- • Compact and comfortable design with a durable matte finish
- • Includes wireless charging (rare at this price point)
✗ Cons:
- • Charging is slow (18W wired / 7.5W wireless) compared to competitors
- • Large bezels surround the display, looking dated compared to the Pixel 8
- • Uses older Gorilla Glass 3 for screen protection
- • Optical fingerprint sensor can be slower than ultrasonic alternatives
- • Gets warm under heavy load due to Tensor G3 efficiency
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the better buy for most people - its stunning 200MP camera crushes the Pixel 8a's 64MP. That said, grab the Pixel 8a if you want to save money and prefer a lighter phone at just 6.6oz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra if: you shoot a lot of high-quality photos, need top-tier gaming performance, or want a phone that lasts 34 hours on a single charge.
Choose the Google Pixel 8a if: you want a compact and lightweight design, need 7 years of software updates, or want a phone that costs less but still offers great performance.
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
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 8a is better if you prioritize unmatched 7-year software support commitment in the mid-range segment. 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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