Samsung Galaxy S23 vs ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the mid-range option here, but it offers reliable performance with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and 1750 nits peak brightness. What matters most here is how these differences impact your daily experience, especially in gaming and media consumption. Key specs: Display: 6.1" vs 6.78" and Refresh: 120 Hz vs 165 Hz.
Why compare these? The Samsung Galaxy S23 (mid-range) and ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro (premium flagship) represent different approaches to smartphones. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Samsung Galaxy | ASUS ROG |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.4★ (101 reviews) | ✓4.7★ (63 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip outperforms standard version | First ROG phone with IP68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens |
| Main Drawback | Base 128GB model uses slower UFS 3.1 storage (256GB+ uses UFS 4.0) | Software support (2 OS updates) lags behind Samsung/Google flagships |
| Market Position | Mid-range | ✓Flagship |
Samsung Galaxy S23
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades (Android 14, 15, 16, 17); 5 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2028)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.36GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8GHz A715, 2x2.8GHz A710, 3x2.0GHz A510)
Adreno 740 (719 MHz)
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Android
2 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Adreno 750
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 vs ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Samsung Galaxy S23
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S23 | ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(101)Best Buy | ★4.7(63)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 4 generations of OS upgrades (Android 14, 15, 16, 17); 5 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2028) | 2 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.36GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8GHz A715, 2x2.8GHz A710, 3x2.0GHz A510) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650) |
Graphics | Adreno 740 (719 MHz) | Adreno 750 |
RAM | 8 GB (LPDDR5X) | 16GB LPDDR5X (Pro Edition: 24GB) |
Storage | 128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB (UFS 4.0) / 512GB (UFS 4.0) | 512GB UFS 4.0 (Pro Edition: 1TB) |
Display Size | 6.1" (6.1" full rectangle; 5.9" accounting for rounded corners) | 6.78" |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Samsung E6 Flexible AMOLED, LTPO, 1,600 nits (HBM) |
Resolution | 2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+, 425 ppi) | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | Adaptive 48–120 Hz | 1Hz–120Hz (Adaptive); 165Hz (Gaming mode) |
Peak Brightness | 1200 nits (HBM); 1750 nits peak (outdoor) | 2,500 nits |
Main Camera | 50MP Wide (24 mm, f/1.8), Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS | 50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.9, 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0 |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° FOV), Super Steady video | 13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Free-form lens |
Telephoto Camera | 10MP Telephoto (70 mm, f/2.4), PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom | 32MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom (Not periscope) |
Optical Zoom | 3x optical zoom; 30x Space Zoom | 3x Optical |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x | Up to 30x (Hyper Clarity AI up to 10x) |
Video Recording | 8K video at 24/30 fps; 4K at 30/60 fps; Slow motion 1080p at 240/960 fps | 8K UHD @ 24fps; 4K UHD @ 30/60fps; HDR10+ |
Front Camera | 12MP Front (26 mm, f/2.2), Dual Pixel PDAF; 4K video at 30/60 fps | 32MP RGBW, f/2.5, 90-degree FOV (Bins to 8MP) |
Battery | 3900 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 22 hours video playback | 5,500mAh (Dual-cell) |
Wired Charging | USB-C; Up to 50% in ~30 minutes with 25W adapter (sold separately) | 65W HyperCharge (Adapter included) |
Wireless Charging | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (up to 15W); Wireless PowerShare (4.5W) | 15W Qi 1.3 Wireless Charging |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.4, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (up to 5 Gb/s) | Side: USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DisplayPort 1.4); Bottom: USB-C 2.0 |
Durability | IP68 (up to 1.5 m freshwater for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back | IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front) |
Dimensions | 5.76" x 2.79" x 0.30" (146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm) | 6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 in (163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm) |
Weight | 5.93 oz (168 g) | 7.94 oz (225 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint (under display); Face recognition | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox; Stereo speakers tuned by AKG; Dual eSIM support (varies by carrier) | AniMe Vision (341 Mini-LEDs on back), AirTrigger buttons, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual USB-C ports |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Samsung Galaxy S23
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades (Android 14, 15, 16, 17); 5 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2028)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.36GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8GHz A715, 2x2.8GHz A710, 3x2.0GHz A510)
Adreno 740 (719 MHz)
8 GB (LPDDR5X)
128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB (UFS 4.0) / 512GB (UFS 4.0)
Pros
- Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip outperforms standard version
- Compact, lightweight design is easy to use with one hand
Cons
- Base 128GB model uses slower UFS 3.1 storage (256GB+ uses UFS 4.0)
- Charging speed is limited to 25W (significantly slower than competitors)
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Android
2 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Adreno 750
16GB LPDDR5X (Pro Edition: 24GB)
512GB UFS 4.0 (Pro Edition: 1TB)
Pros
- First ROG phone with IP68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens
- Incredible performance with advanced thermal management features
Cons
- Software support (2 OS updates) lags behind Samsung/Google flagships
- Battery capacity reduced (5,500mAh) compared to previous generation (6,000mAh)
Which one is better?
Key specs: Display: 6.1" vs 6.78" and Refresh: 120 Hz vs 165 Hz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 if: you need a lightweight phone at just 5.93oz, you want a versatile camera with a 50MP sensor, or you prefer a compact size for one-handed use.
Choose the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro if: you game often and require a 165Hz refresh rate, you need a long-lasting 5500mAh battery for extended use, or you want a larger 6.78" display for media consumption.
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.7★ vs 4.4★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose ASUS ROG
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 101 reviews vs 63
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose ASUS ROG
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
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 ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro leads with a 4.7★ rating versus 4.4★. That said, Samsung Galaxy S23 could still be the right pick depending on your specific priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Samsung Galaxy S23 or ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro?
Samsung Galaxy S23 is the better choice if you prioritize powerful snapdragon 8 gen 2 for galaxy chip outperforms standard version. ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro wins if you value first rog phone with ip68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens. Both are rated highly (4.4★ vs 4.7★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Samsung Galaxy S23 and ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro?
Key differences: Samsung Galaxy S23 offers powerful snapdragon 8 gen 2 for galaxy chip outperforms standard version, while ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro stands out with first rog phone with ip68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens. Consider that Samsung Galaxy S23 base 128gb model uses slower ufs 3.1 storage (256gb+ uses ufs 4.0). Meanwhile, ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro software support (2 os updates) lags behind samsung/google flagships. 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.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.