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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSamsung Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 7a
You'd expect the Samsung Galaxy S23 to dominate, but the Google Pixel 7a's camera prowess changes everything. With its 64MP sensor, it excels in photography, making it a fantastic choice for shutterbugs. However, the S23's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip crushes the competition in gaming and multitasking. The Samsung Galaxy S23 is more premium, offering a powerful performance with its 3900mAh battery that lasts up to 22 hours of video playback. In real-world usage, that means you can easily manage a full day of streaming or gaming without reaching for a charger.
⚡ Refresh: 120 Hz vs 90 Hz🔋 Battery: 3900 mAh vs 4385 mAh⚖️ Weight: 5.93 oz vs 6.84 oz
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Samsung Galaxy S23
★4.4
(101)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of OS upgrades (Android 14, 15, 16, 17); 5 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2028)
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)
Graphics:Adreno 740 (719 MHz)
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Google Pixel 7a
★4.5
(1,343)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (until May 2028)
Processor:Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor
Graphics:Mali-G710 MP7
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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
Google Pixel 7a
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Samsung Galaxy S23
6.1" (6.1" full rectangle; 5.9" accounting for rounded corners)
Google Pixel 7a
6.1"
Refresh Rate
Samsung Galaxy S23
Adaptive 48–120 HzWinner
Google Pixel 7a
90Hz (Smooth Display)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Samsung Galaxy S23
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.36GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8GHz A715, 2x2.8GHz A710, 3x2.0GHz A510)
Google Pixel 7a
Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor
RAMKey
Samsung Galaxy S23
8 GB (LPDDR5X)
Google Pixel 7a
8GB LPDDR5
Storage
Samsung Galaxy S23
128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB (UFS 4.0) / 512GB (UFS 4.0)
Google Pixel 7a
128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Samsung Galaxy S23
50MP Wide (24 mm, f/1.8), Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS
Google Pixel 7a
64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8xWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Samsung Galaxy S23
12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° FOV), Super Steady video
Google Pixel 7a
13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Samsung Galaxy S23
3900 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 22 hours video playback
Google Pixel 7a
4,385mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Samsung Galaxy S23
Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (up to 15W); Wireless PowerShare (4.5W)
Google Pixel 7a
7.5W Qi Wireless Charging
Design2 specs
Weight
Samsung Galaxy S23
5.93 oz (168 g)Winner
Google Pixel 7a
6.83 oz (193.5 g)
Dimensions
Samsung Galaxy S23
5.76" x 2.79" x 0.30" (146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm)
Google Pixel 7a
6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Samsung Galaxy S23
5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
Google Pixel 7a
5G (Sub-6/mmWave), 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 vs Google Pixel 7a
Samsung Galaxy S23
★4.4(101)Best Buy
Google Pixel 7a
★4.5(1,343)Best Buy
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S23 | Google Pixel 7a |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(101)Best Buy | ★4.5(1,343)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) | 3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (until May 2028) |
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) | Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor |
Graphics | Adreno 740 (719 MHz) | Mali-G710 MP7 |
RAM | 8 GB (LPDDR5X) | 8GB LPDDR5 |
Storage | 128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB (UFS 4.0) / 512GB (UFS 4.0) | 128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 6.1" (6.1" full rectangle; 5.9" accounting for rounded corners) | 6.1" |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | OLED, 90Hz, HDR |
Resolution | 2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+, 425 ppi) | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 429 ppi |
Refresh Rate | Adaptive 48–120 Hz | 90Hz (Smooth Display) |
Peak Brightness | 1200 nits (HBM); 1750 nits peak (outdoor) | 1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 50MP Wide (24 mm, f/1.8), Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS | 64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8x |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° FOV), Super Steady video | 13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF |
Telephoto Camera | 10MP Telephoto (70 mm, f/2.4), PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom | No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom |
Optical Zoom | 3x optical zoom; 30x Space Zoom | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x | Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom) |
Video Recording | 8K video at 24/30 fps; 4K at 30/60 fps; Slow motion 1080p at 240/960 fps | 4K @ 30/60fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps |
Front Camera | 12MP Front (26 mm, f/2.2), Dual Pixel PDAF; 4K video at 30/60 fps | 13MP, f/2.2, 95-degree Ultrawide FOV, 4K @ 30fps |
Battery | 3900 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 22 hours video playback | 4,385mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | USB-C; Up to 50% in ~30 minutes with 25W adapter (sold separately) | 18W Fast Charging (Charger NOT included) |
Wireless Charging | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (up to 15W); Wireless PowerShare (4.5W) | 7.5W Qi Wireless Charging |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (up to 5 Gb/s) | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 |
Durability | IP68 (up to 1.5 m freshwater for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front) |
Dimensions | 5.76" x 2.79" x 0.30" (146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm) | 6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm) |
Weight | 5.93 oz (168 g) | 6.83 oz (193.5 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) | Stereo speakers, Now Playing, Call Screen, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, VPN by Google One |
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Samsung Galaxy S23
Rating:★4.4(101)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of OS upgrades (Android 14, 15, 16, 17); 5 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2028)
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)
Graphics:Adreno 740 (719 MHz)
RAM:8 GB (LPDDR5X)
Storage:128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB (UFS 4.0) / 512GB (UFS 4.0)
Display Size:6.1" (6.1" full rectangle; 5.9" accounting for rounded corners)
Screen Type:Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution:2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+, 425 ppi)
Refresh Rate:Adaptive 48–120 Hz
Peak Brightness:1200 nits (HBM); 1750 nits peak (outdoor)
Main Camera:50MP Wide (24 mm, f/1.8), Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° FOV), Super Steady video
Telephoto Camera:10MP Telephoto (70 mm, f/2.4), PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom
Optical Zoom:3x optical zoom; 30x Space Zoom
Digital Zoom:Up to 30x
Video Recording:8K video at 24/30 fps; 4K at 30/60 fps; Slow motion 1080p at 240/960 fps
Front Camera:12MP Front (26 mm, f/2.2), Dual Pixel PDAF; 4K video at 30/60 fps
Battery:3900 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 22 hours video playback
Wired Charging:USB-C; Up to 50% in ~30 minutes with 25W adapter (sold separately)
Wireless Charging:Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (up to 15W); Wireless PowerShare (4.5W)
Connectivity:5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (up to 5 Gb/s)
Durability:IP68 (up to 1.5 m freshwater for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back
Dimensions:5.76" x 2.79" x 0.30" (146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm)
Weight:5.93 oz (168 g)
Biometrics:Ultrasonic Fingerprint (under display); Face recognition
Extras:Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox; Stereo speakers tuned by AKG; Dual eSIM support (varies by carrier)
✓ Pros:
- • Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip outperforms standard version
- • Compact, lightweight design is easy to use with one hand
- • Bright 1750 nits display ensures excellent outdoor visibility
- • Versatile camera system with genuine 3x optical zoom
- • Solid battery life for its size class (3900 mAh)
✗ 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)
- • Lacks UWB (Ultra-Wideband) support found in Plus/Ultra models
- • Refresh rate floor is 48Hz (not 1Hz like LTPO panels on Ultra)
- • Small screen size may be limiting for heavy media consumption
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Google Pixel 7a
Rating:★4.5(1,343)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (until May 2028)
Processor:Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor
Graphics:Mali-G710 MP7
RAM:8GB LPDDR5
Storage:128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable)
Display Size:6.1"
Screen Type:OLED, 90Hz, HDR
Resolution:2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 429 ppi
Refresh Rate:90Hz (Smooth Display)
Peak Brightness:1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode)
Main Camera:64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8x
Ultra-Wide Camera:13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom)
Video Recording:4K @ 30/60fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps
Front Camera:13MP, f/2.2, 95-degree Ultrawide FOV, 4K @ 30fps
Battery:4,385mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:18W Fast Charging (Charger NOT included)
Wireless Charging:7.5W Qi Wireless Charging
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2
Durability:IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front)
Dimensions:6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm)
Weight:6.83 oz (193.5 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:Stereo speakers, Now Playing, Call Screen, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, VPN by Google One
✓ Pros:
- • Class-leading still photography with 64MP sensor and Google computational magic
- • Tensor G2 chip brings flagship-level AI features (Voice Typing, Magic Eraser) to mid-range
- • 90Hz OLED display is a significant upgrade over previous A-series 60Hz panels
- • Includes wireless charging (7.5W), a rarity in this price segment
- • Compact, ergonomic size with IP67 water/dust resistance
✗ Cons:
- • Charging is slow (18W wired / 7.5W wireless) compared to competitors
- • Optical fingerprint sensor can be slower/less reliable than ultrasonic ones
- • Battery life is average; Tensor G2 can run warm under load
- • Large bezels relative to screen size compared to the Pixel 8a or Galaxy S23 FE
- • Only one storage option (128GB) with no microSD expansion
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Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the better buy for most people - its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip crushes the Google Pixel 7a in performance. That said, grab the Pixel 7a if you prioritize photography - its 64MP camera is a game-changer for capturing stunning images.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 if: you game frequently and need top-tier performance, you want a brighter display for outdoor use, or you prefer a compact design for one-handed use. (120 Hz refresh, 3900 mAh battery)
Choose the Google Pixel 7a if: you take a lot of photos and want the best camera in this price range, you value AI features like Magic Eraser, or you want a slightly longer battery life with 4385mAh.
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 excels if you value powerful snapdragon 8 gen 2 for galaxy chip outperforms standard version. Google Pixel 7a is better if you prioritize class-leading still photography with 64mp sensor and google computational magic. 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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