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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSamsung Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is a solid mid-range option, offering a compact design that makes it easy to use one-handed,. The deciding factor here is the Pixel 9 Pro XL's 5x optical zoom and exceptional software support, promising 7 years of updates. So, if you value long-term usability and a superior camera experience, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the way to go.
📱 Display: 6.1" vs 6.8"🔋 Battery: 3900 mAh vs 5060 mAh⚖️ Weight: 5.93 oz vs 7.80 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 9 Pro XL
★4.4
(986)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G4
Graphics:Arm Mali-G715 MC7
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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 9 Pro XL
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Samsung Galaxy S23
6.1" (6.1" full rectangle; 5.9" accounting for rounded corners)
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)Winner
Refresh Rate
Samsung Galaxy S23
Adaptive 48–120 Hz
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
1–120Hz (Adaptive)
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 9 Pro XL
Google Tensor G4
RAMKey
Samsung Galaxy S23
8 GB (LPDDR5X)
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
16GB LPDDR5XWinner
Storage
Samsung Galaxy S23
128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB (UFS 4.0) / 512GB (UFS 4.0)
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Samsung Galaxy S23
50MP Wide (24 mm, f/1.8), Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera
Samsung Galaxy S23
12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° FOV), Super Steady video
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Samsung Galaxy S23
3900 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 22 hours video playback
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
5,060 mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Samsung Galaxy S23
Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (up to 15W); Wireless PowerShare (4.5W)
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Up to 23W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share
Design2 specs
Weight
Samsung Galaxy S23
5.93 oz (168 g)Winner
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
7.80 oz (221 g)
Dimensions
Samsung Galaxy S23
5.76" x 2.79" x 0.30" (146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm)
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
6.4" x 3.0" x 0.3" (162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Samsung Galaxy S23
5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB; Dual Band GNSS
+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 9 Pro XL
Samsung Galaxy S23
★4.4(101)Best Buy
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
★4.4(986)Amazon
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S23 | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(101)Best Buy | ★4.4(986)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 4 generations of OS upgrades (Android 14, 15, 16, 17); 5 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2028) | 7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop 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) | Google Tensor G4 |
Graphics | Adreno 740 (719 MHz) | Arm Mali-G715 MC7 |
RAM | 8 GB (LPDDR5X) | 16GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB (UFS 4.0) / 512GB (UFS 4.0) | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1) |
Display Size | 6.1" (6.1" full rectangle; 5.9" accounting for rounded corners) | 6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Super Actua LTPO OLED |
Resolution | 2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+, 425 ppi) | 1344 x 2992 pixels (QHD+), 486 ppi |
Refresh Rate | Adaptive 48–120 Hz | 1–120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1200 nits (HBM); 1750 nits peak (outdoor) | 2,000 nits (HDR) / 3,000 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 50MP Wide (24 mm, f/1.8), Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS | 50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° FOV), Super Steady video | 48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus |
Telephoto Camera | 10MP Telephoto (70 mm, f/2.4), PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom | 48MP Telephoto (5x optical, f/2.8), Quad PD AF, OIS |
Optical Zoom | 3x optical zoom; 30x Space Zoom | 5x Optical Zoom (Optical quality at 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x, 10x) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x | Up to 30x Super Res Zoom |
Video Recording | 8K video at 24/30 fps; 4K at 30/60 fps; Slow motion 1080p at 240/960 fps | 8K@30fps (via Video Boost); 4K@24/30/60fps |
Front Camera | 12MP Front (26 mm, f/2.2), Dual Pixel PDAF; 4K video at 30/60 fps | 42MP Front (f/2.2, 103° FOV), Dual PD AF |
Battery | 3900 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 22 hours video playback | 5,060 mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | USB-C; Up to 50% in ~30 minutes with 25W adapter (sold separately) | Up to 37W (charges up to 70% in ~30 min with Google 45W USB-C Charger) |
Wireless Charging | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (up to 15W); Wireless PowerShare (4.5W) | Up to 23W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB; Dual Band GNSS |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (up to 5 Gb/s) | USB Type-C 3.2 |
Durability | IP68 (up to 1.5 m freshwater for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back | IP68 (Dust and water resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front/back) |
Dimensions | 5.76" x 2.79" x 0.30" (146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm) | 6.4" x 3.0" x 0.3" (162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm) |
Weight | 5.93 oz (168 g) | 7.80 oz (221 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint (under display); Face recognition | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Unlock; Face Unlock |
Extras | Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox; Stereo speakers tuned by AKG; Dual eSIM support (varies by carrier) | Satellite SOS; Gemini AI integrated; Temperature sensor; 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 9 Pro XL
Rating:★4.4(986)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G4
Graphics:Arm Mali-G715 MC7
RAM:16GB LPDDR5X
Storage:128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1)
Display Size:6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Super Actua LTPO OLED
Resolution:1344 x 2992 pixels (QHD+), 486 ppi
Refresh Rate:1–120Hz (Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:2,000 nits (HDR) / 3,000 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus
Telephoto Camera:48MP Telephoto (5x optical, f/2.8), Quad PD AF, OIS
Optical Zoom:5x Optical Zoom (Optical quality at 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x, 10x)
Digital Zoom:Up to 30x Super Res Zoom
Video Recording:8K@30fps (via Video Boost); 4K@24/30/60fps
Front Camera:42MP Front (f/2.2, 103° FOV), Dual PD AF
Battery:5,060 mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:Up to 37W (charges up to 70% in ~30 min with Google 45W USB-C Charger)
Wireless Charging:Up to 23W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB; Dual Band GNSS
USB:USB Type-C 3.2
Durability:IP68 (Dust and water resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front/back)
Dimensions:6.4" x 3.0" x 0.3" (162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm)
Weight:7.80 oz (221 g)
Biometrics:Ultrasonic Fingerprint Unlock; Face Unlock
Extras:Satellite SOS; Gemini AI integrated; Temperature sensor; VPN by Google One
✓ Pros:
- • Industry-leading 7-year software support commitment
- • Super Actua display is exceptionally bright (3,000 nits peak)
- • Versatile camera system with 5x optical zoom and high-res 42MP selfie camera
- • Deep AI integration with Gemini and exclusive features like Video Boost
- • Premium build with uniform bezels and Gorilla Glass Victus 2
✗ Cons:
- • 8K video recording is not native on-device (requires cloud-based Video Boost processing)
- • UFS 3.1 storage is slower than the UFS 4.0 standard found in competitors
- • Heavy gaming performance lags behind Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 rivals
- • Charging speed (37W max) is slower than many flagship peers
- • Optical fingerprint sensor replaced by ultrasonic, but still requires good placement
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Which one is better?
Grab the Samsung Galaxy S23 if you want a lighter phone at 5.93 oz, making it easier to carry around.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 if: you prefer a lightweight phone at 5.93 oz, enjoy one-handed use with its compact 6.1" display, or want a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip for gaming.
Choose the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL if: you need a longer-lasting battery for 30 hours of video, prioritize a superior camera with 5x optical zoom, or value a phone that will receive updates for 7 years.
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 9 Pro XL is better if you prioritize industry-leading 7-year software support commitment. 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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