Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 7 – which one should you go for?

Many people are wondering about the differences between the Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 7, so we’ve decided to break it down for you right here.

Samsung released its new S23 range on February 17th, making it the first major flagship of 2023. We’ve been getting our teeth stuck into all the information we have on it ever since.

The Pixel 7 has been out for a few months now, and the reception has been overwhelmingly positive. With one of the best cameras available on an Android device, as well as a host of impressive features its been impressing phone users around the globe. It even manages to undercut much of the competition on price.

It makes sense that these two devices are going head to head in many consumers’ minds, as they are sure to be some of the most popular Android phones of the year. What’s more, the quality of them both is so high that separating them can be a hard task. However, everyone has slightly different requirements for their smartphone, so knowing which one makes the most sense for you is vital.

To help you make this choice we’re going to give you all the information you need to compare these two phones in 4 key areas. They are specs, features, design and value for money. We’ll be breaking it all down, letting you know where the similarities and key differences lie.

So let’s get down to business. Here is everything you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 7.

Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 7 – Specs

Specs	Samsung Galaxy S23	Google Pixel 7
Display	6.1 inch AMOLED	6.3 inch OLED
Resolution	1080 x 2340p	1080 x 2400p
Refresh rate	120Hz	90Hz
Chip	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2	Google Tensor G2
RAM	8GB	8GB
Storage	128GB	128GB, 256GB
Rear cameras	50 MP telephoto, 10MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide	50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide
Front camera	12MP	10.8MP
Battery size	3,900mAh	4,355mAh
Charging	25W wired	30W wired

Specs are a great way to get a baseline for a device’s capabilities. As we can see from the table, the Pixel 7 has a lower refresh rate, 90Hz, as well as fewer cameras. Both devices have different CPUs and charging speeds.

So what does this actually all mean for performance?

Well, the lower refresh rate on the Pixel 7 means that the image it’s displaying is updated fewer times a second, essentially making the visual experience less smooth. While this won’t make any difference for watching films to TV, when doing other activities on your mobile like gaming or even scrolling, the S23 will be noticeably smoother.

Read More: Samsung Galaxy S23 vs S23 Plus – which one should you pick?

The S23 is also better at varying its refresh rate, meaning it can do from as low as 48Hz up to 120Hz. The Pixel 7 meanwhile can only access either 60Hz or 90Hz. This means the higher maximum rate seen on the S23 isn’t always eating up the phone’s battery life.

The difference between the two phones’ CPUs is also significant. The new Google Tensor G2 chip that features on the Pixel 7, does make some excellent improvements but falls just behind the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, let alone the Gen 2 incorporated in the S23. This means better performance when running multiple apps at once, or partaking in demanding mobile gaming.

The Tensor G2 does have some of its own advantages, specifically in relation to its deep learning and AI capabilities, though, in terms of sheer power, the Galaxy S23 is superior.

Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 7 – Features

Both these phones have a range of great features. Google especially has packed the Pixel 7 to the brim with useful tools and internal programs to make tasks simpler. A lot of these are thanks to the AI abilities of its new Tensor G2 chip.

For example, we see a range of really useful tools incorporated into the camera, these include Magic Eraser which can remove and cover up unwanted aspects of a photo, such as a photo bomber. As well as this, there are tools for sharpening photos, removing blur and stabilizing video. All of these are done through software, rather than the physical camera itself.

Read More: Samsung Galaxy S23 vs S23 Plus – which one should you pick?

This goes some way to make up for the Pixel 7’s inferior camera set-up. For example, despite the fact it lacks the telephoto lens of the Galaxy S23, it has an impressive digital zoom.

With the Samsung Galaxy S23 we are seeing one of the best cameras to date, especially when it comes to low-light shooting, thanks to a mixture of AI and improvements to the camera itself. It’s worth mentioning that the S23 doesn’t compare to the S23 Ultra’s camera – and if you’re interested in why, check out our comparison of the two Samsung releases.

Both devices feature strong Gorilla Glass which gives them a high IP68 rating. One thing it is worth considering if you intend to make your device last for as long as possible is that Samsung has committed to providing 4 years of platform updates, meanwhile, Google only promises 3 years of updates for the Pixel 7.

Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 7 – Design

Both these phones have a striking and sleek design, fit for the premium devices that they are. However, that’s not to say that they look similar.

The Pixel 7 is the slightly bigger of the two measuring in at 6.3 inches versus 6.1 for the Galaxy S23. The edges of it are rounded which stands in contrast to the newly introduced rectangular corners of the Galaxy S23. This less traditional look of the S23 is great and makes it stand apart from previous generations.

Read More: Samsung S23 alternatives – our top picks

Google has stuck with the horizon bar on the rear of the phone for housing the cameras, though it is made of metal this time. This has become iconic of the Pixel range and makes the design of the phone pop.

Samsung has been tweaking its camera layout as well. Gone is the contour cut seen on the S22, replaced with individual cut outs for each of the three cameras. This makes for a simpler and sleeker look.

Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 7 – Value for money

The Google Pixel 7 was released for a price of $599, we’ve seen this price slashed by $100 since then, and it’s not out of the question there could be more cuts on the way. The Samsung Galaxy S23 meanwhile is available now for $799.

Despite this higher price, saying which offers more value for money is actually a hard one to call. This is because the Samsung Galaxy S23 justifies its higher asking price with superior hardware and performance.

The price cut offered on the Pixel 7 perhaps does just edge it in front in this regard though overall it’s really a question of preference

Check price: Google Pixel 7 128GB on Best Buy

Check price: Samsung Galaxy via Samsung

Which one should you go for?

In general, the S23 beats Google in terms of hardware thanks to its superior rear camera, faster CPU and more durable build.

The Pixel 7 meanwhile holds its own in terms of software. Google has jam packed it full of features like Mgaic Eraser as well as voice enhancement for calls, and real-time language translation.

The Pixel 7 offers incredible value but the S23 does have some premium qualities that justify its price. This comes down to a question of priorities and personal preference rather than one being objectively better than the other.

Those who want flashy camera features and a high performance offered for a reasonable price should go for Pixel 7. Those who think they’d benefit more from having an incredibly powerful phone with cutting-edge specs, for example, those interested in mobile gaming should definitely consider the Samsung Galaxy S23.

If you are viewing your upcoming purchase as a long term investment, the Galaxy S23 might also be the one for you thanks to its stronger built quality and Samsung’s promise to provide 4 years of Android updates for you.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Google Pixel 7 worth it?

Yes, the Google Pixel 7 continues to offer a great balance between value and performance in 2023. At the time of writing, its discounted price on Amazon makes it all the more tempting!