In the world of smartphones, competition never stops. Samsung and Google are two of the biggest players in the market, constantly releasing new and improved models to stay ahead of the game. Check out the latest price of the Galaxy S23 Ultra here, or Google Pixel 7 Pro here.
The latest offerings from these tech giants are the Galaxy S23 Ultra and the Pixel 7 Pro. Both of these devices boast impressive specs and features, but which one comes out on top? In this S23 Ultra vs Pixel 7 Pro specs comparison, we’ll take a closer look at the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Pixel 7 Pro, comparing their specs to help you decide which one is the better choice for you.
One of the most commendable aspects of Android is its diversity, offering a wide range of smartphones from affordable yet powerful models to high-end devices with all the bells and whistles. With Android, you have the freedom to choose how much you want to spend and what features you want for your money.
This makes it challenging to compare phones, as prices can be deceiving, and more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better. This is especially evident in the Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Pixel 7 Pro specs comparison that we are about to start on, where we’ll see just how much difference there can be between similarly priced devices.
On one side we have Samsung’s latest and greatest flagship and one of the best phones of 2023. On the other side, we have Google’s best phone ever, the Pixel 7 Pro. It’s a statement I won’t argue with this year, despite there being a $300 price difference between the two phones.
However, what if that $300 could be saved? At first glance, it may seem like an unfair comparison, but this assumes that you were comparing the Pixel against any other phone with similar features, which is not the case here. While Samsung’s Ultra lineup began as a photography showcase, it has matured to become much more than that visually.
Design And Displays:
In terms of looks, both phones have their own unique style. Samsung has opted for a more minimalistic design language, while Google has incorporated some of its own design elements. When it comes to materials, Samsung wins in the department of using the latest Gorilla Glass Victus 2, along with the strength of its armor aluminum, while Google is two generations behind with the first-generation Victus and no special claims for its metallic finish. Check out the latest price of the Galaxy S23 Ultra here, or Google Pixel 7 Pro here.
Regarding ergonomics, neither phone could be considered perfect. The Galaxy is nearly two millimeters taller and wider and 22 grams heavier, but it’s not like the Pixel feels that much better in the hand. They’re both just as thick. Personally, I tend to prefer Samsung’s matte finish, but Google’s gloss is more of a subtle statement than anything else.
The only complaint I have about the Pixel is that the visor was pretty easy to scratch when seen against the light. However, it does a far better job at not wobbling on a table compared to Samsung’s camera rings. Overall, I prefer the elegance and feel of the boxier Galaxy, but I know many people prefer the curves of the Pixel.
Display: Flipping them around, the situation gets more complex. Samsung’s AMOLED 2x remains the go-to standard for display quality, but that doesn’t mean the Pixel’s OLED is trailing behind. Both devices provide a 120Hz variable refresh rate, and when placed side by side, color accuracy and viewing angles are handled well by both screens. However, I would give Samsung the edge since its screen is slightly larger and brighter in both regular and peak brightness scenarios.
Moreover, I’ve observed that the Ultra adapts more intelligently to its environment, while the Pixel tends to overcompensate, leading to more power consumption. Samsung’s ultrasonic fingerprint scanner is also more secure, and I personally find Samsung’s always-on options more appealing than Google’s.
S23 Ultra vs Pixel 7 Pro Chipsets And Batteries:
When it comes to internals, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is the clear winner. It rocks the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, while the Pixel’s Tensor chip is based on the Exynos chip that Samsung decided to ditch for a reason. Both phones have the same RAM options, but the Galaxy starts with double the storage at faster speeds.
Connectivity is the same, but Samsung’s Bluetooth is newer. Both phones have the same size batteries, but Samsung charges faster. The Galaxy simply offers more, which is expected since you’re paying more for it.
System Interface And Audio:
The Galaxy boasts louder and more robust speakers compared to the Pixel, although the latter’s speakers are still impressive. What sets the Galaxy’s display apart is that it comes with a Wacom digitizer on top, enabling S Pen functionality and other useful features like digital notetaking.
For me, the Galaxy’s integration with Microsoft Office Suite is essential, and this is one of the main reasons why I don’t mind having One UI 5.1 on the device. However, I do understand that purists may prefer the Pixel’s version of Android. Without Samsung’s implementation, many of the features I just mentioned would not be possible.
I also appreciate Samsung’s approach to the user interface, with its Tensor providing more usable space. Their tricks like the edge menus for quick shortcuts are also quite useful. In contrast, Google’s approach is larger and more in-your-face, which may appeal to some but is not my preference.
Check out the latest price of the Galaxy S23 Ultra here, or Google Pixel 7 Pro here.
Although I appreciate the smart approach that Google takes with its Android phones, I must admit that I prefer Samsung’s offerings for the time being. While Google’s Pixel has some great features like consistent voice recording transcriptions and day-one software updates, many of its essential features are still exclusive to the Pixel lineup. Ultimately, what matters most will vary from person to person.
For me, Samsung offers more of the features that I care about. Having used both the Pixel for nearly six months and the Galaxy for two, I can say that both phones are improved versions of their predecessors. It’s as if both Samsung and Google have addressed all the complaints we had before, particularly with endurance. The Galaxy is a two-day phone that can handle heavy use without any issues, while the Pixel can last for a day without any problems.
As I tested each phone on T’s 5G Network, I noticed that they were snappier, more reliable, and had better connectivity compared to their predecessors. While phone calls were never an issue with their earlier versions, the overall experience has improved significantly regardless of which phone you choose. Check out the latest price of the Galaxy S23 Ultra here, or Google Pixel 7 Pro here.
Cameras’ S23 Ultra vs Pixel 7 Pro Specs:
The next aspect of testing is the cameras, and it’s worth noting that both phones have impressive specs. The Ultra boasts an extra camera and more megapixels than one can imagine, while the Pixel is also impressive in its offerings. However, we cannot discount the Pixel’s unmatched ability to produce remarkable results with computational photography.
- Galaxy S23 Ultra Camera Specs:
- Primary: 200 MP, f/1.7, 24mm, 1/1.3″, 0.6µm, OIS
- Ultra-Wide: 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120″, 1/2.55″, 1.4µm.
- Telephoto 1: 10 MP, f/2.4, 70mm, 1/3.52″, 1.12µm, OIS, 3X Optical zoom.
- Telephoto 2: 10 MP, f/4.9, 230mm, 1/3.52″, 1.12µm, OIS 10X Optical zoom.
- Selfie: 12 MP, f/2.2, 26mm.
- Google Pixel 7 Pro Cameras Specs:
- Primary: 50 MP, f/1.9, 25mm, 1/1.31, 1.2µm, OIS.
- Telephoto: 48 MP, f/3.5, 120mm, 1/2.55″, 0.7µm OIS, 5X Optical zomm.
- Ultra-Wide: 12 MP, f/2.2, 126″, 1/2.9″, 1.25µm.
- Selfie: 10.8 MP, f/2.2, 21mm, 1/3.1″, 1.22µm.
The focus of the Tensor G2 is to provide an additional computational boost, but the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 also offers a similar feature. However, the results from both approaches can be mixed as each one has a different method. For instance, the Galaxy prefers more subtle tones that can be edited later.
On the other hand, the Pixel is all about providing extra contrast, which may not appeal to those who prefer a different look. Additionally, the focal lengths of the two phones are different, so I will try to stick to discussing their optical capabilities.
One aspect that stands out is that the Pixel’s Ultra wide lens is slightly wider, and it doesn’t try to fake capabilities that it doesn’t have, unlike some phones that offer up to 30X zoom.
The Galaxy, on the other hand, offers zoom capabilities that go far beyond 30X, but in reality, it’s not often that one would need to use it that extensively. During the day, I’d be comfortable using either phone.
However, at night, I noticed that the Galaxy is noticeably faster at capturing shots. Although the Pixel may not produce a brighter shot, its results tend to be more true to life. In contrast, the Galaxy is exceptional at capturing a lot of light even in low-light conditions, and this applies to all of its cameras.
I’ve noticed that the Pixel tends to produce slightly noisier photos, but I personally prefer the grain over how Samsung compensates for detail digitally. In terms of portraits, I prefer the Galaxy as it produces a nice balance of contrast without making the skin look too dry.
On the other hand, the Pixel tends to produce a contrast that may make some faces look older than they are. Of course, this is a matter of personal taste and depends on whether you’re using the selfie camera or the standard one. I made sure to turn off all the beautifying modes to get a fair comparison.
The Pixel has some cool tricks up its sleeve, such as long exposure and action pen, which can be achieved manually on the Galaxy but require a bit more know-how. Google’s approach is to give consumers a pro camera experience, and it shows in the Pixel’s astrophotography mode, which is pretty epic and automatic.
In contrast, it’s not as straightforward to achieve the same results on the Galaxy. While Google isn’t trying to take photos of the Moon and stir up controversy, their astrophotography mode is still impressive.
Video Comparison: Lastly, when it comes to video, I have to give it to the Pixel once again. While Samsung has invested a lot in improving its codec, I still notice some over-sharpening and warping in tough scenarios compared to the Pixel.
Additionally, the Galaxy tends to produce more noise, while the Pixel provides more saturation in colors without overdoing it, resulting in a better overall result in my opinion. I’m not a fan of the selfie video on either phone, but if I had to choose one, I’d also give it to the Pixel 7 for how it handles skin tones better.
Interestingly, the excess contrast and saturation that is present in photography seems to go away in video, which is a welcomed change. To clarify, the Galaxy isn’t bad, but Google’s control over Tensor seems to be paying off in terms of video quality.
At the conclusion of this S23 Ultra vs Pixel 7 Pro specs comparison, it’s safe to say that despite the significant difference in price, this comparison is a close one. The Galaxy S23 Ultra comes out on top in most aspects, which is to be expected given its higher price point. The reason for comparing the Pixel 7 Pro with the Galaxy S23 Ultra is to emphasize how much Samsung needs to do to match the Pixel’s capabilities.
The Pixel’s price is incredibly competitive for a flagship device, and while it may not be the clear winner in this comparison, it’s still an outstanding phone. As for my bias, if I had to choose between the two, I would opt for the Galaxy S23 Ultra simply because it caters more to my preferences.
I concur that the Galaxy S23 Ultra is a high-end phone that provides a lot of value for the additional cost, and I would also recommend it to those who can afford it. Nonetheless, for most individuals, the Pixel 7 Pro is an excellent selection that provides an excellent balance of features and affordability.
While the camera comparisons may appear to favor the Galaxy, the Pixel still captures fantastic photos and has many other fantastic features that make it a compelling option. Furthermore, not everyone requires or wants an S Pen, so the extra expense may not be justified for everyone.
Ultimately, both phones have their advantages, and the decision comes down to personal preferences and priorities. Check out the latest price of the Galaxy S23 Ultra here, or Google Pixel 7 Pro here.
- SIMILAR CONTENT:
- GARMIN INSTINCT 2X VS FENIX 7X
- SAMSUNG GALAXY S23 VS GALAXY S22
