The rivalry between Samsung and Google heats up with the Galaxy S23 FE‘s entry into the market, directly challenging Google’s Pixel 8. Priced at an attractive $629 (629,000 Naira), the Galaxy S23 FE appeals to a broad spectrum of Android enthusiasts. In this in-depth comparison, we’ll explore the similarities and differences between these two devices, aiding those who seek an unbiased assessment.
Hardware Faceoff
When pitting the specifications of the Galaxy S23 FE against the Pixel 8, we uncover a multitude of similarities and differences. These distinctions become clearer when we consider the slight price gap and the manufacturers behind these smartphones. For instance, the Galaxy S23 FE boasts three cameras, while the Pixel 8 features two. Samsung’s device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, while Google relies on its Tensor silicon. Additionally, the Galaxy S23 FE offers a vivid array of color options, which the Pixel 8 lacks.
Common Ground
Despite their differences, both devices share several notable similarities. These include their displays, with the Pixel 8 achieving higher brightness levels. Moreover, they align in terms of RAM, storage, IP rating, optical fingerprint reader, battery size, and charging speeds. For individuals entering the Android ecosystem without brand loyalty, the decision between these two smartphones can be daunting.
Camera Showdown
When making this decision, it’s essential to consider factors like cameras, software, and updated policies. From an objective perspective, the camera battle leans slightly in favor of the Pixel 8. However, it’s crucial to note that we’ve had limited exposure to the Galaxy S23 FE, making it challenging to provide a definitive assessment. To be fair, the Galaxy S23 FE features a telephoto lens that the Pixel 8 lacks, offering enhanced photography flexibility. The few photos we’ve taken with the Galaxy S23 FE show promise, but a conclusive judgment remains pending.
Software and Updates
In the realm of software updates, Google takes the lead, committing to delivering seven years of both Android OS and security patches. On the other hand, Samsung offers four years of OS updates and five years of security updates. While Samsung’s timeline aligns well with the typical smartphone ownership duration, this distinction is a pivotal consideration.
Personal preference plays a significant role in the software department. While we lean toward Google’s software, we have no reservations about using Samsung’s One UI. We’ve relied on One UI for most of 2023 with the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Z Fold 5. The Galaxy S23 FE launches with One UI 5.1 on top of Android 13, while the Pixel 8 ships with Android 14. The Galaxy S23 FE is set to receive the One UI 6 (Android 14) update soon, ensuring minimal differences in base features. Samsung continues to enhance its OS experience with custom features and enhancements, while Google excels in AI-powered enhancements and customization options. Ultimately, both Pixels and Galaxies offer polished software experiences.
Pixel 8 vs Galaxy S23 FE
Google Pixel 8
The year 2023 introduces us to Google’s pinnacle creation, the Pixel 8. Renowned for its exceptional photography, it also introduces the cutting-edge G3 Tensor chip, making it an outstanding value in its price range.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE marks the return of a fan favorite. Samsung does a great job of reusing slightly older specs to bring out a near-flagship-quality phone without a lot of compromise while also selling at near-budget prices.
Both Phones Compared
Pixel 8 | Galaxy S23 FE | |
---|---|---|
Display | 6.2-inch OLED 2,400 x 1,080 resolution 428ppi 20:9 aspect ratio 120Hz refresh rate HDR support Gorilla Glass Victus |
6.4-inch Super AMOLED 2,340 x 1,080 resolution 19.5:9 aspect ratio 120Hz refresh rate HDR support Gorilla Glass 5 |
Processor | Google Tensor G3 USA: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 EU/ROW: Exynos 2200 |
Google Tensor G3 USA: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 EU/ROW: Exynos 2200 |
RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
Storage | 128 or 256GB UFS 3.1 |
128GB or 256GB UFS 3.1 |
Power | 4,575mAh 27W wired charging Qi wireless charging |
4,500mAh battery 25W wired charging Qi wireless charging |
Cameras | Rear: – 50MP main: ƒ/1.68 aperture, OIS – 12MP ultrawide: ƒ/2.2 aperture, 125.8-degree FoV Front: – 10.5MP: ƒ/2.2 aperture |
Rear: – 50MP main: ƒ/1.8 aperture, OIS – 12MP ultrawide: ƒ/2.2 aperture, 123-degree FoV – 8MP telephoto: ƒ/2.4 aperture, 3x optical zoom Front: – 10MP: ƒ/2.4 aperture |
Dimensions and weight | 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9mm 187g |
157.9 x 76.5 x 8.1mm 209g |
Security | Titan M2 security chip Under-display fingerprint sensor Face Unlock (Class 3, highest tier) |
Under-display fingerprint sensor Face Unlock |
Durability | Gorilla Glass Victus (front and back) IP68 rating |
Gorilla Glass 5 (front and back) IP68 rating |
Connectivity | – Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be/ax/6/6e) – MIMO – NFC – Bluetooth 5.3 |
– Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e) – MIMO – NFC – Bluetooth 5.3 |
Software | Android 14 7 years of OS upgrades 7 years of security patches 7 years of feature drops |
Android 13 with ONE UI 4 years of OS upgrades 5 years of security patches |
You’ll find a 6.2-inch OLED display on the Pixel 8 with a resolution of 2,400 by 1,080 pixels for a density of 428ppi. The Samsung S23 has a 6.1-inch AMOLED screen at a resolution of 2,340 by 1,080 pixels for a density of 425ppi. On those stats alone, they seem pretty similar.
The in-between S23+ has a 6.6-inch screen with the same 2,400 by 1,080 pixels and a lower 398ppi. The larger Pixel 8 Pro has a 6.7-inch OLED with 2,992 by 1,344 pixels and a density of 489ppi while the S23 Ultra has a 6.9-inch OLED with 3,120 by 1,440 pixels and a density of 512ppi. If size is what does it for you, the S23 Ultra is the way to go.
Screen brightness is another story. The Pixel 8 averages 1,400 nits and its max is 2,000 nits, and the 8 Pro averages 1,600 nits and maxes out at 2,400 nits. Comparatively, all three S23 variants average 1,200 nits with a peak brightness of 1,750 nits. The panels in the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro should be easier to see in sunlight thanks to how bright they can get.
Then there’s the refresh rate. All five phones can reach a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz to give you smooth animations when you interact with your phone. The Pixel 8 Pro and all three Samsung phones can range from 1Hz up to 120Hz depending on the task to either conserve power or provide the best experience. Meanwhile, the Pixel 8’s screen ranges between 60Hz and 120Hz, so it will draw a bit more power over time.
This comes down to what you value more: being able to see your screen in daylight or squeezing out a little more battery life.
Which Phone Is Faster?
We have yet to evaluate the Pixel 8 in benchmarks, but historically the Tensor series is not optimized to score well on these synthetic tests. The Samsung Galaxy S23 family is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which is blazingly fast (in the Android world). Unless something has drastically changed with Google’s Tensor G3, we don’t anticipate that it will beat out the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
However, if fast means how quickly the phone responds, or how quickly it can handle tasks by using on-device AI, this could be another story as Google’s devices are tuned very well to make the best of its internals. And Samsung’s got nothing on Google’s on-device machine learning chops.
Megapixel Battle: Pixel vs. Galaxy S
The Pixel 8 is equipped with a 50MP main shooter and a 12MP ultra-wide camera. The Samsung S23 has three rear cameras; a 50MP main, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 10MP 3x optical telephoto camera. As for selfie cameras, the Pixel 8 has a 10.5MP camera while the S23 has a 12MP front-facing one.
The Pixel 8 Pro adds a higher-resolution 48MP ultra-wide camera and a 48MP optical telephoto camera. The S23 Ultra has a 200MP main camera, the same ultra-wide and telephoto cameras as the other S23 models, and adds a second 10MP optical telephoto camera. In other words, the two larger models offer more zoom range.
Generally, both sets of devices should take excellent pictures, although Google devices may have an edge when it comes to low-light photography. Google also has a bag of tricks like its Magic Eraser, Audio Magic Eraser, and Best Take (a feature that lets you combine images by face replacement so everyone in a group picture looks their best). You don’t get those features on devices outside of the Pixel line.
As for video, the S23 series is capable of capturing footage at up to 8K/30fps, but the Pixel 8 line tops out at 4K/60fps. How important is 8K video at the moment? Not very. It is kind of hard to go wrong with either the Pixel 8 or the Galaxy S23, but we will say that Pixels tend to produce more natural color and Galaxies tend to oversaturate or push color to a fair degree.
Which Has Longer Battery Life?
We have not put the Pixel 8 series through our battery test, but we do know the 8 has a 4,575mAh battery and the 8 Pro has a 5,050mAh battery that are capable of charging at up to 27W and 30W, respectively, with the right charger.
The Galaxy S23 has a 3,900mAh battery that charges at 25W. The S23+ has a 4,700mAh battery and the S23 Ultra has a 5,000mAh battery that charge at a faster 45W. We found the S23 survived 13 hours and 12 minutes and the S23 Ultra survived 12 hours and 10 minutes in our test where we streamed a full HD video at full brightness. Theoretically, the Pixel 8’s larger battery could give it the advantage, but we’ll have to test that for ourselves.
Which Company Offers Better Support?
Until very recently, the answer to this question was almost always Samsung. With the Pixel 8, Google is promising seven years of updates, which include Android OS upgrades, security patches, and feature drops. To reiterate, eachof its two phones will be updated for seven years. Samsung offers four full OS upgrades and security updates for five years.
Both of these policies ensure that you’ll be able to use your phone for quite a long time. However, the Google Pixel 8 line gets the win here since it will be supported until 2030.
Which One Is Better?
We are not yet certain how the Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro will behave in real-world tests. Based on specs alone, the Pixel 8 phones may be a better deal given their lower price points, feature parity with the S23 models, and seven-year upgrade promise.
Final Verdict
In our endeavor to eliminate bias, we must declare the showdown between the Galaxy S23 FE and Pixel 8 a tie. Both smartphones deliver outstanding displays, capable cameras, robust software support, and top-notch hardware. They are solid choices for discerning smartphone users. We anticipate a spirited discussion in the comments section and kindly request that everyone maintain a respectful tone throughout.
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