Samsung Galaxy S23 vs. Google Pixel 7: there is a clear winner | Digital Traits

With the launch of the brand new Samsung Galaxy S23, Samsung has gotten 2023 off to a surprising begin. The corporate has debuted an iterative replace of one of many very greatest Android telephones, refining what was already a profitable method with a streamlined design, a brand new processor, a bigger battery, and a more durable physique.

On the identical time, it competes with the Google Pixel 7 which does the identical issues because the Pixel 6, however is solely higher all-around. Which one do you have to purchase? Let’s discover out.

Galaxy S23 vs. Pixel 7: specs

Galaxy S23 vs. Pixel 7: design, show, and sturdiness

The Samsung Galaxy S23 encompasses a design that might have been indistinguishable from the Galaxy S22, had it not been for the elimination of the digicam bump, which produces a extra streamlined design. It’s bought a 6.1-inch show, similar to the iPhone, making it fairly compact within the hand, and it’s fabricated from premium supplies like glass (extra on that later) and aluminum.

However, there’s the Pixel 7. It appears to be like fairly just like the Pixel 6, retaining the distinctive digicam bar on the rear and the identical hole-punch design. It’s a bit smaller than the Pixel 6 at 6.3 inches, and the digicam bar is roofed with metallic and never glass.

Across the entrance, each of those gadgets have easy AMOLED shows. The overwhelming distinction between them comes from how easy their shows are. The S22 already had a greater show than the Pixel 7 at a variable 120Hz refresh charge that matches the Pixel 7 Professional’s, and we’re afraid that hole solely grows with the S23. The Galaxy S23 retains all the identical abilities because the S22, besides it’s now additionally brighter. Google’s show is nice, however it simply doesn’t compete.

Lastly, the S23 comes with that new Gorilla Glass Victus 2, in comparison with the Pixel 7’s Gorilla Glass Victus. Once more, the Pixel isn’t dangerous, however it’s overwhelmed by the Galaxy S23.

The Pixel’s actual solely standout right here is the design. That digicam bar is fairly hanging, and Google’s selection of colours — particularly the beautiful Lemongrass — make all of the Pixel 7 telephones look concurrently businesslike and playful. The Galaxy S23 colours are good, however nothing actually to put in writing dwelling about. Regardless, it’s the S23 that wins this spherical.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S23

Galaxy S23 vs. Pixel 7: efficiency, battery life, and charging

The Galaxy S23 is supplied with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. It is a processor that’s the perfect and latest you may get on Android telephones, and it’s souped-up for Samsung particularly. With 8GB of RAM, you gained’t need for a lot on the S23. The Pixel 7 comes with Google’s Tensor 2 processor. It’s constructed primarily for AI duties, and consequently, it falls behind competing Android telephones in artificial benchmarks. That’s not a flaw; the telephone remains to be lots quick to make use of.

Battery-wise, it’s onerous to inform which might be a winner sight unseen. We’re going to tentatively hand it to the Galaxy S23 right here. Google’s Tensor chips have proven a bent towards overheating and battery drainage, and it’s a flaw that’s crossed generations. Whereas different telephones do nonetheless drain quickly and do nonetheless get sizzling, on stability, a Qualcomm telephone will keep on longer and run cooler than a comparable Pixel telephone.

When it comes to charging, the Pixel 7 additionally fees slower than the Galaxy S22. Because the S23 makes use of the identical charging expertise because the S22 does, one can surmise that the Pixel 7 takes the loss right here as effectively.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S23

Galaxy S23 vs. Pixel 7: cameras

Cameras are one other space the place it’s onerous to inform which telephone is healthier at with out a full overview. The Pixel 7 is a well-regarded telephone, and its digicam is genuinely spectacular. It’s the identical dual-camera structure with a 50-megapixel major digicam and a 12MP ultrawide that Google’s used because the Pixel 6. It persistently punches above its worth level, in no small half because of software program.

Nonetheless, Samsung simply gives greater than Google right here. The S23’s 50-megapixel major shooter will take pictures which are shut sufficient to Google’s that you simply gained’t thoughts. Its ultrawide lens will seize wider pictures, and Google’s super-res zoom can’t compete with an precise zoom digicam.

We’re giving the win to Samsung primarily based solely on its technical benefits over the Pixel 7’s digicam system, however we’ll see how/if that modifications following a full Galaxy S23 overview.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S23

Galaxy S23 vs. Pixel 7: software program and options

Each the Galaxy S23 and the Pixel 7 are powered by Android 13. The Pixel runs a Google model of it with very sturdy Materials You influences current in each facet of the software program, giving it an general polished feel and look. Samsung’s One UI 5.0 additionally has Materials You themes combined with extra Samsung-centric styling, however it’s additionally very useful and strong. Samsung stuffs its Android overlay with a bunch of apps and options you gained’t discover on Google’s, together with well-regarded inventory apps that sync with Home windows variations. Talking of Home windows, you can too use Samsung’s apps in your PC with the Your Cellphone app. Google says it’s engaged on a model for Pixels and Chromebooks with Android 13, however the firm has but to roll that out or announce a timeline.

In terms of updates, the Pixel wins at pace, however underwhelms when it comes to longevity. A Samsung Galaxy S23 will get 4 Android updates and 5 years of safety updates — assured. Regardless of utilizing its personal chips, Google will solely distribute three Android updates whereas matching Samsung on safety. Which means an S23 can run Android 18 with another yr of life, whereas the Pixel 7 can be caught at Android 17 and completed.

Google’s Pixel can be chock-full of useful little particular options together with Now Taking part in for figuring out music throughout you, extra native Google Pockets help, Google Assistant, and the absolutely realized Materials You design. Nonetheless, Samsung’s telephone is extra feature-packed. It even helps lock display screen customization in a fashion just like iPhones, and there’s a wider choice of third-party equipment to increase your telephone’s performance. In different phrases, discovering one thing you want in our roundup of the greatest Galaxy S23 circumstances needs to be a chunk of cake.

Google wins on software program options for sure, however Samsung gives a extra broadly full bundle.

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S23

Galaxy S23 vs. Pixel 7: worth and availability

The Pixel 7 is out there from the Google Retailer for $599. It’s a reasonably low cost telephone for what it gives. The Samsung Galaxy S23 is out there for $799 and can go on sale shortly from Samsung’s on-line retailer, Amazon, and basically all mainline retailers.

On a pure pricing level, the Pixel 7 wins right here. It gives a close-enough bundle to the S23 that the additional $200 in your pocket might purchase you a tissue to wipe your tears away for that little bit the place it falls brief. However, as we’ve seen all through this comparability, the Galaxy S23 makes its increased worth price it.

General winner: Samsung Galaxy S23

Samsung telephones are standard for a cause. The corporate has constructed a refined machine that does what anybody would need a smartphone to do — and it does it whereas wanting positively beautiful. A raft of circumstances and equipment imply your telephone might be additional tailor-made to your tastes, whereas the thriving Samsung ecosystem ensures you don’t need to be jealous of your iPhone-toting associates. The Galaxy S23 could also be costly and it could get slower updates than a Pixel, however it’s well-suited to be Android’s iPhone.

Does that imply the Pixel 7 is a nasty telephone? Definitely not — particularly contemplating it leaves $200 of spare change in your pockets. However when it comes right down to it, the Galaxy S23 is the higher of the 2 telephones, and it wins this comparability.

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