Samsung’s Galaxy S23 faces off against the Google Pixel 7. Which Android phone is the better small flagship for your wallet and pocket? Let’s find out.
With the launch of the new Samsung Galaxy S23, Samsung has gotten 2023 off to a stunning start. The company has debuted an iterative update of one of the very best Android phones, refining what was already a winning formula with a streamlined design, a new processor, a larger battery, and a tougher body.
At the same time, it competes with the Google Pixel 7 which does the same things as the Pixel 6, but is simply better all-around. Which one should you buy? Let’s find out.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 features a design that would have been indistinguishable from the Galaxy S22, had it not been for the removal of the camera bump, which produces a more streamlined design. It’s got a 6.1-inch display, just like the iPhone, making it quite compact in the hand, and it’s made of premium materials like glass (more on that later) and aluminum.
On the other hand, there’s the Pixel 7. It looks quite similar to the Pixel 6, keeping the distinctive camera bar at the rear and the same hole-punch design. It’s a little smaller than the Pixel 6 at 6.3 inches, and the camera bar is covered with metal and not glass.
Around the front, both of these devices have smooth AMOLED displays. The overwhelming difference between them comes from how smooth their displays are. The S22 already had a better display than the Pixel 7 at a variable 120Hz refresh rate that matches the Pixel 7 Pro’s, and we’re afraid that gap only grows with the S23. The Galaxy S23 keeps all the same skills as the S22, except it’s now also brighter. Google’s display is good, but it just doesn’t compete.
Finally, the S23 comes with that new Gorilla Glass Victus 2, compared to the Pixel 7’s Gorilla Glass Victus. Again, the Pixel isn’t bad, but it’s beaten by the Galaxy S23.
The Pixel’s real only standout here is the design. That camera bar is rather striking, and Google’s choice of colors — especially the gorgeous Lemongrass — make all the Pixel 7 phones look simultaneously businesslike and playful. The Galaxy S23 colors are good, but nothing really to write home about. Regardless, it’s the S23 that wins this round.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S23
The Galaxy S23 is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. This is a processor that’s the best and newest you can get on Android phones, and it’s souped-up for Samsung specifically.
