The only phone that makes the awesome $500 Pixel 8a look bad right is made by Samsung.
Although in our full comparison of the Google Pixel 8a and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE (which I recommend checking out) we say that “an extra $130 gets you better camera system and faster charging”, the truth is that, right now, Samsung’s affordable flagship phone from 2023 can be found for virtually the same price as a brand new Pixel 8a that starts at $500.
Having been released in October of last year, the Galaxy S23 FE was undoubtedly overpriced when it came out, and that’s not just because it started at $600, but because it shares a lot of hardware with an even older Samsung flagship — the Galaxy S22.
However, and as I predicted back in October, the Galaxy S23 FE is now a great deal. In fact, yes… Probably better than the Pixel 8a.
Don’t be fooled! The Pixel 8a might be one of the best $500 phones ever, but it’s not the best $500 phone you can buy right now…
The biggest (and only?) practical advantage the Pixel 8a has over the Galaxy S23 FE is a noticeably brighter display under direct sunlight.
Let’s get straight to why I think most people will be happier with a Galaxy S23 FE instead of a Pixel 8a.
First, let’s give the Pixel 8a the flowers it deserves by saying that Google’s mid-ranger will give you 7 years of OS updates (if Google keeps its promise), whereas the Galaxy S23 FE has “only” 3/4 remaining OS and security updates to get. However, this is plenty for the vast majority of people who keep their phones for 3-4 years.
Then, aside from the noticeably brighter display of the Pixel 8a, I believe most people will find the Galaxy S23 FE to be the better value phone, which seems to beat/match the Pixel in pretty much every other aspect.
