Google Pixel 8 vs Samsung Galaxy S23
Short answer: buy the Galaxy S23 if you want the faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for gaming, a 3x telephoto camera, 8K video and a lighter, smaller body. Buy the Pixel 8 if you want a bigger battery, a brighter screen, Google's photo processing and seven years of updates. Both are compact flagships with 120Hz OLED screens and IP68, so the choice comes down to gaming and zoom versus battery and software support.
Updated 11 November 2026
Design and build
The Galaxy S23 is one of the smallest flagships: 6.1 inches and about 168 g, with an Armor Aluminium frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The Pixel 8 is 6.2 inches and about 187 g, with an aluminium frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and the camera bar. Both are IP68.
Both are easy to use with one hand. The S23 feels lighter and slimmer; the Pixel 8 has softer, rounder corners.
Display
The Galaxy S23 has a 6.1 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X at 1080 x 2340 with 120Hz and up to 1750 nits. The Pixel 8 has a 6.2 inch Actua OLED at 1080 x 2400 with 60–120Hz and up to 2000 nits.
Both are sharp and smooth. The Pixel is a little brighter outdoors, while Samsung's colours are punchier. Either is excellent for videos and social media.
Performance and chipset
The Galaxy S23 uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4 nm, up to 3.36 GHz) in all regions. The Pixel 8 uses Google's Tensor G3 (4 nm). The Snapdragon is faster in heavy games and runs cooler under long sessions of PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact.
The Tensor G3 focuses on AI features such as Call Screen, Best Take, Magic Editor and fast voice typing. Daily speed is great on both; gamers should lean to the S23.
Cameras
The Galaxy S23 has a 50MP main camera with OIS, a 12MP ultra-wide and a 10MP 3x telephoto with OIS, plus a 12MP selfie camera and up to 8K 30fps video. The Pixel 8 has a 50MP main with OIS and a 12MP ultra-wide, plus a 10.5MP selfie camera and 4K 60fps video.
The S23's 3x lens is a real advantage for portraits and events. The Pixel 8 is excellent for night shots and people, with smart editing tools built in.
Battery and charging
The Pixel 8 has a 4575 mAh battery with 27W wired, 18W wireless on the Pixel Stand 2 and 12W on Qi pads. The Galaxy S23 has a 3900 mAh battery with 25W wired and 15W wireless charging. Both support reverse wireless charging.
The S23's efficient chip helps, but its small battery means heavy users may need a top-up by evening, especially on load shedding days. The Pixel 8 usually lasts longer.
Specs side by side
- Chipset: Tensor G3 vs Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
- Display: 6.2 inch FHD+ OLED 120Hz vs 6.1 inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X 120Hz
- Peak brightness: 2000 nits vs 1750 nits
- Main camera: 50MP OIS vs 50MP OIS
- Ultra-wide: 12MP vs 12MP
- Telephoto: none vs 10MP 3x
- Front camera: 10.5MP vs 12MP
- Battery: 4575 mAh vs 3900 mAh
- Charging: 27W wired, 18W wireless vs 25W wired, 15W wireless
- Video: 4K 60fps vs 8K 30fps
- Weight: 187 g vs 168 g
- Launch software: Android 14 vs Android 13
Software and updates
Google promises seven years of Android and security updates for the Pixel 8 from its October 2023 launch. Samsung promised four Android upgrades and five years of security updates for the Galaxy S23, which launched in February 2023 with Android 13 and One UI 5.1. The Pixel 8 will be supported much longer.
PTA Patch Approved and SIM notes in Pakistan
Our stock is Non Custom box pack international variants. This phone is PTA Patch Approved, so a local SIM works. Wi-Fi and every other feature work normally. See how to check PTA status (How to Check PTA Status of Any Mobile Phone).
The Pixel 8 has a nano-SIM plus eSIM. The Galaxy S23 has a nano-SIM plus eSIM on most variants and dual nano-SIM on some. Ask which variant is in stock.
Who should buy which
Buy the Galaxy S23 if you play heavy games, want a 3x zoom camera and like the lightest possible flagship.
Buy the Pixel 8 if battery life, photo processing and seven years of updates matter more. The current price of each model is shown on its page.
