Google Pixel 9 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S23

Our Verdict: There's more battery in the Google Pixel 9 Pro, 4700mAh to 3900mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use, and the Pixel 9 Pro has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.3" against 6.1" and sharper at 497 PPI. The Pixel 9 Pro offers up to 512GB of storage versus 256GB on the Samsung Galaxy S23, and the S23 5G is the lighter phone at 167g against 199g. Only pay up for the Pixel 9 Pro if you'll use what it offers; if not, the S23 5G makes more sense.

The S23 5G is the cheaper one to own: around £544 over a typical contract, £301 less than the Pixel 9 Pro.

Expert Rating
4.4
11 reviews
4.2
11 reviews
Screen
6.3" 6.1"
Display
LTPO AMOLED Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1280 x 2856 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
497 422
Rear Camera
50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
42 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
Battery
4,700 mAh 3,900 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB
OS
Android 14 Android 13
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e
Bluetooth
5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm
Weight
199 grams 167 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts
£67.33/mo (£30.00 upfront) £20.00/mo (£19.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£399.00 £239.00

Prices updated 25 July 2026

Google Pixel 9 Pro Google Pixel 9 Pro Samsung Galaxy S23 Samsung Galaxy S23
Expert Rating 4.4
11 reviews
4.2
11 reviews
Screen 6.3" 6.1"
Display LTPO AMOLED Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1280 x 2856 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 497 422
Rear Camera 50 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 42 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Google Tensor G4 (4nm) Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
Battery 4,700 mAh 3,900 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB
OS Android 14 Android 13
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e
Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD 5.3, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm
Weight 199 grams 167 grams
Water Resistance IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts £67.33/mo
£30.00 upfront
£20.00/mo
£19.00 upfront
SIM-free £399.00 £239.00
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Google Pixel 9 Pro
Google Pixel 9 Pro

12 Months

128GB

Hazel

Refurbished

5GB

Data

£67.33 per month, £30 upfront.

Samsung Galaxy S23
Samsung Galaxy S23

24 Months

128GB

Cream

100GB

Data

£20 per month, £19 upfront.

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Google Pixel 9 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is cheaper on contract at £544.00 over the life of the deal from £20.00 per month with £19.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 9 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro has the bigger screen at 6.3" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23's 6.1", the Google Pixel 9 Pro has the sharper display at 497 pixels per inch versus 422, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro uses a LTPO AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 9 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 has a 50 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Google Pixel 9 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £239.00.

What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 9 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 comes in 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Google Pixel 9 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 use?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro is powered by the Google Tensor G4 (4nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 uses the Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Google Pixel 9 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the more portable of the two: it's 32g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm, and is slimmer at 7.6mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 9 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23?

Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.

What operating system do the Google Pixel 9 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 run?

The Google Pixel 9 Pro runs Android 14 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 runs Android 13. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.