Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Our Verdict: The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the bigger battery of the two, 5060mAh against 4500mAh, which usually means longer between charges, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.8" against 6.4" and sharper at 460 PPI. Storage goes higher on the Pixel 9 Pro XL, up to 1TB against 256GB, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the lighter phone at 199g against 209g. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.
If you'd rather pay up front, the S23 FE is the cheaper buy at £170 SIM-free.
13 reviews 3.6
11 reviews
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
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Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.4 13 reviews |
3.6 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.8" | 6.4" |
| Display | LTPO AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1280 x 2856 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 460 | 403 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 42 Megapixels | 10 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G4 (4nm) | Exynos 2200 |
| Battery | 5,060 mAh | 4,500 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 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 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm | 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm |
| Weight | 199 grams | 209 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP53 - dust and splash protection |
| Contracts |
£71.08/mo
£30.00 upfront |
- |
| SIM-free | £399.99 | £169.99 |
| Prices updated 27 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE's 6.4", the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has the sharper display at 460 pixels per inch versus 403, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL uses a LTPO AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 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 XL or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £169.99.
What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE use?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is powered by the Google Tensor G4 (4nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE uses the Exynos 2200.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the more portable of the two: it's 10g lighter at 199 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is slimmer at 8.2mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is rated IP53 - dust and splash protection.
What operating system do the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE run?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL runs Android 14 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 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.