Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a massively higher-resolution main camera, 200MP against the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL's 50MP, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL goes up to 1TB of storage, where the S23 Ultra 5G tops out at 512GB. The S23 Ultra 5G has the sharper display at 500 PPI to 460, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL is the lighter phone at 199g against 233g. Unusually, the cheaper S23 Ultra 5G takes some of the spec wins as well, so it's the obvious choice for most people.
Over a full contract, the S23 Ultra 5G works out around £746 all-in, about £145 less than the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
13 reviews 4.5
10 reviews
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
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Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
|
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.4 13 reviews |
4.5 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.8" | 6.8" |
| Display | LTPO AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1280 x 2856 | 1440 x 3080 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 460 | 500 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 42 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G4 (4nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 5,060 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB |
| 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 | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 199 grams | 233 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 |
£71.08/mo
£30.00 upfront |
£59.00/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £399.99 | £349.95 |
| Prices updated 27 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is cheaper on contract at £745.50 over the life of the deal from £59.00 per month with £30.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.8", the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the sharper display at 500 pixels per inch versus 460, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL uses a LTPO AMOLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 200 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 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £349.95.
What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra use?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is powered by the Google Tensor G4 (4nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra uses the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the more portable of the two: it's 34g lighter at 199 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm, and is slimmer at 8.5mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
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 XL and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra run?
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL runs Android 14 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 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.