Google Pixel 9 vs Samsung Galaxy S23
Our Verdict: The Google Pixel 9 packs the bigger battery, 4700mAh against 3900mAh, which usually means longer between charges, and the Pixel 9 has the bigger screen, 6.3" against 6.1". The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the lighter phone at 167g against 198g. The Pixel 9 is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the S23 5G is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.
The S23 5G is the cheaper one to own: around £544 over a typical contract, £147 less than the Pixel 9.
13 reviews 4.2
11 reviews
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Google Pixel 9
|
Samsung Galaxy S23
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 13 reviews |
4.2 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.3" | 6.1" |
| Display | OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2424 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 421 | 422 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 10.5 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 | 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 | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm | 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm |
| Weight | 198 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 |
£54.42/mo
£30.00 upfront |
£20.00/mo
£19.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £314.00 | £239.00 |
| Prices updated 25 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
Cheapest Deals
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Google Pixel 9 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 or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Google Pixel 9 has the bigger screen at 6.3" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23's 6.1", both screens are similarly sharp at around 421 pixels per inch, and the Google Pixel 9 uses a OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 9 or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Google Pixel 9 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 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 and Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Google Pixel 9 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Google Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy S23 use?
The Google Pixel 9 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 or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the more portable of the two: it's 31g 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 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 and Samsung Galaxy S23 run?
The Google Pixel 9 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.