Google Pixel 9 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a far higher-resolution main camera, 200MP against the Google Pixel 9's 50MP, plus a 12MP selfie camera against 5MP, and the S23 Ultra 5G has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.8" against 6.3" and sharper at 500 PPI. The S23 Ultra 5G offers up to 512GB of storage versus 256GB on the Pixel 9, and the Pixel 9 is the lighter phone at 198g against 233g. Only pay up for the S23 Ultra 5G if you'll use what it offers; if not, the Pixel 9 makes more sense.
The Pixel 9 is the cheaper one to own: around £691 over a typical contract, £55 less than the S23 Ultra 5G.
13 reviews 4.5
10 reviews
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Google Pixel 9
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Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 13 reviews |
4.5 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.3" | 6.8" |
| Display | OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2424 | 1440 x 3080 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 421 | 500 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 10.5 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G4 (4nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 4,700 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 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 | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 198 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 |
£54.42/mo
£30.00 upfront |
£59.00/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £314.00 | £279.99 |
| Prices updated 25 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Google Pixel 9 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Google Pixel 9 is cheaper on contract at £690.54 over the life of the deal from £54.42 per month with £30.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Google Pixel 9 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Google Pixel 9's 6.3", the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the sharper display at 500 pixels per inch versus 421, and the Google Pixel 9 uses a OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Google Pixel 9 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Google Pixel 9 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 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £279.99.
What storage options are available for the Google Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Google Pixel 9 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Google Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra use?
The Google Pixel 9 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 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Google Pixel 9 is the more portable of the two: it's 35g lighter at 198 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 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 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra run?
The Google Pixel 9 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.