Google Pixel 8a vs Samsung Galaxy S23
The Google Pixel 8a (2024) runs on the Google Tensor G3, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 (2023) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2; launch prices were $499 and $799. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S23 leads — 66/100 vs 65/100 (a 1-point difference). Key differences: the Google Pixel 8a has the bigger battery (4492 mAh vs 3900); the main camera is 64 MP vs 50 MP; the Samsung Galaxy S23 is faster in AnTuTu (1,656,761 vs 1,433,693); per DXOMark lab testing, the Google Pixel 8a has the stronger camera (136 vs 133); the Samsung Galaxy S23 is noticeably lighter (168g vs 188g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Google Pixel 8a
Samsung Galaxy S23
What makes Google Pixel 8a better?
- Bigger battery: 4492 vs 3900 mAh
- Better main camera: 64MP vs 50MP
- Cheaper at launch: $499 vs $799
- Better camera (70/100 vs 67/100)
- Longer battery life (39/100 vs 29/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy S23 better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 1656761 vs 1433693
- Better Geekbench Single: 2004 vs 1722
- Better Geekbench Multi: 5311 vs 4458
- Faster charging: 25W vs 18W
- Faster wireless charging: 15W vs 7W
- Lighter: 168g vs 188g
- Higher performance (75/100 vs 70/100)
- Better portability (83/100 vs 57/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Google Pixel 8a vs the Samsung Galaxy S23, the Samsung Galaxy S23 scores 1 points higher (66/100 vs 65/100). In the "battery" category, the Google Pixel 8a leads (39/100 vs 29/100). Value score: Google Pixel 8a — 52/100, Samsung Galaxy S23 — 46/100; it shows how far a model sits above or below the usual level for its price, and is not part of the overall rating. In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is a bit better (75/100 vs 70/100). In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 82/100. In the "camera" category, the Google Pixel 8a and the Samsung Galaxy S23 are nearly equal (70/100 vs 67/100). In the "battery" category, the Google Pixel 8a is a bit better (39/100 vs 29/100). In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S23 notably outperforms the Google Pixel 8a (83/100 vs 57/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Google Pixel 8a | Samsung Galaxy S23 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | |
| AnTuTu | 1433693 | 1656761 | |
| Geekbench Single | 1722 | 2004 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 4458 | 5311 | |
| Display | 6.1" OLED | 6.1" AMOLED | |
| Resolution | 2400x1080 | 2340x1080 | |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 4492 mAh | 3900 mAh | |
| Charging | 18W | 25W | |
| Wireless charging | 7W | 15W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | 136 | 133 | |
| Main camera | 64 MP | 50 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 13 MP | 12 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 10 MP | |
| Front camera | 13 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB | |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 13 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 2000 nits | 1750 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP67 | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 152.1×72.7×8.9 mm | 157.8×76.2×7.6 mm | |
| Weight | 188 g | 168 g | |
| Launch price | $499 | $799 |
Camera comparison
Google Pixel 8a
- Main: 64MP f/1.89
- Ultrawide: 13MP
- Front: 13MP
Samsung Galaxy S23
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Telephoto: 10MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Google Pixel 8a
- 6.1" OLED
- Resolution: 2400x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S23
- 6.1" AMOLED
- Resolution: 2340x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Google Pixel 8a
- 4492 mAh
- Wired: 18W
- Wireless: 7W
Samsung Galaxy S23
- 3900 mAh
- Wired: 25W
- Wireless: 15W
Overall performance score
We compared Google Pixel 8a and Samsung Galaxy S23, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Samsung Galaxy S23 leads Google Pixel 8a by 13.5% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $300. Google Pixel 8a was $300 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is a bit better (75/100 vs 70/100).
display
In the "display" category, both devices are on the same level — 82/100.
camera
In the "camera" category, the Google Pixel 8a and the Samsung Galaxy S23 are nearly equal (70/100 vs 67/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Google Pixel 8a is a bit better (39/100 vs 29/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S23 notably outperforms the Google Pixel 8a (83/100 vs 57/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Google Pixel 8a or the Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 edges out the Google Pixel 8a by just 1 points — the two devices are very close in overall level.
What is the rating of the Google Pixel 8a and the Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Google Pixel 8a has a MobileRank rating of 65/100, the Samsung Galaxy S23 — 66/100.
Which is more powerful: the Google Pixel 8a or the Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 leads on performance (75/100 vs 70/100).
Should you choose the Google Pixel 8a over the Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Google Pixel 8a is a better fit for active users. The Samsung Galaxy S23 is a better fit for active users.