Google Pixel 8avsSamsung Galaxy S23
SETTLEDUpdated September 8, 2026
Google Pixel 8a wins
Verdict
Google Pixel 8a wins 3 of 5 categories — our overall pick
Google Pixel 8a is the overall winner, 3 / 5 — price is its standout. At USD 399, it's also the most affordable of this group.
- Samsung Galaxy S23 takes Performance — led by performance score (1,500,000 pts).
- Google Pixel 8a takes Display — led by peak brightness (2,000 nits).
- Samsung Galaxy S23 takes Camera — led by telephoto (Yes).
- Google Pixel 8a takes Battery — led by battery (4,492 mAh).
- Google Pixel 8a takes Price — led by price (399 USD).
Scores follow our published methodology · v2026.09
In plain English
Choose Google Pixel 8a if you want…
- Choose Google Pixel 8a if you want a sharper screen — 430 ppi vs 425 ppi.
- Choose Google Pixel 8a if you want a screen you can read in sunlight — 2,000 nits vs 1,750 nits.
- Choose Google Pixel 8a if you want sharper selfies — 13 MP vs 12 MP.
- Choose Google Pixel 8a if you want a better camera — 138 pts vs 135 pts.
- Choose Google Pixel 8a if you want longer battery life — 4,492 mAh vs 3,900 mAh.
- Choose Google Pixel 8a if you want a lower price — 399 USD vs 549 USD.
Choose Samsung Galaxy S23 if you want…
- Choose Samsung Galaxy S23 if you want a faster phone for apps and games — 1,500,000 pts vs 950,000 pts.
- Choose Samsung Galaxy S23 if you want true optical zoom — Yes vs No.
- Choose Samsung Galaxy S23 if you want better video quality — 93 pts vs 91 pts.
- Choose Samsung Galaxy S23 if you want faster charging — 25 W vs 18 W.
At a glance
- Google Pixel 8a
- Samsung Galaxy S23
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Best price now
The cheap alternative
Full record
Every spec, side by side — winners get a check and a proportional bar. Ties share the badge.
Performance score
Approximate benchmark score of the chipset — higher is faster for apps, games and AI.
Chipset
The processor inside — shown for reference, never decides a winner.
RAM
More RAM keeps more apps alive in the background.
Storage
Base onboard storage for photos, apps and media.
Screen size
Diagonal screen size — bigger is better for media, smaller is easier to hold.
Pixel density
Sharpness of the screen — above ~400 ppi looks crisp.
Refresh rate
How smooth scrolling and motion feel. 120 Hz is the modern standard.
Peak brightness
Peak brightness in sunlight — higher stays readable outdoors.
Main camera
Resolution of the primary rear camera — photo quality is judged by the Camera quality score, not megapixels.
Selfie camera
Resolution of the front camera.
Telephoto
A dedicated zoom lens for distant subjects without quality loss.
Video score
Composite video rating — stabilisation, 4K/8K support and colour.
Camera score
Composite camera quality from independent testing — how good the photos actually are.
Battery
Battery capacity — higher generally lasts longer.
Charging speed
Wired charging speed — higher refills faster.
Wireless charging
Whether the phone charges wirelessly.
Price
Typical MSRP in US dollars — lower is better value.
Which one should you buy?
Google Pixel 8a
Choose Google Pixel 8a if price matters most — it wins the most categories overall. It costs USD 399, the lowest price in this group.
Samsung Galaxy S23
Choose Samsung Galaxy S23 if camera matters most. It costs USD 549.
Pros & cons
Google Pixel 8a
- Great camera
- 7 years of updates
- Compact
- Slow charging
- Thick bezels
- Average battery
Samsung Galaxy S23
- Compact size
- 3x telephoto
- Big discount
- 3,900 mAh battery
- 25 W charging
- Aging chipset