They are closely matched: Google Pixel 8 Pro scores 79/100 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra scores 79/100 in our overall comparison — within 1 points. Neither is a clear winner overall, so the decision comes down to the specific features and price that matter most to you.
Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra leads Google Pixel 8 Pro overall by 5 points (77 vs 72 out of 100).
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra stands out on Chip Model: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, Storage capacity: 256 GB, Display Size: 6.8 in.
- Best value: Google Pixel 8 Pro (from $999) — the strongest score-per-dollar of the two.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra leads overall
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
77
Google Pixel 8 Pro
72
Why it stands out
- Chip Model: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- Storage capacity: 256 GB
- Display Size: 6.8 in
Head-to-head verdictAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Aug 2026.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra both earn an overall score of 79, but they excel in entirely different areas. The Galaxy S23 Ultra leads in raw performance, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip, making it ideal for power users and multitasking. The Pixel 8 Pro focuses on a smarter user experience, leading in integrated artificial intelligence and receiving frequent feature enhancements. Ultimately, the Samsung is better for those who want top-tier processing power, while the Google phone is best for users seeking intuitive AI assistant tools.
- Chip & Performance
- The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra wins on raw horsepower thanks to its dedicated Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor, while Google prioritizes helper-AI functionality and regular feature updates.
- Features & Software
- The Google Pixel 8 Pro stands out with its direct integration of Gemini Live conversational AI and the promise of regular 'Feature Drops' that constantly bring new tools to the device.
- Memory & Multitasking
- The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers robust hardware configurations including 8 GB or 12 GB of LPDDR5X RAM, allowing for highly efficient multitasking.
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.
Google Pixel 8 Pro
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is a top-tier smartphone featuring Android software experience, powerful cameras, and AI-based features. It has been praised for its design, which includes an aluminum frame and glass back with a matte finish (Source 3). The device was released in late 2023 and receives software updates until 2030 (Sources 1, 4).
Best for flagship alternativeBest for long-term software useBest for advanced camera users
Pros
- Features a super actua display: 6.7-inch LTPO OLED with 120Hz refresh rate and 489 PPI (Sources 3, 4)
- Display brightness reaches up to 1,600 nits in auto mode and 2,400 nits of peak brightness (Source 4)
- The design is noted for fitting in the hand and being ergonomic (Source 2)
- It includes Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection on both the front and back (Sources 3, 4)
- Offers IP68 rated dust and water resistance (Source 3)
Cons
- Polished aluminum frame may scratch easily (Sources 2, 4)
- The camera module picks up scratches very easily when set down on a flat surface (Sources 2, 4)
- Gorilla Glass Victus 2 can pick up micro-scratches relatively easily (Source 2)
- The polished aluminum frame can be slippery and might require a case (Sources 2, 4)
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is an S-Series flagship smartphone from Samsung Electronics, released in February 2023. It features improvements over previous models and includes support for a bundled stylus (1).
Best for photographyBest for productivityBest for flagship users
Pros
- Features a high-resolution main camera of 200 megapixels, which allows for better low-light photos and cropping without loss of resolution (4).
- Supports pressure sensitive stylus use, and the stylus tucks into the phone (2).
- Has an IP68 rating for water and dust protection (2).
- Includes multiple telephoto lenses: 3x, ultra-wide, and a 10x optical telephoto lens (4).
Cons
- The camera array design has visible rings that may collect dust (3).
- The performance of the 10x zoom varies, and close-up images or videos might not be as sharp as anticipated (4).
Value for Money
Which is the better deal for the price
Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.
Google Pixel 8 Pro
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Google Pixel 8 Pro1,016,809
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra1,287,951
Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.
Battery capacity
Larger cell — a hardware spec, not battery life
Google Pixel 8 Pro5,050 mAh
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra5,000 mAh
Capacity is the raw battery size. Real-world battery life depends just as much on the processor, software and display.
Physical Comparison
Weigh them up, then compare real dimensions in 3D
Google Pixel 8 ProSamsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is 12 g (5%) heavier than Google Pixel 8 Pro.
Review Videos
Hand-picked expert reviews for each product
Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comparison
Google Pixel 8 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra are compared side by side above across every spec in the smartphones category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 79/100 for Google Pixel 8 Pro and 79/100 for Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.
At launch, Google Pixel 8 Pro was the more affordable option ($999) versus Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra ($1199). Weigh that against the overall scores (79/100 vs 79/100) and the value-for-money meter above to judge whether the higher-rated model justifies its price for your needs. Current retail prices vary — check the retailer.
It's close — Google Pixel 8 Pro (79/100) and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (79/100) score almost the same. Pick based on price and the individual specs that matter most to you; the comparison above shows where each one pulls ahead.
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