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Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra packs within the newest Qualcomm processor, a whopping 200MP digital camera, a refined design, and an up to date model of One UI that packs in never-before-seen options like Bixby Text Call.
ForFaster, cooler processorBetter battery lifeFarther digital camera zoom abilitiesBetter video recordingOne UI 5.1Software updates till 2028AgainstMore CostlyInconstant digital camera high quality
Google’s Pixel 7 Pro is a digital camera powerhouse that delivers constant high quality each time. It’s among the best causes to personal any Pixel, and Google ensures that its options are nice regardless of having fewer than Samsung.
ForDecrease priceStandout designConsistent digital camera performanceExclusive Pixel featuresGets Android updates firstSoftware updates till 2027AgainstSlower processorGets sizzling whereas gamingWorse video recording qualityFewer optionsOne much less yr of Android updates
This yr is already off to an incredible begin on the planet of smartphones. We’ve seen some superior releases in simply two brief months’ time, however certainly one of our favourite smartphones is from final Fall: the Google Pixel 7 Pro.It’s exhausting to not love Google’s digital camera consistency and excellence over time, however Samsung is continually introducing new digital camera options and talents that problem Google’s stance because the images chief. Samsung additionally does video recording higher than every other Android producer, which is one thing to contemplate in case you love shifting footage higher than nonetheless ones.But these telephones are about way more than simply cameras. There’s a complete suite of talents which are most likely used way more usually than the digital camera, to not point out battery life, gaming efficiency, brightness of the show, or intrigue of the design. If value is your solely concern, the Pixel 7 Pro (opens in new tab) is the simple winner out of the gate. But in case you’re considering greater than that — or rating a candy Galaxy S23 deal (opens in new tab) — maintain scrolling for all of the deets.Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 7 Pro: Battle of the bulgeWhy you may belief Android Central
Our knowledgeable reviewers spend hours testing and evaluating services so you may select one of the best for you. Find out extra about how we take a look at.(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)This yr, Samsung refined the design of all of its smartphones to align with the design of the Galaxy S22 Ultra from final yr. In a bizarre method, the Galaxy S23 stands out as a result of it does not (opens in new tab). While most cellphone producers have been working across the clock to come back out with new and attention-grabbing designs every year, Samsung’s 2023 designs are starkly boring by comparability.That’s very true when evaluating the Pixel 7 Pro and the Galaxy S23 Ultra, as Google additional entrenched itself within the digital camera bar design from final yr. Whether you’re keen on or hate the brand new steel overlay on the bar, one factor’s for sure: the Pixel 7 Pro stands out amongst all different smartphones available on the market. No one will mistake it for one more cellphone and that is a part of the enjoyable of proudly owning one.Meanwhile, the Galaxy S23 Ultra seems nearly similar to many different telephones, particularly when it is in a case.Swipe to scroll horizontallySpecGalaxy S23 UltraGoogle Pixel 7 ProChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy DevicesGoogle Tensor G2Display6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 3088×1440, 120Hz adaptive refresh fee (1-120Hz) with 240Hz contact sampling, 1,750 nits peak brightness6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED (3140 x 1440), HDR10+ 1500 nitsMemory8 or 12GB12GBStorage256GB/512GB/1TB128GB/256GB/512GBMain rear digital camera200MP, ƒ/1.750MP ƒ/1.9Telephoto digital camera10MP, ƒ/2.4, 3x optical zoom50MP, ƒ/3.5, 5x optical zoomTelephoto digital camera 210MP, ƒ/4.9, 10x optical zoom❌Ultra-wide angle digital camera12MP, ƒ/2.212MP, ƒ/2.2Front Camera12MP, ƒ/2.210.8MP, ƒ/2.2Battery5,000mAh, 45W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless Charging, 5W reverse wi-fi charging5000mAh, 30W wired charging, 20W wi-fi charging, 5W reverse wi-fi chargingUpdatesUp to Android 17, Security by way of 2028As much as Android 16, Security by way of 2027SecurityUltrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensorOptical in-screen fingerprint sensorConnectivityWi-Fi 6E, sub-6 and mmWave 5G, UWB, NFC, AptX HDWi-Fi 6E, sub-6 and mmWave 5G, UWB, NFC, AptX HDS Pen✔️❌microSD card slot🚫🚫3.5mm headphone jack🚫🚫Dimensions163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9mmWeight234 g212 gColorsPhantom Black, Cream, Green, LavenderHazel, Obsidian, SnowProtection IP68, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 IP68, Gorilla Glass VictusGoogle’s digital camera visor design can be higher for people who like to make use of their telephones with out a case. But the digital camera bump design goes past mere visible aesthetics. Google’s digital camera visor design can be higher for people who like to make use of their telephones with out a case. Samsung’s annoying off-center design makes the cellphone wobble when positioned flat on a desk whereas Google’s bar retains issues secure. As a bonus, the cellphone is even pitched just a bit bit, making it simpler to choose up from a flat floor.But Google’s design is slipperier than Samsung’s this yr and that is all due to the flatter edges on the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s sides. Still, in case you maintain it in a case, you would possibly by no means hassle with both of this stuff. That’s most likely significantly good within the Pixel 7 Pro’s case as the amount rocker has been identified to fall off (opens in new tab) if it will get snagged on one thing.Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 7 Pro: Cameras cameras cameras(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)We’ve been digital camera obsessed ever since individuals realized they might change a devoted digital camera with the factor that is all the time of their pocket: the smartphone. While virtually all smartphones have cameras which are “good enough” for many conditions, probably the most premium smartphones are nonetheless debuting with new methods each single yr.The Galaxy S23 Ultra launches with a large 200-megapixel digital camera sensor on the pack, packing in 4 occasions the variety of Pixels as Google’s 50 MP sensor on the Pixel 7 Pro. But, as we have realized numerous occasions over time, numbers aren’t every little thing.Here, I’ll be doing a broad overview comparability between the 2. If you need extra detailed comparisons or breakdowns, please try our Galaxy S23 Ultra digital camera overview (opens in new tab).(Image credit score: Nick Sutrich / Android Central)The Galaxy S23 Ultra’s 200 MP digital camera can take probably the most detailed images of any smartphone.The Galaxy S23 Ultra’s 200 MP digital camera can take probably the most detailed images of any smartphone when you choose the 200 MP choice within the digital camera app. If you are a element hound, it is exhausting to argue towards shopping for a Galaxy S23 Ultra only for this characteristic alone.But the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s predominant and telephoto cameras have been inconsistent in our testing. While all of those cameras on the again of the cellphone can take spectacular imagery, we have run throughout a number of situations the place the cellphone would overexpose the scene for seemingly no cause. That leads to images which are too vibrant for their very own good and, at occasions, blurry.The Galaxy S23 Ultra additionally nonetheless struggles to seize shifting objects (opens in new tab), whereas the Pixel 7 Pro excels on this precise process. I’ve mentioned it many occasions and can repeat it so long as it is true: the Pixel is the cellphone to get in case you have pets or children.Image 1 of 5(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)Pixel is the cellphone to get in case you have pets or children.You can see precisely what I’m speaking about within the photos above the place, in a number of circumstances, the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s images had been overly vibrant and ended up wanting worse than the Pixel 7 Pro’s images. Conversely, the Ultra-wide digital camera on the S23 Ultra appears to underexpose photos and has a bizarre inexperienced tint to many footage, leaving us to consider the software program nonetheless must bake slightly bit longer.The S23 Ultra has the potential to blow the Pixel 7 Pro out of the water — each from the cellphone’s 200 MP predominant sensor and its capacity to zoom in as much as 100x away — however Samsung’s inconsistent software program efficiency is holding that up.(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)Samsung affords one of the best portrait mode, video recording, and front-facing digital camera on the planet of Android.But Samsung does handily win in just a few areas. It’s acquired one of the best front-facing digital camera of any cellphone you should purchase at present, and Samsung’s clever object recognition AI does a completely excellent job of separating the background from the foreground when utilizing portrait mode.Simply put, in case you love utilizing portrait mode or end up utilizing the front-facing digital camera greater than the one on the again, the Galaxy S23 Ultra will make you extremely completely happy.Lastly, is the subject of video seize. Both telephones do an admirable job of capturing video at 4K (or increased) decision and at excessive body charges, however the Galaxy S23 Ultra does it higher than any cellphone we have but examined. It’s not nearly total video high quality or decision, it is also the tertiary components of what makes video recording doable.The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a brand new OIS motor that may transfer as much as 3 levels in both path, doubling the capabilities of the S22 Ultra. As you may see within the video above on the midway mark, your video is clear and secure even when operating.The S23 Ultra additionally does a greater job of eliminating wind and different background noise when in comparison with the Pixel 7 Pro so you find yourself with a clearer speech from you (or your topic) as an alternative of site visitors noises or wind within the mic.Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 7 Pro: Performance and battery life(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)Here’s the place Samsung’s push for having the newest processor actually pays off. The Galaxy S23 Ultra packs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy Devices processor inside, a particular version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 made particularly for Samsung’s Galaxy S23 line.The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (opens in new tab) is already one of the best processor that Qualcomm has made in years and the model for Samsung units ramps up the clock pace and makes issues even quicker and extra energy environment friendly. Simply put, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is the cellphone to get in case you’re considering taking part in cellular video games.For comparability, the Google Pixel 7 Pro can run Fortnite at a median of 37 frames per second (FPS) at “epic” graphics settings. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S23 Ultra pushes a full 60 FPS with nary a dip in efficiency with the identical settings.The Galaxy S23 Ultra runs video games almost twice as quick and solely will get half as heat because the Pixel 7 Pro.In addition to that, the Galaxy S23 Ultra barely even will get heat whereas taking part in graphics-intensive video games like that, although it could run them at a lot smoother framerates. The Pixel 7 Pro, then again, is understood for getting toasty when taking part in video games or pushing the processor for lengthy durations of time.To prime all of it off, the Galaxy S23 Ultra even will get higher battery life than the Pixel 7 Pro. While I’ve by no means had problem getting by way of a full day on a single cost with the Pixel 7 Pro, I’ve been capable of make it almost two full days on a single cost with the Galaxy S23 Ultra more often than not.Even if it is advisable get even higher battery life out of your cellphone, Samsung’s “light performance” profile below battery settings will make sure that your cellphone retains issues powered for a number of extra hours in circumstances of emergency.Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs. S22 Ultra: Features, not bloatware(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)While Google’s Pixel software program usually will get up to date with nifty new options each quarter, Pixel telephones nonetheless path considerably behind Galaxy telephones when it comes to options. Some individuals prefer to name this bloatware, however I argue that definition for a giant cause: Samsung telephones aren’t sluggish, and the options you discover on them do not get in the way in which.Rather, the unboxing expertise of a Galaxy system could not be easier or extra user-friendly. In truth, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is the simplest cellphone I’ve ever arrange (opens in new tab) and I’ve been reviewing telephones since 2011.Samsung has spent a whole lot of time over time honing its One UI expertise and the Galaxy S23 sequence launches with One UI 5.1, a minor-sounding replace that truly provides a lot of essential options.In addition to having extra helpful options, Samsung affords one extra Android improve over the Pixel.While Google usually makes use of Pixel to pioneer nice options — like letting Google Assistant reply cellphone requires you, detecting earthquakes earlier than they even occur, and even alerting emergency contacts whenever you’re in a automobile crash — Samsung is not usually far behind. Even then, Google usually integrates these options into the broader Android ecosystem, so it is normally only a matter of time earlier than they arrive elsewhere.With One UI 5.1, Samsung launched the power the let Bixby reply cellphone requires you. While Bixby has type of a foul repute amongst digital assistants, Bixby Text Call is definitely extremely good and even higher than Google Assistant name answering, in my testing. You can rapidly reply with preset conversational cues, make your individual fast responses, and even totally sort messages out that might be learn aloud by the Bixby voice.Not solely that, however Samsung lets customers customise their telephones in a method that Google may not ever permit. The well-known Good Lock (opens in new tab) is a household of apps that convey a swath of customization choices to your Galaxy cellphone, and apps like Camera Assistant (opens in new tab) offer you full management over the digital camera expertise.Oh, and let’s not overlook the little proven fact that Samsung guarantees one extra yr of software program updates than Google does. That would possibly sound unusual provided that Android is Google’s working system however, alas, Pixel telephones nonetheless do not get as many main Android or safety updates as Samsung Galaxy telephones.Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 7 Pro: Which do you have to purchase?(Image credit score: Nicholas Sutrich)There’s no doubting the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the brand new king of Android telephones. It may cost greater than the Google Pixel 7 Pro but it surely’s completely value the additional value. It is likely to be simple to say that however whenever you have a look at what you get with the Galaxy S23 Ultra, the reply is fairly clear.It all begins with software program updates. The Galaxy S23 Ultra will see Android 17 earlier than Samsung calls it quits and it nonetheless will get one other yr of safety updates past that. Meanwhile, the Pixel 7 Pro solely will get as much as Android 16.The processor within the Galaxy S23 Ultra is sort of twice as quick as what’s within the Pixel 7 Pro when taking part in cellular video games or doing different process-intensive duties that means the cellphone will proceed to really feel quicker all through the lifetime of possession.And, on prime of that, Samsung tends so as to add extra options and companion experiences than Google. The Galaxy ecosystem is huge and the extra Galaxy merchandise you may have, the extra experiences you unlock. Having Galaxy Buds allows you to file movies with 360-degree audio, as an illustration, and a Samsung laptop computer or TV straight integrates together with your Galaxy cellphone in spectacular and useful methods.The Pixel 7 Pro would possibly nonetheless have one of the best smartphone digital camera in case you’ve acquired rowdy children or rambunctious pets however, except that is your sole concern in your new smartphone, the Galaxy S23 Ultra wins out in each different class however value.
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If you need the quickest cellular processor ever in an Android cellphone, a powerful 200MP digital camera, the ability of the S Pen, and extra options than you may shake a stick at, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is the cellphone for you.
The nice value of the Pixel 7 Pro mixed with its persistently wonderful digital camera, month-to-month updates, and nice unique options make this cellphone a simple advice.