Google and Samsung have both unveiled their latest smartphones, which fall within the same price range, leaving consumers in a quandary about which one to choose. Google’s Pixel 8, the smaller of its new flagship devices, shares most of its hardware with its larger counterpart. On the other hand, Samsung’s Galaxy S23 FE marks a return to form after skipping an update for the Galaxy S22 FE last year.

Google Pixel 8 vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

Design

Both phones share a similar front design with rounded screens and a single punch-hole camera. Differences emerge on the back, with the Pixel 8 featuring a camera bar while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE opts for its trademark three-camera layout. Other minor distinctions include button placements and edge shapes, but both phones are quite comparable in hand feel. Notably, neither device includes a headphone jack or a microSD card slot.

Pricing

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE launched on October 3, 2023, while the Google Pixel 8 launched on October 4, 2023. The S23 FE costs ₹59,999, whereas the Pixel 8 is priced at ₹75,999. Both phones can be pre-ordered online, with the Pixel 8 shipping from October 9, 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE becoming available from October 26, 2023.

Display and Speakers

Samsung maintains its reputation for top-notch displays with the Galaxy S23 FE, featuring an FHD+ screen with adaptive refresh rates up to 120 Hz and peak brightness of 1,750 nits. Google, on the other hand, employs an Actua OLED display with similar specs but a brighter peak brightness at 2,000 nits. Both phones sport bottom-firing speakers that serve their purpose adequately, though caution is advised when holding them in landscape orientation to avoid covering the speaker.

Performance and Software

The Google Pixel 8 runs on Google’s latest Tensor G3 SoC, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE utilizes Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 from 2022. Despite Tensor chips being historically perceived as less powerful than Snapdragon counterparts, the performance gap narrows when comparing last year’s Snapdragon to this year’s Tensor. Both phones handle everyday tasks with ease, and they should perform well for mobile gaming. The Pixel 8 gains an edge for AI-based tasks due to its newer processor.

In terms of software, the Pixel 8 runs on Android 14, offering the latest features and timely updates. The Galaxy S23 FE comes with Android 13 and One UI, with an eventual update to Android 14 expected.

Cameras

The Pixel 8 boasts a 50 MP rear camera with 2X optical zoom and a 12 MP ultra-wide camera, benefitting from Google’s exceptional image post-processing. The Galaxy S23 FE relies on a triple camera setup with a 50 MP main shooter, a 12 MP ultra-wide lens, and an 8 MP telephoto lens with 3X optical zoom. Both phones excel in daytime and nighttime photography, but the Pixel 8’s post-processing gives it an edge, especially in low-light conditions.

Conclusion

The Google Pixel 8 and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE cater to different preferences. The Pixel 8 is an excellent everyday phone with fewer cameras but competitive performance. The Tensor G3 processor, despite its perceived limitations, benefits from being a generation newer. In this comparison, the Pixel 8 stands out as the natural choice between the two.