Pixel 9 Pro vs S23 Ultra – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra & Google Pixel 9 Pro share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra rather than the Google Pixel 9 Pro. 

Why Do I Recommend The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

  • The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip for faster processing, higher gaming performance, & better thermal efficiency, compared to the Pixel 9 Pro’s Tensor G4.
  • Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra features a 200MP main camera and 10x periscope zoom lens for sharper detail, clearer long-range shots, & superior versatility, while the Pixel 9 Pro features 50MP main and 5x zoom cameras.
  • It supports built-in S Pen for precise note-taking, sketching, & remote control features, whereas the Pixel 9 Pro lacks stylus support entirely.
  • The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra uses UFS 4.0 storage for faster app loading, file transfers, & multitasking efficiency, compared to the Pixel 9 Pro’s slower UFS 3.1 storage.
  • Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a larger 6.8″ curved AMOLED display for more immersive content viewing, improved stylus space, & productivity use, compared to the Pixel 9 Pro’s 6.7″ flat screen.
  • It offers 960fps super slow-motion video recording for advanced video creativity, action capture, & cinematic results, compared to the Pixel 9 Pro’s limited 240fps recording.
  • The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra includes a 45W fast charger for quicker power top-ups and less downtime, compared to the Pixel 9 Pro’s slower 30W wired charging.
  • Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra features Samsung DeX support for desktop-like multitasking with apps & peripherals, whereas the Pixel 9 Pro lacks a desktop experience mode.

Maybe the Google Pixel 9 Pro price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

.

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureSamsung Galaxy S23 UltraGoogle Pixel 9 Pro
ProcessorSnapdragon 8 Gen 2Google Tensor G4
RAM12 GB16 GB
Display Size6.8 inches6.7 inches
Display Resolution1440 x 30881344 x 2992
Display TypeDynamic AMOLED 2XLTPO OLED
Brightness Peak1750 nits1600 nits
Storage TypeUFS 4.0UFS 3.1
Rear Cameras200 MP + 12 MP + 10 MP (3x) + 10 MP (10x)50 MP + 48 MP + 48 MP
Zoom Capability10x optical zoom5x optical zoom
Front Camera12 MP42 MP
Video Slow-Mo960fps @ 720p240fps @ 1080p
Battery Capacity5000 mAh5050 mAh
Wired Charging45W30W
Wireless Charging15W23W Qi2 Wireless
Stylus SupportYesNo
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6EWi-Fi 7
ModemSnapdragon X70Exynos Modem 5400
OS at LaunchAndroid 13Android 14
Software Support4 OS, 5 years security7 OS, 7 years security
AI FeaturesSamsung AI, Circle to SearchGemini Nano, Circle to Search, Call Assist, Live Translate
HapticsGoodPremium tuned haptics
MaterialsAluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2Polished aluminum, Gorilla Glass Victus 2
AudioStereo speakers with Dolby AtmosStereo speakers with Spatial Audio
SAR Value (Head)0.82 W/kg0.98 W/kg
PriceCheck S23 Ultra PriceCheck Pixel 9 Pro Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • 5G Connectivity: Both devices support global sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G networks, ensuring fast download and upload speeds, better latency, and future-proof connectivity.
  • AMOLED/OLED with 1–120Hz Refresh Rate: Each phone features a top-tier OLED technology with LTPO for dynamically adjusting the refresh rate between 1Hz and 120Hz. This improves power efficiency while delivering ultra-smooth animations and scrolling.
  • HDR10+ and Always-On Display: The displays on both models support HDR10+, offering vivid contrast and dynamic range for content. Always-On Display lets users glance at essential info without waking the phone.
  • Gorilla Glass Victus 2 & IP68: Durability is a shared focus — both use Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back, combined with IP68 water and dust resistance for protection against splashes, rain, and accidental drops.
  • Stereo Speakers: Each has a stereo speaker setup delivering immersive, high-quality audio for video streaming, gaming, or music without needing headphones.
  • Wireless & Reverse Charging: Both models support wireless charging for convenience and reverse wireless charging (PowerShare/ Battery Share) to top up earbuds or other phones.
  • Biometric Security: Under-display fingerprint sensors (ultrasonic for Samsung, optical for Pixel) and face unlock ensure secure and fast device access on both.
  • No MicroSD or Headphone Jack: Neither includes expandable storage via microSD or a 3.5mm headphone jack, relying on USB-C and wireless audio accessories.
  • USB-C & Bluetooth 5.3: Both support USB Type-C 3.2 for fast data transfers and modern accessories, and the latest Bluetooth 5.3 standard for improved connection stability and energy efficiency.
  • NFC and Android OS: With NFC built-in, both phones support contactless payments via Google Pay and others. They run Android OS and receive long-term updates and new features regularly.
  • AI-Powered Features: From image processing to real-time transcription, both devices leverage AI enhancements for improved photography, smart replies, voice commands, and more.
  • Night Photography & 8K Video: Night mode and advanced computational photography features are supported across both, with the ability to record 8K videos on the rear cameras.
  • Premium Build Quality: Each device has a refined finish with aluminum frames and high-end materials, delivering a flagship-level look and feel.

Common Features

FeatureSamsung Galaxy S23 UltraGoogle Pixel 9 Pro
5G SupportYesYes
Adaptive Refresh Rate1–120Hz1–120Hz
HDR SupportHDR10+HDR10+
Always-On DisplayYesYes
Gorilla Glass Victus 2Front & backFront & back
IP68 Dust/Water ResistanceYesYes
Stereo SpeakersYesYes
Wireless ChargingYesYes
Reverse Wireless ChargingYesYes
In-display Fingerprint SensorUltrasonicOptical
Face UnlockYesYes
No MicroSD SlotYesYes
No 3.5mm Headphone JackYesYes
USB Type-C PortUSB-C 3.2USB-C 3.2
Bluetooth 5.3YesYes
Price Check S23 Ultra Price Check Pixel 9 Pro Price

FAQ

Does the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra support the S Pen?
Yes, the Galaxy S23 Ultra includes an integrated S Pen with full support for handwriting, remote control, air gestures, and productivity tools built into One UI.

Does the Google Pixel 9 Pro come with a stylus or support one?
No, the Pixel 9 Pro does not support any stylus input like the S Pen and does not come with a built-in stylus or official stylus support.

Which device has a better zoom camera: Galaxy S23 Ultra or Pixel 9 Pro?
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has superior zoom capabilities with a 10x optical periscope lens, while the Pixel 9 Pro offers 5x optical zoom with a 48 MP telephoto sensor.

Is the Pixel 9 Pro more compact and lightweight than the Galaxy S23 Ultra?
Yes, the Pixel 9 Pro is smaller and weighs around 21 grams less than the S23 Ultra, making it more comfortable for one-handed use.

Which phone performs better in benchmarks and gaming?
The Galaxy S23 Ultra, with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy and UFS 4.0 storage, delivers better benchmark scores and gaming performance than the Tensor G4 in the Pixel 9 Pro.

Do both phones have high refresh rate OLED displays?
Yes, both devices feature LTPO OLED panels with adaptive 120Hz refresh rates, delivering smooth visuals and efficient power usage.

What are the charging speeds for the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro?
The Galaxy S23 Ultra supports 45W wired charging, while the Pixel 9 Pro supports 30W wired charging and 23W Qi2 wireless charging, making it slightly more modern wirelessly.

Does either phone offer satellite connectivity?
Yes, the Pixel 9 Pro includes emergency satellite messaging via its Exynos 5400 modem, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra lacks satellite support.

How many years of software updates do the phones offer?
The Galaxy S23 Ultra gets 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of security updates, while the Pixel 9 Pro offers 7 years of both OS and security updates.

Which device has a higher-resolution front camera?
The Pixel 9 Pro has a significantly higher-resolution 42 MP front camera, compared to the 12 MP front camera on the Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Are both phones IP68 water and dust resistant?
Yes, both the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro are IP68-rated, making them resistant to water splashes, rain, and dust intrusion.

Do both phones support 5G and Wi-Fi 6E or higher?
Both phones support 5G, but only the Pixel 9 Pro supports the newer Wi-Fi 7 standard, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra is limited to Wi-Fi 6E.

Can both devices wirelessly charge and share battery?
Yes, both phones support wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, allowing you to top up accessories or another phone.

Which phone has better AI integration?
The Pixel 9 Pro features deeper AI integration with on-device Gemini Nano, Call Assist, Summarize, and Magic Editor, while the S23 Ultra includes Samsung AI features and Circle to Search.

Do either of these phones have expandable storage?
No, neither the Galaxy S23 Ultra nor the Pixel 9 Pro offers microSD card support, so users must choose their storage configuration carefully at purchase.