Galaxy S23 FE • Unlocked vs Google Pixel 8 Pro • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE and the Google Pixel 8 Pro are both advanced smartphones released in October 2023, offering distinct approaches to the Android experience. While the Galaxy S23 FE, a Fan Edition model, aims to deliver a balanced flagship-like experience with Samsung's One UI, the Pixel 8 Pro emphasizes Google's pure Android vision, advanced computational photography, and AI-driven features. Both devices run on the Android operating system, with the Pixel 8 Pro launching with Android 14 and the S23 FE with Android 13, upgradable to Android 14.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

• Software Longevity: The Google Pixel 8 Pro stands out with an industry-leading commitment of seven years of OS upgrades, security updates, and regular Feature Drops, extending support until 2030. The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE offers a respectable four major OS updates and five years of security patches.
• Repairability: The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE generally exhibits a higher repairability score, often rated around 8.0 to 8.5 out of 10, partly due to features like accessible battery pull tabs. In contrast, the Google Pixel 8 Pro has a lower repairability score, typically ranging from 4.0 to 5.5 out of 10, with challenges noted in battery access and a soldered charging port.
• Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing extended software support and the latest Android features for the longest possible duration will find the Pixel 8 Pro's seven-year commitment beneficial. For those who typically upgrade their device within five years, the Galaxy S23 FE's support policy remains robust.

The performance of both smartphones is driven by their respective processors, impacting daily tasks, multitasking, and demanding applications.

• Processor Capabilities: The Google Pixel 8 Pro features a current-generation processor designed by Google, which excels in AI-driven tasks and provides a smooth overall user experience. The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is powered by a processor that was a top-tier option in the previous year, offering strong performance for most applications and gaming.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The Pixel 8 Pro comes with 12GB of RAM, contributing to fluid multitasking and app management. The Galaxy S23 FE includes 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for typical daily usage and switching between multiple applications.
• Battery Behavior: The Pixel 8 Pro houses a 5050 mAh battery, while the Galaxy S23 FE has a 4500 mAh battery. User experiences with battery life vary for both devices; some Pixel 8 Pro users report good initial battery performance, though some note it can decrease over time or with heavy use. The Galaxy S23 FE generally offers a full day of use for many, with some users reporting around 5-6 hours of screen-on time.

The visual experience on both devices is delivered through their displays, each offering distinct characteristics.

• Display Technology and Size: The Google Pixel 8 Pro features a larger 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display, which Google refers to as 'Super Actua'. The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. Both technologies provide vibrant colors and deep blacks.
• Resolution and Brightness: The Pixel 8 Pro offers a higher resolution of 2992x1344 pixels, resulting in a very sharp image, and boasts a peak brightness of up to 2400 nits, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions. The Galaxy S23 FE provides a clear 2340x1080 pixel resolution and a peak brightness of 1450 nits, which is bright enough for most viewing environments.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both phones feature a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, contributing to smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. The Pixel 8 Pro's LTPO technology allows its refresh rate to scale down to 1Hz for improved power efficiency.

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, though they approach photography with different strengths.

• Rear Camera System: The Google Pixel 8 Pro features a versatile triple camera setup including a 50MP main sensor with a wide aperture, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens capable of 5x optical zoom. The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE also has a triple camera system with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: The Pixel 8 Pro is highly praised for its computational photography, delivering excellent image quality, particularly in low-light conditions, with accurate colors and strong detail. It also includes a Pro mode for manual controls. The Galaxy S23 FE provides very good photos, especially in bright lighting, and its Night Mode enhances low-light shots. Samsung's cameras can sometimes produce more saturated colors.
• Video and Front Camera: The Pixel 8 Pro records video up to 4K at 60fps, and its 10.5MP front camera includes autofocus. The Galaxy S23 FE supports video recording up to 8K at 24fps and has a 10MP front camera.