Galaxy S23 FE • Unlocked vs Google Pixel 9 Pro • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, released in late 2023, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro, launched in late 2024, represent distinct approaches to the premium smartphone experience. While both devices operate on the Android platform, the Pixel 9 Pro introduces a newer generation of internal components and an extended software support commitment, setting it apart from its slightly older counterpart. These differences influence aspects from processing power to camera capabilities, catering to varying user priorities.

When considering the longevity of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors. The Google Pixel 9 Pro, being a newer device, benefits from a significantly longer commitment to software updates compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE.

• Software Support: The Google Pixel 9 Pro is designed to receive seven years of operating system and security updates, extending its software lifespan until at least August 2031. This ensures access to new features and security enhancements for an extended period. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is slated for four major OS updates, reaching up to Android 17 around 2027, and five years of security updates until 2028.
• Practical Lifespan: The Pixel 9 Pro's longer update cycle suggests a more future-proof device from a software perspective, potentially allowing users to keep the phone current for a longer duration. Both devices feature IP68 ratings for dust and water resistance, contributing to their physical durability.
• Repairability: The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE generally exhibits a higher repairability score, with accessible internal components and battery pull tabs designed to facilitate easier servicing. The Google Pixel 9 Pro, while having some positive aspects like pull tabs for the battery, has been noted for using strong adhesives that can make disassembly and component replacement more challenging.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to multitasking. Both the Galaxy S23 FE and the Pixel 9 Pro offer capable hardware, though they differ in their underlying architecture and real-world responsiveness.

• Processing Power: The Google Pixel 9 Pro features a newer generation processor, which efficiently handles multitasking and integrates advanced artificial intelligence features. While generally smooth, some user experiences indicate that it can show performance lags under particularly demanding loads compared to other high-end devices. The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is powered by a capable processor that delivers solid performance for everyday use and even demanding applications.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Pixel 9 Pro comes with 16GB of RAM, providing substantial capacity for extensive multitasking and running numerous applications simultaneously without slowdowns. The S23 FE is equipped with 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most users' multitasking needs. Both devices offer various storage options, allowing users to choose based on their content storage requirements.
• Battery Behavior: The Pixel 9 Pro houses a 4700mAh battery, with reported usage times of over 17 hours in streaming tests, and users generally find it lasts a full day with moderate use. The Galaxy S23 FE has a 4500mAh battery, providing around 10 hours of video streaming, with some users noting average battery life, particularly with certain processor variants.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer vibrant viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both phones feature OLED displays, known for deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Google Pixel 9 Pro utilizes an LTPO OLED panel with a resolution of 2856x1280 pixels, resulting in a high pixel density of 495 ppi, contributing to sharp and clear visuals. The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 2340x1080 resolution and 403 ppi, offering a clear and engaging viewing experience.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Pixel 9 Pro boasts a peak brightness of 3000 nits for HDR content, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions, and offers a dynamic refresh rate that can scale from 1Hz to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and power efficiency. The S23 FE provides a peak brightness of 1450 nits and a consistent 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals and adequate visibility in most lighting conditions.
• Screen Size and Protection: The Galaxy S23 FE has a slightly larger 6.4-inch display, while the Pixel 9 Pro features a 6.3-inch screen. Both displays are protected by durable glass, with the S23 FE using Gorilla Glass 5.

For many users, the camera system is a deciding factor, and both the Galaxy S23 FE and the Pixel 9 Pro offer advanced photographic capabilities, each with its own strengths.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Google Pixel 9 Pro features a versatile triple camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, all benefiting from optical image stabilization. The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE also comes with a triple camera system, comprising a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, with OIS on the main and telephoto lenses.
• Photography Performance: The Pixel 9 Pro is recognized for producing exceptional photos with natural colors, crisp details, and strong performance in low-light conditions, enhanced by Google's computational photography and AI features. The S23 FE delivers good quality photos, especially in well-lit environments, with decent low-light capabilities, though some reviews note that colors can appear oversaturated.
• Video and Audio: The Pixel 9 Pro offers fluid 4K 60 frames per second video capture with superior stabilization, and its microphone quality contributes to clear recordings. The S23 FE supports video recording up to 8K, providing high-resolution video options. Both devices offer stereo speakers for media consumption.