The Google Pixel 7 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra represent two very different approaches to the flagship Android experience — Google’s computational photography and clean software versus Samsung’s hardware-first, feature-packed Ultra line. Here’s how they stack up.
Pixel 7 Pro vs Galaxy S23 Ultra: Specs Comparison
| Google Pixel 7 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch curved LTPO OLED, QHD+, adaptive 1-120Hz | 6.8-inch flat Dynamic AMOLED 2X, QHD+, adaptive 1-120Hz |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G2 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| Rear cameras | 50MP wide, 48MP 5x telephoto, 12MP ultrawide | 200MP wide, 10MP 10x periscope telephoto, 10MP 3x telephoto, 12MP ultrawide |
| Stylus | Not supported | Built-in S Pen included |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh, 30W wired charging | 5,000 mAh, 45W wired charging |
| Software updates | Guaranteed major OS updates and security patches at launch | Guaranteed major OS updates and security patches at launch |
| Launch price | $899.99 | $1,199.99 |
Camera Philosophy: Computational vs Hardware
The Pixel 7 Pro leans heavily on Google’s computational photography pipeline, consistently producing excellent, true-to-life photos straight out of camera with minimal editing needed. The S23 Ultra takes a hardware-first approach with a much higher-resolution 200MP main sensor and dual telephoto lenses (3x and 10x), giving it a real advantage in zoom range and the flexibility of Samsung’s Expert RAW mode for manual control.
Performance
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy in the S23 Ultra outperforms Google’s Tensor G2 in raw CPU and GPU benchmarks and sustained gaming performance. Tensor G2 is more focused on on-device AI and machine learning tasks (like Magic Eraser and Live Translate) than peak gaming performance.
Software Experience
Pixel phones run close-to-stock Android with exclusive Google AI features arriving first, while Samsung’s One UI adds significant customization and productivity features (like Samsung DeX for a desktop-style experience) on top of Android, at the cost of a slightly heavier interface.
S Pen: The Ultra’s Exclusive Feature
The S23 Ultra’s built-in S Pen has no equivalent on the Pixel 7 Pro or any Pixel device. For anyone who wants stylus input for notes, sketching, or PDF markup, this alone makes the Ultra the only real option between the two.
Which Should You Buy?
- Choose the Pixel 7 Pro for the best out-of-camera photo processing, cleaner software, and a lower price.
- Choose the Galaxy S23 Ultra for the best zoom versatility, raw performance, and S Pen functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Pixel 7 Pro support a stylus?
No, Google has never offered a stylus for the Pixel line.
Which phone has better zoom, the Pixel 7 Pro or S23 Ultra?
The S23 Ultra, thanks to its dual telephoto setup including a 10x periscope lens versus the Pixel’s single 5x telephoto.
Is the Galaxy S23 Ultra faster than the Pixel 7 Pro?
Yes, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy generally outperforms the Tensor G2 in raw CPU/GPU benchmarks.
