Google Pixel 9a (G3Y12 256GB) vs Samsung Galaxy S23+ (SM-S916B/DS 256GB)
Side by side comparison between Google Pixel 9a vs Samsung Galaxy S23+ Plus phones, differences, pros, cons and full specifications. What's the better?
,
6.3"
POLED
POLED
1080x2424
48
MP
MP
13mp
8GB
RAM
RAM
Octa-core
5100
mAh
mAh
(Non removable)
vs
6.6"
AMOLED
AMOLED
1080x2340
50
MP
MP
12mp
8GB
RAM
RAM
Octa-core
4700
mAh
mAh
(Non removable)
What's the better phone? Samsung Galaxy S23+ (SM-S916B/DS 256GB)
The phonemore's choice is much more technical than personal. Therefore, you shouldn't only consider this. Our goal is to help you, but what's important to us may not be important to you. You decide which one is the best! Comment!
8 Advantages 
13 Advantages | 38 Common items in both devices |
| 8GB LPDDR5X |
| 256GB (220GB available) / 256GB (218GB available) |
| Aluminum body, glass front, plastic back / Aluminum frame, glass front/back |
| 120Hz |
| 16 million |
| PDAF: phase detection autofocus / PDAF: phase detection autofocus on both cameras |
| OIS: Optical stabilization |
| +31 specs and more in the table below |
Check the comparison table below for more items that are not evaluated in comparison score above.
Highlight differences Clear highlight📱 Model features | ||
| Google Pixel 9a (G3Y12 256GB) | Galaxy S23+ (SM-S916B/DS 256GB) | |
| Model | Pixel 9a (G3Y12 256GB) | Galaxy S23+ (SM-S916B/DS 256GB) |
| Other model names | Google Pixel 9a G3Y12 | Galaxy S23 Plus 5G (SM-S916B/Dual-SIM) |
| Country or region available |  Japan |  (Global, International) |
| Brand | Samsung | |
| Release date | 4/10/2025, Announced: 3/19/2025 | 2/17/2023, Announced: 2/1/2023 |
| Depth | 8.9 millimeters (0.35 inches) | 7.6 millimeters (0.3 inches) |
| Size (width x height) | 73.3 x 154.7 millimeters (2.89 x 6.09 in) | 76.2 x 157.8 millimeters (3 x 6.21 in) |
| Weight | 186 grams (6.51 ounces) | 196 grams (6.86 ounces) |
| Build, materials | Aluminum body, glass front, plastic back | Aluminum frame, glass front/back Back: Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| Protection against water and others | IP68 certified: water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30min and dust-resistant | IP68 certified: water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30min and dust-resistant |
📲 Display | ||
| Google Pixel 9a (G3Y12 256GB) | Galaxy S23+ (SM-S916B/DS 256GB) | |
| Display type | P-OLED | Dynamic AMOLED |
| Screen size | 6.3" inches | 6.6" inches |
| Screen-to-body ratio | ~83.9% (screen-to-body ratio) | ~88.9% (screen-to-body ratio) |
| Display resolution | 1080x2424 pixels (20:9) | 1080x2340 pixels (19.5:9) |
| Touchscreen | Capacitive Multitouch | Capacitive Multitouch 10-points |
| Pixel density (dot pitch) | 421 PPI | 390 PPI |
| Colors | 16 million | 16 million |
| Scratch-resistant glass | Gorilla Glass 3 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Display features | 2700nits[peak] HDR8 Always-On Display | 1750nits[peak] HDR10+ Always-On Display |
🤖 Operating System | ||
| Google Pixel 9a (G3Y12 256GB) | Galaxy S23+ (SM-S916B/DS 256GB) | |
| System version | Android 15 | Android 13 |
| Firmware update | Android 16 | Android 15 |
| User Interface | feature not registered | One UI 5.1 / 6.0 / 7.0 |
⚙️ Processor | ||
| Google Pixel 9a (G3Y12 256GB) | Galaxy S23+ (SM-S916B/DS 256GB) | |
| Chipset | 64bit: Google Tensor G4 (4nm) | 64bit: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (SM8550-AC) (4nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core, 3 processors: 1x 3.1GHz ARM Cortex-X4 (Single-core) 3x 2.6GHz ARM Cortex-A720 (Triple-core) 4x 1.92GHz ARM Cortex-A520 (Quad-core) | Octa-core, 4 processors: 1x 3.36GHz ARM Cortex-X3 (Single-core) 2x 2.8GHz ARM Cortex-A710 (Dual-core) 2x 2.8GHz ARM Cortex-A715 (Dual-core) 3x 2GHz ARM Cortex-A510 (Triple-core) |
| GPU graphical controller | ARM Mali-G715 MP7 (940MHz) | Qualcomm Adreno 740 |
| Performance (benchmark) | AnTuTu: 1030262 (v10) | AnTuTu: 1234088 (v9) Geekbench: 5073 (v5.1) GFXBench: 110fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
💽 Memory and storage | ||
| Google Pixel 9a (G3Y12 256GB) | Galaxy S23+ (SM-S916B/DS 256GB) | |
| RAM memory | 8GB LPDDR5X | 8GB LPDDR5X |
| Internal storage | 256GB (220GB available) UFS 3.1 | 256GB (218GB available) UFS 4.0 |
| External storage | Not supported | Not supported |
📶 Mobile networks | ||
| Google Pixel 9a (G3Y12 256GB) | Galaxy S23+ (SM-S916B/DS 256GB) | |
| Dual-SIM | Dual-SIM Standby - Call active on one sim card | Dual-SIM Standby - Call active on one sim card |
| SIM card | 1 slot (Single-SIM) nano-SIM (4FF) + e-SIM | 2 slots (Dual-SIM) nano-SIM (4FF) + e-SIM |
| Maximum Download / Upload | 3000/1024 Mbps | 3000/1920 Mbps |
| Network technology | 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G | 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Frequency, bands | Expand band details Collapse details | |
| GSM MHz band | Quad-Band 850/900/1800/1900 | Quad-Band 850/900/1800/1900 |
| Primary 2G network | GSM 850/900/1800/1900 | GSM 850/900/1800/1900 |
| Primary 3G network | UMTS 800/850/900/1700/1900/2100 | UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100 |
| Primary 4G network | LTE Cat24 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 26, 28, 32, 66, 75) TD-LTE (38, 39, 40, 41, 42) VoLTE | LTE Cat20 () |
| Primary 5G network | SA/NSA/Sub6 (1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 77, 78, 79) | SA/NSA/Sub6 () |
| Primary data network | GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A, SA/NSA, Sub6 | GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A, SA/NSA, Sub6 |
| Secondary 2G network | GSM 850/900/1800/1900 | GSM 850/900/1800/1900 |
| Secondary 3G network | UMTS 800/850/900/1700/1900/2100 | UMTS 850/900/1700/1900/2100 |
| Secondary 4G network | LTE Cat24 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 26, 28, 32, 66, 75) TD-LTE (38, 39, 40, 41, 42) VoLTE | LTE Cat20 () |
| Secondary data network | GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A, SA/NSA, Sub6 | GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, TD-LTE, LTE, LTE-A, SA/NSA, Sub6 |
📷 Camera | ||
| Google Pixel 9a (G3Y12 256GB) | Galaxy S23+ (SM-S916B/DS 256GB) | |
| Back camera (main camera) | (dual camera) 48 megapixels 13MP ultrawide f/2.2120°1/3.1"1.12µm | (triple camera) 50 megapixels 10MP telephoto f/2.470mm1/3.94"1.0µmPDAFOIS3x-optical-zoom 12MP ultrawide f/2.213mm120°1/2.55"1.4µmSuper-Steady |
| Main camera resolution | 8000x6000 pixels | 8160x6120 pixels |
| Video recording (primary) | 4K UHD (3840x2160) 60 fps | 8K UHD (7680x4320) 30 fps |
| Flash | Dual-LED flash | LED flash |
| Focal aperture | f/1.7 (aperture) | f/1.8 (aperture) |
| Focal length | 25mm (lens) | 24mm (lens) |
| Sensor size | 1/2" inches | 1/1.56" inches |
| Pixel size | 0.8µm pixel | 1µm pixel |
| Autofocus | PDAF: phase detection autofocus | PDAF: phase detection autofocus on both cameras |
| Touch focus | Supported | Supported |
| Image stabilization | OIS: Optical stabilization | OIS: Optical stabilization |
| Zoom | Only digital zoom | Digital and optical zoom |
| Face/smile detection | Face detection, Smile detection | Face detection, Smile detection |
| BSI sensor | Supported | Supported |
| HDR | HDR photo/video on both cameras | HDR photo/video on both cameras |
| Camera extras | 4K@30/60fps 1080p@30/60/120/240fps | 8K@24/30fps 4K@30/60fps 1080p@30/60fps 1080p@240/960fps (slow motion) HDR10+ |
📸 Front camera | ||
| Google Pixel 9a (G3Y12 256GB) | Galaxy S23+ (SM-S916B/DS 256GB) | |
| Front camera (secondary) | 13 megapixels | 12 megapixels |
| Front camera resolution | 4128x3096 pixels | 4000x3000 pixels |
| Video recording (secondary) | 4K UHD (3840x2160) | 4K UHD (3840x2160) |
| Front flash | Not supported | Not supported |
| Focal aperture | f/2.2 (aperture) | f/2.2 (aperture) |
| Focal length | 20mm (lens) | 26mm (lens) |
| Sensor size | 1/3.1" inches | feature not registered |
| Pixel size | 1.12µm pixel | feature not registered |
🔉 Sound and multimedia | ||
| Google Pixel 9a (G3Y12 256GB) | Galaxy S23+ (SM-S916B/DS 256GB) | |
| Loudspeaker | Stereo sound | Stereo sound 32-bit/384kHz Dolby Atmos Tuned by AKG |
| Active noise cancellation | 2 microphones | 3 microphones |
| Radio | Not supported | Not supported |
| TV | Not supported | Not supported |
| Video formats | MP4, H.265, H.264, H.263, XviD, MKV | MP4, H.265, H.264, H.263, XviD, MKV |
| Audio formats | MP3, WAV, WMA, eAAC+, FLAC | MP3, WAV, WMA, eAAC+, FLAC |
🔌 Connectivity | ||
| Google Pixel 9a (G3Y12 256GB) | Galaxy S23+ (SM-S916B/DS 256GB) | |
| USB | USB 3.2 Type-C, USB OTG On-The-Go | USB 3.2 Type-C, USB OTG On-The-Go |
| Audio output | Type-C reversible connector | Type-C reversible connector |
| TV output | USB Type-C (reversible) | USB Type-C (reversible) |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 + A2DP/LE | 5.3 + A2DP/LE |
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax [wifi6E/6] (2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz) + MIMO WiFi Direct, hotspot | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax [wifi6E/6] (2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz) + MIMO WiFi Direct, hotspot |
| DLNA | Supported | Supported |
| GPS | feature not registered | A-GPS, GeoTagging, GLONASS, GALILEO, BeiDou |
| NFC | Supported | Supported |
| Infrared port | Not supported | Not supported |
🧭 Sensors | ||
| Google Pixel 9a (G3Y12 256GB) | Galaxy S23+ (SM-S916B/DS 256GB) | |
| Sensors | Accelerometer Ambient light sensor Barometer Compass Face unlock Fingerprint sensor (under display) Gyroscope Proximity sensor | Accelerometer Ambient light sensor Barometer Compass Face unlock Fingerprint sensor (under display) Gyroscope Hall effect Proximity sensor UWB (Ultra Wideband) |
| Vibrating alert | Supported | Supported |
🔋 Battery | ||
| Google Pixel 9a (G3Y12 256GB) | Galaxy S23+ (SM-S916B/DS 256GB) | |
| Battery type | LiPo: li-ion polymer (Non removable) | Li-Ion: lithium-ion (Non removable) |
| Battery capacity | 5100 mAh | 4700 mAh |
| Charger, watts | 23W Wired fast charging USB Power Delivery 3.0 | 45W Wired fast charging Reverse charging by cable USB Power Delivery 3.0 |
| Inductive / wireless charging | 7.5W Qi wireless charging | 15W Qi wireless charging (Qi/PMA) 4.5W Reverse wireless charging |
| Talk time autonomy | feature not registered | feature not registered |
| Standby | feature not registered | feature not registered |
➕ Other features | ||
| Google Pixel 9a (G3Y12 256GB) | Galaxy S23+ (SM-S916B/DS 256GB) | |
| Call control | Voice dialing, Voice recorder, Voice commands | Voice dialing, Voice recorder, Voice commands |
| Messaging | SMS (T9), MMS, E-mail, Push mail | SMS (T9), MMS, E-mail, Push mail |
| Hands-free calling | Supported | Supported |
| Video calling | Supported | Supported |
| Ringtones | Polyphonic and customized | Polyphonic and customized |
| Web browser | HTML, XHTML, HTML5 | HTML, XHTML, HTML5 |
| Antenna | Internal antenna | Internal antenna |
| Qwerty physical keyboard | Not supported | Not supported |
| Miscellaneous | • Colors: Obsidian, Porcelain, Iris, Peony • Google Cast • FeliCa | • Colors: Phantom Black, Cream, Green, Lavender, Graphite, Lime • Samsung DeX • Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard) |
☢️ Radiation rate | ||
| Google Pixel 9a (G3Y12 256GB) | Galaxy S23+ (SM-S916B/DS 256GB) | |
| SAR 1.6W/kg (USA, Mexico, etc.) | feature not registered | 0.83W/kg (head), 1.02W/kg (body) |
| SAR 2W/kg (Europe, UK, etc.) | 0.99W/kg (head), 1.39W/kg (body) | 0.766W/kg (head), 1.453W/kg (body) |