Galaxy S23 FE vs Google Pixel 7 Pro

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

• Release Timeline: The Google Pixel 7 Pro was released in October 2022, making it approximately a year older than the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, which launched in October 2023. [6]
• Software Longevity: The Galaxy S23 FE is expected to receive four major Android OS updates, extending its support up to Android 17, along with five years of security patches until 2028. [6, 21, 23, 38, 45] The Pixel 7 Pro is guaranteed five years of OS and security updates, extending its support until 2027. [15, 17, 29, 37, 40]
• Repairability: The Galaxy S23 FE generally offers a higher repairability score, rated around 8.0 out of 10, with features like easily removable back plates and battery pull tabs. [10, 41] In contrast, the Pixel 7 Pro has a lower repairability score, typically around 5.5 to 7.0 out of 10, due to components like the charging port being soldered to the motherboard and a more challenging battery removal process. [2, 9, 11, 18]

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, app responsiveness, and demanding applications like gaming. Both devices offer robust performance, though with different underlying architectures.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 FE is powered by a processor that handles demanding apps and multitasking smoothly, providing a responsive experience for everyday use. [14, 25] However, some users have noted that it can get warm and experience occasional performance throttling during intensive tasks. [14, 26, 35] The Pixel 7 Pro features a processor optimized for AI tasks and Google's software suite, resulting in a smooth and snappy user experience for general navigation and app usage. [13, 22, 33]
• Multitasking and Storage: The Pixel 7 Pro typically comes with 12GB of RAM, offering more headroom for extensive multitasking and keeping numerous applications open simultaneously. [1, 36] The Galaxy S23 FE comes with 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most users' multitasking needs. [4, 25] Both devices offer 128GB and 256GB storage options, with the Pixel 7 Pro also having a 512GB variant. [1, 4, 24, 25] The 256GB and higher storage variants of the S23 FE utilize faster UFS 4.0 technology. [38]
• Battery Behavior: The Pixel 7 Pro includes a 5000mAh battery, while the Galaxy S23 FE has a 4500mAh battery. [1, 42] Users report that both batteries generally provide a full day of use, though heavy usage on the Pixel 7 Pro, especially with 5G, can lead to more frequent charging. [13, 14, 16] Both support fast wired and wireless charging. [1, 4, 25, 27]

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

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S23 FE features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels), delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks. [6, 34, 46] The Pixel 7 Pro boasts a larger 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display with a sharper QHD+ resolution (3120 x 1440 pixels), resulting in a very clear and detailed visual experience. [5, 6, 24, 46]
• Smoothness and Brightness: Both phones offer a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling and animations appear fluid. [4, 6, 24, 46] The Pixel 7 Pro's display can reach higher peak brightness levels, which can be beneficial for outdoor visibility. [5, 20]
• Protection: The Galaxy S23 FE is protected by Gorilla Glass 5 on its front and back. [6, 50] The Pixel 7 Pro features Gorilla Glass Victus for enhanced screen protection. [5, 6]

Both smartphones offer advanced camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos, though with different strengths in image processing.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S23 FE is equipped with a triple-camera setup: a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom. [4, 6, 23] The Pixel 7 Pro also features a versatile triple-camera system, including a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 12MP ultrawide lens with autofocus and macro capabilities, and a 48MP telephoto lens providing 5x optical zoom and up to 30x Super Res Zoom. [1, 5, 6, 15, 33]
• Photography Performance: The Pixel 7 Pro is known for its superior image processing capabilities, particularly excelling in computational photography, night shots, and natural skin tones. [1, 6, 13, 33] The Galaxy S23 FE performs well in good lighting conditions, capturing detailed and vibrant images, but its low-light performance and consistent color rendition may not always match the Pixel 7 Pro. [14, 33]
• Video and Front Camera: Both devices are capable of recording high-quality video. The Galaxy S23 FE supports up to 8K at 24fps from its rear camera and 4K at 60fps from its 10MP front camera. [6, 23] The Pixel 7 Pro records excellent video quality, including steady footage and features like cinematic blur, and has a 10.8MP ultrawide front camera. [6, 15] Some users have noted that video quality on the Pixel 7 Pro can sometimes be disappointing with noticeable sharpening filters and exposure shifts. [13]

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these smartphones.

• Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, modern Wi-Fi standards, and Bluetooth for wireless connections. [4, 5] They both feature a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. [23]
• Biometric Security: The Galaxy S23 FE includes an in-display fingerprint sensor. [4] The Pixel 7 Pro offers both an in-display fingerprint sensor and face recognition for unlocking the device. [19, 28]
• Design and Handling: The Galaxy S23 FE has dimensions of 158.00 x 76.50 x 8.20 mm and weighs 209.00 g. [46] The Pixel 7 Pro is slightly larger and heavier, measuring 162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9mm and weighing 212g. [20, 46] Both phones feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, providing protection against environmental elements. [5, 6, 46]