Google Pixel 8 Vs Apple iPhone 15 Vs Samsung Galaxy S23: Which One Is the Best for You?

During Google’s recent ‘Made By Google’ event, the tech giant unveiled its highly-anticipated Pixel 8 Series, comprising two flagship models: Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 8 Pro. These smartphones promise significant improvements over their Pixel 7 predecessors, marking them as the best from Google yet. Additionally, Google announced seven OS updates for the Pixel 8 series.

Apple’s iPhone 15 Series

Last month, Apple introduced the iPhone 15 Series, featuring four distinct models: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Apple’s key innovations include a Titanium body and the adoption of a USB-C port for charging.

Samsung adhered to its annual tradition by launching the Galaxy S23 Series in January 2023. This series includes the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23+, and Galaxy S23 Ultra. Samsung’s offerings come with enhancements in processing power, extended battery life, and an improved camera system.

If you’re in the market for a new smartphone, especially during upcoming online sales events, this guide will assist you in making an informed decision.

Google Pixel 8 Vs Apple iPhone 15 Vs Samsung Galaxy S23: Display

This time Google has made the display on Pixel 8 slightly smaller as it has a 6.2-inch size. It is an Actua LTPS OLED display with 1080×2400 pixel resolution and a 20:9 aspect ratio. The display supports a 120Hz refresh rate and comes with an Always-on-display feature along with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for added protection.

Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy S23 features a 6.1-inch AMOLED display with a higher 2340×1080 pixel resolution and an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate. Apple’s display is not that impressive considering the price point as iPhone 15 has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel with a 1179×2556 resolution.

What sets Google Pixel 8 apart is its impressive peak brightness, offering 1400 nits and a remarkable 2000 nits peak brightness, surpassing the Galaxy S23’s 1750 nits. Notably, the Pixel 8 boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, while the iPhone 15 settles for 60Hz despite its higher price point. Google’s tuning of colors enhances the overall display experience, giving the Pixel 8 an edge.

Winner: Pixel 8

Design Comparison: Google Pixel 8 Vs Apple iPhone 15 Vs Samsung Galaxy S23

Google Pixel 8 and Samsung Galaxy S23 both embrace compact designs with 6.2-inch and 6.1-inch displays, respectively. While the Pixel 8 features an aluminum frame and a distinctive horizontal camera bar, the Galaxy S23 opts for a vertical trio of lenses for its camera setup.

Apple’s iPhone 15 stands out with its unique design, featuring flat edges and a diagonal dual camera layout. Its color-infused glass and titanium body provide a lighter and more ergonomic feel compared to the other two. In terms of weight, the Pixel 8 is the heaviest at 187 grams, followed by the iPhone 15 at 171 grams and the Galaxy S23 at 168 grams.

Regarding color options, the Pixel 8 offers obsidian, hazel, and rose shades, while the iPhone 15 boasts black, yellow, blue, green, and pink choices. In the design category, the iPhone 15 takes the lead.

Winner: iPhone 15

Performance Comparison: Google Pixel 8 Vs Apple iPhone 15 Vs Samsung Galaxy S23

Google Pixel 8 relies on Google’s Tensor G3 chipset, tailored for image processing and AI tasks. Despite not being a powerhouse in number crunching, it handles day-to-day tasks effortlessly. Notable features include Magic Editor, audio magic eraser, and improved clear calling, thanks to Android 14.

Samsung Galaxy S23 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, offering robust performance and a 256GB UFS 4.0 storage option. Apple’s iPhone 15 features the Bionic A16 chipset with 6GB RAM and up to 512GB storage, delivering fast and efficient performance with iOS 17 enhancements.

Google pledges seven years of OS updates for the Pixel 8, surpassing Galaxy S23’s four years but aligning with Apple’s typical support duration. Choosing between the iPhone 15 and Pixel 8 comes down to personal preference for iOS or Android, with the iPhone 15 currently leading in performance.

While Galaxy S23 has a powerful chipset it lags behind in terms of OS updates. Between iPhone 15 and Pixel 8, it is a matter of whether one prefers iOS or Android. For now, the iPhone 15 will be a winner as the performance of the A16 chipset has been experienced, while the Tensor G3 is yet to prove its mettle.

Winner: iPhone 15

Camera Comparison: Google Pixel 8 Vs Apple iPhone 15 Vs Samsung Galaxy S23

The Google Pixel 8 comes with a 50MP primary camera and a 12MP ultrawide camera at the back. The wide angle lens tries to make sure that you don’t miss a telephoto lens, but if this works depends on person to person. Pixel 7 showcased how a wide-angle lens did not perform the job of a telephoto lens when one intends to click portrait mode shots with zoom-in. Moreover, Pixel 8 doesn’t have some cool features that its Pro version has like video boost or zoom enhancement among others. Though it has features like Best Take, advanced image processing capabilities, laser detect autofocus, and optical+ image stabilization, it is definitely not the best in the segment.

Talking about Galaxy S23’s camera setup, it has a triple lens setup at the back including an ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto lens. This wholesome camera setup offers the flexibility to click any kind of shot one wants. There is a 50MP primary (Wide), 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens and it can record videos in 8K resolution. Since we already have seen the camera of Galaxy S23 in the real world, we know it gives top-quality shots.

Apple iPhone 15 has a dual camera setup including a 48MP main and a 12MP ultrawide camera. Despite not having a telephoto lens, Apple makes it possible to get 2x optical zoom with up to 10x digital zoom. Apple has made some improvements to the camera with Smart HDR 5, Auto portrait feature, and more. It can record videos in 4k and comes with cinematic mode for lifelike video quality.

In terms of selfie cameras, the Pixel 8 has a 10.5MP lens, the Galaxy S23 has a 12MP lens and iPhone 15 also has a 12MP lens.

Since we haven’t tested the camera of Pixel 8 as of now, the other two have an edge over Pixel in this category.

Winner- Google Pixel 8 (for Photos) and iPhone 15 for Videos

Battery and Charging Comparison: Google Pixel 8 Vs Apple iPhone 15 Vs Samsung Galaxy S23

Google Pixel 8 has been made more compact than last year, but Google has packed it with a larger battery. It has a 4575mAh battery that offers an entire day’s runtime for moderate to light users. The Galaxy S23 has a smaller 3900mAh battery. Since Tensor G3 is a less power-consuming chipset, it lasts longer than Samsung Galaxy S23. Apple iPhone 15 packs an even smaller 3349mAh battery but the brand claims it can last the entire day.

In terms of charging, all 3 now support USB-C type charging ports but there is a difference in charging speeds. Google Pixel 8 supports 27W wired fast charging and 18W wireless charging. Galaxy S23 supports 25W wired and 15W wireless charging. Apple iPhone 15 still supports 20W charging like previous models.

In terms of battery as well as charging, Pixel 8 clearly beats both Galaxy S23 and iPhone 15.

Winner- Google Pixel 8

Price Comparison: Google Pixel 8 Vs Apple iPhone 15 Vs Samsung Galaxy S23

Considering the base storage models, Google Pixel 8 offers 8GB+128GB for Rs. 75,999 and 8GB+256GB for Rs. 82,999. Samsung Galaxy S23 5G comes in two storage variants: 8GB+128GB for Rs. 74,990 and 8GB+256GB for Rs. 79,999. Apple iPhone 15, with three storage options, features 6GB RAM: 128GB for Rs. 79,990, 256GB for Rs. 89,990, and 512GB for Rs. 1,09,990.

The iPhone 15 is the costliest for the base model. If you prefer iOS, the iPhone is your choice, but for Android enthusiasts, Pixel 8 and Galaxy S23 offer the latest Android experience at a more affordable price.

Winner- depends on preference

Final Verdict: Google Pixel 8 Vs Apple iPhone 15 Vs Samsung Galaxy S23

Ultimately, the choice between these three flagship smartphones—Google Pixel 8, Apple iPhone 15, and Samsung Galaxy S23—depends on your needs and preferences.

• If you prioritize performance and camera excellence, the Pixel 8 is the top choice.
• If you are looking for better videography experince and reliable everyday performance I would recommend you to go for iPhone 15.
• If you desire a smartphone with a versatile camera system, excellent performance, and battery life, the Galaxy S23 is a compelling option. Also both iPhone 15 and Pixel 8 known for heating issues where as there is no such concern with Samsung Galaxy S23. Samsung also has better service network in India.

All three are flagship devices from reputable brands, offering top-tier specs and efficiency. While the Pixel 8 has just been released, the Galaxy S23 and iPhone 15 have been available for some time. There is no single winner, as different aspects favor different smartphones. The choice boils down to whether you prefer iOS or Android and what matters most to you in a smartphone.

Google Pixel 8 Vs Apple iPhone 15 Vs Samsung Galaxy S23: Spec Comparison

While we have covered most of the crucial aspects, there are some nitty gritty details that might be left. Have a look at this spec comparison table to understand which one is a better choice for you.

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