Google Pixel 9 Pro / Samsung Galaxy S23

It is a higher-resolution panel in the same body as the Pixel 9; 495 ppi renders text and photo edges more sharply. Because the corners are rounded, the visible area is slightly smaller than the measured diagonal.

The refresh rate varies between 48 and 120 Hz depending on content. Vision Booster adjusts the picture to stay readable in bright light. The size is measured as a full rectangle; the visible area is smaller.

The LTPO panel drops as low as 1 Hz for static content and the always-on display to save power, and rises to 120 Hz when scrolling. Google notes 120 Hz is not available in every app.

HDR brightness is measured with the whole screen lit and peak brightness with only 5% lit; the peak applies to small bright areas in sunlight.

The finishes are the reverse of the Pixel 9, which has a glossy back and a matte frame. The aluminium in the housing is 100% recycled.

Google notes the protection can diminish with wear, repair or drops and that liquid damage voids the warranty.

It is the same chip as the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL; there is no performance difference.

Samsung introduced this version as a Snapdragon optimised for Galaxy and exclusive to the S23 series at launch.

There is no card slot; storage and colour options vary by region.

Usable space is lower because of preloaded software.

Pro controls allow full 50 MP capture; the Pixel 9 only saves binned 12.5 MP photos. Optical quality is offered at 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x and 10x.

Magnification beyond 5x is done in software; Google says 10x still gives near-optical quality. A multi-zone laser (LDAF) sensor assists focusing.

Video Boost processes recorded video on Google’s cloud servers to improve colour, lighting and stabilisation, so the result is not available immediately and an internet connection is needed. 8K and Super Res Zoom Video are only available with Video Boost on.

The battery matches the Pixel 9’s capacity. Figures come from pre-production tests in the US using a median user profile.

The typical value is the average from third-party lab tests; the rated value is the minimum capacity across battery samples.

No charger is included. 37 W wired charging is only on the larger Pixel 9 Pro XL.

The adapter is sold separately. Wired charging is compatible with QC2.0 and AFC. PowerShare needs the battery above 30% to charge another device.

The UWB chip measures distance and direction to compatible devices and tags with centimetre-level precision; the standard Pixel 9 lacks it.

The rear temperature sensor measures surface temperatures of objects through the Thermometer app; the standard Pixel 9 lacks it.

The period counts from the first sale date on the US Google Store. Satellite SOS works only in the US.

The size matches the Pixel 9; it weighs 1 g more.

According to Samsung, the S23 series is the first S series to use Victus 2 glass.

The telephoto gives 3x optical zoom; zoom beyond that is digital.

Samsung promised four Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates for the S23 series; timing varies by model and market.

Wi‑Fi 6E needs a router with 6 GHz support; availability varies by market and provider.

Samsung does not advise beach or pool use.