Google Pixel 9a / Samsung Galaxy S23+ (SM-S916B)

Google Pixel 9a: Pixel 9a; 8 GB RAM with 128 or 256 GB. The band list on this page belongs to the GTF7P model on the UK page; model codes and 5G bands can differ in other markets. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 10a are separate models.

Samsung Galaxy S23+ (SM-S916B): Galaxy S23+ SM-S916B (2023, international version); 8 GB RAM with 256 or 512 GB. The Galaxy S23, S23 Ultra and S23 FE are separate models; US versions carry different model codes.

SpecificationGoogle Pixel 9aSamsung Galaxy S23+ (SM-S916B)
Release year20252023
Display6.3-inch (160 mm) Actua pOLED; 1080 × 2424, 422 ppi; 60–120 Hz Smooth Display; 1,800 nits HDR, 2,700 nits peak

Smooth Display switches between 60 and 120 Hz depending on content, so scrolling is smooth and static screens save power. 2,700 nits is the peak for a small area; the full-screen HDR figure is 1,800 nits.

Google		6.6-inch FHD+ (2316 × 1080) Dynamic AMOLED 2X; 48–120 Hz Super Smooth refresh; 1,750 nits; 240 Hz touch sampling in Game Mode

The refresh rate varies between 48 and 120 Hz depending on content; the lower rate on static screens saves battery. Vision Booster adjusts contrast and colour to keep the screen readable in bright light. The size is measured as a full rectangle; the viewable area is smaller because of the rounded corners and camera hole.

Samsung
Cover glassCorning Gorilla Glass 3

Gorilla Glass 3 is an older Corning glass generation; the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro use the newer Victus 2.

Google		—
ProcessorGoogle Tensor G4; Titan M2 security coprocessor

Titan M2 handles sensitive tasks such as passcodes, lock screen and boot verification on a chip separate from the main processor.

Google		Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy

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

Samsung
Memory and storage8 GB RAM; 128 or 256 GB

There is no microSD slot; storage is chosen at purchase.

Google		8 GB RAM; 256 GB or 512 GB

Available storage is lower because of preloaded software; there is no memory card slot.

Samsung
Rear cameras48 MP wide (ƒ/1.7, 1/2-inch, Quad PD, OIS + EIS); 13 MP ultrawide (ƒ/2.2, 120°); Super Res Zoom up to 8x

There is no telephoto camera; 8x zoom is done in software and optical quality is given only at 0.5x and 1x.

Google		50 MP Wide (F1.8, 85°), 12 MP Ultra Wide (F2.2, 120°), 10 MP Telephoto (3x optical, F2.4, 36°)

The telephoto gives 3x optical zoom; zoom beyond that is digital. According to Samsung the wide camera records 8K video at 30 fps.

Samsung
VideoRear 4K 30/60 fps; front 4K 30 fps; slow motion up to 240 fps Google—
Front camera13 MP (ƒ/2.2, 96.1°) Google12 MP (F2.2, 80°) Samsung
Battery and charging5,100 mAh (typical), 5,000 mAh minimum; fast wired charging; Qi-certified wireless charging

No charger is included, only a USB-C cable (USB 2.0).

Google		—
DurabilityIP68; matte composite back, satin metal frame

IP68 describes dust-tightness and water resistance under defined conditions; liquid damage is usually not covered by warranty.

Google		—
SoftwareLaunched with Android 15; seven years of OS, security and Pixel Drop updates Google—
Connectivity5G Sub-6; Wi-Fi 6E (2x2 MIMO); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS; USB-C 3.2

This model has no mmWave 5G; Sub-6 bands can differ between regional model codes.

Google		5G, LTE, Wi‑Fi 6E, Wi‑Fi Direct, Bluetooth 5.3

Wi‑Fi 6E needs a router that supports 6 GHz; band availability varies by market and operator.

Samsung
SIMNano SIM + eSIM (dual SIM) Google—
UnlockingUnder-display fingerprint and face unlock Google—
AudioStereo speakers; two microphones Google—
Size and weight154.7 × 73.3 × 8.9 mm; 186 g Google76.2 × 157.8 × 7.6 mm; 196 g Samsung
ColoursObsidian, Porcelain, Iris, Peony Google—
Front and back glass—Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2

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

Samsung
Battery—4,700 mAh (typical); rated minimum 4,565 mAh

The typical value is the average of battery samples measured by a third-party lab under IEC 61960; the rated value is the minimum capacity.

Samsung
Charging—Wired: about 65% in around 30 minutes with a 45 W adapter and 5 A USB-C cable; Fast Wireless Charging 2.0; Wireless PowerShare

45 W needs a 5 A cable; the adapter is sold separately. Wired charging is compatible with QC2.0 and AFC, wireless with WPC. PowerShare needs more than 30% battery to charge another device. The S23 is limited to 25 W.

Samsung
Operating system—Android 13 with One UI 5.1 at launch

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

Samsung
Water resistance—IP68 (up to 1.5 m of fresh water for up to 30 minutes)

Samsung does not advise beach or pool use.

Samsung
Security—Samsung Knox and Knox Vault Samsung