PhoneLifespan

Pixel 7a vs Galaxy S23 Ultra

vs

Winner

Google Pixel 7a

Lifespan decides this one: the Pixel 7a is supported until May 2028 at $6.07 per month of safe use, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra runs out in Feb 2028 ($16.81/month). On a which-lasts-longer question, that's not a tie — it's the whole answer.

Value Score: Pixel 7a 65 · Galaxy S23 Ultra 76 — methodology

The lifespan decider

When specs are close, support length decides it — this is what each phone costs per month of safe use.

Google Pixel 7a $139
Buy with care$6.07/mo
2023◆ Buy-by May 20262028
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra $339
Buy with care$16.81/mo
2023◆ Buy-by Feb 20262028

Category by category

Display
Pixel 7a 50Galaxy S23 Ultra 90

The Galaxy S23 Ultra's screen is the better one — 6.8-inch dynamic amoled 2x, qhd+, ltpo 1–120hz, 1750 nits peak.

Performance
Pixel 7a 62Galaxy S23 Ultra 85

The Galaxy S23 Ultra's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy is simply the faster chip.

Camera
Pixel 7a 67Galaxy S23 Ultra 96

The Galaxy S23 Ultra has the stronger camera system (4 real rear lenses vs 2).

Battery
Pixel 7a 68Galaxy S23 Ultra 80

5,000mAh vs 4,385mAh — the Galaxy S23 Ultra lasts longer between charges.

Software longevity
Pixel 7a 27Galaxy S23 Ultra 24

The Pixel 7a is supported until May 2028 — 3 months longer than the Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Value
Pixel 7a 65Galaxy S23 Ultra 76

Overall value goes to the Galaxy S23 Ultra at $16.81 per month of safe use.

Full spec table
SpecPixel 7aGalaxy S23 Ultra
Price (street)$139$339
Display6.1-inch OLED, FHD+, 90Hz6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, QHD+, LTPO 1–120Hz, 1750 nits peak
ChipsetGoogle Tensor G2Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
RAM8GB8GB/12GB
Storage128GB256GB/512GB/1TB
Battery4,385 mAh5,000 mAh
Charging18W wired, 7.5W wireless45W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless
Rear cameras64MP main, 13MP ultra-wide200MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto 3x, 10MP periscope 10x
Dimensions152.0 × 72.9 × 9.0 mm163.4 × 78.1 × 8.9 mm
Weight193 g234 g
Water resistanceIP67IP68
Supported untilMay 2028Feb 2028
Pixel 7a full verdict →Galaxy S23 Ultra full verdict →Longevity master board →

Scores and verdicts are computed from our verified database — see exactly how. Specs from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers.