Pixel 8a vs Galaxy S23

Phone 1

Phone 2

Winner

Google Pixel 8a

Lifespan decides this one: the Pixel 8a is supported until May 2031 at $5.08 per month of safe use, while the Galaxy S23 runs out in Feb 2028 ($8.68/month). On a which-lasts-longer question, that's not a tie — it's the whole answer.

Value Score: Pixel 8a 77 · Galaxy S23 67 — 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 8a $300

Safe to buy$5.08/mo

2024◆ Buy-by May 20292031

Samsung Galaxy S23 $175

Buy with care$8.68/mo

2023◆ Buy-by Feb 20262028

Category by category

Display

Pixel 8a 70Galaxy S23 70

Both displays are effectively the same class.

Performance

Pixel 8a 70Galaxy S23 85

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

Camera

Pixel 8a 67Galaxy S23 79

The Galaxy S23 has the stronger camera system (3 real rear lenses vs 2).

Battery

Pixel 8a 70Galaxy S23 58

4,492mAh vs 3,900mAh — the Pixel 8a lasts longer between charges.

Software longevity

Pixel 8a 70Galaxy S23 24

The Pixel 8a is supported until May 2031 — 39 months longer than the Galaxy S23.

Value

Pixel 8a 77Galaxy S23 67

Overall value goes to the Pixel 8a at $5.08 per month of safe use.

Full spec table

Spec	Pixel 8a	Galaxy S23
Price (street)	$300	$175
Display	6.1-inch Actua OLED, FHD+, 60–120Hz, up to 2000 nits peak	6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, FHD+, 120Hz
Chipset	Google Tensor G3	Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
RAM	8GB	8GB
Storage	128GB/256GB	128GB/256GB
Battery	4,492 mAh	3,900 mAh
Charging	18W wired, 7.5W wireless	25W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless
Rear cameras	64MP main, 13MP ultra-wide	50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto 3x
Dimensions	152.1 × 72.7 × 8.9 mm	146.3 × 70.9 × 7.6 mm
Weight	188 g	168 g
Water resistance	IP67	IP68
Supported until	May 2031	Feb 2028

Pixel 8a full verdict →Galaxy S23 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.