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 ($10.22/month). On a which-lasts-longer question, that's not a tie — it's the whole answer.

Value Score: Pixel 8a 77 · Galaxy S23+ 69 — 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+ $206

Buy with care$10.22/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+ 74

4,700mAh vs 4,492mAh — the Galaxy S23+ 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+ 69

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	$206
Display	6.1-inch Actua OLED, FHD+, 60–120Hz, up to 2000 nits peak	6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, FHD+, 120Hz
Chipset	Google Tensor G3	Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
RAM	8GB	8GB
Storage	128GB/256GB	256GB/512GB
Battery	4,492 mAh	4,700 mAh
Charging	18W wired, 7.5W wireless	45W 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	157.8 × 76.2 × 7.6 mm
Weight	188 g	196 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.