Pixel 9 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra

Phone 1

Phone 2

Winner

Google Pixel 9

Lifespan decides this one: the Pixel 9 is supported until Aug 2031 at $7.21 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 9 72 · 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 9 $449

Safe to buy$7.21/mo

2024◆ Buy-by Aug 20292031

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra $339

Buy with care$16.81/mo

2023◆ Buy-by Feb 20262028

Category by category

Display

Pixel 9 80Galaxy 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 9 76Galaxy S23 Ultra 85

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

Camera

Pixel 9 67Galaxy S23 Ultra 96

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

Battery

Pixel 9 74Galaxy S23 Ultra 80

5,000mAh vs 4,700mAh — the Galaxy S23 Ultra lasts longer between charges.

Software longevity

Pixel 9 74Galaxy S23 Ultra 24

The Pixel 9 is supported until Aug 2031 — 42 months longer than the Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Value

Pixel 9 72Galaxy S23 Ultra 76

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

Full spec table

Spec	Pixel 9	Galaxy S23 Ultra
Price (street)	$449	$339
Display	6.3-inch Actua OLED, 60–120Hz, up to 2700 nits peak	6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, QHD+, LTPO 1–120Hz, 1750 nits peak
Chipset	Google Tensor G4	Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
RAM	12GB	8GB/12GB
Storage	128GB/256GB	256GB/512GB/1TB
Battery	4,700 mAh	5,000 mAh
Charging	27W wired, 15W wireless (Qi)	45W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless
Rear cameras	50MP main, 48MP ultra-wide	200MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto 3x, 10MP periscope 10x
Dimensions	152.8 × 72.0 × 8.5 mm	163.4 × 78.1 × 8.9 mm
Weight	198 g	234 g
Water resistance	IP68	IP68
Supported until	Aug 2031	Feb 2028

Pixel 9 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.