Pixel 9a vs Galaxy S23 Ultra

Phone 1

Phone 2

Winner

Google Pixel 9a

Lifespan decides this one: the Pixel 9a is supported until Apr 2032 at $7.14 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 9a 73 · 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 9a $499

Safe to buy$7.14/mo

2025◆ Buy-by Apr 20302032

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra $339

Buy with care$16.81/mo

2023◆ Buy-by Feb 20262028

Category by category

Display

Pixel 9a 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 9a 76Galaxy S23 Ultra 85

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

Camera

Pixel 9a 62Galaxy S23 Ultra 96

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

Battery

Pixel 9a 82Galaxy S23 Ultra 80

Battery capacities are close enough not to decide this.

Software longevity

Pixel 9a 83Galaxy S23 Ultra 24

The Pixel 9a is supported until Apr 2032 — 50 months longer than the Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Value

Pixel 9a 73Galaxy S23 Ultra 76

Pound for pound, these two are equally good deals.

Full spec table

Spec	Pixel 9a	Galaxy S23 Ultra
Price (street)	$499	$339
Display	6.3-inch Actua pOLED, 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	8GB	8GB/12GB
Storage	128GB/256GB	256GB/512GB/1TB
Battery	5,100 mAh	5,000 mAh
Charging	23W wired, 7.5W wireless	45W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless
Rear cameras	48MP main, 13MP ultra-wide	200MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto 3x, 10MP periscope 10x
Dimensions	154.7 × 73.2 × 8.9 mm	163.4 × 78.1 × 8.9 mm
Weight	186 g	234 g
Water resistance	IP68	IP68
Supported until	Apr 2032	Feb 2028

Pixel 9a 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.