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What we think
The PerfectRec phone team Learn more
Updated January 12, 2024·
The Google Pixel 7a is more budget-friendly than the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, so if cost is a primary concern, the Pixel 7a might be the right choice. However, the S23 FE offers a slightly larger display and a more robust camera setup with higher megapixel counts and additional camera capabilities, which could justify the higher price if photography is important to you. Both phones have OLED displays, but the S23 FE has a higher refresh rate, which means smoother visuals that are especially noticeable when playing games or scrolling. The S23 FE also supports wireless charging and has a slightly larger battery, which may lead to longer battery life, whereas the Pixel 7a has unique software features such as call screening. Both run on Android and have similar storage options, so your choice may depend on how much you value screen size, camera quality, battery improvements, and specific features over the cost. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Google Pixel 7a
- Very good for taking photos
- Good for recording videos
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
- Very good display quality
- Good performance
Key differences
Cost
$349
$550
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
$700
$800
The Google Pixel 7a has a price of $349 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE costs $550.
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Key similarities
Overall Camera Quality
8.0
7.7
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Google Pixel 7a to have very good overall camera quality, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has good overall camera quality.
The Google Pixel 7a stands out for its selfie quality, which is described as very good, and has exceptional photo software that enriches the overall camera experience. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has a very good selfie score as well and provides an excellent photo software experience, making it competitive in the realm of smartphone photography.
Photo Quality
8.0
7.7
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Google Pixel 7a to have very good photos, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE takes good photos.
The Google Pixel 7a captures high-quality selfies alongside offering a good dynamic range, low light performance, and camera versatility, complemented by a robust software experience; the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, while also delivering strong selfie performance, adds a touch of class with better materials and a slightly larger screen, but has similar attributes in photo resolution, software experience, dynamic range, and low light capability. Both phones provide an impressive camera setup, but if a high-quality selfie experience is paramount, both cater well to that need with their respective strengths.
Video Quality
7.3
7.2
The Google Pixel 7a and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE both have good videos.
The Google Pixel 7a offers an excellent video stabilization and a very good low light performance, which contribute to its very good video capability, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, though best in mic quality, has a slightly less effective video stabilization and low light performance, making its video capability good but not as refined as the Pixel's. Additionally, the Pixel's video software experience is rated excellent, enhancing its video taking features further compared to the Samsung's very good video software experience, which is still commendable but not as advanced.
Battery
6.9 Hours
6.4 Hours
The Google Pixel 7a has 6.9 hours of battery life. The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has 6.4 hours of battery life.
Screen Size
The Google Pixel 7a has a screen size of 6.1 inches and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is 6.4 inches.
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How the Google Pixel 7a and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE compare to other phones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Google Pixel 7a | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$349 | $550 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Samsung | ||
Operating System | |||
Operating System | Android | Android | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 10, 2023 | October 26, 2023 | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Screen Size | |||
Screen Size | 6.1" | 6.4" | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 2340 x 1080 | |
Variable refresh rate | |||
Variable refresh rate | Yes | No | |
Pixels Per Inch | |||
Pixels Per Inch | 429 | 403 | |
Display Type | |||
Display Type | OLED | OLED | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | TensorG2 | SD8G1 | |
Internal Storage | |||
Internal Storage | 128 GB | 128 GB | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB | |
CAMERA | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Overall Camera Quality Score | |||
Overall Camera Quality Score | 8/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Photos Score | |||
Photos Score | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Videos Score | |||
Videos Score | 7.3/10 | 7.3/10 | |
Rear Cameras | |||
Rear Cameras | Main, Ultrawide | Main, Ultrawide, Telephoto | |
Main Camera | |||
Main Camera | 64 megapixels + OIS | 50 megapixels + OIS | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 6.9 Hours | 6.4 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 4385 mAh | 4500 mAh | |
Wireless Charging | |||
Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes | |
Wireless charging Speed | |||
Wireless charging Speed | 7.5 W | 15 W | |
Reverse wireless charging | |||
Reverse wireless charging | No | Yes (4.5 watts) | |
PHYSICAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Size | |||
Size | 5.98" x 2.87" | 6.22" x 3.01" | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 6.84 oz | 7.37 oz | |
Back Material | |||
Back Material | Plastic | Glass | |
Stereo Speakers | |||
Stereo Speakers | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Dual SIM | |||
Dual SIM | Yes | Yes | |
Bluetooth Version | |||
Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 | |
A2DP | |||
A2DP | Yes | Yes | |
WiFi Version | |||
WiFi Version | 6e | 6e | |
NFC | |||
NFC | Yes | Yes | |
US 5G Bands | |||
US 5G Bands | (SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave) 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78, 257, 258, 260, 261 (SA/NSA/Sub6) 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 77, 78 | (SA/NSA/Sub6)1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 | |
OTHER FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Biometric unlock | |||
Biometric unlock | Face unlock, Fingerprint sensor: Under Display | Face unlock, Fingerprint sensor: Under Display | |
Unlockable Bootloader | |||
Unlockable Bootloader | Yes (Except Verizon Models) | No | |
Color | |||
Color | Sea, Snow, Coral, Charcoal | Mint, Purple, Tangerine, Indigo, Cream, Graphite | |
Stock Android | |||
Stock Android | Yes | No | |
SD Card | |||
SD Card | No | No | |
Shopping
Google Pixel 7a
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Dig into reviews and images
The Verge
Allison Johnson | May 2023
"The Pixel 7a is the best midrange Android phone — period. The camera doesn’t always nail it, but it’s impressively capable for this class. And even though it’s pricier than last year’s model, it comes with some serious upgrades not often seen in this class, like wireless charging."
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
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Dig into reviews and images
PC Mag
Iyaz Akhtar | October 2023
"The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is easily one of the best midrange Android phones on the market. The S23 FE has some appealing features you won't find on the Pixel 8 like a dedicated telephoto camera, a bigger screen, and the ability to use it like a computer via Samsung's Dex mode. So if productivity is more important to you than camera tricks, you won't find a better phone than the Galaxy S23 FE."
Get a great deal on the Google Pixel 7a or the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
About Google
Google can be considered a relatively new player in the smartphone industry, joining as late as 2016 with their phone, the Google Pixel. Since then, the Pixel lineup has undergone many changes, but it has always been characterized by a focus on photography and clean software, by providing a pure Android experience. By virtue of Google being the creator of the Android operating system, Pixels are known for receiving timely software updates and for being supported with updates for a long time. Additionally, over the past few generations of devices, Google started designing their own processors. This allowed for the implementation of unique software features that are not present in any other phone, such as automatic call screening and unique voice transcribing capabilities.
About Samsung
Samsung is one of the most recognizable names in the smartphone industry, standing as the undisputed best-selling brand of Android smartphones in the United States for many years now. Samsung is known for offering a variety of smartphones in all available price points, as well as for implementing cutting-edge technology and innovative features in their flagship devices, ones that often shape the market going forward. The company offers its own unique spin on Android, called One UI, which focuses on offering a multitude of features and is heavily customizable, according to user preference.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec phones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest phone information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
68
Phones evaluated
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8
Proprietary Phones ratings developed
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Recommendations made
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