Samsung Galaxy S23 FE vs Google Pixel 8: Battle of the Mid-Range Flagships

As we enter 2023, smartphone enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to. Two highly anticipated mid-range flagship phones are the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE and the Google Pixel 8. Samsung established the “FE” (Fan Edition) line last year with the S21 FE, while Google’s numbered Pixel lineup has been a favorite for years.The Galaxy S23 FE and Pixel 8 aim to deliver premium features and performance at more affordable prices compared to high-end flagships. Samsung and Google take different approaches, but both phones promise to raise the bar in the mid-range category. In this post, we’ll compare the specs, features, and pricing between the Galaxy S23 FE and Pixel 8 to see which comes out on top as the mid-range champ.

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE features and Overview

Samsung is rumored to launch the Galaxy S23 FE in fall 2023 at an expected starting price of $699. As an upgrade over last year’s S21 FE, the S23 FE looks to deliver key improvements while offering flagship-level features at a lower cost.

The S23 FE is expected to have a large 6.4” FHD+ Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. Powering the phone will likely be the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, which offers a performance boost over the S21 FE’s processor.

For photography, the Galaxy S23 FE is rumored to come equipped with a triple camera array featuring a 40 MP main sensor, a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and an 8 MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. The phone should also provide ample battery life with its rumored 4,500mAh battery and 25W wired charging.

Other key features expected on the S23 FE include an under-display optical fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication, wireless charging support, an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, and One UI 5.1 based on Android 13. The S23 FE is rumored to come in a range of colors, including graphite, lavender, olive, and white.

Google Pixel 8 features and  Overview

Meanwhile, Google is preparing for the release of its flagship Pixel 8 and 8 Pro smartphones, expected in fall 2023. Unlike Samsung, Google aims to compete in the premium space. But the base Pixel 8 model should appeal to mid-range buyers given its expected $599 starting price.

Details remain scarce, but the Pixel 8 is rumored to feature a 6.2” Full HD+ OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, it should run Google’s next-gen Tensor G2 chipset to enable advanced AI and machine learning capabilities.

In terms of optics, rumors point to a triple rear camera setup featuring a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP telephoto for up to 5x optical zoom. This would allow the Pixel 8 to capture stunning photos with features like the Magic Eraser. The battery should measure around 4,700 mAh and charge at up to 30W with a USB-C PD charger.

Google’s version of Android has historically been the highlight of Pixel phones. The Pixel 8 should showcase the latest Android 13 along with Google’s AI-driven software features like Google Assistant voice controls, Recorder app transcripts, Live Caption, and more. Face unlock is also rumored to complement the in-display fingerprint reader. Colors are said to include black, white, and light green.

Comparison of Key Specs and Features

Display: With its larger 6.4” screen and faster 120Hz refresh rate, the Galaxy S23 FE appears to have an advantage over the Pixel 8’s assumed 6.2” 90Hz panel. However, Pixel’s OLED technology could potentially make it look more vivid.

Processor: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip expected in the S23 FE is a modest upgrade from the S21 FE’s processor. But Google’s custom Tensor G2 in the Pixel 8 is designed specifically for AI, so it could be a close matchup.

Cameras: While the Pixel 8’s rumored 50MP main lens may capture more detail, the S23 FE’s triple camera setup adds more versatility with an 8MP telephoto and 3x optical zoom. Pixel likely still wins for AI-enabled computational photography.

Battery: The Pixel 8 is rumored to squeeze in a slightly larger 4,700mAh battery versus 4,500mAh in the S23 FE. Both support wireless charging, but Google may have faster wired charging at 30W versus 25W for Samsung.

Software: Google’s Pixel software has always stood out for its AI capabilities, user-friendly features, and timely updates. One UI offers plenty of customization, but Pixel’s software advantages give it an edge.

With competitive specs and winning software, the Pixel 8 appears to edge out the S23 FE in key areas while likely maintaining its lower $599 price tag. But Samsung offers more screen real estate, versatile cameras, and the S Pen (on the Ultra model) as advantages.

Samsung s23 FE & Pixel 8Pricing and value comparison:

When it comes to pricing, there is expected to be a noticeable difference between how the Galaxy S23 FE and Pixel 8 are priced in the United States compared to Bangladesh. In the US, the rumored starting price for the S23 FE is $699, while the Pixel 8 is likely to start at $599.

However, in Bangladesh, due to various import duties and taxes, the pricing for these devices will be considerably higher. The Galaxy S23 FE could retail for 80,000 to 90,000 BDT (Bangladeshi Taka), which equates to around $900 to $1,000.

Meanwhile, the Pixel 8 may be priced from 70,000 to 80,000 BDT, or approximately $800 to $900. This means buyers in Bangladesh can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $400 more for the exact same devices. Regional pricing disparities are common in the smartphone market.But the cost gap is often more pronounced in emerging markets like Bangladesh compared to the US and other developed economies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some sample FAQs about the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE and Google Pixel 8:

What are the differences between the Galaxy S23 FE and the Pixel 8?

Some key differences are that the S23 FE has a larger 6.4″ 120Hz AMOLED display compared to the 6.2″ 90Hz OLED on the Pixel 8. The S23 FE is powered by a Snapdragon chip, while the Pixel 8 uses Google’s own Tensor processor. The Pixel 8 likely has better camera quality from its rumored 50MP sensor, while the S23 FE offers 3x optical zoom. The Pixel 8 runs stock Android 13 and focuses more on AI features.

When will the S23 FE and Pixel 8 be released?

Both phones are expected to be announced and released in fall 2023, likely in September or October. The Pixel 8 will ship with Android 13 out of the box.

How much will the Galaxy S23 FE and Pixel 8 price?

Rumored pricing is around $699 for the Galaxy S23 FE and starts at $599 for the 128GB Pixel 8 model. The phones should cost less than premium flagships.

What colors will the S23 FE and Pixel 8 come in?
The S23 FE is rumored to come in graphite, lavender, olive, and white color options. The Pixel 8 may launch in black, white, and light green colors.

Will the phones support 5G connectivity?
Yes, both the Galaxy S23 FE and Pixel 8 will support 5G networks thanks to their Qualcomm and Google chipsets.

Do the phones have headphone jacks?
Unfortunately, neither model is expected to have a 3.5mm headphone jack, based on recent releases and leaks. You’ll need USB-C or wireless headphones.

What kind of battery life can we expect?
With batteries around 4500–4700 mAh, both phones should last a full day on a charge. The S23 FE has 25W wired charging, while the Pixel 8 may have slightly faster 30W charging.

I hope this helps summarize some key details and answer common questions about Samsung and Google’s upcoming mid-range flagships! Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions.

Conclusion
The Galaxy S23 FE and Pixel 8 are shaping up to be two excellent choices for affordable mid-range flagships in 2023. With expected pricing starting around $599–699, both provide compelling value compared to premium $1000+ phones.

For those wanting maximum screen space, long battery life, and S Pen support, the Galaxy S23 FE makes a lot of sense. But buyers focused on computational photography, AI features, and software have the Pixel 8 as a top contender. With their unique strengths and cheaper prices, the S23 FE and Pixel 8 prove you don’t need to spend a lot to get an impressive flagship-level phone.We’ll have to wait for official details and reviews to declare a definitive winner.