Got it — here’s a quick *S23 vs S23 Ultra vs S24 vs Pixel 9* breakdown so you can see what you’d gain or lose:
1. *Samsung Galaxy S23*
*Best if you want*: Compact size, still fast, good value now
– *Screen*: 6.1″ 120Hz, flat
– *Chip*: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
– *Camera*: 50MP main + 10MP 3x + 12MP ultrawide
– *Battery*: 3900mAh, 25W charging
– *Weight*: 167g
– *Vibe*: Easy one-hand use, no S Pen, all-rounder
2. *Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra*
*Best if you want*: Best Samsung camera + S Pen productivity
– *Screen*: 6.8″ 120Hz, curved, QHD+
– *Chip*: Same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
– *Camera*: 200MP main + 10MP 3x + 10MP 10x + 12MP ultrawide. 100x Space Zoom is gimmicky but 10x optical is great
– *Battery*: 5000mAh, 45W charging
– *Bonus*: Built-in S Pen for notes, doodles, quick edits
– *Weight*: 234g — it’s a brick
3. *Samsung Galaxy S24*
*Best if you want*: Latest base model with AI features
– *Screen*: 6.2″ 120Hz, brighter, LTPO 1-120Hz
– *Chip*: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy or Exynos 2400 depending on region
– *Camera*: Same 50MP/10MP 3x/12MP setup as S23, but better processing
– *Battery*: 4000mAh, 25W charging
– *AI*: Live Translate, Circle to Search, Photo Assist, longer 7-year update promise
– *Vibe*: S23 but smarter and slightly bigger
4. *Google Pixel 9*
*Best if you want*: Best point-and-shoot camera + clean Android
– *Screen*: 6.3″ 120Hz Actua display
– *Chip*: Tensor G4 — weaker for gaming, great for AI/photo processing
– *Camera*: 50MP main + 48MP ultrawide. Google’s processing is king for photos, especially night/portrait
– *Battery*: 4700mAh, 27W wired, faster wireless
– *AI*: Gemini built deep into Android, Magic Editor, Best Take, Call Assist
– *Vibe*: Software > hardware. Less bloat, faster updates
Quick pick guide
If you want… Get this
Small phone, good value **S23**
Zoom + S Pen + battery **S23 Ultra**
Newer AI features, 7-yr updates **S24**
Best photos, clean Android **Pixel 9**
Gaming performance **S23 Ultra / S24**
The S23 is still worth it in 2026 if you find it cheap and don’t care about the AI gimmicks. The S24 is the safer buy if you want longer support. Pixel 9 wins if photos are your priority.
What matters most to you — camera, battery, size, AI features, or price? I’ll narrow it down.