“Flagship killer” feels like a bit of a throwback these days, but the allure of a powerhouse handset without the premium price tag remains as appealing as ever. If you’re in the market for an affordable flagship phone, the new Google Pixel 8 and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE will undoubtedly be at the top of your shortlist.
Priced at $599 and $699, the two phones shave hundreds off the cost of entry compared to the premium Galaxy or iPhone series, yet they barely compromise the essential specifications. Both phones come equipped with great displays, solid camera setups, wireless charging, IP68 ratings, fast networking, and big batteries; essentially everything you’d want from a top-notch smartphone experience. That said, the phones trade down some aspects, such as older Gorilla Glass 5 protection and marginally weaker camera setups, to keep prices affordable compared to the top-end models. But those are certainly trade-offs we can live with.