Samsung Galaxy S23+ vs Xiaomi Poco X8 Pro Max
Verdict
Samsung Galaxy S23+ and Xiaomi Poco X8 Pro Max tie on the OH Rank at a score of 68. Samsung Galaxy S23+ wins on Main Camera and Selfie; Xiaomi Poco X8 Pro Max wins on Performance and Battery. Xiaomi Poco X8 Pro Max is 1.7mm wider than Samsung Galaxy S23+. Xiaomi Poco X8 Pro Max is the more recent release, from Mar 17, 2026.
Score Breakdown
Performance /15
Battery /15
Screen /15
IP Protection /15
Main Camera /15
Selfie /5
Video /5
SD Memory /5
Software /5
Desktop Replacement /5
TOTAL
68
68
Samsung Galaxy S23+
76.2mm (3in) · Feb 17, 2023 · Rank #103
7+10+8+12+12+5+4+0+5+5 = 68
* TOP Selfie* TOP Software* TOP Desktop Replacement
EDITORIAL: Wider then S22+, S23+ brings minimal improvments as we're beginning to expect from Samsung. The chip is updated, there is just 200mAh added to the lithium battery, the screen is slightly brighter (still below 400ppi) and there is a new 12MP dual pixel PDAF selfie. It is no wonder the + tier of S series always sells the least, it is a good phone but just "good enough".
PROs
flagship build, fast SD 8 Gen 2 with UFS 4.0 performance, >30hr endurance from a 4700mAh lithium battery with >60min 25W (15W wireless) charging, IP68 protection, reliable 50MP 24mm main + 10MP 70mm tele + 12MP 13mm ultrawide setup, excellent 12MP 26mm dual pixel PDAF selfie, very good video recording, up to 4 OS updates, desktop replacement functionality (DeX) and a great fast USB-C 3.2 port with video out and OTG
CONs
sub-flagship >1100 nits sub-400ppi Dynamic AMOLED screen with HDR10+, no more SD memory option, Samsung seems to be building a higher wall around it's ecosystem encouraging users to buy other Samsung products
Xiaomi Poco X8 Pro Max
77.9mm (3.07in) · Mar 17, 2026 · Rank #98
11+14+11+12+6+3+3+0+5+3 = 68
* TOP Software* TOP Battery Endurance
EDITORIAL: Poco phones remain top "flagship killers" and the X8 Pro Max proves that point. Compromises are: processor - (just) below flagship grade, there is no tele lens and no AF on a 8MP ultrawide and on selfie. In all other respects, this is a fantastic value proposition and definitely worth your consideration if you're okay with it's heft. Battery endurance is as good as it gets.
PROs
flagship build quality, fast Dimensity 9500s with UFS 4.1 performance, record breaking endurance >48hrs from a large 8500mAh Si battery with sub-50min 100W charging, ~450ppi LTPS AMOLED screen with Dolby Vision, IP69 (IP68 in Europe) protection, very good 50MP 26mm OIS PDAF main camera, average selfie and video recording, up to 4 years of OS updates, screen sharing and tons of connectivity options for both PC and Mac and a very loud stereo speaker setup
CONs
big and hard to use one-hand, only ~1100nits of screen brightness, ultrawide and selfie performance bring down imaging scores, average video recording quality, no SD memory, slow USB-C 2.0 port (but it does offer OTG)
Both phones here were scored by me, using the same ten categories, with no ads, sponsorships, or manufacturer relationships — this comparison is as objective and honest as it gets.
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