Answer
Not equivalent
Work Step by Step
Given $(x^2)^3=x^{2+3}=x^6$
and $x^{{2}^3}=x^8$
The expressions are not equivalent because the parentheses changed what is being cubed. In the first expression, the exponent affects the entire value in parentheses. But in the second expression, there are no parentheses, so 2 and 3 are added.
