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iPhone 15 vs Samsung S23 Ultra – which fits for you?

We compare specs price and usability to give you a clearer idea of preference

Reviewed By: Kevin Pocock

Last Updated on September 18, 2023
iPhone 15 vs Samsung S23 Ultra
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Apple’s latest flagship smartphone, the iPhone 15 series, has generated a lot of buzz in the tech community. These devices come packed with powerful features and cutting-edge technology. In this article, we will compare the iPhone 15 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra – its closest competitor.

We will look into their features, camera capabilities, display quality, and more to help you make an informed decision. Now, let’s get started.

iPhone 15 vs Samsung S23 Ultra – design and display

Both the Apple iPhone 15 models and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra boast stunning designs and high-quality displays. The iPhone 15 features a 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2,556 x 1,179 pixels, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra sports a larger 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a resolution of 3,088×1,440 pixels. Both devices offer vibrant colors and excellent contrast, providing an immersive viewing experience.

DetailSamsung Galaxy S23 UltraiPhone 15
Display6.8-inch AMOLED6.1-inch OLED (Standard, Pro)
6.7-inch OLED (Plus, Pro Max)
Refresh Rate120Hz60Hz (standard, Plus)
120Hz (Pro, Pro Max)
CPUSnapdragon 8 Gen 2 octa-coreA16 Bionic (standard, Plus)
A17 Pro Bionic (Pro, Pro Max)
Internal Storage256GB, 512GB, 1TB128GB, 256GB, 512GB (all models)
1TB (Pro, Pro Max)
Main Camera / Rear Camera200MP wide/10 MP periscope, telephoto lens48MP main/12 MP ultrawide (standard, Plus)
48MP main/12 MP ultrawide, 12 MP 3x telephoto (Pro)
48MP main/12 MP ultrawide, 5x periscope telephoto (Pro Max)
Front Camera12 MP48 MP
Charging PortUSB Type CUSB Type C
Battery Lifeup to 26 hours video playbackApprox. 26 hours of video playback
PriceS23 256 GB from $1199.99
S23 512 GB from $1379.99
S23 1TB from $1619.99
iPhone 15 Standard from $799
iPhone 15 Plus Plus from $899
iPhone 15 Pro from $999
iPhone 15 Pro Max from $1199
S23 Ultra vs iPhone 15 specs

iPhone 15 vs Samsung S23 Ultra – camera

The camera capabilities of a smartphone play a crucial role in today’s smartphone market. Both the iPhone 15 and the Galaxy S23 Ultra come equipped with powerful camera systems and lenses that can capture stunning photos and videos.

The iPhone 15 features a 48-megapixel wide camera, a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera, and a 12-megapixel telephoto camera with 4x optical zoom. On the other hand, the Galaxy S23 Ultra boasts a 200-megapixel wide camera, a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera, and a 10-megapixel telephoto camera with 10x optical zoom.

While the megapixel count is higher on the Galaxy S23 Ultra, it’s important to note that megapixels alone do not determine the overall performance of the camera system.

Both devices offer impressive low-light photography capabilities and advanced image-processing algorithms. The iPhone 15 utilizes Apple’s latest technology, which enhances image quality and supports computational photography techniques. The Galaxy S23 Ultra, on the other hand, leverages Samsung’s expertise in camera technology to deliver exceptional image quality.

Performance and Software

When it comes to performance, the iPhone 15 and the Galaxy S23 Ultra are powerhouses in their own right. The iPhone 15 is powered by Apple’s A16 Bionic chip and hexa-core CPU configuration, which allows it to handle demanding tasks such as gaming and video editing.

On the other hand, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, optimized for Samsung’s flagship devices. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor ensures smooth multitasking and seamless performance.

In terms of software, the iPhone 15 runs on iOS 17, Apple’s latest operating system. iOS 17 offers a seamless user experience, enhanced privacy features, and a vast ecosystem of apps. The Galaxy S23 Ultra runs on Android 13, Samsung’s customized version of the Android operating system. Android 13 provides users with a highly customizable interface and access to a wide range of apps through the Google Play Store.

iPhone 15 vs S23 Ultra battery life

Battery life is an important consideration for any smartphone user. The iPhone 15 comes with a 3,349mAh battery. It offers impressive battery life, with Apple claiming up to 26 hours of video playback and up to 20 hours of streaming on a single charge. The larger iPhone 15 Pro boasts even better battery life, with Apple claiming up to 29 hours of video playback and up to 25 hours of streaming.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, which ensures all-day usage. Samsung’s optimization techniques and power-saving features help extend the battery life of the device.

Both the iPhone 15 and the Galaxy S23 Ultra support fast charging. The iPhone 15 utilizes USB-C technology for faster charging speeds of up to 10Gbps, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra supports wired charging speeds of up to 45W and wireless charging.

Additional features

Aside from their core functionalities, both the iPhone 15 and the Galaxy S23 Ultra offer a range of additional features that enhance the overall user experience.

The iPhone 15 introduces the Dynamic Island, a new feature that allows users to customize their device’s home screen with widgets and app icons. It also supports Face ID for secure facial recognition and Apple’s MagSafe technology for easy attachment of accessories.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra boasts an integrated S-Pen, a stylus that provides precise control and enhances productivity. It also offers an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, ensuring protection in various environments.

Price

The iPhone 15 starts at $799 for the 128GB model, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra starts at $1,200.

PC Guide view

Both the iPhone 15 and the Galaxy S23 Ultra are exceptional smartphones that offer powerful performance, stunning displays, and advanced camera capabilities. It may be a simple choice of Android or iOS unless the pricier S23 Ultra puts you off (the S23 and S23 Plus are cheaper). Still, whether you opt for the iPhone 15 or the Galaxy S23 Ultra, you can rest assured that you’re getting a top-of-the-line device that will cater to your needs.

Kevin is the Editor of PC Guide. He has a broad interest and enthusiasm for consumer electronics, PCs and all things consumer tech - and more than 15 years experience in tech journalism.