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Galaxy S23 vs iPhone 15 – Samsung or Apple?

Which flagship phone will come out on top?
Last Updated on October 11, 2023
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Roll up, we’re comparing the Galaxy S23 vs iPhone 15. In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, there are two giants that stand tall: the Samsung Galaxy and the iPhone. As the latest iterations of their respective flagship series, the Galaxy S23 and the iPhone 15 devices offer cutting-edge features, powerful performance, and stunning design.

Choosing between the two can be a tough decision, especially for tech enthusiasts seeking the best of both worlds. In this article, we will delve into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S23 and the iPhone 15, exploring their price, design, display, performance, and cameras. By the end, you’ll hopefully be equipped with the knowledge to make an informed choice of Samsung Galaxy or Apple iPhone.

Galaxy S23 Vs iPhone 15 specs

SpecificationSamsung Galaxy S23iPhone 15
BrandSamsungApple
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile PlatformA16 Bionic
Display6.1″ FHD+ AMOLED, 48~120Hz refresh, 240Hz touch sampling6.1-inch OLED
RAM8GB6GB
Storage128GB or 256GB128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Battery3,900mAh3,877mAh
PortsUSB-CUSB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack
Operating SystemOne UI 5.1 w/ Android 13iOS 17
Front Camera12MP f/2.212MP
Rear Cameras50MP f/1.8 OIS main, 12MP f/2.2 wide (120°), 10MP f/2.4 OIS telephoto (3x)48MP, 12MP ultrawide
Charging25W wired (Quick Charge 2, Samsung AFC), 15W wireless (Samsung Fast Wireless Charging 2.0/WPC), Wireless PowerShare20W, 15W wireless
IP RatingIP68IP68
Micro SD card supportNoNone

Galaxy S23 vs iPhone 15 features

Design

When it comes to design, both the Samsung Galaxy S23 and the iPhone 15 boast sleek aesthetics that appeal to users’ visual senses, and are undeniably attractive phones. Despite being from rival brands, it could be said that as the two devices exhibit the same basic dimensions and corner and edge structures, they actually look quite similar to each other in their overall design approach. However, there are still some features that divide the S23 and iPhone 15.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 features a matte backplate and comes in a range of vibrant colors, including Samsung exclusives like Lavender, Lime, Cream, and Graphite. The Galaxy S23 is the first of its S series phones to feature Gorilla Glass Victus 2, meaning the Galaxy has become not only more elegant but also more durable. Perhaps the biggest design change for the new iPhone is that it now features a USB-C port as opposed to the Lightning cable used on the rest of the iPhone lineup. However, the rest of the phone is built with a similar form factor to earlier models, with a frosted glass backing panel replacing the previously glossy casing, and an aluminum edge running along its entire perimeter. In terms of colors, the iPhone 15 is available in a larger variety of elegant shades than the S23, such as pink, yellow, green, blue, and black. Both phones have a premium look yet a quality feel, with both featuring IP68 protection from dust and water, solid build quality, and attention to detail.

Display

In terms of display, the Samsung Galaxy S23 shines with its Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology. It offers a 6.1-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a refresh rate that can range from 48Hz to 120Hz, providing smooth and vibrant visuals. The iPhone 15, on the other hand, features a 6.1-inch OLED display, offering excellent color accuracy and sharpness. While the iPhone 15’s display is not as advanced as the Samsung Galaxy S23’s, it still delivers a satisfying viewing experience, and makes use of the Dynamic Island feature.

Software and Performance

One of the major differences between the Samsung Galaxy S23 and the iPhone 15 lies in their operating systems. The Samsung Galaxy S23 runs on Android 13, with Samsung’s One UI 5.1 on top. The Android experience provided by Samsung gives greater flexibility and control over their software experience. Additionally, Samsung’s One UI 5.1 offers a polished user interface and various customization options not available on Apple devices.

In terms of performance, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform, offering excellent multitasking capabilities and smooth performance. The iPhone 15 is equipped with Apple’s A16 Bionic chip debuted in the iPhone 14. While it might not stand up to the next-gen A17 Pro processor featured on the iPhone 15 Pro, the A16 chipset still excels in single-core performance, making it a powerhouse for tasks that rely heavily on a single-core.

Cameras

The Samsung Galaxy S23 features a triple camera setup consisting of a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens. This setup allows for versatile photography, including wide-angle shots and zoomed-in images. 

The iPhone 15, on the other hand, comes with a 48MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 12MP selfie camera. While the iPhone 15’s main camera falls slightly behind in terms of megapixel count, it still delivers excellent image quality and is the first base iPhone model to be upgraded to the 48MP lens. Overall, both phones have decent camera hardware with a variety of different modes that can be played around and experimented with.

Galaxy S23 vs iPhone 15 price

When it comes to their cost, the two phones once again take a similar stance. Pricing for the Galaxy S23 starts from $799 for the 128GB version, while the iPhone 15 starts from $799 for the 128GB version. The phones are still similarly priced as you move up through the advanced models, with the iPhone 15 Pro Max starting at $1,199 for the 256GB model, and the Galaxy S23 Ultra also starting at $1,199.99 with the same storage capacity.

Is the Galaxy S23 better than the iPhone 15?

Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy S23 and the iPhone 15 depends on your personal preferences and priorities. The Samsung Galaxy S23 excels in areas such as display quality, camera versatility, and battery life. On the other hand, the iPhone 15 offers a polished user experience, reliable software support, and seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which device aligns best with your needs and preferences. While the iPhone 15 might be the top-end iPhone for the next year, we’re already starting to anticipate the release of the Galaxy S24 to see how Samsung is going to keep itself as a major player in the smartphone market.

Marla writes across a wide range of topics across PC Guide, including AI, PC hardware, and news on the latest tech releases. She's a passionate writer that's interested in the future of technology.