Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S23
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S23 has the better camera on paper, 50MP versus 12MP, and the S23 5G supports 5G while the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max tops out at 4G. The iPhone 11 Pro Max has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.5" against 6.1" and sharper at 456 PPI, and storage goes higher on the iPhone 11 Pro Max, up to 512GB against 256GB. Only pay up for the S23 5G if you'll use what it offers; if not, the iPhone 11 Pro Max makes more sense.
If you'd rather pay up front, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is the cheaper buy at £180 SIM-free.
17 reviews 4.2
11 reviews
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max
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Samsung Galaxy S23
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.6 17 reviews |
4.2 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.5" | 6.1" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1242 x 2688 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 456 | 422 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) | Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 3,969 mAh | 3,900 mAh |
| Storage | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Apple iOS | Android 13 |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | Nano SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 4G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 158 x 77.8 x 8.1 mm | 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm |
| Weight | 226 grams | 167 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts | - |
£20.00/mo
£19.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £179.99 | £239.00 |
| Prices updated 26 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.5" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max has the sharper display at 456 pixels per inch versus 422, and the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 has a 50 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £179.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max is available in 64GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 use?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 uses the Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the more portable of the two: it's 59g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm, and is slimmer at 7.6mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23?
Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 run?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy S23 runs Android 13. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.