Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has a massively higher-resolution main camera, 50MP against the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max's 12MP, and the S23 FE supports 5G while the iPhone 11 Pro Max tops out at 4G. The S23 FE packs the bigger battery, 4500mAh against 3969mAh, though iOS and Android manage power differently, so more mAh doesn't always mean longer battery life, and the iPhone 11 Pro Max goes up to 512GB of storage, where the S23 FE tops out at 256GB. Get the S23 FE if those extras are worth it to you; otherwise the iPhone 11 Pro Max covers the basics for less.
Buying outright, the iPhone 11 Pro Max starts at £180 SIM-free.
17 reviews 3.6
11 reviews
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max
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Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.6 17 reviews |
3.6 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.5" | 6.4" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1242 x 2688 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 456 | 403 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 10 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) | Exynos 2200 |
| Battery | 3,969 mAh | 4,500 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 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 158 x 77.8 x 8.1 mm | 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm |
| Weight | 226 grams | 209 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP53 - dust and splash protection |
| Contracts | - | - |
| SIM-free | £179.99 | £209.99 |
| 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 FE?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.5", the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max has the sharper display at 456 pixels per inch versus 403, and the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 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 FE?
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 FE?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max is available in 64GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE use?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE uses the Exynos 2200.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the more portable of the two: it's 17g lighter at 209 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is rated IP53 - dust and splash protection.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE run?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 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.