Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus has a far higher-resolution main camera, 50MP against the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max's 12MP, and the S23+ 5G supports 5G while the iPhone 11 Pro Max tops out at 4G. The S23+ 5G packs the bigger battery, 4700mAh against 3969mAh, but capacity doesn't compare cleanly across iOS and Android, so it isn't a battery-life verdict on its own, and the iPhone 11 Pro Max has the sharper display at 456 PPI to 390. Only pay up for the S23+ 5G if you'll use what it offers; if not, the iPhone 11 Pro Max makes more sense.
Buying outright, the iPhone 11 Pro Max starts at £180 SIM-free.
17 reviews 4.2
10 reviews
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max
|
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.6 17 reviews |
4.2 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.5" | 6.6" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1242 x 2688 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 456 | 390 |
| 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 | 4,700 mAh |
| Storage | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB | 256GB, 512GB |
| 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/6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 158 x 77.8 x 8.1 mm | 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm |
| Weight | 226 grams | 195 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 | - |
£57.33/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £179.99 | £319.99 |
| 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 Plus?
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 390, and the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 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 Plus?
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 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max is available in 64GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus use?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 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 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is the more portable of the two: it's 31g lighter at 195 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 157.8 x 76.2 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 Plus?
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 Plus run?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 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.