Apple iPhone 11 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra leads on camera hardware with a 200MP main sensor to the Apple iPhone 11's 12MP, and the S23 Ultra 5G supports 5G while the iPhone 11 tops out at 4G. The S23 Ultra 5G has the bigger battery of the two, 5000mAh against 3110mAh, but capacity doesn't compare cleanly across iOS and Android, so it isn't a battery-life verdict on its own, and the S23 Ultra 5G has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.8" against 6.1" and sharper at 500 PPI. The S23 Ultra 5G is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the iPhone 11 is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.
Over a full contract, the iPhone 11 works out around £486 all-in, about £260 less than the S23 Ultra 5G.
19 reviews 4.5
10 reviews
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Apple iPhone 11
|
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.5 19 reviews |
4.5 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.8" |
| Display | IPS LCD | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 828 x 1792 | 1440 x 3080 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 324 | 500 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 3,110 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 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/6e |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 194 grams | 233 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP65/68 - Dust and water proof up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts |
£18.00/mo
£9.00 upfront |
£59.00/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £119.99 | £349.95 |
| Prices updated 27 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 11 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 11 is cheaper on contract at £486.00 over the life of the deal from £18.00 per month with £9.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 11 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Apple iPhone 11's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the sharper display at 500 pixels per inch versus 324, and the Apple iPhone 11 uses a IPS LCD panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 11 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 11 features a 12 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 200 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 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 11 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £119.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 11 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 11 is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 11 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra use?
The Apple iPhone 11 is powered by the Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra uses the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 11 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 11 is the more portable of the two: it's 39g lighter at 194 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm, and is slimmer at 8.3mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 11 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 11 is rated IP65/68 - Dust and water proof up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 11 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra run?
The Apple iPhone 11 runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 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.