Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S23
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S23 has the better camera on paper, 50MP versus 12MP, and the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.7" against 6.1" and sharper at 457 PPI. Storage goes higher on the iPhone 12 Pro Max, up to 512GB against 256GB, and the S23 5G is the lighter phone at 167g against 228g. Get the iPhone 12 Pro Max if those extras are worth it to you; otherwise the S23 5G covers the basics for less.
If you'd rather pay up front, the S23 5G is the cheaper buy at £185 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.2
11 reviews
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
|
Samsung Galaxy S23
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 10 reviews |
4.2 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.1" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1284 x 2778 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 422 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 3,687 mAh | 3,900 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | iOS14 | Android 13 |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | Nano SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm | 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm |
| Weight | 228 grams | 167 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts | - |
£20.99/mo
£19.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £199.99 | £184.95 |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 422, and the Apple iPhone 12 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 12 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Apple iPhone 12 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 12 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £184.95.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 use?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, 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 12 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the more portable of the two: it's 61g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 run?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max runs iOS14 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.