Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the newer of the two, a 2023 release against the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max's 2020. The S23 FE has the better camera on paper, 50MP versus 12MP, and there's more battery in the S23 FE, 4500mAh to 3687mAh, but capacity doesn't compare cleanly across iOS and Android, so it isn't a battery-life verdict on its own. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.7" against 6.4" and sharper at 457 PPI, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max goes up to 512GB of storage, where the S23 FE tops out at 256GB. Only pay up for the iPhone 12 Pro Max if you'll use what it offers; if not, the S23 FE makes more sense.
Buying outright, the S23 FE starts at £190 SIM-free.
12 reviews 3.7
13 reviews
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
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Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
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|---|---|---|
| Release Date | 13 November 2020 | 8 December 2023 |
| Expert Rating |
4.4 12 reviews |
3.7 13 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.4" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1284 x 2778 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 403 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 10 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Exynos 2200 |
| Battery | 3,687 mAh | 4,500 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 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm | 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm |
| Weight | 228 grams | 209 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP53 - dust and splash protection |
| Contracts | - | - |
| SIM-free | £223.00 | £189.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE's 6.4", the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 403, and the Apple iPhone 12 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 12 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Apple iPhone 12 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 12 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £189.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE use?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE uses the Exynos 2200.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the more portable of the two: it's 19g lighter at 209 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is rated IP53 - dust and splash protection.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE run?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max runs iOS14 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.