Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is the newer of the two, a 2023 release against the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max's 2020. The S23+ 5G has the better camera on paper, 50MP versus 12MP, and the S23+ 5G packs the bigger battery, 4700mAh against 3687mAh, though iOS and Android manage power differently, so more mAh doesn't always mean longer battery life. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has the sharper display at 457 PPI to 390, and the S23+ 5G is the lighter phone at 195g against 228g. Get the S23+ 5G if those extras are worth it to you; otherwise the iPhone 12 Pro Max covers the basics for less.
Buying outright, the iPhone 12 Pro Max starts at £231 SIM-free.
12 reviews 4.1
12 reviews
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
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Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
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|---|---|---|
| Release Date | 13 November 2020 | 17 February 2023 |
| Expert Rating |
4.4 12 reviews |
4.1 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.6" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1284 x 2778 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 390 |
| 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 | 4,700 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 256GB, 512GB |
| 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/6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4 mm | 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm |
| Weight | 228 grams | 195 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 | - |
£57.33/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £231.00 | £269.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus's 6.6", the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 390, and the Apple iPhone 12 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 12 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 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 12 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £231.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus use?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, 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 12 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is the more portable of the two: it's 33g lighter at 195 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 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 Plus run?
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max runs iOS14 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.