Apple iPhone 12 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the better camera on paper, 200MP versus 12MP, and there's more battery in the S23 Ultra 5G, 5000mAh to 2815mAh, but capacity doesn't compare cleanly across iOS and Android, so it isn't a battery-life verdict on its own. The S23 Ultra 5G has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.8" against 6.1" and sharper at 500 PPI, and storage goes higher on the S23 Ultra 5G, up to 512GB against 256GB. Only pay up for the S23 Ultra 5G if you'll use what it offers; if not, the Apple iPhone 12 makes more sense.
The iPhone 12 is the cheaper one to own: around £515 over a typical contract, £233 less than the S23 Ultra 5G.
18 reviews 4.5
10 reviews
Apple iPhone 12
|
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.3 18 reviews |
4.5 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.8" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 1440 x 3080 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 500 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 2,815 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | iOS 14.1 | Android 13 |
| SIM Type | Standard 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 with A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 164 grams | 233 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 |
£19.00/mo
£9.00 upfront |
£59.00/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £149.99 | £319.00 |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 12 is cheaper on contract at £515.00 over the life of the deal from £19.00 per month with £9.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Apple iPhone 12's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the sharper display at 500 pixels per inch versus 457, and the Apple iPhone 12 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 12 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 12 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 12 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £149.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 12 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 12 is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 12 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra use?
The Apple iPhone 12 is powered by the Apple A14 Bionic, 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 12 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 12 is the more portable of the two: it's 69g lighter at 164 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm, and is slimmer at 7.4mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 12 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 12 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), 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 12 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra run?
The Apple iPhone 12 runs iOS 14.1 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.