Apple iPhone 13 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 13 Pro Max has the bigger battery of the two, 4352mAh against 3900mAh, but capacity doesn't compare cleanly across iOS and Android, so it isn't a battery-life verdict on its own. The iPhone 13 Pro Max has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.7" against 6.1" and sharper at 457 PPI, and storage goes higher on the iPhone 13 Pro Max, up to 1TB against 256GB. Only pay up for the iPhone 13 Pro Max if you'll use what it offers; if not, the S23 5G makes more sense.
Buying outright, the S23 5G starts at £240 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.2
11 reviews
Prices updated 21 July 2026
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
|
Samsung Galaxy S23
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.5 10 reviews |
4.2 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.1" |
| Display | Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD | 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 A15 Bionic | Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 4,352 mAh | 3,900 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Apple iOS | Android 13 |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | Nano SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | Info unavailable | 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm |
| Weight | 238 grams | 167 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts | - |
£20.00/mo
£19.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £289.00 | £239.99 |
| Prices updated 21 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 422, and the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max uses a Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Apple iPhone 13 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 13 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £239.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 use?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A15 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 13 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the more portable of the two: it's 71g lighter at 167 grams.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23?
Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 run?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max runs Apple iOS 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.