Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a dramatically higher-resolution main camera, 200MP against the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max's 12MP, and the S23 Ultra 5G packs the bigger battery, 5000mAh against 4352mAh, though iOS and Android manage power differently, so more mAh doesn't always mean longer battery life. The iPhone 13 Pro Max offers up to 1TB of storage versus 512GB on the S23 Ultra 5G, and the S23 Ultra 5G has the sharper display at 500 PPI to 457. The S23 Ultra 5G doesn't just win on price; it holds its own on specs too, which makes it the easy pick unless something specific draws you to the iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Buying outright, the S23 Ultra 5G starts at £280 SIM-free.
10 reviews 4.5
10 reviews
Prices updated 21 July 2026
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
|
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.5 10 reviews |
4.5 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.8" |
| Display | Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1284 x 2778 | 1440 x 3080 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 500 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 4,352 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB |
| 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 | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 238 grams | 233 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 | - |
£59.00/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £289.00 | £279.99 |
| 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 Ultra?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.7", the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the sharper display at 500 pixels per inch versus 457, and the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max uses a Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED LCD panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max 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 13 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £279.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra use?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A15 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 13 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the more portable of the two: it's 5g lighter at 233 grams.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
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 Ultra run?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max runs Apple iOS 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.