Apple iPhone 13 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra leads on camera hardware with a 200MP main sensor to the Apple iPhone 13 Pro's 12MP, and there's more battery in the S23 Ultra 5G, 5000mAh to 3095mAh, though iOS and Android manage power differently, so more mAh doesn't always mean longer battery life. The S23 Ultra 5G has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.8" against 6.1" and sharper at 500 PPI, and the iPhone 13 Pro offers up to 1TB of storage versus 512GB on the S23 Ultra 5G. The S23 Ultra 5G is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the iPhone 13 Pro is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.
Buying outright, the iPhone 13 Pro starts at £268 SIM-free.
11 reviews 4.5
10 reviews
Prices updated 21 July 2026
Apple iPhone 13 Pro
|
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.4 11 reviews |
4.5 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.8" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 | 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 | 3,095 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | Apple iOS | Android 13 |
| SIM Type | nano-SIM and e- 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 7.7 mm | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 204 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 | - |
£59.00/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £268.00 | £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 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Apple iPhone 13 Pro's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the sharper display at 500 pixels per inch versus 457, and the Apple iPhone 13 Pro 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 13 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro 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 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £268.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 13 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro 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 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra use?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro 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 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro is the more portable of the two: it's 29g lighter at 204 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.7 mm, and is slimmer at 7.7mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 13 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro 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 13 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra run?
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro 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.