Apple iPhone 13 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus leads on camera hardware with a 50MP main sensor to the Apple iPhone 13's 12MP, and the S23+ 5G packs the bigger battery, 4700mAh against 3227mAh, but capacity doesn't compare cleanly across iOS and Android, so it isn't a battery-life verdict on its own. The S23+ 5G has the bigger screen at 6.6" against 6.1", while the iPhone 13 has the sharper one at 457 PPI, and the iPhone 13 is the lighter phone at 173g against 195g. Only pay up for the S23+ 5G if you'll use what it offers; if not, the iPhone 13 makes more sense.
The iPhone 13 is the cheaper one to own: around £433 over a typical contract, £292 less than the S23+ 5G.
10 reviews 4.2
10 reviews
Prices updated 20 July 2026
Apple iPhone 13
|
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.6 10 reviews |
4.2 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.6" |
| Display | OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 390 |
| 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 | 3,227 mAh | 4,700 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 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/6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm | 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm |
| Weight | 173 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 |
£12.99/mo
£99.00 upfront |
£57.33/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £199.95 | £299.99 |
| Prices updated 20 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 13 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 13 is cheaper on contract at £433.16 over the life of the deal from £12.99 per month with £99.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 13 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus has the bigger screen at 6.6" compared to the Apple iPhone 13's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 13 has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 390, and the Apple iPhone 13 uses a OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 13 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 13 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 13 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 13 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £199.95.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 13 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 13 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 13 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus use?
The Apple iPhone 13 is powered by the Apple A15 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 13 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 13 is the more portable of the two: it's 22g lighter at 173 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 13 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 13 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 13 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus run?
The Apple iPhone 13 runs Apple iOS 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.