Apple iPhone 13 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a far higher-resolution main camera, 200MP against the Apple iPhone 13's 12MP, and the S23 Ultra 5G packs the bigger battery, 5000mAh against 3227mAh, 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 is the lighter phone at 173g against 233g. Get the S23 Ultra 5G if those extras are worth it to you; otherwise the iPhone 13 covers the basics for less.
Over a full contract, the iPhone 13 works out around £433 all-in, about £312 less than the S23 Ultra 5G.
10 reviews 4.5
10 reviews
Prices updated 21 July 2026
Apple iPhone 13
|
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.6 10 reviews |
4.5 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.8" |
| Display | 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 | 3,227 mAh | 5,000 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/6e |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 173 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 |
£12.99/mo
£99.00 upfront |
£59.00/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £199.95 | £279.99 |
| Prices updated 21 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 13 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 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 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Apple iPhone 13's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the sharper display at 500 pixels per inch versus 457, and the Apple iPhone 13 uses a OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 13 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 13 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 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
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 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 13 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 13 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra use?
The Apple iPhone 13 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 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 13 is the more portable of the two: it's 60g lighter at 173 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm, and is slimmer at 7.65mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 13 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 13 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 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra run?
The Apple iPhone 13 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.