Apple iPhone 14 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 14's 12MP, and there's more battery in the S23 Ultra 5G, 5000mAh to 3279mAh, but capacity doesn't compare cleanly across iOS and Android, so it isn't a battery-life verdict on its own. The S23 Ultra 5G has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.8" against 6.1" and sharper at 500 PPI, and the iPhone 14 5G is the lighter phone at 172g against 233g. The S23 Ultra 5G is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the iPhone 14 5G is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.
Over a full contract, the iPhone 14 5G works out around £457 all-in, about £288 less than the S23 Ultra 5G.
10 reviews 4.5
10 reviews
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Apple iPhone 14
|
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.0 10 reviews |
4.5 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.8" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 1440 x 3080 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 500 |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 3,279 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 | 5.3 with A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 172 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 |
£16.75/mo
£10.00 upfront |
£59.00/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £229.95 | £279.99 |
| Prices updated 26 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 14 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 14 is cheaper on contract at £457.00 over the life of the deal from £16.75 per month with £10.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 14 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Apple iPhone 14's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the sharper display at 500 pixels per inch versus 457, and the Apple iPhone 14 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 14 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 14 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 14 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 14 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £229.95.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 14 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 14 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 14 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra use?
The Apple iPhone 14 is powered by the Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm), 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 14 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 14 is the more portable of the two: it's 61g lighter at 172 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm, and is slimmer at 7.8mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 14 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 14 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra run?
The Apple iPhone 14 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.