Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the better camera on paper, 200MP versus 48MP, and the S23 Ultra 5G packs the bigger battery, 5000mAh against 4323mAh, though iOS and Android manage power differently, so more mAh doesn't always mean longer battery life. The Apple iPhone 14 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 460. Only pay up for the S23 Ultra 5G if you'll use what it offers; if not, the iPhone 14 Pro Max 5G makes more sense.
Over a full contract, the iPhone 14 Pro Max 5G works out around £611 all-in, about £134 less than the S23 Ultra 5G.
10 reviews 4.5
10 reviews
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
|
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.6 10 reviews |
4.5 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.8" |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1290 x 2796 | 1440 x 3080 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 460 | 500 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 4,323 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 | 5.3 with A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 160.7 x 77.6 x 7.9 mm | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 240 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 |
£22.75/mo
£20.00 upfront |
£59.00/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £359.99 | £279.99 |
| Prices updated 25 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is cheaper on contract at £611.00 over the life of the deal from £22.75 per month with £20.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 14 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 460, and the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max uses a LTPO 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 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max features a 48 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 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 14 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 14 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 14 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra use?
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A16 Bionic (4 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 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
It's a trade-off: the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is lighter but the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is more compact. It's 7g lighter at 233 grams, though the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is actually the more compact phone at 160.7 x 77.6 x 7.9 mm, the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is slimmer at 7.9mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max 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 14 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra run?
The Apple iPhone 14 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.