Apple iPhone 15 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus has the better camera on paper, 50MP versus 48MP, and the S23+ 5G has the bigger battery of the two, 4700mAh against 3349mAh, though iOS and Android manage power differently, so more mAh doesn't always mean longer battery life. The S23+ 5G has the bigger screen at 6.6" against 6.1", while the Apple iPhone 15 has the sharper one at 461 PPI, and the iPhone 15 5G is the lighter phone at 171g against 195g. The S23+ 5G is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the iPhone 15 5G is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.
The iPhone 15 5G is the cheaper one to own: around £547 over a typical contract, £178 less than the S23+ 5G.
12 reviews 4.2
10 reviews
Prices updated 20 July 2026
Apple iPhone 15
|
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 12 reviews |
4.2 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.6" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1179 x 2556 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 461 | 390 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 3,349 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 | 5.3 with A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm | 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm |
| Weight | 171 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 |
£20.50/mo
£10.00 upfront |
£57.33/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £334.99 | £289.95 |
| Prices updated 20 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 15 is cheaper on contract at £547.00 over the life of the deal from £20.50 per month with £10.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus has the bigger screen at 6.6" compared to the Apple iPhone 15's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 15 has the sharper display at 461 pixels per inch versus 390, and the Apple iPhone 15 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 15 features a 48 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 15 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £289.95.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 15 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 15 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 15 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus use?
The Apple iPhone 15 is powered by the Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm), 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 15 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 15 is the more portable of the two: it's 24g lighter at 171 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 15 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 15 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus run?
The Apple iPhone 15 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.