Apple iPhone 15 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 15's 48MP, and the S23 Ultra 5G has the bigger battery of the two, 5000mAh against 3349mAh, 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 15 5G is the lighter phone at 171g against 233g. Get the S23 Ultra 5G if those extras are worth it to you; otherwise the iPhone 15 5G covers the basics for less.
The iPhone 15 5G is the cheaper one to own: around £547 over a typical contract, £198 less than the S23 Ultra 5G.
12 reviews 4.5
10 reviews
Prices updated 20 July 2026
Apple iPhone 15
|
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 12 reviews |
4.5 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.8" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1179 x 2556 | 1440 x 3080 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 461 | 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 | 3,349 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 | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 171 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 |
£20.50/mo
£10.00 upfront |
£59.00/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £334.99 | £279.99 |
| Prices updated 20 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 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 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Apple iPhone 15's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the sharper display at 500 pixels per inch versus 461, and the Apple iPhone 15 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 15 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 15 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 15 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 15 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 15 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 15 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra use?
The Apple iPhone 15 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 15 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 15 is the more portable of the two: it's 62g lighter at 171 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm, and is slimmer at 7.8mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 15 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 15 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra run?
The Apple iPhone 15 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.