Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has the better camera on paper, 50MP versus 48MP, and the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.7" against 6.4" and sharper at 460 PPI. The iPhone 15 Pro Max 5G goes up to 1TB of storage, where the S23 FE tops out at 256GB, and the S23 FE is the lighter phone at 209g against 221g. The iPhone 15 Pro Max 5G is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the S23 FE is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.
If you'd rather pay up front, the S23 FE is the cheaper buy at £179 SIM-free.
12 reviews 3.6
11 reviews
Prices updated 19 July 2026
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
|
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.5 12 reviews |
3.6 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.4" |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1290 x 2796 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 460 | 403 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 10 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A17 Pro | Exynos 2200 |
| Battery | 4,422 mAh | 4,500 mAh |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 128GB, 256GB |
| OS | Apple iOS | Android 13 |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | Nano SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 with A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm | 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm |
| Weight | 221 grams | 209 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP53 - dust and splash protection |
| Contracts |
£28.75/mo
£20.00 upfront |
- |
| SIM-free | £459.95 | £179.00 |
| Prices updated 19 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE's 6.4", the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max has the sharper display at 460 pixels per inch versus 403, and the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 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 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £179.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE use?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A17 Pro , while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE uses the Exynos 2200.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the more portable of the two: it's 12g lighter at 209 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is rated IP53 - dust and splash protection.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE run?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 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.