Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus leads on camera hardware with a 50MP main sensor to the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max's 48MP, and storage goes higher on the iPhone 15 Pro Max 5G, up to 1TB against 512GB. The iPhone 15 Pro Max 5G has the sharper display at 460 PPI to 390, and the S23+ 5G is the lighter phone at 195g against 221g. The iPhone 15 Pro Max 5G is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the S23+ 5G is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.
On price there's almost nothing between them: both work out around £725 over a full contract.
12 reviews 4.2
10 reviews
Prices updated 19 July 2026
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
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Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.5 12 reviews |
4.2 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.6" |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1290 x 2796 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 460 | 390 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A17 Pro | Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 4,422 mAh | 4,700 mAh |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB |
| 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/6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 with A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm | 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm |
| Weight | 221 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 |
£28.75/mo
£20.00 upfront |
£57.33/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £459.95 | £289.95 |
| Prices updated 19 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is cheaper on contract at £725.46 over the life of the deal from £57.33 per month with £30.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.7" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus's 6.6", the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max has the sharper display at 460 pixels per inch versus 390, and the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max uses a LTPO 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 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max 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 Pro Max 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 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus use?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A17 Pro , 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 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is the more portable of the two: it's 26g lighter at 195 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm, and is slimmer at 7.6mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max 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 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus run?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max 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.