Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max 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 Pro Max's 48MP, and the S23 Ultra 5G has the bigger battery of the two, 5000mAh against 4422mAh, but capacity doesn't compare cleanly across iOS and Android, so it isn't a battery-life verdict on its own. The iPhone 15 Pro Max 5G 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. The S23 Ultra 5G doesn't just win on price; it holds its own on specs too, which makes it the easy pick unless something specific draws you to the iPhone 15 Pro Max 5G.
Total contract costs are about level, around £746 for either phone.
12 reviews 4.5
10 reviews
Prices updated 19 July 2026
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
|
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.5 12 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 A17 Pro | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 4,422 mAh | 5,000 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/6e |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 with A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 221 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 |
£28.75/mo
£20.00 upfront |
£59.00/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £459.95 | £279.99 |
| Prices updated 19 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
Cheapest Deals
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is cheaper on contract at £745.50 over the life of the deal from £59.00 per month with £30.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 15 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 15 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 15 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 15 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 15 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 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra use?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A17 Pro , 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 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max is the more portable of the two: it's 12g lighter at 221 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 159.9 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm, and is slimmer at 8.3mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 15 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 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra run?
The Apple iPhone 15 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.