Apple iPhone 16 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the better camera on paper, 200MP versus 48MP, and the S23 Ultra 5G has the sharper display at 500 PPI to 460. The Apple iPhone 16 Plus is the lighter phone at 199g against 233g. Unusually, the cheaper S23 Ultra 5G takes some of the spec wins as well, so it's the obvious choice for most people.
The S23 Ultra 5G is the cheaper one to own: around £746 over a typical contract, £50 less than the iPhone 16 Plus.
12 reviews 4.5
10 reviews
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Apple iPhone 16 Plus
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Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 12 reviews |
4.5 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.7" | 6.8" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2796 x 1290 | 1440 x 3080 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 460 | 500 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A18 (3 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 4,674 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/6e/7 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.80 mm | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 199 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 |
£32.79/mo
£9.00 upfront |
£59.00/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £510.00 | £279.99 |
| Prices updated 26 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 16 Plus 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 16 Plus 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 16 Plus 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 16 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 Plus 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 16 Plus 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 16 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 Plus is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra use?
The Apple iPhone 16 Plus is powered by the Apple A18 (3 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 16 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 Plus is the more portable of the two: it's 34g lighter at 199 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.80 mm, and is slimmer at 7.8mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 Plus 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 16 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra run?
The Apple iPhone 16 Plus 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.