Apple iPhone 16 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 16 Pro Max's 48MP, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.9" against 6.6" and sharper at 458 PPI. The iPhone 16 Pro Max goes up to 1TB of storage, where the S23+ 5G tops out at 512GB, and the S23+ 5G is the lighter phone at 195g against 227g. Get the iPhone 16 Pro Max if those extras are worth it to you; otherwise the S23+ 5G covers the basics for less.
The S23+ 5G is the cheaper one to own: around £725 over a typical contract, £166 less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
11 reviews 4.2
10 reviews
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
|
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.4 11 reviews |
4.2 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.9" | 6.6" |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1320 x 2868 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 458 | 390 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A18 Pro | Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 4,685 mAh | 4,700 mAh |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 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/6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 163 x 77.6 x 8.3 mm | 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm |
| Weight | 227 grams | 195 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts |
£34.42/mo
£20.00 upfront |
£57.33/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £649.99 | £299.99 |
| Prices updated 25 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 16 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 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus's 6.6", the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max has the sharper display at 458 pixels per inch versus 390, and the Apple iPhone 16 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 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 16 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 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £299.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus use?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A18 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 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is the more portable of the two: it's 32g 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 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus run?
The Apple iPhone 16 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.