Apple iPhone 16 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus has a slightly higher-resolution main camera, 50MP against the Apple iPhone 16 Pro's 48MP, and the S23+ 5G packs the bigger battery, 4700mAh against 3582mAh, though iOS and Android manage power differently, so more mAh doesn't always mean longer battery life. The S23+ 5G has the bigger screen at 6.6" against 6.3", while the iPhone 16 Pro has the sharper one at 458 PPI, and the iPhone 16 Pro offers up to 1TB of storage versus 512GB on the S23+ 5G. The iPhone 16 Pro 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.
Over a full contract, the S23+ 5G works out around £725 all-in, about £198 less than the iPhone 16 Pro.
11 reviews 4.2
10 reviews
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Apple iPhone 16 Pro
|
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 11 reviews |
4.2 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.3" | 6.6" |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1206 x 2622 | 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 | 3,582 mAh | 4,700 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 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 | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.3 mm | 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm |
| Weight | 199 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 |
£37.29/mo
£29.00 upfront |
£57.33/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £589.99 | £299.99 |
| Prices updated 25 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 16 Pro 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 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus has the bigger screen at 6.6" compared to the Apple iPhone 16 Pro's 6.3", the Apple iPhone 16 Pro has the sharper display at 458 pixels per inch versus 390, and the Apple iPhone 16 Pro 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 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro 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 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 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus use?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro 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 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
It's a trade-off: the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is lighter but the Apple iPhone 16 Pro is more compact. It's 4g lighter at 195 grams, though the Apple iPhone 16 Pro is actually the more compact phone at 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.3 mm, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is slimmer at 7.6mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro 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 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus run?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro 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.