Apple iPhone 16 Pro 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 bigger battery of the two, 5000mAh against 3582mAh, but capacity doesn't compare cleanly across iOS and Android, so it isn't a battery-life verdict on its own. The S23 Ultra 5G has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.8" against 6.3" and sharper at 500 PPI, and the Apple iPhone 16 Pro goes up to 1TB of storage, where the S23 Ultra 5G tops out at 512GB. 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, £178 less than the iPhone 16 Pro.
11 reviews 4.5
10 reviews
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Apple iPhone 16 Pro
|
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 11 reviews |
4.5 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.3" | 6.8" |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1206 x 2622 | 1440 x 3080 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 458 | 500 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A18 Pro | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 3,582 mAh | 5,000 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/6e |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.3 mm | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 199 grams | 233 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 |
£59.00/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £589.99 | £279.99 |
| Prices updated 25 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 16 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23 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 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Apple iPhone 16 Pro's 6.3", the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the sharper display at 500 pixels per inch versus 458, and the Apple iPhone 16 Pro 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 16 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro 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 Pro 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 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra use?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro is powered by the Apple A18 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 16 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro is the more portable of the two: it's 34g lighter at 199 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.3 mm, and is slimmer at 8.3mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
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 Ultra run?
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro 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.