Apple iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S23
Our verdict: When it comes to contract value, the Samsung Galaxy S23 wins — it's £149.41 less than the Apple iPhone 16 overall. Text and images look sharper on the Apple iPhone 16 with its 461 PPI display. Camera resolution goes to the Samsung Galaxy S23 with its 50MP rear shooter. If you'd rather buy outright, the Samsung Galaxy S23 starts at £209.00 SIM-free.
12 reviews 4.2
11 reviews
Apple iPhone 16
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Samsung Galaxy S23
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 12 reviews |
4.2 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.1" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2556 x 1179 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 461 | 422 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A18 (3 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| 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 | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm | 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm |
| Weight | 170 grams | 167 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 |
£24.99/mo
£59.00 upfront |
£16.00/mo
£109.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £485.00 | £209.00 |
| Deals | Deals |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S23 cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is cheaper on contract at £522.21 over the life of the deal from £16.00 per month with £109.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S23?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.1", the Apple iPhone 16 has the sharper display at 461 pixels per inch versus 422, and the Apple iPhone 16 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Apple iPhone 16 features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 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 or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £209.00.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Apple iPhone 16 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S23 use?
The Apple iPhone 16 is powered by the Apple A18 (3 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 uses the Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the more portable of the two — it's 3g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Apple iPhone 16 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S23 run?
The Apple iPhone 16 runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy S23 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.