Apple iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a massively higher-resolution main camera, 200MP against the Apple iPhone 16's 48MP, and there's more battery in the S23 Ultra 5G, 5000mAh to 3561mAh, though iOS and Android manage power differently, so more mAh doesn't always mean longer battery life. The S23 Ultra 5G has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.8" against 6.1" and sharper at 500 PPI, and the iPhone 16 is the lighter phone at 170g against 233g. The S23 Ultra 5G is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the iPhone 16 is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.
The iPhone 16 is the cheaper one to own: around £689 over a typical contract, £56 less than the S23 Ultra 5G.
12 reviews 4.5
10 reviews
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Apple iPhone 16
|
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 12 reviews |
4.5 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.8" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2556 x 1179 | 1440 x 3080 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 461 | 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 | 3,561 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 | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 170 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 |
£26.99/mo
£19.00 upfront |
£59.00/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £479.99 | £279.99 |
| Prices updated 26 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 16 is cheaper on contract at £689.16 over the life of the deal from £26.99 per month with £19.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Apple iPhone 16's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the sharper display at 500 pixels per inch versus 461, and the Apple iPhone 16 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 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 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 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 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra use?
The Apple iPhone 16 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 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 is the more portable of the two: it's 63g lighter at 170 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm, and is slimmer at 7.8mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 16 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 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra run?
The Apple iPhone 16 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.