Apple iPhone 16e 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 16e's 48MP, and the S23+ 5G has the bigger battery of the two, 4700mAh against 4005mAh, 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 6.1", while the iPhone 16e has the sharper one at 457 PPI, and the iPhone 16e is the lighter phone at 167g against 195g. Only pay up for the S23+ 5G if you'll use what it offers; if not, the iPhone 16e makes more sense.
Over a full contract, the iPhone 16e works out around £481 all-in, about £244 less than the S23+ 5G.
12 reviews 4.2
10 reviews
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Apple iPhone 16e
|
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 3.7 12 reviews |
4.2 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.6" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 390 |
| 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) |
| Battery | 4,005 mAh | 4,700 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/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm | 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm |
| Weight | 167 grams | 195 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 |
£14.99/mo
£99.00 upfront |
£57.33/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £359.99 | £299.99 |
| Prices updated 26 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
Cheapest Deals
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 16e or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 16e is cheaper on contract at £481.16 over the life of the deal from £14.99 per month with £99.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16e or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus has the bigger screen at 6.6" compared to the Apple iPhone 16e's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 16e has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 390, and the Apple iPhone 16e uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 16e or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 16e 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 16e 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 16e and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 16e is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 16e and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus use?
The Apple iPhone 16e is powered by the Apple A18 (3 nm), 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 16e or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 16e is the more portable of the two: it's 28g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16e or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 16e is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 16e and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus run?
The Apple iPhone 16e 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.