Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE leads on camera hardware with a 50MP main sensor to the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max's 48MP, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.9" against 6.4" and sharper at 458 PPI. The iPhone 17 Pro Max offers up to 2TB of storage versus 256GB on the S23 FE, and the S23 FE is the lighter phone at 209g against 233g. Get the iPhone 17 Pro Max if those extras are worth it to you; otherwise the S23 FE covers the basics for less.
If you'd rather pay up front, the S23 FE is the cheaper buy at £210 SIM-free.
11 reviews 3.6
11 reviews
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
|
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.4 11 reviews |
3.6 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.9" | 6.4" |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1320 x 2868 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 458 | 403 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 18 Megapixels | 10 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A19 Pro | Exynos 2200 |
| Battery | 4,823 mAh | 4,500 mAh |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | 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 | 6.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 163.4 x 78 x 8.8 mm | 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm |
| Weight | 233 grams | 209 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP53 - dust and splash protection |
| Contracts |
£44.99/mo
£119.00 upfront |
- |
| SIM-free | £996.00 | £209.99 |
| Prices updated 26 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE's 6.4", the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max has the sharper display at 458 pixels per inch versus 403, and the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 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 17 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £209.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE use?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A19 Pro, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE uses the Exynos 2200.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the more portable of the two: it's 24g lighter at 209 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm, and is slimmer at 8.2mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is rated IP53 - dust and splash protection.
What operating system do the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE run?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 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.