Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra leads on camera hardware with a 200MP main sensor to the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max's 48MP, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max goes up to 2TB of storage, where the S23 Ultra 5G tops out at 512GB. The S23 Ultra 5G has the sharper display at 500 PPI to 458. The S23 Ultra 5G doesn't just win on price; it holds its own on specs too, which makes it the easy pick unless something specific draws you to the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Over a full contract, the S23 Ultra 5G works out around £746 all-in, about £476 less than the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
11 reviews 4.5
10 reviews
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
|
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.4 11 reviews |
4.5 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.9" | 6.8" |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1320 x 2868 | 1440 x 3080 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 458 | 500 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 18 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A19 Pro | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 4,823 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | 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 | 6.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 163.4 x 78 x 8.8 mm | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 233 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 |
£44.99/mo
£119.00 upfront |
£59.00/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £996.00 | £349.95 |
| Prices updated 26 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 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 17 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max has the bigger screen at 6.9" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra's 6.8", the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the sharper display at 500 pixels per inch versus 458, and the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 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 17 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 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 17 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £349.95.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra use?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A19 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 17 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
They weigh about the same (233 grams vs 233 grams), both are similar in overall footprint.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 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 17 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra run?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max 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.