Apple iPhone 17 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a far higher-resolution main camera, 200MP against the Apple iPhone 17 Pro's 48MP, and there's more battery in the S23 Ultra 5G, 5000mAh to 3988mAh, 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 6.3" and sharper at 500 PPI, and the iPhone 17 Pro offers up to 1TB of storage versus 512GB on the S23 Ultra 5G. Unusually, the cheaper S23 Ultra 5G takes some of the spec wins as well, so it's the obvious choice for most people.
The S23 Ultra 5G is the cheaper one to own: around £746 over a typical contract, £374 less than the iPhone 17 Pro.
12 reviews 4.5
10 reviews
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
|
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.5 12 reviews |
4.5 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.3" | 6.8" |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1206 x 2622 | 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 | 3,988 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 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 | 150 x 71.9 x 8.8 mm | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 206 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
£9.00 upfront |
£59.00/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £899.99 | £279.99 |
| Prices updated 25 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 17 Pro 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 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Apple iPhone 17 Pro's 6.3", the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the sharper display at 500 pixels per inch versus 458, and the Apple iPhone 17 Pro 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 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro 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 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 17 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 17 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra use?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro 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 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro is the more portable of the two: it's 27g lighter at 206 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 150 x 71.9 x 8.8 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro 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 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra run?
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro 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.