Apple iPhone 17 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus has the better camera on paper, 50MP versus 48MP, and there's more battery in the S23+ 5G, 4700mAh to 3692mAh, 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 6.3", while the Apple iPhone 17 has the sharper one at 458 PPI, and the iPhone 17 is the lighter phone at 177g against 195g. The iPhone 17 is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the S23+ 5G is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.
The S23+ 5G is the cheaper one to own: around £725 over a typical contract, £56 less than the iPhone 17.
12 reviews 4.2
10 reviews
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Apple iPhone 17
|
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.5 12 reviews |
4.2 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.3" | 6.6" |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1206 x 2622 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 458 | 390 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 18 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A19 Pro | Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 3,692 mAh | 4,700 mAh |
| Storage | 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/6 |
| Bluetooth | 6.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm | 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm |
| Weight | 177 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 |
£29.99/mo
£39.00 upfront |
£57.33/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £601.00 | £299.99 |
| Prices updated 25 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is cheaper on contract at £725.46 over the life of the deal from £57.33 per month with £30.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus has the bigger screen at 6.6" compared to the Apple iPhone 17's 6.3", the Apple iPhone 17 has the sharper display at 458 pixels per inch versus 390, and the Apple iPhone 17 uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 17 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 17 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 17 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 17 is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus use?
The Apple iPhone 17 is powered by the Apple A19 Pro, 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 17 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 17 is the more portable of the two: it's 18g lighter at 177 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is slimmer at 7.6mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone 17 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 17 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus run?
The Apple iPhone 17 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.