Apple iPhone Air 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 3149mAh, but capacity doesn't compare cleanly across iOS and Android, so it isn't a battery-life verdict on its own. The Apple iPhone Air offers up to 1TB of storage versus 512GB on the S23+ 5G, and the iPhone Air has the sharper display at 444 PPI to 390. The iPhone Air 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, £96 less than the iPhone Air.
12 reviews 4.2
10 reviews
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Apple iPhone Air
|
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 3.9 12 reviews |
4.2 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.5" | 6.6" |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1206 x 2622 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 444 | 390 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 18 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A19 Pro (3 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 3,149 mAh | 4,700 mAh |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | Apple iOS | Android 13 |
| SIM Type | 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 | 156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm | 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm |
| Weight | 165 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
£79.00 upfront |
£57.33/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £589.99 | £319.99 |
| Prices updated 26 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone Air 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 Air or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.5", the Apple iPhone Air has the sharper display at 444 pixels per inch versus 390, and the Apple iPhone Air 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 Air or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone Air 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 Air or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £319.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone Air and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone Air is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone Air and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus use?
The Apple iPhone Air is powered by the Apple A19 Pro (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 Air or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone Air is the more portable of the two: it's 30g lighter at 165 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm, and is slimmer at 5.6mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone Air or Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus?
The Apple iPhone Air 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 Air and Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus run?
The Apple iPhone Air 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.