Apple iPhone Air vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a massively higher-resolution main camera, 200MP against the Apple iPhone Air's 48MP, and the S23 Ultra 5G has the bigger battery of the two, 5000mAh against 3149mAh, but capacity doesn't compare cleanly across iOS and Android, so it isn't a battery-life verdict on its own. The S23 Ultra 5G has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.8" against 6.5" and sharper at 500 PPI, and the iPhone Air goes up to 1TB of storage, where the S23 Ultra 5G tops out at 512GB. Unusually, the cheaper S23 Ultra 5G takes some of the spec wins as well, so it's the obvious choice for most people.
Over a full contract, the S23 Ultra 5G works out around £746 all-in, about £76 less than the iPhone Air.
12 reviews 4.5
10 reviews
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Apple iPhone Air
|
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 3.9 12 reviews |
4.5 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.5" | 6.8" |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1206 x 2622 | 1440 x 3080 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 444 | 500 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 18 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A19 Pro (3 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 3,149 mAh | 5,000 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/6e |
| Bluetooth | 6.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 165 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 |
£29.99/mo
£79.00 upfront |
£59.00/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £589.99 | £349.95 |
| Prices updated 26 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Apple iPhone Air 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 Air or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Apple iPhone Air's 6.5", the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the sharper display at 500 pixels per inch versus 444, and the Apple iPhone Air 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 Air or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone Air 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 Air 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 Air and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone Air is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone Air and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra use?
The Apple iPhone Air is powered by the Apple A19 Pro (3 nm), 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 Air or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone Air is the more portable of the two: it's 68g 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 Ultra?
The Apple iPhone Air 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 Air and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra run?
The Apple iPhone Air 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.