Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro
Our Verdict: If you've got the Galaxy XCover 7 Pro, the Galaxy S23 is 16 years of updates on from it. The XCover 7 Pro packs the bigger battery, 4350mAh against 3900mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use, and the XCover 7 Pro has the bigger screen at 6.6" against 6.1", while the S23 5G has the sharper one at 422 PPI. The S23 5G offers up to 256GB of storage versus 128GB on the XCover 7 Pro, and the S23 5G uses an OLED panel, which gives it richer contrast than the XCover 7 Pro's LCD. Coming from the XCover 7 Pro, the S23 5G is a genuine upgrade rather than a token one.
If you'd rather pay up front, the S23 5G is the cheaper buy at £240 SIM-free.
Prices updated 28 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy S23
|
Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.6" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1080 x 2408 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 422 | 400 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 13 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM7635 Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 3,900 mAh | 4,350 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 15 |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | nano-SIM and e-SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm | 168.6 x 79.9 x 10.2 mm |
| Weight | 167 grams | 240 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts |
£20.00/mo
£19.00 upfront |
- |
| SIM-free | £239.95 | £499.00 |
| Prices updated 28 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro?
The Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro has the bigger screen at 6.6" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S23 has the sharper display at 422 pixels per inch versus 400, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel while the Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro has a IPS LCD.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro 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 Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £239.95.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro comes in 128GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro use?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is powered by the Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro uses the Qualcomm SM7635 Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the more portable of the two: it's 73g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm, and is slimmer at 7.6mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro?
Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro run?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 runs Android 13 and the Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 Pro runs Android 15. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.