Samsung S23 Ultra & iPhone 15 Pro Max share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the iPhone 15 Pro Max rather than the Samsung S23 Ultra.
Why Do I Recommend The iPhone 15 Pro Max?
- The iPhone 15 Pro Max features the A17 Pro 3nm processor for faster app performance, smoother gaming, and better energy efficiency, whereas the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor.
- iPhone 15 Pro Max includes a peak brightness of 2000 nits for clearer outdoor visibility and improved HDR viewing in sunlight, whereas the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra reaches a lower peak brightness of 1750 nits.
- It supports ProRes video recording with external storage compatibility for professional-grade editing workflows, whereas the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra lacks ProRes and direct external recording support.
- The iPhone 15 Pro Max comes with iOS longevity for more than five years of system and security updates ensuring long-term reliability, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra provides four years of Android updates with five years of security patches.
- iPhone 15 Pro Max features USB-C 3.0 transfer speeds up to 10Gbps for faster file management when connecting to computers or storage devices, whereas the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra uses USB-C 3.2 but limits transfer speeds to slower rates.
- It has the Dynamic Island integration for real-time notifications and multitasking convenience without interrupting full-screen apps, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a static punch-hole design with no similar functionality.
- The iPhone 15 Pro Max includes the customizable Action Button to quickly access functions like the camera, voice memos, or shortcuts for better efficiency, whereas the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra lacks a dedicated customizable hardware button.
- iPhone 15 Pro Max comes with a titanium frame for a lighter and more durable build that reduces hand fatigue during extended use, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra uses an aluminum frame.
Maybe the Samsung S23 Ultra price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the iPhone 15 Pro Max. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | iPhone 15 Pro Max | Samsung S23 Ultra |
| Display Brightness | Up to 2000 nits | Up to 1750 nits |
| Processor | A17 Pro (3 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4 nm) |
| Telephoto Camera | 12 MP 5× zoom | 10 MP 3× and 10× zoom |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60 fps, Dolby Vision, ProRes | 8K up to 30 fps, 4K up to 60 fps |
| External Storage for Video | Supported via USB-C | Not supported |
| Wireless Charging | 15 W MagSafe | 15 W Qi |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | Not supported | Supported |
| USB Port | USB-C 3.0 (Pro models only) | USB-C 3.2 |
| Biometric Unlock | Face ID | Fingerprint (ultrasonic) + Face Unlock |
| Operating System | iOS 17 | Android 13 with One UI 5.1 |
| Software Updates | 5+ years iOS support | 4 OS + 5 years security |
| Special Features | Action Button, Dynamic Island | S Pen Air Actions, Multi-Window |
| Price | Check iPhone 15 Pro Max Price | Check Samsung S23 Ultra Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Adaptive Refresh Rate: Each device supports up to 120Hz refresh rates, making animations, scrolling, and gaming smooth and responsive.
- HDR Standards: Both handle HDR content well, delivering punchy highlights and rich detail in supported streaming platforms and videos.
- High Resolution: The displays achieve near-QHD clarity, providing crisp text and sharp image rendering that’s great for reading or watching videos.
- Touch Responsiveness: High sampling rates allow for quick and accurate touch response, which is especially beneficial for gaming.
- Storage Choices: Both smartphones give flagship options of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, catering to heavy users who store lots of media or apps.
- RAM Baseline: Each starts with 8GB of RAM, which is more than enough for multitasking and running demanding applications.
- Selfie Cameras: Both house 12MP front cameras, producing sharp selfies and supporting advanced portrait modes.
- Ultrawide Lens: Both feature 12MP ultrawide cameras, allowing expansive shots for landscapes and group photography.
- 4K Video: Each can record smooth 4K video at 60fps, a standard for professional-quality capture on smartphones.
- Slow Motion: Both deliver slow-motion recording at 1080p 240fps, useful for action shots or creative content.
- 5G Connectivity: Both phones support global 5G bands for fast browsing, streaming, and downloads.
- Bluetooth 5.3: Both include the latest Bluetooth standard, ensuring stronger connections and better energy efficiency for wireless devices.
- Dual-Band GPS: Precision location services are present in both, enhancing navigation accuracy in maps and fitness tracking apps.
- Water Resistance: With IP68 ratings, both can withstand dust and submersion in water, making them resilient to accidents.
- Stereo Speakers: Both use stereo speaker systems for clearer, louder audio when watching videos or gaming.
Common Features
| Feature | iPhone 15 Pro Max | Samsung S23 Ultra |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz adaptive | 120Hz adaptive |
| HDR Support | HDR10, Dolby Vision | HDR10+, HDR |
| Resolution Quality | QHD-level sharpness | QHD-level sharpness |
| Touch Sampling | High response touch | High response touch |
| Storage Options | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| RAM Baseline | 8GB base memory | 8GB starting memory |
| Front Camera | 12MP selfie lens | 12MP selfie lens |
| Ultrawide Camera | 12MP ultrawide | 12MP ultrawide |
| Video 4K | 4K at 60fps | 4K at 60fps |
| Slow Motion | 1080p at 240fps | 1080p at 240fps |
| Connectivity | 5G support | 5G support |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Price | Check iPhone 15 Pro Max Price | Check Samsung S23 Ultra Price |
FAQ
Which device is lighter between the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra? Which phone has the more powerful processor? Which phone has more RAM, iPhone 15 Pro Max or S23 Ultra? Which device has better camera zoom capabilities? Which phone has the higher megapixel main camera? Which phone records better video? Which device has a bigger battery? Which phone charges faster, iPhone 15 Pro Max or S23 Ultra? Which device has better wireless charging? Which device is more durable? Which phone has better biometrics? Which phone has more unique features? Which operating system has longer software support? |
