iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Samsung S23 Ultra​ – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

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

FeatureiPhone 15 Pro MaxSamsung S23 Ultra
Display BrightnessUp to 2000 nitsUp to 1750 nits
ProcessorA17 Pro (3 nm)Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4 nm)
Telephoto Camera12 MP 5× zoom10 MP 3× and 10× zoom
Video Recording4K up to 60 fps, Dolby Vision, ProRes8K up to 30 fps, 4K up to 60 fps
External Storage for VideoSupported via USB-CNot supported
Wireless Charging15 W MagSafe15 W Qi
Reverse Wireless ChargingNot supportedSupported
USB PortUSB-C 3.0 (Pro models only)USB-C 3.2
Biometric UnlockFace IDFingerprint (ultrasonic) + Face Unlock
Operating SystemiOS 17Android 13 with One UI 5.1
Software Updates5+ years iOS support4 OS + 5 years security
Special FeaturesAction Button, Dynamic IslandS Pen Air Actions, Multi-Window
PriceCheck iPhone 15 Pro Max PriceCheck 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

FeatureiPhone 15 Pro MaxSamsung S23 Ultra
Refresh Rate120Hz adaptive120Hz adaptive
HDR SupportHDR10, Dolby VisionHDR10+, HDR
Resolution QualityQHD-level sharpnessQHD-level sharpness
Touch SamplingHigh response touchHigh response touch
Storage Options256GB, 512GB, 1TB256GB, 512GB, 1TB
RAM Baseline8GB base memory8GB starting memory
Front Camera12MP selfie lens12MP selfie lens
Ultrawide Camera12MP ultrawide12MP ultrawide
Video 4K4K at 60fps4K at 60fps
Slow Motion1080p at 240fps1080p at 240fps
Connectivity5G support5G support
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6EWi-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?
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is lighter at 221 grams thanks to its titanium frame, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra weighs 234 grams with its aluminum and glass design.

Which phone has the more powerful processor?
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is powered by Apple’s A17 Pro 3nm chip, which delivers higher benchmark scores and better efficiency compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy in the S23 Ultra.

Which phone has more RAM, iPhone 15 Pro Max or S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra can be configured with 12GB of RAM, giving it an advantage in multitasking, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max is limited to 8GB of RAM.

Which device has better camera zoom capabilities?
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is superior in zoom, offering 3× and 10× optical zoom lenses and up to 100× digital zoom, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro Max has a single 5× telephoto zoom lens with up to 25× digital zoom.

Which phone has the higher megapixel main camera?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra features a 200MP main sensor compared to the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s 48MP wide sensor.

Which phone records better video?
The iPhone 15 Pro Max records in Dolby Vision HDR, ProRes, and supports external storage, giving professionals more flexibility, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra records at up to 8K resolution but lacks ProRes and external recording support.

Which device has a bigger battery?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comes with a 5000 mAh battery, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max has a smaller ~4422 mAh battery.

Which phone charges faster, iPhone 15 Pro Max or S23 Ultra?
The Galaxy S23 Ultra supports 45W wired charging and reverse wireless charging, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro Max maxes out around 27W wired charging and does not include reverse wireless charging.

Which device has better wireless charging?
Both phones support up to 15W wireless charging, but the Galaxy S23 Ultra additionally supports reverse wireless charging to power accessories, which the iPhone lacks.

Which device is more durable?
Both are rated IP68 for water and dust resistance, but the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s titanium frame offers stronger durability compared to the aluminum frame of the Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Which phone has better biometrics?
The iPhone 15 Pro Max uses Face ID as its main biometric system, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra provides both an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner and face unlock, giving users more flexibility.

Which phone has more unique features?
The iPhone 15 Pro Max introduces the Action Button, Dynamic Island, and USB-C with Pro-level transfer speeds, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra includes the S Pen with Air Actions, advanced multitasking, and higher zoom capabilities.

Which operating system has longer software support?
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is expected to receive iOS updates for over five years, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra guarantees four major Android updates and five years of security patches.

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