Apple iPhone 14 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
If you're deciding between the Apple iPhone 14 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, the choice is clear: the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the better buy for most people. The Samsung's 120Hz refresh rate offers smooth scrolling that's especially noticeable when gaming or watching videos. In contrast, the iPhone 14's 60Hz display feels sluggish by comparison. Key specs: Display: 6.1" vs 6.8" and Refresh: 60 Hz vs 120 Hz.
Why compare these? The Apple iPhone 14 (mid-range) and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (premium flagship) represent different approaches to smartphones. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Apple iPhone | Samsung Galaxy |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.8★ (1,511 reviews) | 4.4★ (1,341 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Affordable entry point into the modern mainline iPhone ecosystem | Class-leading 200MP main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom |
| Main Drawback | Uses the older Lightning port instead of USB-C | Slow charging speed (45W) compared to competitors |
| Market Position | Mid-range | ✓Flagship |
Apple iPhone 14
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A15 Bionic chip (5nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple 5-core GPU (A15 Bionic)
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
Qualcomm Adreno 740
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple iPhone 14 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Apple iPhone 14
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 14 | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(1,511)Best Buy | ★4.4(1,341)Amazon |
Operating System | iOS | Android |
Software Support | Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades | 4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates |
Processor | Apple A15 Bionic chip (5nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
Graphics | Apple 5-core GPU (A15 Bionic) | Qualcomm Adreno 740 |
RAM | 6 GB (LPDDR4X) | 8GB / 12GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe) | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0) |
Display Size | 6.1" (6.06" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less) | 6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) |
Screen Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display |
Resolution | 2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi) | 3088 x 1440 pixels (QHD+), 500 ppi |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 1–120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 800 nits max (typical); 1200 nits peak (HDR) | 1,750 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 12MP Main (26 mm, f/1.5), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, Photonic Engine for better low-light performance | 200MP Wide (f/1.7, 85° FOV), Laser AF, OIS |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.4, 120° field of view) | 12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) |
Telephoto Camera | No dedicated telephoto lens; Digital zoom only beyond 1x | 10MP Telephoto (3x optical, f/2.4) + 10MP Periscope (10x optical, f/4.9); OIS |
Optical Zoom | 0.5x, 1x (2x optical zoom out range) | 3x, 10x Optical Zoom |
Digital Zoom | Up to 5x | Up to 100x Space Zoom |
Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps |
Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps | 12MP Front (f/2.2, 80° FOV), Dual Pixel AF |
Battery | 3279 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 20 hours video playback (16 hours streamed) | 5,000 mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | Lightning; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher | Up to 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0 (Adapter sold separately) |
Wireless Charging | MagSafe up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (First-generation); NFC with reader mode | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB |
USB | Lightning connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s) | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 |
Durability | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front; Aerospace-grade aluminum; Glass back | IP68 (Water resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
Dimensions | 5.78" x 2.82" x 0.31" (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.80 mm) | 6.43" x 3.07" x 0.35" (163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm) |
Weight | 6.07 oz (172 g) | 8.25 oz (234 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition |
Extras | Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Dual eSIM (US models); Ring/Silent switch | Integrated S Pen (2.8ms latency); Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox |
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Apple iPhone 14
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A15 Bionic chip (5nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple 5-core GPU (A15 Bionic)
6 GB (LPDDR4X)
128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe)
Pros
- Affordable entry point into the modern mainline iPhone ecosystem
- Reliable A15 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU still performs well
Cons
- Uses the older Lightning port instead of USB-C
- Display limited to 60 Hz (no ProMotion)
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
Qualcomm Adreno 740
8GB / 12GB LPDDR5X
256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0)
Pros
- Class-leading 200MP main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom
- Custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy provides top-tier performance
Cons
- Slow charging speed (45W) compared to competitors
- Large and heavy (8.25 oz) form factor is difficult for one-handed use
Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the better buy for most people - its stunning 200MP camera crushes the iPhone 14's 12MP. That said, grab the iPhone 14 if you want a lighter phone that's easier to handle at just 6.07oz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 14 if: you want a compact phone for easy one-handed use, you prefer the iOS ecosystem, or you need a reliable device for basic tasks. (6.1" display, 60 Hz refresh)
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra if: you shoot high-quality photos regularly, you want a phone that lasts over a day on a charge, or you enjoy gaming with smooth graphics. (6.8" display, 120 Hz refresh)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.8★ vs 4.4★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Affordable entry point Priority
Affordable entry point into the modern mainline iPhone ecosystem
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Conclusion
Apple iPhone 14 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Bottom line: The Apple iPhone 14 edges ahead with a 4.8★ rating compared to 4.4★. However, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Apple iPhone 14 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
Apple iPhone 14 is the better choice if you prioritize affordable entry point into the modern mainline iphone ecosystem. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra wins if you value class-leading 200mp main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom. Both are rated highly (4.8★ vs 4.4★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Apple iPhone 14 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
Key differences: Apple iPhone 14 offers affordable entry point into the modern mainline iphone ecosystem, while Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra stands out with class-leading 200mp main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom. Consider that Apple iPhone 14 uses the older lightning port instead of usb-c. Meanwhile, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra slow charging speed (45w) compared to competitors. Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
Affiliate disclosure
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