Apple iPhone 15 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
The Apple iPhone 15 is a mid-range powerhouse, but the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra takes the crown as a flagship beast, especially with its class-leading 200MP camera. However, the iPhone 15's vibrant 6.1" OLED display shines with peak brightness of 2000 nits, making it perfect for outdoor use. Meanwhile, the S23 Ultra's adaptive refresh rate of 120Hz makes scrolling feel incredibly smooth, which is a game changer for gaming enthusiasts and content consumers alike. Key specs: Display: 6.1" vs 6.8" and Refresh: 60 Hz vs 120 Hz.
Why compare these? The Apple iPhone 15 (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★ (951 reviews) | 4.4★ (1,341 reviews) |
| Top Strength | High-resolution 48MP main camera with useful 2x optical-quality crop | Class-leading 200MP main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom |
| Main Drawback | Display limited to 60 Hz (no ProMotion 120 Hz) | Slow charging speed (45W) compared to competitors |
| Market Position | Mid-range | ✓Flagship |
Apple iPhone 15
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A16 Bionic chip (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple 5-core GPU (A16 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.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple iPhone 15 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Apple iPhone 15
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 15 | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(951)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 A16 Bionic chip (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
Graphics | Apple 5-core GPU (A16 Bionic) | Qualcomm Adreno 740 |
RAM | 6 GB (LPDDR5) | 8GB / 12GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe) | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0) |
Display Size | 6.1" (6.12" 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 | 2556 x 1179 pixels (460 ppi) | 3088 x 1440 pixels (QHD+), 500 ppi |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 1–120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor) | 1,750 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 48MP Main (26 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP) | 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; 12MP 2x Telephoto enabled by 48MP quad-pixel sensor (52 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift OIS | 10MP Telephoto (3x optical, f/2.4) + 10MP Periscope (10x optical, f/4.9); OIS |
Optical Zoom | 0.5x, 1x, 2x optical-quality zoom steps (4x optical zoom range) | 3x, 10x Optical Zoom |
Digital Zoom | Up to 10x | 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 | 3349 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 20 hours video playback (16 hours streamed) | 5,000 mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | USB-C; 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; Qi2 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 (Second-generation); NFC with reader mode | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB |
USB | USB-C connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s); Native DisplayPort output | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 |
Durability | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front; Aerospace-grade aluminum; Color-infused glass back | IP68 (Water resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
Dimensions | 5.81" x 2.82" x 0.31" (147.6 x 71.6 x 7.80 mm) | 6.43" x 3.07" x 0.35" (163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm) |
Weight | 6.02 oz (171 g) | 8.25 oz (234 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition |
Extras | Dynamic Island; Ring/Silent switch; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite | Integrated S Pen (2.8ms latency); Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox |
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Apple iPhone 15
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A16 Bionic chip (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple 5-core GPU (A16 Bionic)
6 GB (LPDDR5)
128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe)
Pros
- High-resolution 48MP main camera with useful 2x optical-quality crop
- Bright, color-accurate OLED display (up to 2000 nits outdoor)
Cons
- Display limited to 60 Hz (no ProMotion 120 Hz)
- USB-C port limited to USB 2.0 data transfer speeds (480 Mb/s)
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 200MP camera crushes the iPhone 15's 48MP. That said, grab the iPhone 15 if you prefer a lighter phone at 6.02oz and want a more budget-friendly option while still enjoying excellent camera quality.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 15 if: you want a lighter phone at 6.02oz, prefer a high-resolution OLED display for outdoor use, or plan to use it for everyday tasks without needing top-tier camera specs.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra if: you need a stunning 200MP camera for photography, enjoy long battery life with 5000mAh for extended use, or want the smooth experience of a 120Hz display for gaming and scrolling.
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
High-resolution 48MP main Priority
High-resolution 48MP main camera with useful 2x optical-quality crop
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Bottom line: The Apple iPhone 15 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 15 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
Apple iPhone 15 is the better choice if you prioritize high-resolution 48mp main camera with useful 2x optical-quality crop. 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 15 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
Key differences: Apple iPhone 15 offers high-resolution 48mp main camera with useful 2x optical-quality crop, while Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra stands out with class-leading 200mp main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom. Consider that Apple iPhone 15 display limited to 60 hz (no promotion 120 hz). 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.
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