Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
For photography enthusiasts, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra takes the crown with its jaw-dropping 200MP camera, far surpassing the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max's 48MP. In real-world use, this high-resolution camera excels at capturing stunning details, making it the go-to choice for anyone serious about mobile photography. However, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max isn't just about numbers. Its 4685mAh battery delivers up to 33 hours of video playback, perfect for binge-watching your favorite shows on the go. Key specs: Display: 6.9" vs 6.8" and Battery: 4685 mAh vs 5000 mAh.
Why compare these? Both the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra are premium flagship smartphones competing in the same market segment. This makes them direct rivals for buyers looking for premium flagship features and performance in 2026. Understanding their differences helps you choose the right one for your specific needs.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Apple iPhone | Samsung Galaxy |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.7★ (348 reviews) | 4.4★ (1,341 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Largest iPhone display ever at 6.9 inches with ultra-thin borders | Class-leading 200MP main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom |
| Main Drawback | Large physical dimensions can be unwieldy for some users | Slow charging speed (45W) compared to competitors |
| Market Position | Flagship | Flagship |
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A18 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple 6-core GPU (A18 Pro)
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 16 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(348)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 A18 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
Graphics | Apple 6-core GPU (A18 Pro) | Qualcomm Adreno 740 |
RAM | 8 GB (LPDDR5X) | 8GB / 12GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe) | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0) |
Display Size | 6.9" (6.86" 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 | 2868 x 1320 pixels (460 ppi) | 3088 x 1440 pixels (QHD+), 500 ppi |
Refresh Rate | Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz); Always-On display | 1–120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 nit minimum | 1,750 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 48MP Fusion (24 mm, f/1.78), second-generation 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 | 48MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), Hybrid Focus Pixels, 48MP macro photography | 12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) |
Telephoto Camera | 12MP 5x Telephoto (120 mm, f/2.8), tetraprism design, 3D sensor-shift OIS, autofocus, 100% Focus Pixels | 10MP Telephoto (3x optical, f/2.4) + 10MP Periscope (10x optical, f/4.9); OIS |
Optical Zoom | 5x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out; 10x optical zoom range | 3x, 10x Optical Zoom |
Digital Zoom | Up to 25x | Up to 100x Space Zoom |
Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60/100/120 fps (Fusion); Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps; ProRes up to 4K 120 fps with external recording | 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 | 4685 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 33 hours video playback (29 hours streamed) | 5,000 mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher; USB 3 speeds supported | Up to 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0 (Adapter sold separately) |
Wireless Charging | MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 25W (via iOS update); 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 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB |
USB | USB-C connector with USB 3 speeds (up to 10 Gb/s); Native DisplayPort output | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 |
Durability | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield (latest generation) front; Titanium design (Grade 5); Textured matte glass back | IP68 (Water resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
Dimensions | 6.42" x 3.06" x 0.32" (163.0 x 77.6 x 8.25 mm) | 6.43" x 3.07" x 0.35" (163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm) |
Weight | 7.99 oz (227 g) | 8.25 oz (234 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition |
Extras | Apple Intelligence support; Camera Control button; Action button; Dynamic Island; LiDAR Scanner; 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 16 Pro Max
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A18 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple 6-core GPU (A18 Pro)
8 GB (LPDDR5X)
256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe)
Pros
- Largest iPhone display ever at 6.9 inches with ultra-thin borders
- 48MP Ultra Wide camera improves macro and wide-angle detail significantly
Cons
- Large physical dimensions can be unwieldy for some users
- Fastest charging speeds (MagSafe 25W) require purchasing a new puck and adapter
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 16 Pro Max's 48MP.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max if: you want a longer battery life of 33 hours, prefer a slightly lighter phone at 7.99oz, or need a more compact design for one-handed use.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra if: you shoot high-resolution photos frequently, crave a powerful 200MP camera, or need a larger 5000mAh battery for extended use.
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.7★ vs 4.4★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 1,341 reviews vs 348
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Largest iPhone display Priority
Largest iPhone display ever at 6.9 inches with ultra-thin borders
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Class-leading 200MP main Priority
Class-leading 200MP main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Bottom line: The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max edges ahead with a 4.7★ 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 16 Pro Max or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is the better choice if you prioritize largest iphone display ever at 6.9 inches with ultra-thin borders. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra wins if you value class-leading 200mp main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom. Both are rated highly (4.7★ vs 4.4★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
Key differences: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max offers largest iphone display ever at 6.9 inches with ultra-thin borders, while Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra stands out with class-leading 200mp main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom. Consider that Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max large physical dimensions can be unwieldy for some users. 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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