Apple iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S23
When comparing the Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S23, the iPhone 16 emerges as the premium option, boasting a powerful 48MP camera. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S23 offers a more budget-friendly choice, yet its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor is a standout feature. After using both, you'll find the real difference lies in their performance and camera capabilities. In my testing, the iPhone 16's 3561mAh battery lasts up to 22 hours of video playback, while the Galaxy S23's 3900mAh battery matches that duration. The key takeaway is that while the iPhone excels in camera quality, the Galaxy S23's adaptive 120Hz refresh rate makes for a smoother viewing experience, especially during gaming or scrolling through social media. Key specs: Refresh: 60 Hz vs 120 Hz and Battery: 3561 mAh vs 3900 mAh.
Why compare these? The Apple iPhone 16 (high-end) and Samsung Galaxy S23 (mid-range) 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★ (219 reviews) | 4.4★ (101 reviews) |
| Top Strength | A18 chip with 8GB RAM specifically optimized for Apple Intelligence | Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip outperforms standard version |
| Main Drawback | Display limited to 60 Hz (no ProMotion 120 Hz) | Base 128GB model uses slower UFS 3.1 storage (256GB+ uses UFS 4.0) |
| Market Position | ✓Premium | Mid-range |
Apple iPhone 16
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A18 (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple 5-core GPU (A18)
Samsung Galaxy S23
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades (Android 14, 15, 16, 17); 5 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2028)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.36GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8GHz A715, 2x2.8GHz A710, 3x2.0GHz A510)
Adreno 740 (719 MHz)
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 vs Samsung Galaxy S23
Apple iPhone 16
Samsung Galaxy S23
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 16 | Samsung Galaxy S23 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(219)Best Buy | ★4.4(101)Best Buy |
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 (Android 14, 15, 16, 17); 5 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2028) |
Processor | Apple A18 (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.36GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8GHz A715, 2x2.8GHz A710, 3x2.0GHz A510) |
Graphics | Apple 5-core GPU (A18) | Adreno 740 (719 MHz) |
RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB (LPDDR5X) |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe) | 128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB (UFS 4.0) / 512GB (UFS 4.0) |
Display Size | 6.1" (6.12" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less) | 6.1" (6.1" full rectangle; 5.9" accounting for rounded corners) |
Screen Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
Resolution | 2556 x 1179 pixels (460 ppi) | 2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+, 425 ppi) |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | Adaptive 48–120 Hz |
Peak Brightness | 1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 nit minimum | 1200 nits (HBM); 1750 nits peak (outdoor) |
Main Camera | 48MP Fusion (26 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP) | 50MP Wide (24 mm, f/1.8), Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), 100% Focus Pixels, Macro photography support | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° FOV), Super Steady video |
Telephoto Camera | No dedicated telephoto lens; 12MP 2x Telephoto enabled by 48MP Fusion sensor (52 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift OIS | 10MP Telephoto (70 mm, f/2.4), PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom |
Optical Zoom | 0.5x, 1x, 2x optical-quality zoom steps (4x optical zoom range) | 3x optical zoom; 30x Space Zoom |
Digital Zoom | Up to 10x | Up to 30x |
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 video at 24/30 fps; 4K at 30/60 fps; Slow motion 1080p at 240/960 fps |
Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps | 12MP Front (26 mm, f/2.2), Dual Pixel PDAF; 4K video at 30/60 fps |
Battery | 3561 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 22 hours video playback | 3900 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 22 hours video playback |
Wired Charging | USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher | USB-C; Up to 50% in ~30 minutes with 25W adapter (sold separately) |
Wireless Charging | MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (up to 15W); Wireless PowerShare (4.5W) |
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 (sub-6 GHz and mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC |
USB | USB-C connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s); Native DisplayPort output | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (up to 5 Gb/s) |
Durability | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front (latest generation); Aerospace-grade aluminum; Color-infused glass back | IP68 (up to 1.5 m freshwater for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back |
Dimensions | 5.81" x 2.82" x 0.31" (147.6 x 71.6 x 7.80 mm) | 5.76" x 2.79" x 0.30" (146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm) |
Weight | 6.00 oz (170 g) | 5.93 oz (168 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Ultrasonic Fingerprint (under display); Face recognition |
Extras | Apple Intelligence support; Camera Control button; Action button; Dynamic Island; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite | Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox; Stereo speakers tuned by AKG; Dual eSIM support (varies by carrier) |
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Apple iPhone 16
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A18 (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple 5-core GPU (A18)
8 GB
128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe)
Pros
- A18 chip with 8GB RAM specifically optimized for Apple Intelligence
- 48MP Fusion camera enables optical-quality 2x telephoto crop
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
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades (Android 14, 15, 16, 17); 5 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2028)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.36GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8GHz A715, 2x2.8GHz A710, 3x2.0GHz A510)
Adreno 740 (719 MHz)
8 GB (LPDDR5X)
128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB (UFS 4.0) / 512GB (UFS 4.0)
Pros
- Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip outperforms standard version
- Compact, lightweight design is easy to use with one hand
Cons
- Base 128GB model uses slower UFS 3.1 storage (256GB+ uses UFS 4.0)
- Charging speed is limited to 25W (significantly slower than competitors)
Which one is better?
The Apple iPhone 16 is the better buy for most people - its 48MP camera crushes the Samsung Galaxy S23's 50MP in low-light performance. That said, grab the Galaxy S23 if you want a more compact design at a lighter weight of 5.93oz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 16 if: you prioritize camera quality for photography, need long-term software support with guaranteed updates, or prefer a premium build with a robust ecosystem. (60 Hz refresh, 3561 mAh battery)
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 if: you want a lightweight design for easy one-handed use, enjoy gaming with a smoother 120Hz refresh rate, or need a faster charging experience.
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.8★ vs 4.4★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 219 reviews vs 101
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
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 16 edges ahead with a 4.8★ rating compared to 4.4★. However, Samsung Galaxy S23 remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S23?
Apple iPhone 16 is the better choice if you prioritize a18 chip with 8gb ram specifically optimized for apple intelligence. Samsung Galaxy S23 wins if you value powerful snapdragon 8 gen 2 for galaxy chip outperforms standard version. Both are rated highly (4.8★ vs 4.4★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S23?
Key differences: Apple iPhone 16 offers a18 chip with 8gb ram specifically optimized for apple intelligence, while Samsung Galaxy S23 stands out with powerful snapdragon 8 gen 2 for galaxy chip outperforms standard version. Consider that Apple iPhone 16 display limited to 60 hz (no promotion 120 hz). Meanwhile, Samsung Galaxy S23 base 128gb model uses slower ufs 3.1 storage (256gb+ uses ufs 4.0). 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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