Apple iPhone 17 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S23
The Apple iPhone 17 Pro is the flagship option here, boasting a stunning 6.3-inch display that peaks at 3000 nits of brightness. In real-world usage, the iPhone's battery life shines with up to 33 hours of video playback versus the S23's 22 hours. If you're after top-notch performance and camera capabilities, the iPhone 17 Pro's triple 48MP setup will significantly enhance your photography experience compared to the Galaxy's 50MP system, especially in low-light conditions. Key specs: Display: 6.3" vs 6.1" and Battery: 4252 mAh vs 3900 mAh.
Why compare these? The Apple iPhone 17 Pro (premium flagship) 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.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Apple iPhone | Samsung Galaxy |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.8★ (108 reviews) | 4.4★ (101 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Brightest 6.3-inch display ever (3000 nits peak outdoor) | Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip outperforms standard version |
| Main Drawback | Charging requires purchasing a 40W+ adapter separately for max speed | Base 128GB model uses slower UFS 3.1 storage (256GB+ uses UFS 4.0) |
| Market Position | ✓Flagship | Mid-range |
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine; hardware-accelerated ray tracing)
Apple 6-core GPU with Neural Accelerators (A19 Pro)
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.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple iPhone 17 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S23
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Samsung Galaxy S23
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 17 Pro | Samsung Galaxy S23 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(108)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 A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine; hardware-accelerated ray tracing) | 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 6-core GPU with Neural Accelerators (A19 Pro) | Adreno 740 (719 MHz) |
RAM | 12 GB (LPDDR5X) | 8 GB (LPDDR5X) |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB (NVMe) | 128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB (UFS 4.0) / 512GB (UFS 4.0) |
Display Size | 6.3" (6.27" 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 | 2622 x 1206 pixels (460 ppi) | 2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+, 425 ppi) |
Refresh Rate | Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz); Always-On display | Adaptive 48–120 Hz |
Peak Brightness | 1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 3000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 nit minimum | 1200 nits (HBM); 1750 nits peak (outdoor) |
Main Camera | 48MP Fusion Main (24 mm, f/1.6), second-generation 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 | 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), Hybrid Focus Pixels, 48MP macro photography | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° FOV), Super Steady video |
Telephoto Camera | 48MP Fusion Telephoto (100 mm, 4x, f/2.8), tetraprism design, 3D sensor-shift OIS, autofocus; enables 12MP optical-quality 8x zoom (200 mm equivalent) | 10MP Telephoto (70 mm, f/2.4), PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom |
Optical Zoom | 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x optical-quality zoom steps (16x optical zoom range) | 3x optical zoom; 30x Space Zoom |
Digital Zoom | Up to 40x | Up to 30x |
Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60/100/120 fps (Fusion Main); ProRes up to 4K at 120 fps with external recording; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps | 8K video at 24/30 fps; 4K at 30/60 fps; Slow motion 1080p at 240/960 fps |
Front Camera | 18MP Center Stage (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 | 4252 mAh (Li-ion, eSIM model); Up to 33 hours video playback (30 hours streamed) | 3900 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 22 hours video playback |
Wired Charging | USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~20 minutes with 40W 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 25W; 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 6.0; 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 3 speeds (up to 10 Gb/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 2 front; Ceramic Shield back; Aerospace-grade aluminum unibody (with internal vapor chamber) | IP68 (up to 1.5 m freshwater for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back |
Dimensions | 5.89" x 2.81" x 0.32" (149.6 x 71.5 x 8.25 mm) | 5.76" x 2.79" x 0.30" (146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm) |
Weight | 7.27 oz (206 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) |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine; hardware-accelerated ray tracing)
Apple 6-core GPU with Neural Accelerators (A19 Pro)
12 GB (LPDDR5X)
256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB (NVMe)
Pros
- Brightest 6.3-inch display ever (3000 nits peak outdoor)
- Triple 48MP camera system with new 4x tetraprism telephoto
Cons
- Charging requires purchasing a 40W+ adapter separately for max speed
- No physical SIM tray (eSIM only in US models)
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 17 Pro is the better buy for most people - its 4252mAh battery lasts 33 hours of video playback, crushing the Galaxy S23's 22 hours.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 17 Pro if: you want the brightest display at 3000 nits, shoot a lot of photos with a triple 48MP camera, or need excellent battery life with 33 hours of playback.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 if: you prefer a lightweight design at 5.93oz, want a more budget-friendly option, or enjoy using your phone with one hand comfortably.
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 Apple iPhone
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Brightest 6.3-inch display Priority
Brightest 6.3-inch display ever (3000 nits peak outdoor)
→ Choose Apple iPhone
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 17 Pro 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 17 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23?
Apple iPhone 17 Pro is the better choice if you prioritize brightest 6.3-inch display ever (3000 nits peak outdoor). 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 17 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23?
Key differences: Apple iPhone 17 Pro offers brightest 6.3-inch display ever (3000 nits peak outdoor), while Samsung Galaxy S23 stands out with powerful snapdragon 8 gen 2 for galaxy chip outperforms standard version. Consider that Apple iPhone 17 Pro charging requires purchasing a 40w+ adapter separately for max speed. 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.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.