Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
When comparing the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra to the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen), the flagship Samsung model takes the edge with its jaw-dropping 200MP camera, making it a no-brainer for photography enthusiasts. On the flip side, if you're looking for a budget-friendly option, the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) offers reliable performance with its A15 Bionic chip and is super compact at just 4.7 inches. Key specs: Display: 6.8" vs 4.7" and Refresh: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz.
Why compare these? The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (premium flagship) and Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) (budget-friendly) 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 | Samsung Galaxy | Apple iPhone |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.4★ (1,341 reviews) | ✓4.5★ (225 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Class-leading 200MP main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom | Most affordable entry point into the new iPhone ecosystem |
| Main Drawback | Slow charging speed (45W) compared to competitors | Dated design with thick top and bottom bezels |
| Market Position | ✓Flagship | Budget |
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
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
iOS
Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
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: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,341)Amazon | ★4.5(225)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | iOS |
Software Support | 4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates | Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Apple A15 Bionic (5nm) |
Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno 740 | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) |
RAM | 8GB / 12GB LPDDR5X | 4GB |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0) | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe |
Display Size | 6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 4.7" |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display | Retina HD LCD (IPS) |
Resolution | 3088 x 1440 pixels (QHD+), 500 ppi | 1334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi) |
Refresh Rate | 1–120Hz (Adaptive) | 60Hz |
Peak Brightness | 1,750 nits (Peak) | 625 nits (Typical) |
Main Camera | 200MP Wide (f/1.7, 85° FOV), Laser AF, OIS | 12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) | No (Not supported) |
Telephoto Camera | 10MP Telephoto (3x optical, f/2.4) + 10MP Periscope (10x optical, f/4.9); OIS | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 3x, 10x Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 100x Space Zoom | Up to 5x |
Video Recording | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps | 4K @ 60fps; 1080p @ 60fps; Slo-mo 1080p @ 240fps |
Front Camera | 12MP Front (f/2.2, 80° FOV), Dual Pixel AF | 7MP FaceTime HD, f/2.2, 1080p @ 30fps |
Battery | 5,000 mAh (Typical) | 2,018mAh (Approximate) |
Wired Charging | Up to 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0 (Adapter sold separately) | 20W Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning |
Wireless Charging | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare | 7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB | 5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 | Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds) |
Durability | IP68 (Water resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Ion-strengthened glass |
Dimensions | 6.43" x 3.07" x 0.35" (163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm) | 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm) |
Weight | 8.25 oz (234 g) | 5.09 oz (144 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition | Touch ID (Fingerprint sensor in Home button) |
Extras | Integrated S Pen (2.8ms latency); Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox | Stereo speakers, Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM), Dual eSIM support |
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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
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
iOS
Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
4GB
64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe
Pros
- Most affordable entry point into the new iPhone ecosystem
- Compact and lightweight design is easy to use with one hand
Cons
- Dated design with thick top and bottom bezels
- Small 4.7-inch LCD screen lacks the vibrancy of OLED competitors
Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the better buy for most people - its stunning 200MP camera crushes the 12MP found in the iPhone SE (3rd Gen).
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra if: you want a top-tier camera for photography, need all-day battery life for heavy usage, or prefer a larger display for media consumption. (6.8" display, 120 Hz refresh)
Choose the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) if: you want an affordable entry into the iPhone ecosystem, prefer a lightweight and compact design, or mainly use your phone for basic tasks and social media. (4.7" display, 60 Hz refresh)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.5★ vs 4.4★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 1,341 reviews vs 225
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
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
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 SE (3rd Gen) leads with a 4.5★ rating versus 4.4★. That said, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra could still be the right pick depending on your specific priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra or Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)?
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the better choice if you prioritize class-leading 200mp main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom. Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) wins if you value most affordable entry point into the new iphone ecosystem. Both are rated highly (4.4★ vs 4.5★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)?
Key differences: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra offers class-leading 200mp main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom, while Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) stands out with most affordable entry point into the new iphone ecosystem. Consider that Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra slow charging speed (45w) compared to competitors. Meanwhile, Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) dated design with thick top and bottom bezels. 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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