Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the mid-range powerhouse, featuring a stunning 6.1" Dynamic AMOLED display and a 50MP camera that excels in low light. In real-world use, its 3900mAh battery delivers up to 22 hours of video playback, making it a no-brainer for media lovers. So, what matters most? It's all about how you plan to use these devices. Key specs: Display: 6.1" vs 4.7" and Refresh: 120 Hz vs 60 Hz.
Why compare these? The Samsung Galaxy S23 (mid-range) 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★ (101 reviews) | ✓4.5★ (225 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip outperforms standard version | Most affordable entry point into the new iPhone ecosystem |
| Main Drawback | Base 128GB model uses slower UFS 3.1 storage (256GB+ uses UFS 4.0) | Dated design with thick top and bottom bezels |
| Market Position | ✓Mid-range | Budget |
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)
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.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Samsung Galaxy S23
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S23 | Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(101)Best Buy | ★4.5(225)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | iOS |
Software Support | 4 generations of OS upgrades (Android 14, 15, 16, 17); 5 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2028) | Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.36GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8GHz A715, 2x2.8GHz A710, 3x2.0GHz A510) | Apple A15 Bionic (5nm) |
Graphics | Adreno 740 (719 MHz) | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) |
RAM | 8 GB (LPDDR5X) | 4GB |
Storage | 128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB (UFS 4.0) / 512GB (UFS 4.0) | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe |
Display Size | 6.1" (6.1" full rectangle; 5.9" accounting for rounded corners) | 4.7" |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Retina HD LCD (IPS) |
Resolution | 2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+, 425 ppi) | 1334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi) |
Refresh Rate | Adaptive 48–120 Hz | 60Hz |
Peak Brightness | 1200 nits (HBM); 1750 nits peak (outdoor) | 625 nits (Typical) |
Main Camera | 50MP Wide (24 mm, f/1.8), Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS | 12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° FOV), Super Steady video | No (Not supported) |
Telephoto Camera | 10MP Telephoto (70 mm, f/2.4), PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 3x optical zoom; 30x Space Zoom | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x | Up to 5x |
Video Recording | 8K video at 24/30 fps; 4K at 30/60 fps; Slow motion 1080p at 240/960 fps | 4K @ 60fps; 1080p @ 60fps; Slo-mo 1080p @ 240fps |
Front Camera | 12MP Front (26 mm, f/2.2), Dual Pixel PDAF; 4K video at 30/60 fps | 7MP FaceTime HD, f/2.2, 1080p @ 30fps |
Battery | 3900 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 22 hours video playback | 2,018mAh (Approximate) |
Wired Charging | USB-C; Up to 50% in ~30 minutes with 25W adapter (sold separately) | 20W Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning |
Wireless Charging | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (up to 15W); Wireless PowerShare (4.5W) | 7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment) |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC | 5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (up to 5 Gb/s) | Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds) |
Durability | IP68 (up to 1.5 m freshwater for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Ion-strengthened glass |
Dimensions | 5.76" x 2.79" x 0.30" (146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm) | 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm) |
Weight | 5.93 oz (168 g) | 5.09 oz (144 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint (under display); Face recognition | Touch ID (Fingerprint sensor in Home button) |
Extras | Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox; Stereo speakers tuned by AKG; Dual eSIM support (varies by carrier) | Stereo speakers, Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM), Dual eSIM support |
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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)
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?
Grab the iPhone SE if you need a budget-friendly option - it's often hundreds less.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 if: you want a vibrant 6.1" display for gaming, need excellent battery life for streaming video, or prefer a high-quality camera for photography.
Choose the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) if: you want an affordable entry into the iPhone ecosystem, prefer a compact design that's easy to handle, or need a phone for basic tasks without the bells and whistles. (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 225 reviews vs 101
→ 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
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Bottom line: The Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) leads with a 4.5★ rating versus 4.4★. That said, Samsung Galaxy S23 could still be the right pick depending on your specific priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Samsung Galaxy S23 or Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)?
Samsung Galaxy S23 is the better choice if you prioritize powerful snapdragon 8 gen 2 for galaxy chip outperforms standard version. 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 and Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)?
Key differences: Samsung Galaxy S23 offers powerful snapdragon 8 gen 2 for galaxy chip outperforms standard version, while Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) stands out with most affordable entry point into the new iphone ecosystem. Consider that Samsung Galaxy S23 base 128gb model uses slower ufs 3.1 storage (256gb+ uses ufs 4.0). 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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