Galaxy S23 FE vs iPhone 15 Pro Max
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Galaxy S23 FE
Starting at
£205.00£605.75 new
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Starting at
£577.65£1,199.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S23 FE and iPhone 15 Pro Max?
Galaxy S23 FE vs iPhone 15 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 FE starts at £205, £372.65 less than the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Front camera
- Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) / Exynos 2200 (4nm) on the Galaxy S23 FE, Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
- Battery: 4500 mAh on the Galaxy S23 FE, 4441 mAh on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
- The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a bigger screen: 6.7 inch vs 6.4 inch.
Galaxy S23 FE vs iPhone 15 Pro Max specs
The Galaxy S23 FE and iPhone 15 Pro Max both offer strong options for buyers in 2023 with unlocked 5G connectivity and good battery capacities close to 4500 mAh. The Galaxy S23 FE suits those who prefer Android, a slightly smaller 6.4 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with Full HD+ resolution, and dual physical SIM support. It also comes with 128GB or 256GB storage options. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is aimed at users who want a larger 6.7 inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED screen with higher resolution, iOS, and storage choices up to 1TB. Both have triple cameras, but the iPhone's front camera has a higher 12MP count. Performance differs with Apple's 3 nm A17 Pro chipset versus Samsung's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 on 4 nm, while both share 8GB RAM. Weight and dimensions are close, with the iPhone slightly bigger and heavier.
Galaxy S23 FE vs iPhone 15 Pro Max price
Colour
Galaxy S23 FE vs iPhone 15 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, operating system, and physical design features that affect everyday use and longevity.
Battery Capacity and Updates
The Galaxy S23 FE has a 4500 mAh battery while the iPhone 15 Pro Max has a slightly smaller 4441 mAh battery. Battery sizes are close enough that daily usage will be comparable, though individual power optimisation may differ between Android and iOS.
Operating System
The Galaxy S23 FE runs Android, which offers customisation and flexibility with a wide variety of apps and settings. The iPhone 15 Pro Max uses iOS, known for its smooth integration with other Apple devices and a consistent user experience. Your choice here depends on which operating system you prefer.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S23 FE vs iPhone 15 Pro Max performance
Performance involves the chipset, RAM, and storage options available which influence speed, multitasking, and capacity for apps or files. Both phones come with 8 GB RAM, keeping everyday apps running smoothly, but their processors and storage choices differ.
Chipset Differences
The Galaxy S23 FE is powered by either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200, both built on 4 nm technology. The iPhone 15 Pro Max uses the Apple A17 Pro chipset built on 3 nm technology. This means the iPhone processor is built on a smaller manufacturing process, which can lead to efficiency and performance benefits for intensive tasks.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S23 FE offers storage in 128GB and 256GB sizes, suitable for most users with moderate storage needs. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a wider range of storage options from 256GB up to 1TB, catering to those who require more space for apps, media, and files.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S23 FE vs iPhone 15 Pro Max screen
Screen quality impacts how you view content, play games, or work on your phone. Both phones have advanced OLED technology but differ in size, resolution, and panel type.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy S23 FE has a 6.4 inch screen with 1080 x 2340 resolution, offering a compact and sharp display for watching videos or browsing. The iPhone 15 Pro Max features a larger 6.7 inch screen with a higher resolution of 1290 x 2796, giving more room for content with finer detail and clarity.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy S23 FE uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, known for vibrant colours and good brightness. The iPhone 15 Pro Max uses an LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED screen, which supports variable refresh rates for smoother visuals and can help with power efficiency during less intensive use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S23 FE vs iPhone 15 Pro Max camera
Audiovisual features include camera setups and front camera resolution, important for photography, video calls, and selfies.
Camera Setup
Both the Galaxy S23 FE and iPhone 15 Pro Max have triple rear cameras, offering versatility for different photography styles. Both will suit users who want multiple lenses for varied shots.
Front Camera Resolution
The Galaxy S23 FE has a 10 megapixel front camera, capturing clear selfies and video calls. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a slightly higher 12 megapixel front camera, which may deliver sharper detail in selfies and video.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S23 FE vs iPhone 15 Pro Max size and design
Miscellaneous features cover connectivity, SIM support, physical dimensions, and weight which affect daily convenience and comfort.
SIM Card Support
The Galaxy S23 FE supports dual physical SIM cards plus eSIM, which is useful if you want to use two separate phone numbers or plans without swapping SIMs. The iPhone 15 Pro Max supports one physical SIM plus eSIM, suitable for users with simpler SIM needs.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy S23 FE measures 158 mm in height, 76.5 mm in width, and 8.2 mm in depth, weighing 209 g. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is slightly larger at 159.9 mm tall, 76.7 mm wide, and 8.3 mm deep, with a weight of 221 g. The iPhone offers a bigger screen but with a slightly heavier and taller body, which may affect pocket fit and one-handed use.
Connector and Network
Both phones use USB-C connectors and support 5G networks, giving fast data speeds and simple charging options that are widely compatible.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S23 FE or iPhone 15 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S23 FE if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £205, £372.65 less than the iPhone 15 Pro Max
- you want a lighter build (209 g vs 221 g)
Buy the iPhone 15 Pro Max if
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.4 inch)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 10 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S23 FE often comment on how the phone looks like new with no scratches or marks. Many mention the performance is excellent and faster than their previous phones, with improved battery life. The phone's premium feel and good condition stand out, and some appreciate the colour options and storage size available. Some users note the phone can get warm during heavy use or that refurbishment sometimes missed cleaning details like the charging port, but overall satisfaction is high.
Buyers of the iPhone 15 Pro Max praise the device for appearing like brand new with no scratches and good battery health often around or above 85 percent. They highlight the excellent camera quality and smooth performance. Some note the phone can warm up slightly during initial setup or heavy app use but then cools down. The device's large screen and storage options receive positive remarks, as does the refined condition even in good quality selections. Customers recommend the phone for its reliability and feel.
The Galaxy S23 FE suits those who want a well-performing Android phone with a slightly smaller screen and dual physical SIM support. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is better for users looking for a larger display, higher front camera resolution, and a wide range of storage choices within the iOS ecosystem. Both phones meet high standards for condition and performance in the refurbished market.
Galaxy S23 FE vs iPhone 15 Pro Max FAQs
Galaxy S23 FE vs iPhone 15 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) / Exynos 2200 (4nm) on the Galaxy S23 FE, Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Battery: 4500 mAh on the Galaxy S23 FE, 4441 mAh on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The Galaxy S23 FE is cheaper refurbished, from £205 compared with £577.65 for the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The Galaxy S23 FE has 4500 mAh and the iPhone 15 Pro Max has 4441 mAh.
The Galaxy S23 FE gets updates until Oct 2028. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 FE comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
