Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Plus
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S23 Ultra
Starting at
£369.24£1,599.00 new
iPhone 14 Plus
Starting at
£332.55£699.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 14 Plus?
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 14 Plus starts at £332.55, £36.69 less than the Galaxy S23 Ultra. The Galaxy S23 Ultra is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) on the Galaxy S23 Ultra, Apple A15 Bionic on the iPhone 14 Plus.
- The Galaxy S23 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
- The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4323 mAh.
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Plus specs
The Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 14 Plus are both strong choices but suit different needs. The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers a larger battery, more RAM, and a higher resolution screen with a faster refresh rate, making it well suited for users who want a spacious display and power for multitasking or demanding apps. Its main camera has a very high megapixel count for detailed photos. The iPhone 14 Plus provides a slightly smaller but still large screen and runs on iOS, appealing to those who prefer Apple's ecosystem and a simpler experience. It is lighter and a bit thinner, which may suit users who want a more compact feel. Both phones support 5G and come unlocked for flexible network use.
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Plus price
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Plus battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, operating system, and release year. These impact how long the phone lasts between charges and what software experience you get.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 5000 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone 14 Plus's 4323 mAh. This means the Galaxy S23 Ultra can generally support longer use between charges, especially if you use power-intensive apps or gaming. The iPhone 14 Plus still offers a solid battery size suitable for daily use but may need charging sooner with heavy use.
Operating System
The Galaxy S23 Ultra runs Android 13, offering a wide range of customisation and app flexibility. The iPhone 14 Plus uses iOS, known for its smooth integration with other Apple devices and a user-friendly interface. Your choice depends on whether you prefer Android's openness or iOS's simplicity.
Release Year
The Galaxy S23 Ultra was released in 2023, while the iPhone 14 Plus came out in 2022. This simply states their launch dates without implying one is better or more current in any other respect.
Battery
Foldable
OS at launch
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Plus performance
Performance relates to the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These determine how smoothly the phone runs apps and how much space you have for files and apps.
Chipset
The Galaxy S23 Ultra uses the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm), which is a high-end processor designed to handle demanding tasks with efficiency. The iPhone 14 Plus uses the Apple A15 Bionic, known for reliable performance in everyday use and gaming. Which suits you depends on your preference for Android or iOS and the types of apps you run.
RAM Capacity
With 12 GB of RAM, the Galaxy S23 Ultra can keep many apps open simultaneously and handle multitasking smoothly. The iPhone 14 Plus has 6 GB of RAM, which supports everyday apps and typical multitasking for iOS users. If you often switch between many apps, the Galaxy S23 Ultra's RAM may be beneficial.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers storage choices of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, providing ample space for large media files and apps. The iPhone 14 Plus is available with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage capacities, suitable for users with moderate to heavy storage needs. Your choice depends on how much content you plan to store.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Plus screen
Screen quality affects how your content looks and feels when you use the phone for browsing, watching videos, or gaming.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 6.8 inch screen, slightly larger than the iPhone 14 Plus's 6.7 inch. This offers a bit more room for viewing videos or multitasking. Both screens are large, so either suits users wanting a spacious display.
Refresh Rate
The Galaxy S23 Ultra features a 120 Hz refresh rate, which means animations and scrolling appear smoother. The iPhone 14 Plus has a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is standard and suitable for everyday use. If you value fluid motion, the Galaxy S23 Ultra's faster refresh rate may appeal.
Resolution and Screen Type
The Galaxy S23 Ultra's screen resolution is 1440 x 3088 with a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering sharp images with vibrant colours. The iPhone 14 Plus has a 1284 x 2778 resolution and a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, delivering clear and bright visuals. Both provide excellent screen quality with subtle differences in resolution and display technology.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Plus camera
Audiovisual specs mainly focus on camera capabilities. These affect photo detail and video quality.
Main Camera
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 200 megapixel main camera, designed to capture highly detailed images, which is useful if you take many photos or want to crop images without losing detail. The iPhone 14 Plus has a 12 megapixel main camera, which produces high-quality photos suitable for everyday use and social media.
Front Camera
Both the Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 14 Plus have 12 megapixel front cameras, offering sharp selfies and video calls. This means both phones are equally capable for front-facing photography.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Plus size and design
Miscellaneous features cover physical size, network options, connectivity, and SIM support. These influence how the phone fits in your hand, what accessories you use, and network flexibility.
Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy S23 Ultra measures 163.4 mm in height, 78.1 mm in width, and 8.9 mm in depth, weighing 234 g. The iPhone 14 Plus is a bit shorter at 160.8 mm, with the same width of 78.1 mm, is thinner at 7.8 mm, and lighter at 150 g. If you prefer a lighter and slimmer phone, the iPhone 14 Plus suits you better. For a larger, heavier device with a bigger screen, the Galaxy S23 Ultra fits.
SIM Card
The Galaxy S23 Ultra supports Dual Physical SIM plus eSIM, allowing you to use two physical SIM cards alongside a digital eSIM. The iPhone 14 Plus supports eSIM only. If you need multiple physical SIMs, the Galaxy S23 Ultra offers more options.
Connector Type
The Galaxy S23 Ultra uses a USB Type-C connector, which is common across many devices for charging and data transfer. The iPhone 14 Plus uses Apple's Lightning connector. Your choice might depend on what cables and accessories you already have.
Network and Carrier Compatibility
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G networks, giving you flexibility to choose or change your mobile carrier without restrictions.
Storage Expansion
Neither the Galaxy S23 Ultra nor the iPhone 14 Plus has an SD card slot, so storage expansion relies on the internal capacity you select.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S23 Ultra or iPhone 14 Plus: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S23 Ultra if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4323 mAh)
- you want a smoother screen (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
Buy the iPhone 14 Plus if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £332.55, £36.69 less than the Galaxy S23 Ultra
- you want a lighter build (203 g vs 234 g)
What our customers say
Customers buying the Galaxy S23 Ultra from PhoneMart frequently praise its condition, often describing the phones as looking and working like new. Many highlight the smooth performance, excellent cameras especially the 200 megapixel main sensor, and solid battery life. Several mention the phone feels like a good upgrade with new features and praise the sustainable aspect of buying refurbished. The size and screen quality are well received, with users appreciating the pristine condition and reliability at a lower price.
For the iPhone 14 Plus, customers often comment on the excellent condition, with some noting only minor scratches that do not affect use. The phone is described as easy to use and a significant improvement over older iPhones. Storage options like 256GB are appreciated, and the iOS experience is valued for its simplicity. Some buyers mention the good sound and screen quality.
Those choosing the Galaxy S23 Ultra may prioritise a larger, smoother screen and more powerful multitasking and photography. Those opting for the iPhone 14 Plus often value a lighter phone with a straightforward iOS experience and solid everyday performance.
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Plus FAQs
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) on the Galaxy S23 Ultra, Apple A15 Bionic on the iPhone 14 Plus. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
The iPhone 14 Plus is cheaper refurbished, from £332.55 compared with £369.24 for the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4323 mAh.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a higher-resolution main camera: 200 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra gets updates until Feb 2028. The iPhone 14 Plus is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone 14 Plus in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
