Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Pro Max
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S23 Ultra
Starting at
£369.24£1,599.00 new
iPhone 14 Pro Max
Starting at
£467.05£1,199.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 14 Pro Max?
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 Ultra starts at £369.24, £97.81 less than the iPhone 14 Pro Max. 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 A16 Bionic (4 nm) on the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
- 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 Pro Max specs
The Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 14 Pro Max are both premium smartphones with unlocked 5G connectivity and high-end features, but they serve different preferences. The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers a larger screen, more RAM, and a bigger battery, suited for users who prioritise multitasking, longer usage, and detailed photography with its 200MP main camera. The iPhone 14 Pro Max features a slightly smaller and thinner design, with iOS for those who prefer Apple's ecosystem and a high-quality 48MP camera. Storage options and screen refresh rates are strong on both, making each device appealing depending on your platform preference, size needs, and camera detail expectations.
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Pro Max price
Colour
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, operating system, and release year, which influence how long devices last on a charge and the software experience you get. These differences matter for everyday use and how you interact with your phone over time.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 5000 mAh battery, which offers more capacity than the iPhone 14 Pro Max's 4323 mAh. This larger battery may benefit users who need longer screen-on time between charges, such as heavy media consumers or those who use demanding apps throughout the day.
Operating System
The Galaxy S23 Ultra runs Android 13, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max uses iOS. Your choice here depends on your preference for Android's customisation and app ecosystem or iOS's integration and simplicity.
Release Year
The Galaxy S23 Ultra was released in 2023 and the iPhone 14 Pro Max in 2022. This places them close in market availability but does not imply any advantage beyond their launch timing.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Pro Max performance
Performance is defined by chipset, RAM, and storage options. These affect how smoothly your phone handles apps, multitasking, and storage needs for files and media.
Chipset
The Galaxy S23 Ultra uses the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A16 Bionic. Both are built on a 4 nm process, supporting fast and efficient operation for gaming, productivity, and general use.
RAM
With 12 GB of RAM, the Galaxy S23 Ultra keeps more apps running smoothly in the background compared to the iPhone 14 Pro Max's 6 GB. This suits users who tend to multitask heavily or switch between demanding applications often.
Storage Options
Both devices offer storage up to 1TB, but the Galaxy S23 Ultra starts at 256GB, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max's options begin at 128GB. This means the iPhone provides a lower entry point for storage, which can suit users with lighter storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Pro Max screen
Screen quality looks at size, resolution, refresh rate, and display type. These factors affect how much you see, how smooth motion appears, and the overall viewing experience.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a larger 6.8 inch screen with a resolution of 1440 x 3088, offering a more spacious and detailed display. The iPhone 14 Pro Max features a slightly smaller 6.7 inch screen at 1290 x 2796 resolution. This makes the Galaxy better for watching videos or browsing where screen real estate and sharpness matter.
Refresh Rate
Both phones have a 120 Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth scrolling and animations that benefit gaming and general navigation.
Screen Type
The Galaxy S23 Ultra uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, which is known for vivid colours and deep blacks. The iPhone 14 Pro Max features LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, which supports efficient power use and excellent colour accuracy for an immersive viewing experience.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Pro Max camera
Audiovisual capabilities focus on camera resolutions. These impact photo and video detail, which is important for photography enthusiasts or anyone who values high-quality images.
Front Camera
Both the Galaxy S23 Ultra and the iPhone 14 Pro Max have 12 megapixel front cameras. This means selfie quality and video calling should be comparable across the two.
Main Camera
The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers a 200 megapixel main camera, which is designed to capture extremely detailed images. The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a 48 megapixel main camera, suitable for high-quality photos with a balance of detail and processing. The Galaxy may suit users who prioritise maximum photo resolution.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Pro Max size and design
Miscellaneous features cover physical dimensions, connectivity, SIM options, and other practical details that influence daily handling and compatibility.
Physical Size 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 Pro Max is slightly smaller at 160.7 mm tall, 77.6 mm wide, thinner at 7.9 mm, and lighter at 150 g. Users prioritising a lighter or slimmer phone may prefer the iPhone.
Connector Type
The Galaxy S23 Ultra uses a USB Type-C connector, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max uses Lightning. This affects cable compatibility depending on your existing chargers and accessories.
SIM Card Setup
The Galaxy S23 Ultra supports Dual Physical SIM plus eSIM, ideal for users who need two physical SIM cards. The iPhone 14 Pro Max supports one Physical SIM plus eSIM, which suits users with simpler SIM needs.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S23 Ultra or iPhone 14 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S23 Ultra if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £369.24, £97.81 less than the iPhone 14 Pro Max
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4323 mAh)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S23 Ultra often highlight its like-new condition with very few or no scratches, noting the excellent camera quality especially the 200MP sensor. Many appreciate the smooth performance and large screen, and some mention the battery life as solid for their needs. Reviewers value PhoneMart's clear grading system and the sustainable aspect of buying refurbished. The Galaxy's size and weight are noted without complaint, and users upgrading from other brands find it a notable step up.
Owners of the iPhone 14 Pro Max report receiving phones in very good or perfect condition, with battery health often noted at or near 100%. They mention the smooth and simple user experience with iOS and are generally pleased with the camera and overall quality. Some mention minor scratches depending on the condition chosen but still find the phones highly satisfactory. Upgraders from older iPhones feel the 14 Pro Max is a strong improvement.
Both devices suit buyers looking for high-quality refurbished phones. The Galaxy S23 Ultra appeals to those wanting a larger, heavier phone with more RAM and a very high-resolution main camera. The iPhone 14 Pro Max attracts users who prefer a lighter, slimmer device with iOS and a high-performance camera in a slightly smaller form.
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Pro Max FAQs
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) on the Galaxy S23 Ultra, Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) on the iPhone 14 Pro Max. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is cheaper refurbished, from £369.24 compared with £467.05 for the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
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 48 megapixels.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra gets updates until Feb 2028. The iPhone 14 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone 14 Pro Max in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
