Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 15
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Galaxy S23 Ultra
Starting at
£369.24£1,599.00 new
iPhone 15
Starting at
£416.19£699.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 15?
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 15 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 Ultra starts at £369.24, £46.95 less than the iPhone 15.
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 on the iPhone 15.
- The Galaxy S23 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
- The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3349 mAh.
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 15 specs
The Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 15 both come from 2023 but target different users based on their strengths. The Galaxy S23 Ultra suits those who want a large, high-resolution screen with a fast refresh rate, a very large battery, and strong multitasking with its 12 GB RAM. It also offers more storage options up to 1TB and a very high megapixel main camera for detailed photos. The iPhone 15 fits buyers who prefer a smaller, lighter device with a well-balanced screen and a powerful chipset. Its iOS system and efficient hardware provide smooth everyday performance. Both phones support 5G and unlocked use, but the Galaxy S23 Ultra is the bigger, heavier device with more RAM and battery capacity, while the iPhone 15 is more compact and lighter.
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 15 price
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 15 battery life and software updates
Battery life and operating system are key durability factors. The Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 15 have different battery sizes and run on distinct operating systems, which affects how long you can use them between charges and the software experience.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 5000 mAh battery, which is significantly larger than the iPhone 15's 3349 mAh. This larger capacity suits users who need longer use between charges, especially with heavy daily use or gaming. The iPhone 15's battery size fits well for those who prefer a lighter phone and moderate daily use.
Operating System
The Galaxy S23 Ultra runs Android 13, which offers a flexible and customisable experience with access to a wide range of apps and settings. The iPhone 15 runs iOS, known for its smooth integration with Apple services and a consistent user interface. Your choice here depends on which software ecosystem you prefer.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 15 performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage, which influence speed, multitasking, and how much data you can keep on the device. Both phones offer powerful hardware but cater to different user needs.
Chipset Power
The Galaxy S23 Ultra uses the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm), while the iPhone 15 has the Apple A16 Bionic. Both are advanced processors from 2023 designed to handle demanding apps and smooth everyday use. Your choice may come down to preference for Android or iOS optimisation.
RAM for Multitasking
With 12 GB of RAM, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is well suited to users who keep many apps open or run intensive applications. The iPhone 15 has 6 GB of RAM, offering enough memory for smooth everyday use and efficient performance on iOS.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage options, ideal for users who need ample space for photos, videos, and apps. The iPhone 15 provides 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, which suits users with standard to high storage needs but fewer options at the top end.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 15 screen
The screen affects how you view content, play games, and interact with your phone. Differences in size, resolution, refresh rate, and display type influence the visual experience of each device.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a larger 6.8 inch screen with a resolution of 1440 x 3088, offering more space and sharper detail for watching videos and multitasking. The iPhone 15 has a 6.1 inch screen at 1179 x 2556 resolution, better suited to users who prefer a compact device that still delivers crisp visuals.
Refresh Rate
The Galaxy S23 Ultra supports a 120 Hz refresh rate, which results in smoother scrolling and better responsiveness, especially noticeable in gaming and fast-moving content. The iPhone 15 has a 60 Hz refresh rate, suitable for everyday use where smoothness is balanced with battery life.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy S23 Ultra uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, which can offer vivid colours and high contrast. The iPhone 15 features a Super Retina XDR OLED display, providing accurate colours and sharp images. Both are high-quality screens with differences that may appeal depending on your preference for size and display characteristics.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 15 camera
Camera quality and front-facing sensors influence your photography and video calls. The two phones have different main camera setups but share the same front camera megapixel count.
Main Camera Detail
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 200 megapixel main camera, designed for capturing extremely detailed photos, which benefits users who want high-resolution images for cropping or large prints. The iPhone 15's 48 megapixel main camera suits users who want excellent photos with efficient processing and colour accuracy.
Front Camera
Both the Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 15 have 12 megapixel front cameras. This provides clear and detailed selfies and video calls, making either device suitable for those activities.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 15 size and design
Additional features like size, weight, SIM options, and connection ports impact everyday convenience and compatibility with accessories and networks.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is larger and heavier, measuring 163.4 mm tall, 78.1 mm wide, 8.9 mm deep, and weighing 234 g. This fits users who want a bigger phone and don't mind the extra size. The iPhone 15 is smaller and lighter at 147.6 mm tall, 71.6 mm wide, 7.8 mm deep, and 171 g, suited for those who prefer a compact, easier-to-carry device.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy S23 Ultra supports Dual Physical SIM plus eSIM, offering flexibility for users who need multiple physical SIMs. The iPhone 15 supports a single Physical SIM plus eSIM, which fits users with simpler SIM card needs.
Connectivity
Both devices use USB-C connectors and support 5G mobile networks, ensuring compatibility with modern chargers and fast mobile data.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S23 Ultra or iPhone 15: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S23 Ultra if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £369.24, £46.95 less than the iPhone 15
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 3349 mAh)
Buy the iPhone 15 if
- you want a lighter build (171 g vs 234 g)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S23 Ultra frequently mention that the phone looks and works like new, often exceeding expectations for a refurbished device. Many praise its smooth performance, excellent cameras, and large battery life. The screen condition is often highlighted as pristine with no visible marks, and buyers appreciate the size and advanced features. Several customers note the value of buying refurbished both in price and environmental impact, while also enjoying the phone's high-end specifications.
For the iPhone 15 customers report the device looks nearly new even in fair condition with good battery life and reliable performance. Users highlight the ease of setup and the quality of the screen and cameras. The iPhone 15 is noted for being responsive with clear photos and a comfortable size. Several buyers express confidence in the phone's original Apple components and appreciate the balance of condition and price.
Overall the Galaxy S23 Ultra suits customers who want a large, feature-rich device with strong multitasking and photography, while the iPhone 15 appeals to those who prefer a lighter, compact phone with smooth daily use and solid camera performance.
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 15 FAQs
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 15 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 on the iPhone 15. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is cheaper refurbished, from £369.24 compared with £416.19 for the iPhone 15.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3349 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 15 is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone 15 in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
