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Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Plus

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Galaxy S23 Ultra

Starting at

£369.24£1,599.00 new
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iPhone 15 Plus

Starting at

£439.65£799.00 new
See options
(589 reviews)
(329 reviews)

What's the difference between the Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 15 Plus?

Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 Ultra starts at £369.24, £70.41 less than the iPhone 15 Plus.

Refurbished from

£369.24£439.65

Chipset

Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)Apple A16 Bionic

RAM

12 GB6 GB

Battery

5000 mAh4383 mAh

Screen size

6.8 inch6.7 inch

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2XSuper Retina XDR OLED
  • Chipset: Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) on the Galaxy S23 Ultra, Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15 Plus.
  • The Galaxy S23 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
  • The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4383 mAh.

Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Plus specs

The Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 15 Plus both come from 2023 and offer unlocked 5G connectivity, USB-C charging, and no SD card slot. The Galaxy S23 Ultra suits users wanting a larger, higher resolution screen with a faster refresh rate and more RAM, which helps keep many apps open smoothly. Its 5000 mAh battery supports longer use between charges. The iPhone 15 Plus offers a familiar iOS experience with a slightly smaller, lighter design and main cameras with lower megapixels. It comes in storage options starting at 128GB. Choose the Galaxy S23 Ultra for advanced multitasking and screen quality, while the iPhone 15 Plus appeals to those who prefer iOS and a lighter phone with a straightforward camera setup.

Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Plus price

Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Plus battery life and software updates

Battery capacity and operating system shape how long and in what environment you use each phone.

Battery Capacity

The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 5000 mAh battery, which suits users looking for longer battery life between charges. The iPhone 15 Plus has a 4383 mAh battery, which still supports a full day of use for most but may appeal to those who charge more regularly or prioritise phone weight.

Operating System

The iPhone 15 Plus uses iOS, which suits those who appreciate Apple's ecosystem and user experience.

Battery

5000 mAh4383 mAh

Foldable

N/ANo

Ip rating

N/AIP68

OS at launch

Android 13N/A

Software updates

Until Feb 2028Supported, up to iOS 27

Wireless charging

N/AYes

Year of release

20232023

Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Plus performance

Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options you choose. Both phones offer strong processors from 2023 and cater to different user needs through memory and storage.

Chipset

The Galaxy S23 Ultra uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset built on 4 nm technology, offering high performance for multitasking and gaming. The iPhone 15 Plus runs on the Apple A16 Bionic chipset also on 4 nm, known for efficient power use and smooth operation within iOS.

RAM Capacity

With 12 GB RAM, the Galaxy S23 Ultra suits users who keep many apps open or use demanding software. The iPhone 15 Plus has 6 GB RAM, which is well matched to iOS for smooth everyday performance and moderate multitasking.

Storage Options

The Galaxy S23 Ultra is available with 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage, fitting users who need ample space for media and apps. The iPhone 15 Plus offers 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB, which suits those with lighter storage needs or who use cloud services.

Chipset

Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)Apple A16 Bionic

RAM

12 GB6 GB

Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Plus screen

The screen affects how you view content, from size and resolution to refresh rate and panel type. Both have large displays but differ in smoothness and sharpness.

Screen Size and Resolution

The Galaxy S23 Ultra's 6.8 inch display with 1440 x 3088 resolution offers a roomier and sharper viewing experience, ideal for watching videos or detailed work. The iPhone 15 Plus has a slightly smaller 6.7 inch screen at 1290 x 2796 resolution, which is still large and clear for everyday use.

Refresh Rate

The Galaxy S23 Ultra refreshes at 120 Hz, which brings smoother scrolling and animations, benefiting users who value fluid visuals in games and apps. The iPhone 15 Plus has a 60 Hz refresh rate, fitting users who prioritise battery life over refresh smoothness.

Screen Technology

The Galaxy S23 Ultra uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, known for vibrant colours and deep contrast. The iPhone 15 Plus features Super Retina XDR OLED, designed to deliver accurate colours and sharp detail. Both provide high-quality displays suited to different viewing preferences.

Refresh rate

120 Hz60 Hz

Resolution

1440 x 30881290 x 2796

Screen size

6.8 inch6.7 inch

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2XSuper Retina XDR OLED

Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Plus camera

Front and main cameras define your photo and video experience. Both phones have the same front camera resolution but differ significantly on the main camera specs.

Front Camera

Both the Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 15 Plus have 12 megapixel front cameras, which are suitable for clear selfies and video calls.

Main Camera

The Galaxy S23 Ultra features a 200 megapixel main camera, capturing very high detail, which suits photography enthusiasts who want large, detailed images. The iPhone 15 Plus has a 48 megapixel main camera, which balances quality and file size for everyday photo needs.

Front camera

12 megapixels12 megapixels

Main camera

200 megapixels48 megapixels

Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Plus size and design

Additional features such as size, weight, SIM options, and connectors influence how you carry and use the phone daily.

Dimensions and Weight

The Galaxy S23 Ultra is larger and heavier at 163.4 mm tall, 78.1 mm wide, 8.9 mm deep, and 234 g, fitting users who want a substantial device with a big screen. The iPhone 15 Plus is slightly smaller and lighter at 160.9 mm tall, 77.8 mm wide, 7.8 mm deep, and 201 g, which suits those preferring a lighter and slimmer phone.

SIM Card Options

The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers dual physical SIM slots plus eSIM, providing flexibility for users managing two physical numbers. The iPhone 15 Plus has a single physical SIM plus eSIM, which fits users with simpler SIM needs.

Connector Type

Both devices use USB-C connectors, ensuring easy compatibility with modern chargers and accessories.

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

USB-CUSB-C

Depth

8.9 mm7.8 mm

Height

163.4 mm160.9 mm

Mobile network

5G5G

Release date

N/A22 September 2023

SD card slot

NoNo

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIMPhysical SIM + eSIM

Weight

234 g201 g

Width

78.1 mm77.8 mm

Galaxy S23 Ultra or iPhone 15 Plus: which should you buy?

Buy the Galaxy S23 Ultra if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £369.24, £70.41 less than the iPhone 15 Plus
  • you want more RAM (12 GB vs 6 GB)
  • you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4383 mAh)

Buy the iPhone 15 Plus if

  • you want a lighter build (201 g vs 234 g)

What our customers say

Customers who bought the Galaxy S23 Ultra praise its condition, often describing it as looking and feeling like new. They highlight the phone's smooth operation and fast performance, noting the Snapdragon chipset and 200MP camera as major positives. The battery life is reported as solid, supporting extended use. Many mention satisfaction with the large, bright screen and the phone's overall build quality. Some customers appreciate the environmental benefits of buying a refurbished device and feel the phone offers a good upgrade.

Users of the iPhone 15 Plus comment on the excellent condition of their phones, with many saying the devices look almost new and run smoothly. The battery life generally lasts a full day, and the switch to USB-C is seen as a practical improvement. Customers enjoy the clear and bright screen and report straightforward setup and reliable performance. Some mention the phone's size and weight as comfortable for everyday use, and many appreciate the familiar iOS experience. The camera quality and software stability also receive positive remarks.

Overall, Galaxy S23 Ultra buyers tend to value a larger screen, extensive RAM, and a highly detailed camera, while iPhone 15 Plus customers highlight the ease of use, lighter design, and efficient battery. Both phones satisfy users looking for quality refurbished devices with strong performance and good condition.

Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 15 Plus FAQs

Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 15 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 A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15 Plus. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra is cheaper refurbished, from £369.24 compared with £439.65 for the iPhone 15 Plus.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4383 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 Plus is still supported and can run iOS 27.

Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone 15 Plus in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.

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