Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 16
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S23 Ultra
Starting at
£369.24£1,599.00 new
iPhone 16
Starting at
£577.65£699.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 16?
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 16 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 Ultra starts at £369.24, £208.41 less than the iPhone 16. The iPhone 16 is the newer model, released in 2024.
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 A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16.
- The Galaxy S23 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3561 mAh.
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 16 specs
The Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 16 differ in several key areas that suit different types of users. The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers a larger screen with a higher resolution and faster refresh rate, making it ideal for those who prioritise media and multitasking. It has a bigger battery and more RAM, which supports longer use and keeping many apps open. The iPhone 16 has a smaller, lighter design with iOS 18 and an Apple A18 chip built on a smaller process, which appeals to users who prefer a compact phone with smooth daily performance. Camera capabilities also differ, with the Galaxy focusing on a very high megapixel main sensor and the iPhone balancing resolution with overall photo quality. Both support 5G and unlocked use, but the Galaxy provides dual physical SIMs while the iPhone has a single physical SIM plus eSIM.
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 16 price
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 16 battery life and software updates
Durability involves battery capacity and operating system. These aspects influence how long the phone lasts on a charge and the user experience through software.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 5000 mAh battery, which suits users who need longer battery life between charges, especially with its larger screen and higher refresh rate. The iPhone 16 has a 3561 mAh battery, which supports typical daily use on its smaller screen.
Operating System
The Galaxy S23 Ultra runs Android 13, offering a wide range of customisation and app compatibility. The iPhone 16 uses iOS 18, known for its smooth integration with Apple's ecosystem and regular updates.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 16 performance
Performance depends on the chipset and RAM, affecting speed and multitasking. Storage options also influence how much data and apps you can keep on the device.
Chipset Technology
The Galaxy S23 Ultra runs on the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 built on a 4 nm process. The iPhone 16 features the Apple A18 chipset built on a 3 nm process. Users seeking the latest chip design may prefer the iPhone 16, while the Galaxy offers a high-performance Snapdragon.
RAM Capacity
The Galaxy S23 Ultra includes 12 GB of RAM, which helps keep multiple apps open and running smoothly. The iPhone 16 has 8 GB of RAM, sufficient for everyday tasks and most app use.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is available with 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage, appealing to those who need extensive space for media and files. The iPhone 16 offers 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options, which suit everyday users and those with moderate storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 16 screen
Screen quality affects how you view media and interact with apps. Key factors include size, resolution, refresh rate, and screen type.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 6.8 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with 1440 x 3088 pixels, making it spacious and sharp for video and multitasking. The iPhone 16 features a 6.1 inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen with 1179 x 2556 pixels, which suits users who prefer a smaller, easier-to-handle phone.
Refresh Rate
The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers a 120 Hz refresh rate, which makes animations and scrolling feel smoother and is beneficial for gaming or fast-paced content. The iPhone 16 has a 60 Hz refresh rate, suitable for everyday use and conserving battery.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 16 camera
Camera specs determine photo and video quality, while front camera resolution impacts selfies and video calls.
Main Camera Resolution
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 200 megapixel main camera, designed for capturing very high detail, which benefits users who take detailed photos or want cropping flexibility. The iPhone 16 has a 48 megapixel main camera, which balances resolution with processing for clear images.
Front Camera
Both phones have a 12 megapixel front camera, so selfie and video call quality should be similar, fitting users who value consistent front camera performance.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 16 size and design
Other features like connectivity, size, and physical design influence daily comfort and compatibility.
SIM Card Configuration
The Galaxy S23 Ultra supports dual physical SIM cards plus eSIM, which is ideal for users needing to manage two numbers simultaneously. The iPhone 16 supports one physical SIM plus eSIM, suitable for users with simpler SIM needs.
Connector Type
The Galaxy S23 Ultra uses a USB Type-C connector, common for many devices.
Physical Size 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. The iPhone 16 is smaller and lighter at 147.6 mm tall, 71.6 mm wide, 7.8 mm deep, and 170 g, making it easier to carry and use with one hand.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S23 Ultra or iPhone 16: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S23 Ultra if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £369.24, £208.41 less than the iPhone 16
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 3561 mAh)
Buy the iPhone 16 if
- you want a lighter build (170 g vs 234 g)
- you want the newer model (2024)
What our customers say
Customers who buy the Galaxy S23 Ultra often praise its condition, noting it looks and feels like new even when refurbished. They appreciate the smooth performance thanks to the Snapdragon processor and the excellent camera with the 200 megapixel sensor. The large screen and solid battery life are also frequently mentioned as strong points. Buyers highlight how the device handles many apps smoothly with its 12 GB RAM. Many enjoy the ethical aspect of buying refurbished and the value it offers compared to new prices.
For the iPhone 16, customers report receiving devices in excellent or like-new condition with full battery health. They highlight the smooth experience with iOS 18 and the Apple A18 chip. The phone's size and design are appreciated for being compact and light. Many comment on the high quality of the display and camera, as well as the reliability of the device for daily use. Some buyers mention the satisfaction of upgrading within the Apple ecosystem with a refurbished phone.
Both phones attract buyers who want premium devices at lower prices but prioritise different features. The Galaxy suits those wanting a larger screen, more RAM, and very high camera resolution. The iPhone is for users who prefer a smaller, lighter phone with the latest Apple software and chip technology.
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 16 FAQs
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 16 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) on the Galaxy S23 Ultra, Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is cheaper refurbished, from £369.24 compared with £577.65 for the iPhone 16.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3561 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 16 is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone 16 in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
