Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Plus
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Galaxy S23 Ultra
Starting at
£369.24£1,599.00 new
iPhone 16 Plus
Starting at
£588.00£799.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 16 Plus?
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Plus comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 Ultra starts at £369.24, £218.76 less than the iPhone 16 Plus. The iPhone 16 Plus 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 on the iPhone 16 Plus.
- The Galaxy S23 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4674 mAh.
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Plus specs
The Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 16 Plus each offer different strengths for distinct users. The Galaxy S23 Ultra is a larger, heavier phone with a higher resolution, faster refresh rate screen and a more powerful Snapdragon chipset paired with more RAM. It has a bigger battery and a very high megapixel main camera, which suits those who want top-tier photography and smooth display performance. Its screen has a lower refresh rate and resolution but still offers a sharp OLED experience. Storage options vary, with the Galaxy S23 Ultra offering larger maximum capacity.
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Plus price
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Plus battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and operating system define day-to-day endurance and user experience. The Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 16 Plus differ in these essentials, shaping how long they last and the software environment you will use.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 5000 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone 16 Plus's 4674 mAh. This means the Galaxy model is likely to support longer usage between charges, benefiting those who often use their phone intensively or for extended periods without access to charging.
Operating System
The Galaxy S23 Ultra runs Android 13, offering a broad range of customisation and app compatibility, while the iPhone 16 Plus uses iOS 18, known for its smooth integration with Apple services and apps. Your choice here depends on your preference for either Android or iOS platforms.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Plus performance
Processing power and memory affect speed and multitasking. The Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 16 Plus use different chipsets and RAM sizes, influencing how they handle apps and tasks.
Chipset Technology
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 built on 4 nm technology, while the iPhone 16 Plus uses the Apple A18 chip built on 3 nm. The smaller 3 nm process in the iPhone's chip typically offers efficiency and performance benefits, which suits users who want a swift, responsive phone.
Memory Capacity
With 12 GB of RAM, the Galaxy S23 Ultra can keep more apps and processes active in the background, which helps with multitasking and running demanding applications. The iPhone 16 Plus has 8 GB of RAM, which supports everyday apps smoothly and efficiently.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB variants, offering very large storage suitable for users who store many files, apps, or media. The iPhone 16 Plus offers 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options, catering well to users with moderate to high storage needs but with a lower maximum capacity.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Plus screen
Screen size, resolution, and refresh rate impact viewing comfort and smoothness. Both phones have OLED displays but differ in size and visual fluidity.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers a 6.8 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with a resolution of 1440 by 3088 pixels, making it slightly larger and sharper. The iPhone 16 Plus has a 6.7 inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen at 1290 by 2796 pixels. The Galaxy's larger, higher resolution screen is suitable for users who watch videos or work on their phone with more screen space.
Refresh Rate
The Galaxy S23 Ultra supports a 120 Hz refresh rate, which means smoother scrolling and animations, benefiting those who value fluid visuals, especially in gaming or fast-moving content. The iPhone 16 Plus runs at 60 Hz, which delivers standard smoothness suitable for everyday use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Plus camera
Camera quality is a key factor for many users. The front cameras match in resolution, but the main camera specifications show a clear difference.
Main Camera Detail
The Galaxy S23 Ultra features a 200 megapixel main camera, enabling extremely detailed photos which is ideal for photography enthusiasts or those who want high-resolution images. The iPhone 16 Plus has a 48 megapixel main camera, which still delivers high-quality photos suited to everyday photography needs.
Front Camera
Both phones have a 12 megapixel front camera, providing similar quality for selfies and video calls, making them equally suited for these uses.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Plus size and design
Several other factors may influence your choice, from physical size and weight to connectivity and SIM options.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is taller at 163.4 mm and deeper at 8.9 mm, weighing 234 g. The iPhone 16 Plus is slightly shorter at 160.9 mm, slimmer at 7.8 mm, and lighter at 199 g. The iPhone may be more comfortable for those who prefer a lighter and slimmer phone.
SIM Card Support
The Galaxy S23 Ultra supports dual physical SIM cards plus eSIM, which is useful for users who want to manage two physical numbers alongside an eSIM. The iPhone 16 Plus supports one physical SIM plus eSIM, suitable for most users with one physical SIM line.
Connector Type
This may affect data transfer speed and compatibility with accessories depending on your needs.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S23 Ultra or iPhone 16 Plus: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S23 Ultra if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £369.24, £218.76 less than the iPhone 16 Plus
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4674 mAh)
Buy the iPhone 16 Plus if
- you want a lighter build (199 g vs 234 g)
- you want the newer model (2024)
What our customers say
Customers who have chosen the Galaxy S23 Ultra often highlight how the device looks and works like new, with many praising the condition and smooth performance of the Snapdragon processor. The camera quality, especially the 200 megapixel main sensor, is frequently mentioned as excellent. Users appreciate the large, vibrant screen and solid battery life. The device appeals to those who want a powerful, feature-rich phone that feels like a premium device without paying full price.
Reviews of the iPhone 16 Plus show a mix of experiences, with many customers very pleased with the device's condition and performance, describing it as feeling like new and enjoying the latest iOS version. Some highlight the quality and immaculate condition, especially in terms of screen and overall feel. A few customers experienced issues mostly related to specific units or required visits to the Apple Store for updates. The iPhone 16 Plus suits users who prefer the Apple ecosystem and want a reliable, familiar iOS experience.
Both phones have strong followings: the Galaxy S23 Ultra for those who want maximum screen size, high resolution, and powerful multitasking, and the iPhone 16 Plus for those who value a lighter phone with the newest iOS and solid all-round performance.
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Plus FAQs
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 16 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 A18 on the iPhone 16 Plus. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is cheaper refurbished, from £369.24 compared with £588 for the iPhone 16 Plus.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4674 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 Plus is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone 16 Plus in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
