Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro
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Galaxy S23 Ultra
Starting at
£369.24£1,599.00 new
iPhone 16 Pro
Starting at
£737.50£999.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro?
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 Ultra starts at £369.24, £368.26 less than the iPhone 16 Pro. The iPhone 16 Pro 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 Pro on the iPhone 16 Pro.
- The Galaxy S23 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3582 mAh.
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro specs
The Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro each offer a distinct experience suited to different needs. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a larger screen, higher RAM, and a very large battery, making it a good choice if you want a spacious display and longer battery capacity. The iPhone 16 Pro features a slightly smaller and lighter design, with a newer operating system and a high-performing Apple chipset, which suits those who prefer a compact phone with iOS 18. The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers a very high megapixel camera for detailed photos, while the iPhone 16 Pro balances resolution with a refined screen type. Storage options vary, with the iPhone starting lower but matching the Galaxy at the top end. Both phones work unlocked and support 5G for fast mobile connectivity.
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro price
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro battery life and software updates
Durability relates to how long the phone lasts through the day and the software it runs. Both devices have unlocked versions and 5G support. The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers a larger battery capacity and runs Android 13, while the iPhone 16 Pro uses iOS 18.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 5000 mAh battery, which suits users who want longer use between charges, especially for heavy tasks or media consumption. The iPhone 16 Pro has a 3582 mAh battery, which fits well for those who prefer a lighter device and are comfortable charging more frequently or using power-saving features.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro performance
Performance covers the processor and memory that affect speed and multitasking. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has more RAM, while the iPhone 16 Pro features Apple's latest chipset.
Processor
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) chipset, which handles demanding apps and games smoothly. The iPhone 16 Pro uses the Apple A18 Pro chipset, which is designed for efficient performance and integration with iOS 18.
RAM
With 12 GB of RAM, the Galaxy S23 Ultra supports keeping many apps open and multitasking with ease, ideal for power users. The iPhone 16 Pro has 8 GB of RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly and is sufficient for typical use.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB versions, offering plenty of space for files and media. The iPhone 16 Pro starts at 128GB and goes up to 1TB, which may suit users who want a lower entry storage option or need very high capacity.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro screen
Screen quality affects viewing comfort and detail. Both phones have a 120 Hz refresh rate for smooth motion, but they differ in size, resolution, and screen technology.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S23 Ultra's 6.8 inch screen offers a more spacious display, which suits those who watch videos or use multiple apps at once. The iPhone 16 Pro has a 6.3 inch screen, which fits better in smaller hands and pockets.
Resolution
With a resolution of 1440 x 3088, the Galaxy S23 Ultra provides a very high pixel density, making text and images appear sharp. The iPhone 16 Pro's resolution is 1206 x 2622, which also delivers clear visuals with a slightly lower pixel count.
Screen Type
The Galaxy S23 Ultra uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, known for bright colours and deep blacks. The iPhone 16 Pro features an LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED screen, which balances high brightness and energy efficiency.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro camera
Audiovisual focuses on cameras and front-facing imaging. Both phones have the same front camera resolution but differ greatly in their main camera megapixels.
Front Camera
Both the Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro have a 12 megapixel front camera, suitable for selfies and video calls with good detail.
Main Camera
The Galaxy S23 Ultra features a 200 megapixel main camera, which is ideal for capturing very detailed photos and cropping without losing clarity. The iPhone 16 Pro has a 48 megapixel main camera, which balances high resolution with image processing tailored to iOS.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro size and design
Miscellaneous features include physical dimensions, connectivity, SIM options, and weight. These affect how the phone feels and connects in daily use.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy S23 Ultra measures 163.4 mm tall, 78.1 mm wide, and 8.9 mm deep, weighing 234 g. This suits users who prioritise a larger device and don't mind extra weight. The iPhone 16 Pro is smaller and lighter at 149.6 mm tall, 71.5 mm wide, 8.3 mm deep, and 199 g, fitting those who want a more compact feel.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy S23 Ultra supports Dual Physical SIM and eSIM, which is useful if you need two physical SIM cards. The iPhone 16 Pro offers one Physical SIM plus eSIM, fitting users who use one physical SIM and digital SIMs.
Connector Type
The Galaxy S23 Ultra uses USB Type-C for charging and data transfer.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S23 Ultra or iPhone 16 Pro: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S23 Ultra if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £369.24, £368.26 less than the iPhone 16 Pro
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 3582 mAh)
Buy the iPhone 16 Pro if
- you want a lighter build (199 g vs 234 g)
- you want the newer model (2024)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy S23 Ultra praise its condition, often noting it looks and works like new. Many highlight the excellent camera quality, especially the 200 megapixel main sensor, and say the phone runs smoothly and fast with the Snapdragon processor. Battery life and screen quality are also commonly mentioned as strong points. Several customers appreciate the larger screen size and the sustainable choice of buying refurbished. The phone's size and weight are noted but not seen as drawbacks by those who want a sizeable device.
Customers of the iPhone 16 Pro report being very happy with the phone's condition, often describing it as nearly new with excellent battery health. The phone is appreciated for its performance with the Apple A18 Pro chipset and the smooth everyday use enabled by 8 GB of RAM. Users tend to like the compact size and the screen quality, mentioning the camera performance as well. Some customers mention concerns with battery life or repairs but most find the device meets their expectations as a refurbished purchase.
Overall, the Galaxy S23 Ultra suits those who want a larger, more powerful phone with a big battery and very high resolution camera. The iPhone 16 Pro fits buyers who prefer a smaller, lighter phone with the latest iOS, a strong processor, and a balanced camera setup.
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro FAQs
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro 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 Pro on the iPhone 16 Pro. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is cheaper refurbished, from £369.24 compared with £737.50 for the iPhone 16 Pro.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3582 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 Pro is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the iPhone 16 Pro in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
