Galaxy S23 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S23
Starting at
£235.29£1,019.00 new
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Starting at
£577.65£1,199.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S23 and iPhone 15 Pro Max?
Galaxy S23 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 starts at £235.29, £342.36 less than the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S23, Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
- The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4441 mAh vs 3900 mAh.
- The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a bigger screen: 6.7 inch vs 6.1 inch.
Galaxy S23 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max specs
The Galaxy S23 and iPhone 15 Pro Max both launched in 2023 and offer strong performance and features, but they suit different needs. The Galaxy S23 is more compact and lighter, making it easier to hold and pocket, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max has a larger screen that benefits those who prefer more space for video and browsing. The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers higher storage options, up to 1TB, which suits users needing a lot of space. Battery capacity is higher on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which may help it last longer between charges. Both phones have powerful chipsets and 8 GB of RAM, keeping apps running smoothly. Android users will prefer the Galaxy S23, while iOS users will find the iPhone 15 Pro Max fits their ecosystem.
Galaxy S23 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max price
Colour
Galaxy S23 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability includes battery size, software updates and operating system. Battery capacity and operating system differ, affecting daily use and preferences.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a 4441 mAh battery, which is larger than the Galaxy S23's 3900 mAh. This means the iPhone may offer longer usage between charges, which benefits users who spend extended time away from charging points. The Galaxy S23 battery is still solid and should cover typical daily use comfortably.
Operating System
The Galaxy S23 runs Android, offering flexibility and customisation for users familiar with or preferring this system. The iPhone 15 Pro Max runs iOS, which appeals to those who use Apple services and prefer the iOS experience.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S23 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max performance
Performance depends on chipset, RAM and storage options. Both phones have 8 GB of RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly. The chipsets differ in design and manufacturing process, while storage options vary widely.
Chipset Technology
The Galaxy S23 uses the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 built on a 4 nm process, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max has the Apple A17 Pro built on a 3 nm process. The smaller 3 nm process can improve power efficiency and performance for the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which could be noticed during demanding tasks or gaming.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S23 is available with 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage sizes, which suits users with moderate to high storage needs. The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB options, which is ideal if you need extra space for large apps, media, or files.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S23 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max screen
Screen quality influences how you view content, with differences in size, resolution, and screen type. Both phones have a 120 Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a larger 6.7 inch screen with a higher resolution of 1290 x 2796 pixels, making it well suited for watching videos, gaming, or multitasking with more on-screen content. The Galaxy S23 has a smaller 6.1 inch screen with 1080 x 2340 resolution, which fits better in the hand and pocket and still delivers sharp images.
Screen Type
The Galaxy S23 uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, providing vibrant colours and good contrast. The iPhone 15 Pro Max uses LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, which is known for excellent colour accuracy and energy efficiency, particularly with its adaptive refresh rate capabilities.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S23 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max camera
Audiovisual features include camera setups and front camera resolution. Both phones have triple main cameras and a 12 megapixel front camera, but megapixel counts on the main cameras differ slightly.
Main Camera Detail
The Galaxy S23's main camera is 50 megapixels, which captures more detail in photos and can benefit those who often zoom or crop images. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a 48 megapixel main camera, which still provides high-quality photos with excellent colour and detail.
Front Camera
Both phones have a 12 megapixel front camera, making either a good choice for selfies and video calls with clear image quality.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S23 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max size and design
Miscellaneous specs cover physical size, weight, network, connectors, and SIM options. These details affect comfort, compatibility, and convenience.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy S23 is smaller with dimensions of 146.3 mm height, 70.9 mm width, and 7.6 mm depth, weighing 168 g. This makes it easier to hold and carry for users who prefer compact phones. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is larger at 159.9 mm height, 76.7 mm width, and 8.3 mm depth, weighing 221 g. Its size suits users who want a bigger screen and don't mind a heavier device.
Carrier and Network
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G, which offers fast mobile data speeds across compatible networks. They both use physical SIM plus eSIM, providing flexibility in number management.
Connector Type
Both the Galaxy S23 and the iPhone 15 Pro Max use USB-C connectors, which standardises charging and data transfer cables.
SD Card Slot
Neither phone includes an SD card slot, so storage relies on built-in options.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S23 or iPhone 15 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S23 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £235.29, £342.36 less than the iPhone 15 Pro Max
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (50 megapixels vs 48 megapixels)
- you want a lighter build (168 g vs 221 g)
Buy the iPhone 15 Pro Max if
- you want a bigger battery (4441 mAh vs 3900 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.1 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy S23 appreciate its value and performance, often highlighting its strong battery life and fast operation. Many mention the phone looking almost new, with clear screens and good condition batteries. Users who prefer Android find the Galaxy S23 reliable for everyday apps and travel needs. The compact size and light weight are also noted as comfortable for daily use. Several customers mention buying refurbished to save money and express satisfaction with the phone's condition and speed.
Those who bought the iPhone 15 Pro Max praise its like-new appearance and strong battery health, often around 86% or higher. The camera quality and screen clarity receive positive comments. Users upgrading within the Apple ecosystem find it fits well with their apps and services. The phone's larger screen size suits those wanting more display area for media. Customers value the refurbished option as a way to get a high-end iPhone without the full new price.
Both phones suit buyers looking for quality refurbished devices with solid performance. The Galaxy S23 works well for those wanting a lighter, more compact Android phone, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max appeals to those who prefer iOS and a larger screen with higher storage options.
Galaxy S23 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max FAQs
Galaxy S23 vs iPhone 15 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S23, Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4441 mAh vs 3900 mAh.
The Galaxy S23 is cheaper refurbished, from £235.29 compared with £577.65 for the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4441 mAh vs 3900 mAh.
The Galaxy S23 has a higher-resolution main camera: 50 megapixels vs 48 megapixels.
The Galaxy S23 gets updates until Feb 2028. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
