The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has landed hard on the market, dominating the Android ecosystem through premium specifications capable of standing up to Apple‘s almighty iPhone 14 Pro Max . So we are going to compare both models to find out which top of the range is the best of the year 2023.
Our objective is to review the different sections of the two mobiles in order to determine which is better in each of them. While it is true that there are those who prefer the Android operating system for the advantages and freedom it offers, there are also those who opt for iOS for its advanced features. Regardless of your preferences, we will help you make the right decision.
Samsung or Apple: battle of the titans
We are facing the two most premium smartphones from the main smartphone brands. On the one hand, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is presented as the preferred option for Android , while the iPhone 14 Pro Max is Apple’s best mobile to date. It’s time to take a deep dive into these two devices to see which one hits the jackpot.
Screen
For the reproduction of content we find two screens in perfect condition. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel that achieves extremely accurate colors to reality while reducing user eye fatigue . In addition, it has an adaptive refresh rate of 1 to 120 Hz and a 2K resolution .
Instead, the iPhone 14 Pro Max reaches a higher maximum brightness of 2,000 nits compared to 1,750 nits for the Samsung phone, while it has one of the great novelties of the new generation of Apple, such as the Dynamic Island . A pill that changes its shape to display content (notifications, device battery…) and that makes the notch disappear.
Processor and performance
One of the biggest surprises of Samsung’s high-end is that it rejects the Exynos chips of previous years to bet on the best Android processor of the moment: the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. A CPU that ensures extreme performance both for playing games with incredible graphics or perform work-related tasks. For this first activity, it has real-time ray tracing so that the reflections of the elements in video games are completely realistic.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max carries a next-generation Apple A16 Bionic. Another processor that also allows browsing throughout the device with incredible speed. Performance tests indicate that it is above the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, but the difference is not that significant .
Battery and fast charging
The autonomy of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has surprised everyone, coming to consider it the best of Android . This is not only thanks to the ample capacity of 5,000 mAh , but also to the energy efficiency achieved by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip. Its fast charge is 45W, so it will take you about 45 minutes to reach 100% power. .
On the other hand, the battery of the iPhone 14 Pro Max remains at 4,323 mAh . The difference against Samsung’s flagship is significant, although you do get a fairly long 8-hour screen time. However, the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s battery lasts longer.
Photographic results
The main novelty of Samsung’s flagship phone is its 200 MP main camera that is capable of getting even the smallest detail of each image when zooming. This is accompanied by a 12 MP wide-angle lens and two 10 MP telephoto lenses each with 3x and 10x magnifications. A very varied sensor configuration that promises impressive results.
The iPhone 14 Pro Max also boasts almost perfect photos, with brightly lit night images and amazing portraits. It is the first iPhone along with its Pro sibling to sport a 48 MP main lens and it comes alongside a 12 MP ultra-wide angle lens and a 12 MP telephoto lens. In this case there is not so much difference between both models.
Price
When we talk about the most premium mobiles on the market, the price shoots up to very high limits. So the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra costs 1,409 euros compared to the 1,469 euros that the iPhone 14 Pro Max is worth , so there is only 60 euros of margin.
However, keep in mind that Android smartphones are more likely to experience significant discounts. This means that, in the long run, you may find the Galaxy S23 Ultra much cheaper than the iPhone.