Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Pro Max 2023
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
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Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Pro Max – how do these premium smartphones compare?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra release date is just around the corner, and since its big reveal on February 1st at the Galaxy Unpacked event we now know the specs and features that this new high-end smartphone comes with. Both the S23 Ultra and the iPhone 14 Pro Max are respective companies’ top flagship devices, and it is time to see which one comes out on top.
READ NOW: Pre order Samsung Galaxy S23 & Galaxy S22 price drop
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra cameras vs Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max cameras
In terms of camera hardware, it would seem that the Galaxy S23 Ultra will have a substantial lead over the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
This year, Samsung’s biggest upgrade is the addition of the new 200MP ISOCELL HP2 primary camera sensor with 0.6-micron pixels to the Galaxy S23 Ultra. The company specially designed this custom sensor for the Ultra model. 8K 30 FPS video has been introduced for the rear camera, as well as the 4K60 FPS video for front and rear cameras.
The new sensor on the Samsung S23 Ultra takes great low-light photos. The pixel size goes up to 1.12 microns, allowing users to snap 50MP images with increased light sensitivity. Samsung improved the night-light images by introducing a 2.4-micron virtual pixel by combining 16 pixels into one, resulting in photos taken at 12.5MP. According to Samsung, this new method allows users to take sharp photos when light exposure is low.
Apple has also made some changes this year. The company has finally dropped the 12MP camera and replaced it with a 48MP sensor. It is a significant upgrade for the iPhones but no match to what Samsung offers.
The final nail in the coffin for the iPhone 14 Pro Max is the Ultra Stabilization video recording mode. According to Samsung, it is on par with Apple’s Action Camera Mode, new Ultra Stabilization video recording mode, and more.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max processor
When it comes to processing power, it seems Samsung will struggle to win against Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max’s A16 Bionic chip, at least in terms of single core performance, but multicore performance could be a lot closer. Apple’s latest Bionic chip provides impressive performance, way ahead of what Android is currently offering, including Samsung.
Previously, Samsung used Qualcomm chips for the U.S. and Asia variants and Exynos for the Europe variants. This year though, Samsung has stopped producing the Exynos variants of its flagship smartphones. Although Samsung’s upgraded version of Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is a decent performer, it’s unlikely the upgrade will give it a sufficient boost to beat Apple.
We haven’t yet had chance to see tests of this latest model, but we can use the regular Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 to get some idea. In terms of Geekbench scores, the A16 Bionic just flattens the regular Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 reference model in Single-Core performance. Apple also takes home the win for Multi-Core results, but the difference is minor.
The upgraded Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 ‘galaxy’ variant might end up performing on par when it comes to multicore, but its unlikely to get enough of a boost to beat Apple in single-core performance.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max storage & memory
The iPhone Pro Max features four storage variants: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB. The S23 Ultra also has similar storage variants, so, it’s a draw.
But the S23 Ultra beats the 14 Pro Max in terms of memory. iPhone 14 Pro Max only has a single 6GB variant, while the S23 Ultra will have two different memory variants: 8GB and 12GB.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra screen vs Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max screen
The iPhone 14 Pro Max uses the same 6.7-inch AMOLED display as its previous generation. It also has a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and Super Retina XDR resolution with 460ppi. It is an impressive display, bright (up to 2,000 nits) and with accurate colors.
Samsung has kept a similar display to the S22 Ultra with a 6.8-inch, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and QHD resolution, though the nits have increased to 1,750 and it now has new Ultra Dynamic Range features. It comes with 501ppi.
All things considered then, the iPhone 14 Pro Max has a slight edge in terms of brightness, but the the S23 is a bit better in terms of resolution and screen size.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max battery life & charging
The Galaxy S series smartphones have never really matched up to Apple’s phones when it comes to battery life, and though there is some improvement with the S23 Ultra, it still doesn’t compare. The S23 Ultra comes with a 5,000mAh battery like the S22 Ultra did, but increased efficiency with the latest Snapdragon chip has improved battery life by around an hour (nothing earth-shattering, but we’ll take it).
The iPhone 14 Pro Max comes with a 4,323 mAh battery and manages around 19 hours of battery life, which is huge. In contrast, the S23 Ultra only manages around 13 hours, which is still okay.
The S23 does have the edge when it comes to charging, with 45W wired charging and 15W wireless charging (just like the S22 Ultra) Apple’s phone comes with 27W wired charging and the same 15W wireless charging feature.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra price vs iPhone 14 Pro Max price
Apple has kept the price of the iPhone the same as last year’s. So, the iPhone 14 Pro Max starts at $1,099 (128GB).
The Galaxy S23 Ultra starts at $1,199.99 for the 256GB base model, so $100 more expensive, but for better storage.
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Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Pro Max : Final Word
We hope this Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Pro Max article has helped inform you about the differences between these two devices. Overall we’d opt for the Galaxy S23 Ultra if your priority is photography or videography, but if your focus is on battery life of processing power, then the iPhone 14 Pro Max edges it.
