Galaxy S23+ Vs iPhone 15 Plus

Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:£257.00

Versus £1,199.99 new

See options
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Plus
Starting at

Refurbished price:£344.00

Versus £799.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus (2023) and the iPhone 15 Plus (2023) are both large-screen smartphones designed to offer a comprehensive mobile experience. While the Galaxy S23 Plus runs on the Android operating system with Samsung's One UI, the iPhone 15 Plus operates on Apple's iOS platform. Key differentiators include their respective camera systems and display technologies, catering to different user preferences.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support are important factors.

  • Release Timeline: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus was released in February 2023, making it slightly older than the iPhone 15 Plus, which launched in September 2023. This difference in release date means the iPhone 15 Plus will likely receive software updates for a longer period.
  • Software Longevity: Samsung typically provides four years of major Android operating system updates and five years of security updates for the Galaxy S23 Plus, with support expected to end around 2028. Apple generally offers five to six years of iOS updates, with the iPhone 15 Plus launching with iOS 17 and being compatible with iOS 26, suggesting a longer overall software support window.
  • Durability Features: Both devices feature robust build materials and water resistance. The Galaxy S23 Plus incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on its front and back, along with an Armor Aluminum frame, and carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The iPhone 15 Plus features a Ceramic Shield front, a color-infused glass back, and an aluminum design, also with an IP68 rating for splash, water, and dust resistance.

Year of Release

2023

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both smartphones deliver strong performance for daily tasks and demanding applications, though they approach it with different hardware architectures.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 Plus is equipped with a current-generation Android processor, specifically optimized for Samsung devices, which handles multitasking, gaming, and intensive applications smoothly. The iPhone 15 Plus utilizes a powerful, previous-generation Apple processor, ensuring responsive performance across iOS applications and games.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S23 Plus comes with 8GB of RAM, supporting efficient multitasking and app management. It offers storage options of 256GB and 512GB. The iPhone 15 Plus features 6GB of RAM and is available with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of internal storage.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 Plus houses a 4700 mAh battery, providing up to 27 hours of video playback, with real-world tests showing it can last over 14 hours of continuous use. The iPhone 15 Plus, with its 4383 mAh battery, is noted for its extended battery life, offering up to 26 hours of video playback and up to 100 hours of audio playback, with some users reporting it lasting a full day even with heavy use.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display is a central feature for both devices, offering large, vibrant viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its deep blacks and rich colors. The iPhone 15 Plus comes with a slightly larger 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, also delivering excellent contrast and color accuracy.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy S23 Plus offers a Full HD+ resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 393 pixels per inch (ppi). The iPhone 15 Plus has a higher resolution of 2796 x 1290 pixels, providing a sharper image with a pixel density of 460 ppi.
  • Brightness and Smoothness: Both phones offer high brightness levels for outdoor visibility, with the Galaxy S23 Plus reaching a peak outdoor brightness of 1750 nits and the iPhone 15 Plus achieving up to 2000 nits. The Galaxy S23 Plus features an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and animations, while the iPhone 15 Plus maintains a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1290 x 2796

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, designed to capture high-quality photos and videos in various conditions.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens capable of 3x optical zoom. The iPhone 15 Plus has a dual-camera system, highlighted by a 48MP main sensor with sensor-shift OIS, which also enables a 2x optical-quality telephoto zoom by cropping the sensor. It also includes a 12MP ultrawide camera.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S23 Plus delivers detailed and colorful images, performing well in both bright and low-light conditions, with improvements in dynamic range. The iPhone 15 Plus's 48MP main camera produces detailed 24MP photos by default and shows noticeable improvements in low-light photography compared to previous models.
  • Video and Audio: The Galaxy S23 Plus can record video at up to 8K resolution at 30 frames per second (fps), though 4K at 60fps is often recommended for better stabilization. The iPhone 15 Plus supports 4K Dolby Vision video recording at up to 60fps and includes Cinematic mode for depth-of-field effects. Both devices offer good microphone quality for calls and recording, and their speakers provide a clear audio experience for media consumption.

Main camera

50 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both phones support 5G cellular connectivity and Wi-Fi 6 for fast wireless internet. The Galaxy S23 Plus uses a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. The iPhone 15 Plus also features a USB-C port, marking a shift from its previous proprietary connector, though its data transfer speeds are limited to USB 2.0.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S23 Plus incorporates an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The iPhone 15 Plus relies on Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system, for biometric authentication.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S23 Plus measures 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm and weighs 195g, offering a comfortable grip for its screen size. The iPhone 15 Plus is slightly larger and heavier at 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm and 201g, featuring rounded edges for an improved in-hand feel.
  • Unique Features: The iPhone 15 Plus introduces the Dynamic Island, an interactive area at the top of the display for alerts and live activities. The Galaxy S23 Plus offers features like Samsung Wallet and advanced AI capabilities such as Live Translate.

Weight

196 g

201 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.7

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

Both the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus and the iPhone 15 Plus are capable smartphones that cater to different ecosystems and user preferences. Users often praise the Galaxy S23 Plus for its vibrant 120Hz display, robust performance, and versatile camera system with optical zoom. Some common criticisms include its resolution being lower than some competitors and the lack of Wi-Fi 6E. The iPhone 15 Plus is frequently lauded for its exceptional battery life, the integration of the Dynamic Island, and significant camera improvements, particularly the 2x optical-quality zoom. A frequent point of discussion for the iPhone 15 Plus is its 60Hz display refresh rate, which some users find less fluid compared to devices with higher refresh rates.

Users prioritizing a high refresh rate display and a more open Android ecosystem with extensive customization options may find the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value a longer software support timeline, a highly optimized user experience, and class-leading battery endurance, along with the Apple ecosystem, may lean towards the iPhone 15 Plus. Both devices represent strong choices in the large-screen smartphone category, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option can be a sustainable choice for either model.

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