Galaxy S23+ Vs iPhone 15 Pro

Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:£257.00

Versus £1,199.99 new

See options
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£427.00

Versus £999.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, released in February 2023, and the Apple iPhone 15 Pro, launched in September 2023, are both high-end smartphones offering distinct user experiences. While the Galaxy S23 Plus operates on Android with Samsung's One UI, the iPhone 15 Pro runs on Apple's iOS, providing different ecosystems and interface designs. Key differentiators include their operating systems, display technologies, and camera systems, catering to varied preferences.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, several factors contribute to their expected practical lifespan, including software support and physical resilience.

  • Software Support: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus was launched with Android 13 and is expected to receive four major OS updates and five years of security updates, extending its support until around 2028. The iPhone 15 Pro, released with iOS 17, typically receives software updates for approximately five to six years from its launch, potentially offering a slightly longer period of major OS upgrades.
  • Build Materials: The Galaxy S23 Plus features an Armor Aluminum frame and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, contributing to its durability. The iPhone 15 Pro utilizes a titanium frame, a Ceramic Shield front cover, and a textured matte glass back, designed for enhanced resilience.
  • Water and Dust Resistance: Both devices carry an IP68 rating, indicating resistance to dust and submersion in water up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, offering similar protection against environmental elements.

Year of Release

2023

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both smartphones deliver robust performance for daily tasks and demanding applications, though they achieve this through different hardware architectures.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 Plus is equipped with an optimized processor designed for Samsung devices, which handles demanding apps and multitasking smoothly. The iPhone 15 Pro features a powerful current-generation chip, providing a responsive experience for intensive gaming and complex applications.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S23 Plus comes with 8GB of RAM and utilizes UFS 4.0 storage for faster data access, available in 256GB and 512GB configurations. The iPhone 15 Pro also includes 8GB of RAM and offers storage options from 128GB up to 1TB, using NVMe-based storage for quick app loading and file transfers.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 Plus houses a 4700 mAh battery, providing ample power for extended use, with users reporting it can last through a full day for many. The iPhone 15 Pro has a 3274 mAh battery, which is optimized by its operating system for efficient power consumption, offering up to 23 hours of video playback.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both devices is a highlight, with each offering a high-quality display tailored to different preferences.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 15 Pro has a slightly smaller 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, also delivering excellent contrast and color accuracy.
  • Resolution and Brightness: The Galaxy S23 Plus offers a Full HD+ resolution of 2340x1080 pixels with a pixel density of approximately 393 ppi, and a peak brightness of 1750 nits, ensuring good visibility outdoors. The iPhone 15 Pro provides a resolution of 2556x1179 pixels at about 460 ppi, resulting in a slightly sharper image, and can reach up to 2000 nits peak outdoor brightness.
  • Refresh Rate and Features: Both phones feature adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. The Galaxy S23 Plus adapts between 48Hz and 120Hz. The iPhone 15 Pro's ProMotion technology dynamically adjusts from 1Hz to 120Hz, and includes an Always-On display and the Dynamic Island for interactive notifications.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1179 x 2556

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer advanced camera systems capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos in various conditions.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S23 Plus is equipped with a versatile triple camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The iPhone 15 Pro features a Pro camera system with a 48MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens also offering 3x optical zoom.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S23 Plus excels in capturing detailed images, including in low-light conditions, and offers features like 8K video recording at 24fps. The iPhone 15 Pro is praised for its computational photography, delivering consistent image quality across its lenses, and supports 4K video recording up to 60fps with advanced cinematic modes.
  • Front Camera and Audio: Both devices feature 12MP front-facing cameras for clear selfies and video calls. For audio, both offer stereo speakers for an immersive media consumption experience, and their microphones are designed for clear voice capture during calls and recordings.

Main camera

50 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate the user experience and daily convenience offered by these devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy S23 Plus and iPhone 15 Pro support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3 for fast wireless communication. The Galaxy S23 Plus features a USB-C 3.2 port, while the iPhone 15 Pro also adopts USB-C, specifically USB 3.2 Gen 2, offering faster data transfer speeds compared to the standard iPhone 15.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S23 Plus uses an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor and 2D face unlock for secure authentication. The iPhone 15 Pro relies on Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system, for unlocking and secure payments.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S23 Plus measures 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm and weighs 196 grams, offering a substantial yet comfortable feel. The iPhone 15 Pro is slightly more compact and lighter at 146.6 x 70.6 x 8.25 mm and 187 grams, potentially appealing to users preferring a smaller device. The iPhone 15 Pro also introduces a customizable Action Button, replacing the traditional mute switch.

Weight

196 g

187 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.1

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

User feedback for the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus often highlights its bright and vibrant display, consistent performance, and reliable battery life as strong points. Some users appreciate the flexibility of the Android operating system and Samsung's ecosystem. Criticisms sometimes point to its design being iterative compared to previous models, though its overall user satisfaction remains high for those seeking a dependable Android flagship.

The iPhone 15 Pro receives praise for its advanced camera capabilities, the fluid iOS experience, and the premium feel of its titanium design. Users frequently commend its powerful processing for demanding tasks. However, some initial user reports noted potential heating during intensive gaming or prolonged use.

Users prioritizing a larger display and the Android ecosystem with extensive customization options may find the Galaxy S23 Plus well-suited to their needs. Those who value a compact form factor, a highly integrated software experience, and advanced video capabilities might lean towards the iPhone 15 Pro. Both devices offer excellent performance and features, making the choice largely dependent on individual operating system preference and specific feature priorities. For those considering a more sustainable choice, both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, extending their lifecycle and reducing environmental impact.

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