Galaxy S23+ Vs iPhone 16e

Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:£258.00

Versus £1,199.99 new

See options
iPhone 16e
iPhone 16e
Starting at

Refurbished price:£359.00

Versus £599.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, released in February 2023, and the Apple iPhone 16E, an anticipated model from early 2026, represent distinct approaches to the modern smartphone experience. While the Galaxy S23 Plus operates on Android, offering a customizable interface, the iPhone 16E runs on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem. Key differentiators between these devices include their processing power, camera systems, and display technologies, catering to varied user preferences.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of a smartphone, software support and physical resilience are important factors. The Galaxy S23 Plus, launched in early 2023, benefits from Samsung's commitment to providing four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates, extending its support until approximately 2028. [27, 33, 37] The iPhone 16E, being a more recent release from early 2026, is expected to receive major iOS updates for around five to seven years, with security patches potentially extending even longer, a typical practice for Apple devices. [3, 14, 21, 25]

  • Software Updates: The iPhone 16E is likely to offer a longer period of major operating system updates compared to the Galaxy S23 Plus, ensuring access to newer features and security enhancements for an extended duration. [3, 14, 21, 25]
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature robust build materials and water resistance. The Galaxy S23 Plus incorporates Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on its screen and rear panel, along with an Armor Aluminum frame, and boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. [5, 11, 13] The iPhone 16E is also expected to feature Ceramic Shield front cover and an IP68 rating, offering comparable protection against environmental elements. [19]
  • Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary, both manufacturers generally design their devices with certain repair considerations. Users seeking to extend the life of their device beyond software support can often find options for hardware services and battery replacements. [3]

Year of Release

2023

2025

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a core aspect of any smartphone, influencing how smoothly applications run and how efficiently tasks are handled. The Galaxy S23 Plus is equipped with a powerful processor designed for demanding applications and multitasking. [1, 4, 5] The iPhone 16E, featuring a newer generation of Apple's custom silicon, is engineered to deliver responsive performance across its operating system and applications. [15, 18, 19, 20]

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 Plus handles demanding apps and multitasking smoothly, providing a fluid user experience. [8, 24] The iPhone 16E, with its more recent processor, is expected to offer enhanced speed and efficiency for everyday use, gaming, and advanced computational tasks. [15, 18, 19, 20]
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 Plus is noted for its extended battery life, often lasting through a full day of heavy use and sometimes up to two days with moderate usage, thanks to its efficient processor and substantial battery capacity. [1, 2, 7, 8, 12] The iPhone 16E is also designed for good battery endurance, with expectations of easily managing a full day of use. [20]
  • Storage and RAM: Both devices offer various internal storage options, typically ranging from 128GB to 512GB, providing ample space for applications, photos, and media. [4, 13, 18, 19, 20] The Galaxy S23 Plus comes with 8GB of RAM, contributing to its multitasking capabilities. [1, 4, 13] The iPhone 16E is also expected to feature sufficient RAM to support smooth iOS operation and application switching. [19, 20]

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is the primary interface for user interaction, and both the Galaxy S23 Plus and the iPhone 16E offer vibrant and clear viewing experiences. Each device utilizes advanced screen technologies to present content with accuracy and brightness.

  • Display Technology: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its deep blacks, vibrant colors, and high contrast ratios. [1, 4, 5, 9] The iPhone 16E comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, which also delivers rich colors and excellent contrast. [16, 18, 19]
  • Resolution and Brightness: The Galaxy S23 Plus offers a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels, with a peak brightness of 1750 nits, making it suitable for outdoor viewing. [1, 2, 5, 9] The iPhone 16E has a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi) and a typical brightness of 800 nits, with a peak HDR brightness of 1200 nits. [16, 19]
  • Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S23 Plus features an adaptive refresh rate that can go up to 120Hz, providing smooth scrolling and fluid animations. [1, 2, 5] The iPhone 16E is expected to have a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is suitable for most everyday tasks. [15]

Resolution

1080 x 2340

2532x1170

Audiovisual

Both the Galaxy S23 Plus and the iPhone 16E are equipped with capable camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos in various conditions. Each device leverages its hardware and software to enhance photographic output.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, allowing for a range of photographic styles. [1, 2, 5, 10, 12, 23, 24] The iPhone 16E is equipped with a 48MP main rear camera, which utilizes pixel-binning technology to produce detailed 12MP photos and offers 2x in-sensor zoom. [15, 16, 18, 20]
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S23 Plus delivers good image quality in various lighting conditions, with improvements in low-light performance and video stabilization over its predecessor. [12, 23] The iPhone 16E's camera system is expected to offer strong computational photography features, enhancing image quality and detail, particularly in challenging lighting. [15, 16, 20]
  • Front Camera and Video: Both devices feature high-resolution front cameras for clear selfies and video calls. The Galaxy S23 Plus has a 12MP front camera. [1, 5] The iPhone 16E also includes a 12MP front camera. [15, 16, 20] For video recording, the Galaxy S23 Plus supports 8K video capture, while the iPhone 16E is capable of recording 4K Dolby Vision video. [12, 16, 18]

Front camera

12 megapixels

TrueDepth 12MP

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical features contribute to the overall user experience of these smartphones. Connectivity, physical design, and additional sensors play a role in daily interactions.

  • Connectivity Options: Both devices support modern wireless standards. The Galaxy S23 Plus includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, along with 5G cellular capabilities. [4, 10] The iPhone 16E is expected to support Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 or 5.4, and also features 5G connectivity. [18, 26, 28] Both devices utilize USB-C for charging and data transfer. [18]
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S23 Plus incorporates an under-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking and authentication. [11] The iPhone 16E relies on Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system, for biometric security. [19]
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S23 Plus has dimensions of 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm and weighs 196 grams. [4, 11] The iPhone 16E is slightly more compact and lighter, with dimensions of 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.8 mm and a weight of 167 grams. [18, 19] The iPhone 16E also features an Action Button, offering customizable shortcuts. [15, 18, 19]

Weight

196 g

167 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.1

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus and the Apple iPhone 16E cater to users with differing priorities in the smartphone market. The Galaxy S23 Plus is often praised for its robust battery life and versatile camera system, offering a comprehensive Android experience with extensive customization options. Users frequently highlight its bright display and consistent performance for a wide range of tasks. Some common feedback points for the S23 Plus include its iterative design compared to previous models, though its overall performance and battery improvements are generally well-received. [1, 7, 8, 23]

The iPhone 16E, as a more recent entry, is anticipated to be lauded for its powerful processing capabilities and the seamless integration of the iOS ecosystem. Users are likely to appreciate its expected long-term software support and the reliability associated with Apple's platform. Potential areas of discussion for the iPhone 16E might revolve around its standard 60Hz display refresh rate, which differs from the higher refresh rates found in some other contemporary devices. [15]

Users prioritizing an extended battery life, a highly customizable Android interface, and a comprehensive multi-lens camera system may find the Galaxy S23 Plus well-suited to their needs. Conversely, individuals who value a longer period of software updates, a streamlined user experience, and the integrated Apple ecosystem will likely lean toward the iPhone 16E. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers looking to make informed and sustainable choices.

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