Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Pro Max: Features, Display, Price

Updated On: June 2, 2025

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Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Pro Max: A Comprehensive Comparison of Features, Display, and Price

Introduction

The battle between Samsung and Apple continues to dominate the smartphone market, with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 14 Pro Max standing as two of the most powerful flagships available. Both devices offer cutting-edge technology, premium build quality, and exceptional camera capabilities, but they cater to different user preferences. The Galaxy S23 Ultra excels with its 200MP camera, 10x optical zoom, and built-in S Pen, making it a powerhouse for creatives and professionals. Meanwhile, the iPhone 14 Pro Max impresses with its 48MP ProRAW photography, Dynamic Island, and seamless iOS integration, appealing to those deeply embedded in Apple’s ecosystem.

Key Highlights

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra	iPhone 14 Pro Max
Organization	Samsung Electronics	Apple Inc.
Display	6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz	6.7″ Super Retina XDR, 120Hz
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy	A16 Bionic
Main Camera	200MP + 10x Optical Zoom	48MP + 3x Optical Zoom
Battery	5,000mAh	4,323mAh
Official Website	samsung.com	apple.com

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra features a 6.8-inch curved Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, offering a sleek yet functional design. Its built-in S Pen enhances productivity, making it ideal for note-taking and creative work. The phone is slightly taller and narrower than the iPhone, making it easier to handle despite its large screen. Samsung also offers multiple color options, including Phantom Black, Cream, Green, and Lavender, with additional exclusive shades available on their website.

On the other hand, the iPhone 14 Pro Max sports a flat-edged stainless steel frame with a Ceramic Shield front and textured matte glass back, giving it a premium feel. The introduction of the Dynamic Island replaces the traditional notch, offering an interactive way to manage notifications and live activities. While it lacks an S Pen, its IP68 water and dust resistance matches the S23 Ultra, ensuring durability in harsh conditions.

Display Comparison

When it comes to displays, both phones are industry leaders. The Galaxy S23 Ultra boasts a 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and gaming. It supports HDR10+ and reaches up to 1,750 nits peak brightness, making it highly visible in direct sunlight. Samsung’s Vision Booster further enhances outdoor visibility by adjusting contrast dynamically.

The iPhone 14 Pro Max, meanwhile, features a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with ProMotion technology, offering a 120Hz refresh rate for seamless animations. Apple’s True Tone and P3 wide color gamut ensure accurate color reproduction, while its 2,000 nits peak brightness outperforms the S23 Ultra in extreme lighting conditions. The Always-On Display feature is available on both, but Apple’s implementation integrates more smoothly with iOS.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, a custom chipset optimized for Samsung’s flagship. This processor delivers blazing-fast performance, whether for gaming, multitasking, or AI-driven tasks. The phone runs Android 13 with One UI 5.1, offering extensive customization options and features like DeX mode for desktop-like productivity.

The iPhone 14 Pro Max is equipped with Apple’s A16 Bionic chip, which remains one of the fastest mobile processors available. It excels in single-core performance and energy efficiency, making it ideal for long-term use. iOS 16 (upgradable to iOS 18) provides a seamless, secure, and highly optimized experience, with features like Focus Mode and Live Text enhancing productivity.

Camera Showdown

The S23 Ultra’s 200MP main sensor is its standout feature, allowing for unprecedented detail and cropping flexibility. The 10x periscope telephoto lens offers superior zoom capabilities compared to the iPhone’s 3x optical zoom. Samsung’s Nightography excels in low-light conditions, producing brighter and sharper images. However, some users find Samsung’s overprocessing (excessive sharpening and saturation) a downside.

The iPhone 14 Pro Max’s 48MP main camera uses pixel binning to capture more light, resulting in natural-looking photos with excellent dynamic range. Apple’s Photonic Engine and Deep Fusion enhance image quality, while ProRAW support gives professionals more editing flexibility. The Cinematic Mode and Action Mode in videos provide superior stabilization, making it a favorite for videographers.

Battery Life and Charging

The S23 Ultra’s 5,000mAh battery outperforms the iPhone’s 4,323mAh cell in most real-world tests, offering longer screen-on time. It supports 45W wired fast charging (adapter sold separately) and 15W wireless charging, along with reverse wireless charging for accessories.

The iPhone 14 Pro Max, despite its smaller battery, benefits from iOS optimizations, delivering all-day battery life. It supports 20W wired charging and 15W MagSafe wireless charging, but lacks fast charging beyond 27W.

FAQs

1. Which phone has a better camera: S23 Ultra or iPhone 14 Pro Max?

The S23 Ultra excels in zoom and detail with its 200MP sensor and 10x optical zoom, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max offers more natural colors and superior video stabilization.