We couldn’t resist the chance to compare the latest iPhone 15 Pro Max with the Galaxy S23 Ultra. While it might not be a common dilemma, it’s a fascinating comparison worth exploring.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max made waves with its shift to a USB-C port and the introduction of a new periscope camera. On the other hand, the Galaxy S23 Ultra boasts an overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, a versatile camera setup, and the convenience of the S-Pen.
In terms of physical attributes, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is a bit smaller, thinner, and lighter than the Galaxy S23 Ultra, which is understandable given its slightly smaller display. These devices exhibit distinct design elements, with the iPhone featuring a flat frame and a substantial camera housing, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra sports a curved frame with a more discreet camera setup.
The iPhone markets its Ceramic Glass Shield and titanium frame, although it might not feel significantly different from other smartphones. The Galaxy S23 Ultra, on the other hand, employs the latest Gorilla Glass 2 Victus panels for durability and features a frame made of Samsung’s Armor Aluminum alloy.
Both phones are IP68-rated for dust and water resistance, but the iPhone can withstand greater depths (6m compared to the Galaxy’s 1.5m). In practice, their durability may come down to pure chance.
Aesthetically, both flagship phones are stunning, so your preference will be the deciding factor.
Display Comparison:
The iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Galaxy S23 Ultra both offer large OLED displays, but they differ in terms of specifications and capabilities. The iPhone’s display is brighter, although it has a lower resolution. Both displays are color-accurate and offer adaptive refresh rates.
Battery Life:
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a 4,441mAh battery, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra boasts a larger 5,000mAh cell. However, factors like screen technology and chipset efficiency play a significant role. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a slightly better overall endurance rating.
Charging Speed:
The iPhone supports fast wired charging (officially 20W but sometimes up to 27W) and up to 15W wireless charging via MagSafe chargers. The Galaxy S23 Ultra supports up to 45W wired charging and up to 15W wireless charging, and it also offers reverse wireless charging, which the iPhone lacks.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra charges significantly faster in most scenarios.
Speaker Test:
Both the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Galaxy S23 Ultra feature hybrid stereo speaker setups, delivering equally impressive speaker loudness and sound quality.
Performance:
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A17 Pro chip, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. While these devices run on different hardware and software platforms, they are among the most powerful options available.
Both devices offer top-notch performance and are capable of running a wide range of applications smoothly. It’s challenging to determine which is better for daily use, as both offer a similar level of performance.
Camera Comparison:
Comparing the cameras is a complex task. The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers 2x and 5x optical-like zoom, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra provides 3x and 10x with dedicated telephoto cameras. The choice between these two cameras depends on personal preferences.
Both phones excel at taking photos and recording videos, with good sharpness, detail, dynamic range, and low noise. However, they employ different approaches to image processing.
The ultrawide photos are quite similar, but the Galaxy offers slightly more detail. The iPhone’s main camera offers more natural-looking photos with less processing, while the 2x zoom is better on the iPhone due to less sharpening.
As for zoom comparisons, the 3x digitally zoomed photo from the iPhone is inferior to the 3x photo from the Galaxy’s real telephoto camera. However, the 5x zoomed photo from the iPhone is better due to its real telephoto lens.
In video capturing, both phones perform admirably, with the iPhone offering Dolby Vision videos and ProRes Log recording as additional perks.
Verdict:
Ultimately, the choice between the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Galaxy S23 Ultra comes down to your personal preferences regarding iOS vs. Android. The iPhone is sturdier, offers a better display, more powerful hardware, and excellent zoom quality. On the other hand, the Galaxy S23 Ultra stands out with its S-Pen, versatile zoom options, faster charging, and reverse wireless charging, all backed by the Android OS. Your choice will depend on your priorities and what you value most in a smartphone.
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Genz Flash journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.