Galaxy S23+ Vs iPhone 13 mini

Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:295.00

Versus €1,019.00 new

See options
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13 mini
Starting at

Refurbished price:226.00

Versus €829.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, released in early 2023, and the Apple iPhone 13 Mini, launched in late 2021, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While both offer premium experiences, they cater to different user preferences, primarily differing in their physical size, display technology, and camera capabilities. The Galaxy S23 Plus operates on Android, offering a customizable interface, whereas the iPhone 13 Mini runs on Apple's iOS, known for its streamlined ecosystem.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical durability.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone 13 Mini was released in September 2021, making it a 2021 model, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus launched in February 2023. This difference in release date means the Galaxy S23 Plus is a newer device by approximately a year and a half.
  • Software Longevity: Apple typically provides iOS updates for 5-6 years from a device's release. The iPhone 13 Mini is expected to receive major iOS upgrades until at least 2028, with security updates potentially extending to 2030 or 2031. The Galaxy S23 Plus, being an Android device, generally receives 4-5 years of major OS updates and an additional year or two of security patches. Given its 2023 release, it is anticipated to receive updates well into the late 2020s.
  • Physical Durability: The iPhone 13 Mini features a Ceramic Shield front cover and an aluminum frame, along with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The Galaxy S23 Plus is built with an Armor Aluminum frame and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, also carrying an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. Both devices offer robust protection against everyday elements.

Year of Release

2023

2021

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from launching applications to handling demanding games and multitasking.

  • Processor Capabilities: The iPhone 13 Mini is equipped with a powerful processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, ensuring a responsive user experience. The Galaxy S23 Plus features a current-generation processor designed for efficient performance across various tasks, from everyday browsing to intensive gaming.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: With 4GB of RAM, the iPhone 13 Mini capably manages multiple applications, though users who frequently switch between many heavy apps might notice slight differences compared to devices with more RAM. The Galaxy S23 Plus comes with 8GB of RAM, providing ample capacity for seamless multitasking and maintaining responsiveness even with numerous applications open simultaneously.
  • Storage Options: Both devices offer various internal storage configurations, starting from 128GB and going up to 512GB, providing sufficient space for apps, photos, and videos. Neither model supports expandable storage via a microSD card.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer high-quality viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Size: The iPhone 13 Mini features a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, known for its deep blacks and vibrant colors in a compact form factor. The Galaxy S23 Plus boasts a larger 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering an expansive viewing area.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The iPhone 13 Mini's display has a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 476 pixels per inch (ppi), providing sharp and detailed visuals. The Galaxy S23 Plus offers a 2340 x 1080 pixel (FHD+) resolution across its larger screen, with a pixel density of around 390 ppi, delivering clear images and text.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both phones offer excellent brightness, with the iPhone 13 Mini reaching up to 800 nits typical and 1200 nits peak for HDR content. The Galaxy S23 Plus can achieve a peak brightness of 1750 nits, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions. A key difference is the refresh rate: the iPhone 13 Mini has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, while the Galaxy S23 Plus features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, providing smoother scrolling and more fluid animations.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both the Galaxy S23 Plus and the iPhone 13 Mini offer capable camera systems, designed to capture high-quality photos and videos in various conditions.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The iPhone 13 Mini features a dual 12MP camera system, including a wide lens with sensor-shift optical image stabilization and an ultra-wide lens. The Galaxy S23 Plus comes with a versatile triple-camera setup, comprising a 50MP wide-angle main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
  • Photography Features: The iPhone 13 Mini includes features like Night mode, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 4, and Photographic Styles, enhancing image quality across different scenarios. The Galaxy S23 Plus also excels in low-light photography with its 'Nightography' features and offers advanced options like HDR10+ video recording.
  • Video Recording Capabilities: For video, the iPhone 13 Mini supports Cinematic mode for shallow depth-of-field effects and HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60 frames per second. The Galaxy S23 Plus can record videos up to 8K resolution at 24 or 30 frames per second, and 4K at 30 or 60 frames per second, providing high-resolution video capture.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The iPhone 13 Mini uses Apple's proprietary Lightning port for charging and data transfer, while the Galaxy S23 Plus features a USB-C port, offering broader compatibility with accessories. The Galaxy S23 Plus supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, whereas the iPhone 13 Mini uses Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0.
  • Biometric Security: The iPhone 13 Mini relies on Face ID for secure facial recognition. The Galaxy S23 Plus incorporates an in-display fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication, alongside face recognition.
  • Physical Characteristics: The iPhone 13 Mini is notably compact and lightweight, measuring 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.65 mm and weighing 141g, making it ideal for one-handed use and easy pocketability. The Galaxy S23 Plus is a larger device, with dimensions of 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm and a weight of 196g, offering a more substantial feel and a larger screen area.

Weight

168 g

140 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

5.4

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

Lightning

User feedback for the iPhone 13 Mini often highlights its compact size as a major advantage, appealing to those who prefer a device that is easy to handle with one hand and fits comfortably in smaller pockets. Users appreciate that it delivers a flagship-level experience in a small form factor, with its capable camera system and smooth iOS performance. However, a frequent criticism is its battery life, which, while improved over its predecessor, may still require a midday charge for heavy users, especially with intensive tasks like gaming or video recording.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is generally praised for its vibrant and bright display, robust build quality, and versatile camera system, particularly its telephoto lens. Users often commend its strong overall performance and reliable battery life, which typically lasts a full day even with moderate to heavy usage. Some users, however, might note its larger size and weight compared to more compact alternatives, which could impact one-handed usability for some.

Users prioritizing a highly compact and lightweight device with a streamlined operating system and excellent camera features in a small package may find the iPhone 13 Mini well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who value a larger, more immersive display, a longer-lasting battery, and the flexibility of the Android ecosystem with a telephoto camera will likely lean towards the Galaxy S23 Plus. Both devices offer compelling features, and choosing between them often comes down to personal preference regarding size, operating system, and specific camera capabilities. For those considering either model, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new.

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