Galaxy S23+ Vs iPhone 14 Pro

Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:295.00

Versus €1,019.00 new

See options
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:424.00

Versus €1,339.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, an Android smartphone released in February 2023, and the Apple iPhone 14 Pro, an iOS device launched in September 2022, represent two distinct approaches to premium mobile technology. While both offer high-end features, key differences lie in their operating systems, display characteristics, and camera philosophies. This comparison aims to highlight these practical distinctions to help users determine which device best suits their individual needs.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, both the Galaxy S23 Plus and the iPhone 14 Pro offer substantial software support and robust build quality.

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S23 Plus is expected to receive four major Android OS upgrades, extending its support to Android 17, and five years of security updates, likely until 2028. The iPhone 14 Pro, running iOS, typically receives major iOS updates for at least five to six years, with some sources suggesting support could extend until 2029, offering a comparable or slightly longer update timeline.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature premium materials, with the Galaxy S23 Plus utilizing Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for screen protection and the iPhone 14 Pro featuring Ceramic Shield. Both are also rated IP68 for dust and water resistance, indicating a high level of protection against environmental elements.
  • Repairability Considerations: While the iPhone 14 Pro initially received a favorable repairability assessment due to easier back glass removal, its score was later downgraded by iFixit to a '4 out of 10' due to Apple's parts pairing policies, which can complicate independent repairs. Information on the Galaxy S23 Plus's repairability is less detailed, but generally, Android devices can face similar challenges with proprietary parts.

Year of Release

2023

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both the Galaxy S23 Plus and the iPhone 14 Pro deliver strong performance for daily tasks and demanding applications, though their underlying architectures differ.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 Plus is equipped with a current-generation processor designed for efficient multitasking and gaming, providing smooth operation across various applications. The iPhone 14 Pro features Apple's A16 Bionic chip, known for its high performance in graphics-intensive tasks and overall system responsiveness.
  • Memory and Storage: The Galaxy S23 Plus typically comes with 8GB of RAM, supporting fluid transitions between multiple open applications. The iPhone 14 Pro includes 6GB of RAM. Both devices offer various internal storage options, with the Galaxy S23 Plus starting at 256GB and the iPhone 14 Pro offering options from 128GB up to 1TB. The Galaxy S23 Plus utilizes UFS 4.0 storage, which offers faster read and write speeds compared to previous generations.
  • Battery Performance: The Galaxy S23 Plus houses a 4700 mAh battery, which generally provides extended usage times, with some tests indicating a longer endurance rating compared to the iPhone 14 Pro. The iPhone 14 Pro has a 3200 mAh battery. While both support wireless charging, the Galaxy S23 Plus offers faster wired charging at 45W and includes reverse wireless charging capabilities.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both smartphones is a highlight, with each offering vibrant and clear displays tailored for different user preferences.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, while the iPhone 14 Pro has a 6.1-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display. Both technologies provide deep blacks and vibrant colors.
  • Resolution and Brightness: The iPhone 14 Pro offers a higher pixel density of approximately 460 pixels per inch (ppi) with a resolution of 2556x1179 pixels, compared to the Galaxy S23 Plus's 393 ppi and 2340x1080 pixel resolution. The iPhone 14 Pro also boasts a higher peak brightness of up to 2,000 nits, which can be beneficial for outdoor visibility, while the Galaxy S23 Plus reaches 1,750 nits.
  • Refresh Rate and Features: Both displays support a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The iPhone 14 Pro's LTPO panel can scale down to 1Hz, contributing to battery efficiency, especially with its always-on display feature. Both phones offer an always-on display.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1179 x 2556

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both devices are equipped with advanced camera systems capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos, though they often approach image processing differently.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a triple camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide, and a 10MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom and up to 30x digital zoom. The iPhone 14 Pro also has a triple camera system, including a 48MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and up to 15x digital zoom.
  • Photography Performance: The iPhone 14 Pro is often noted for its consistent color accuracy and natural tones, particularly in daylight. The Galaxy S23 Plus tends to produce punchier, more vibrant images with sharper detail, and its larger sensor can offer an edge in low-light conditions. Some users have reported that the Galaxy S23 Plus's image processing can be aggressive, sometimes leading to over-sharpening or blur, while the iPhone 14 Pro can sometimes overprocess photos, leading to washed-out colors.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both phones support high-resolution video recording, with the iPhone 14 Pro offering up to 4K Dolby Vision HDR at 60fps and the Galaxy S23 Plus supporting 8K at 30fps and 4K HDR10+ at 60fps. Both devices feature 12MP front cameras, with the iPhone 14 Pro's offering autofocus.

Main camera

50 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance, several practical features and design elements differentiate these two smartphones, influencing daily interaction and user convenience.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity. The Galaxy S23 Plus supports Wi-Fi 6E, while the iPhone 14 Pro supports Wi-Fi 6. The Galaxy S23 Plus features a USB-C port, offering broad compatibility with accessories. The iPhone 14 Pro uses Apple's proprietary Lightning port.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S23 Plus incorporates an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The iPhone 14 Pro relies on Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S23 Plus, with its 6.6-inch display, is physically larger than the 6.1-inch iPhone 14 Pro. The Galaxy S23 Plus weighs 196g, while the iPhone 14 Pro is 206g. Both phones feature flat edges and premium glass and aluminum constructions.

Weight

168 g

206 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

Lightning

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus and the iPhone 14 Pro each offer a compelling smartphone experience, catering to different user priorities. User feedback for the Galaxy S23 Plus often praises its robust battery life, versatile camera system with strong zoom capabilities, and the flexibility of the Android operating system. Some common criticisms include occasional aggressive image processing and, for a few users, issues with vibration strength or notification reliability.

The iPhone 14 Pro is frequently lauded for its powerful performance, consistent camera output with natural color reproduction, and the seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem. However, some users have reported concerns regarding battery life, especially with features like the always-on display, and occasional software glitches. The camera can also struggle with extended RAW shooting due to heat. The repairability of the iPhone 14 Pro has also been a point of discussion, with iFixit downgrading its score due to parts pairing requirements.

Users prioritizing a larger display, longer battery life, faster wired charging, and the open nature of Android may find the Galaxy S23 Plus well-suited to their needs. Those who value a more compact device, consistent camera performance with natural tones, and the integrated experience of iOS might lean towards the iPhone 14 Pro. Both devices represent excellent choices, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option can be a sustainable way to acquire either of these advanced smartphones.

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