Galaxy S23+ Vs iPhone 17

Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:295.00

Versus €1,019.00 new

See options
iPhone 17
iPhone 17
Starting at

Refurbished price:704.00

Versus €979.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, released in February 2023, and the iPhone 17, launched in September 2025, represent different generations of flagship smartphones from their respective manufacturers. While both devices offer premium experiences, the iPhone 17 introduces more recent advancements in display technology, camera capabilities, and internal processing. The Galaxy S23 Plus operates on Android, offering a customizable user experience, whereas the iPhone 17 runs on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem and streamlined interface.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support play a significant role.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S23 Plus was released in early 2023, while the iPhone 17 followed in late 2025. This two-and-a-half-year difference means the iPhone 17 benefits from a more current hardware foundation and a longer expected period of software support.
  • Software Longevity: Samsung typically provides four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates for its flagship devices. Apple generally offers iOS updates for five to six years from a device's release. Consequently, the iPhone 17 is anticipated to receive software updates for a longer duration, extending its practical lifespan and access to new features and security enhancements.
  • Durability Features: Both phones incorporate robust build materials. The Galaxy S23 Plus features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for display protection and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The iPhone 17 enhances its display durability with Ceramic Shield 2, also maintaining an IP68 rating for water and dust protection.

Year of Release

2023

2025

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key differentiator, with the newer iPhone 17 benefiting from more recent hardware advancements compared to the Galaxy S23 Plus.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 Plus is equipped with a powerful processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, providing a responsive user experience for everyday tasks and gaming. The iPhone 17 features a newer generation processor, which offers enhanced efficiency and greater performance headroom, particularly noticeable in complex computations, advanced gaming, and future software features like Apple Intelligence.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 Plus houses a 4700 mAh battery, often providing up to two days of use for moderate users and around 8-11 hours of screen-on time. The iPhone 17, with its optimized internal components and software, is rated for up to 30 hours of video playback, indicating strong endurance for typical daily usage. Both devices support fast charging, allowing for quick power top-ups.
  • Storage and Responsiveness: Both models offer ample storage options, typically starting at 256GB, and include sufficient RAM to ensure smooth app switching and overall system responsiveness. The iPhone 17's newer processor and integrated software are designed to maintain peak performance over a longer period.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both smartphones offer high-quality displays, but the iPhone 17 introduces several enhancements due to its later release.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, delivering sharp visuals and vibrant colors. The iPhone 17 comes with a slightly smaller 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, but with a higher resolution of 2622 × 1206 pixels, resulting in a greater pixel density for even finer detail.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S23 Plus offers a peak brightness of 1750 nits and an adaptive refresh rate of 48-120Hz, ensuring smooth scrolling and good visibility in various lighting conditions. The iPhone 17 significantly boosts peak outdoor brightness to 3,000 nits and brings the 120Hz ProMotion adaptive refresh rate and Always-On display functionality to the base model, providing a smoother and more responsive visual experience, especially outdoors.
  • Viewing Experience: Both displays offer excellent contrast and color reproduction, suitable for media consumption and daily use. The iPhone 17's higher peak brightness and pixel density contribute to a slightly more refined and immersive viewing experience, particularly in bright environments.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

2622x1206

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR

Audiovisual

Both devices provide capable camera systems, designed to capture high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, allowing for detailed shots across different focal lengths. The iPhone 17 features a dual-lens rear camera system, comprising a 48MP wide-angle lens and an upgraded 48MP ultra-wide-angle lens, focusing on high-resolution capture for both standard and expansive shots.
  • Front Camera and Video: The Galaxy S23 Plus includes a 12MP front-facing camera. The iPhone 17 upgrades its front-facing camera to 24MP, offering improved detail for selfies and video calls. Both phones are capable of high-quality video recording, with the iPhone 17 rumored to offer advanced video features like dual video recording (simultaneous front and back camera capture) in some models.
  • Low-Light Performance: Both devices are designed to perform well in low-light conditions, with the Galaxy S23 Plus specifically highlighted for its 'epic night shots'. The iPhone 17's larger sensors and improved image processing are expected to deliver enhanced low-light performance and overall image quality.

Main camera

50 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

18 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity Standards: The Galaxy S23 Plus supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, providing reliable wireless connections. The iPhone 17 incorporates newer standards, including Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0, which offer potential improvements in speed, efficiency, and multi-device connectivity. Both support 5G cellular networks.
  • Ports and Biometrics: The Galaxy S23 Plus uses a USB-C port for charging and data transfer and features an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The iPhone 17 utilizes a Lightning port (or USB-C in some regions/models) and relies on Face ID for biometric authentication, housed within its Dynamic Island. Some iPhone 17 models are also eSIM-only in certain regions.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S23 Plus measures 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm and weighs 196g, offering a substantial yet manageable feel. The iPhone 17 is slightly more compact at 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm and weighs 177g, making it a comfortable device for one-handed use. Both devices feature premium build materials, with the iPhone 17 sporting an aluminum frame and matte glass back.

Weight

168 g

177 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.3

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 iPhone 17 cater to users with distinct preferences, reflecting their respective operating systems and design philosophies. Users of the Galaxy S23 Plus often praise its vibrant display, robust battery life, and the flexibility offered by the Android ecosystem, including extensive customization options. Some users, however, might find its design less distinctive compared to other flagships. Conversely, the iPhone 17 is frequently lauded for its seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem, its advanced camera capabilities, and the enhanced smoothness of its new display. Potential criticisms might include the more controlled nature of iOS compared to Android.

Users prioritizing a highly customizable Android experience, a dedicated telephoto camera, and a slightly larger screen might find the Galaxy S23 Plus well-suited to their needs. Its proven performance and battery endurance make it a reliable choice. On the other hand, individuals who value the latest display technology, a more compact form factor, a longer software support window, and the integrated features of iOS will likely lean towards the iPhone 17. Its upgraded camera system and newer connectivity standards offer a more future-proof experience. Both devices are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers seeking premium technology.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons