Apple iPhone 16 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple iPhone 16 Pro leads Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra overall by 8 points (79 vs 71 out of 100).
- Apple iPhone 16 Pro stands out on Chip Model: Apple A18 Pro, Display Screen-to-body ratio: 90.9%, Front camera aperture: 1.9.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro leads overall
$999 at launch
Apple iPhone 16 Pro
79
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
71
Why it stands out
- Chip Model: Apple A18 Pro
- Display Screen-to-body ratio: 90.9%
- Front camera aperture: 1.9
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro
The iPhone 16 Pro is Apple's flagship high-end smartphone designed for users who demand advanced performance and premium features. It combines the latest operating system advancements with professional-grade hardware specifications. This device is best suited for tech enthusiasts, content creators, and power users who rely on their smartphone for demanding tasks.
Best for Power UsersBest for Pro CreatorsBest for Ecosystem Adopters
Pros
- Features an integrated design approach where Apple customizes both the hardware and software for optimal performance.
- Possesses durable build quality with a front screen protected by advanced materials for scratch resistance.
- Offers comprehensive ecosystem integration, allowing simple connectivity to accessories like AirPods or seamless file sharing via AirDrop.
- Designed to maintain value over time compared to general smartphone categories.
Cons
- The device utilizes a proprietary Apple ecosystem, making data transfer from alternative platforms straightforward but exclusive to its unique method ('Move to iOS').
- While appearing durable, the design and features are complex, potentially leading to feature bloat or unnecessary complexity for casual users.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is an S-Series flagship smartphone from Samsung Electronics, released in February 2023. It features improvements over previous models and includes support for a bundled stylus (1).
Best for photographyBest for productivityBest for flagship users
Pros
- Features a high-resolution main camera of 200 megapixels, which allows for better low-light photos and cropping without loss of resolution (4).
- Supports pressure sensitive stylus use, and the stylus tucks into the phone (2).
- Has an IP68 rating for water and dust protection (2).
- Includes multiple telephoto lenses: 3x, ultra-wide, and a 10x optical telephoto lens (4).
Cons
- The camera array design has visible rings that may collect dust (3).
- The performance of the 10x zoom varies, and close-up images or videos might not be as sharp as anticipated (4).
Value for Money
Which is the better deal for the price
Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Apple iPhone 16 Pro1,780,000
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra1,287,951
Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.
Battery capacity
Larger cell — a hardware spec, not battery life
Apple iPhone 16 Pro3,582 mAh
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra5,000 mAh
Capacity is the raw battery size. Real-world battery life depends just as much on the processor, software and display.
Physical Comparison
Weigh them up, then compare real dimensions in 3D
Apple iPhone 16 ProSamsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is 46 g (25%) heavier than Apple iPhone 16 Pro.
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Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side