Discover the key differences between the iPhone 16 Pro and Samsung S23 Ultra to make a smarter choice for your next smartphone.
Both phones pack serious hardware upgrades and software enhancements. Here's a detailed look at the core specifications that define their capabilities and how they compare side by side:
Feature |
iPhone 16 Pro |
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra |
---|---|---|
Display Size |
6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED |
6.8-inch Edge QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
Processor |
A18 Pro (3nm, Apple Silicon) |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (for Galaxy) |
RAM |
8GB LPDDR5 |
12GB LPDDR5X |
Storage Options |
256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
Operating System |
iOS 18 |
Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
Rear Cameras |
Triple (48MP + 12MP + 12MP) |
Quad (200MP + 12MP + 10MP + 10MP) |
Front Camera |
12MP TrueDepth |
12MP Dual Pixel AF |
Battery Capacity |
Approx. 3,650mAh |
5,000mAh |
Charging Support |
MagSafe, 27W Wired |
45W Wired, Wireless & Reverse Wireless Charging |
Disclaimer: Specifications are based on available official and trusted sources. Variations may exist by region or future updates.
Design plays a crucial role in user experience. While both smartphones have a premium finish, their design philosophies and materials offer distinct user appeal. Below is a quick comparison of their physical attributes and build quality:
Feature |
iPhone 16 Pro |
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra |
---|---|---|
Frame Material |
Titanium |
Armour Aluminium Frame |
Back Material |
Textured Matte Glass |
Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front and Back) |
Dimensions |
146.6 x 70.6 x 8.3 mm |
163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm |
Weight |
Approx. 194g |
Approx. 234g |
Water Resistance |
IP68 (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
IP68 (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) |
Water Resistance |
IP68 (up to 6m for 30 mins) |
IP68 (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) |
Colour Options |
Graphite, Silver, Gold, Deep Blue |
Green, Phantom Black, Cream, Lavender |
Disclaimer: Dimensions and weight may slightly vary based on region and configuration.
Photography is one of the biggest decision factors in the samsung s23 ultra vs iphone 16 pro comparison. Samsung focuses on detail and zoom, while Apple refines computational photography and colour accuracy:
Feature |
iPhone 16 Pro |
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra |
---|---|---|
Main Sensor |
48MP Wide (f/1.8, OIS) |
200MP Wide (f/1.7, OIS) |
Telephoto |
12MP 3x Optical Zoom |
10MP 3x + 10MP 10x Periscope Zoom |
Ultra-Wide |
12MP (120° FOV) |
12MP Ultra-Wide (120° FOV) |
Night Photography |
Enhanced Night Mode with LiDAR |
Nightography + AI Detail Enhancement |
Video Recording |
4K at 60fps, ProRes and Cinematic Mode |
8K at 30fps, Super Steady and HDR10+ |
Front Camera |
12MP with Autofocus and Face ID |
12MP with Dual Pixel AF and Super HDR |
Disclaimer: Camera results may differ in real-world usage based on lighting and software updates.
When it comes to performance, both phones deliver flagship-level speed and efficiency. The iPhone 16 Pro vs Samsung S23 Ultra matchup reveals notable differences in processing and power consumption. Here's how they perform under daily and intensive use:
Feature |
iPhone 16 Pro |
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra |
---|---|---|
Processor |
Apple A18 Pro (3nm) |
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm, for Galaxy) |
RAM |
8GB LPDDR5 |
12GB LPDDR5X |
Battery Capacity |
~3,650mAh |
5,000mAh |
Charging Speed |
Up to 27W Wired |
45W Wired Charging |
Battery Life (avg use) |
~20 hours video playback |
~26 hours video playback |
Gaming Performance |
Smooth at high settings |
Excellent with Game Booster & Vapour Cooling |
Disclaimer: Battery life depends on usage patterns, screen brightness, and background app activity.
Software experience defines the long-term usability of a smartphone. Here’s how the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 16 Pro differ in UI, features, and OS ecosystem integration:
Feature |
iPhone 16 Pro |
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra |
---|---|---|
Operating System |
iOS 18 |
Android 13 with One UI 5.1 |
Update Cycle |
~5 years of major iOS updates |
~4 years Android + 5 years security updates |
Notable Features |
Dynamic Island, Face ID, Vision Pro Integration |
S Pen Support, DeX Mode, Knox Security |
App Ecosystem |
Seamless across iPhone, iPad, Mac |
High customisation and multitasking |
AI & Smart Features |
Siri, On-device ML, App Tracking Transparency |
Galaxy AI, Bixby, Smart Suggestions |
Disclaimer: Features may vary by region and software version updates.
Price is a key factor in the iphone 16 pro vs samsung s23 ultra debate. Both phones cater to premium buyers, but their pricing varies across configurations and regions. Here's a quick comparison of their retail prices in India:
Variant |
iPhone 16 Pro (Expected Price) |
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (Current Price) |
---|---|---|
256GB |
₹1,29,900 |
₹1,24,999 |
512GB |
₹1,49,900 |
₹1,34,999 |
1TB |
₹1,69,900 |
₹1,54,999 |
Disclaimer: iPhone 16 Pro prices are indicative and may vary post-launch. Samsung prices reflect official listings as of June 2025 and may vary by seller or location.
Choosing between the Samsung S23 Ultra or iPhone 16 Pro depends on what matters most to you. If you're drawn to professional-grade zoom photography, S Pen functionality, and a larger display, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra stands out.
However, if you prefer a compact yet powerful design, seamless ecosystem integration, and iOS-exclusive features like Dynamic Island or Vision Pro support, the iPhone 16 Pro is a strong contender.
Ultimately, your decision should align with your daily habits, brand loyalty, and budget flexibility.
Purchasing the iPhone 16 Pro or Samsung S23 Ultra becomes easier and more affordable with the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card. Here are the key benefits:
Get your desired flagship phone with interest-free monthly instalments.
Select a flexible repayment plan, ranging from 3 to 60 months.
Enjoy wide acceptance of the EMI card at over 1.5 lakh stores and online in India.
Enjoy quick online application and instant card activation with very little paperwork.
Settle your loan ahead of time with no extra fees for early closure.
The iPhone 16 Pro focuses on compact design and iOS features, while the Samsung S23 Ultra offers superior zoom, larger display, and S Pen support.
The iPhone 16 Pro is priced slightly higher due to Apple’s chipset, build, and ecosystem. The S23 Ultra offers more hardware features for a slightly lower cost.
No. The Samsung S23 Ultra has a larger 5,000mAh battery and tends to last longer, especially during media consumption and gaming.
The iPhone 16 Pro has excellent colour accuracy, while the S23 Ultra features a larger, curved AMOLED with higher resolution and better outdoor brightness.
Yes. The iPhone 16 Pro includes Vision Pro integration and enhanced Dynamic Island functionality, which are not available on the Samsung S23 Ultra.