Comparing the Samsung S23 Ultra and iPhone 14 Pro Max is crucial for those looking for a powerful smartphone that combines top-tier performance, cutting-edge camera technology, and premium design. The Samsung S23 Ultra impresses with its expansive 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, and a versatile quad-camera setup featuring a staggering 200MP main sensor.
On the other hand, the iPhone 14 Pro Max offers a refined 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, industry-leading A16 Bionic chip, and a triple-camera system optimized for color accuracy and video recording excellence.
Both phones cater to different preferences; while the Samsung S23 Ultra is ideal for users who want a feature-packed Android experience with stylus support, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max suits those deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem and iOS’s smooth, cohesive experience. Let’s explore their specifications, design, camera, performance, software, and pricing in detail to help you decide which flagship fits your needs best.
The Samsung S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Pro Max comparison reveals notable differences in display technology, camera configurations, and hardware specifications.
Feature |
Samsung S23 Ultra |
iPhone 14 Pro Max |
Display |
6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
6.7-inch Super Retina XDR |
Processor |
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
Apple A16 Bionic |
RAM |
8GB / 12GB |
6GB |
Storage Options |
256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
Rear Cameras |
Quad: 200MP (wide) + 10MP (periscope tele) + 10MP (tele) + 12MP (ultrawide) |
Triple: 48MP (wide) + 12MP (telephoto) + 12MP (ultrawide) |
Front Camera |
12MP |
12MP with TrueDepth |
Battery |
5000mAh, 45W fast charging |
4323mAh, 20W fast charging |
Operating System |
Android 13 with One UI 5.1 |
iOS 16 |
Weight |
234g |
240g |
The Samsung S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Pro Max design comparison highlights different philosophies. Samsung offers a slightly larger and heavier device with a curved glass display and an aluminum frame reinforced with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for durability. The integrated S Pen adds a productivity advantage exclusive to Samsung’s flagship.
Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro Max sticks to its iconic flat-edge design with surgical-grade stainless steel and Ceramic Shield glass, offering a premium feel and robust protection. It is marginally lighter and more compact despite a similar screen size.
Aspect |
Samsung S23 Ultra |
iPhone 14 Pro Max |
Frame Material |
Aluminum |
Surgical-grade stainless steel |
Body Material |
Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
Ceramic Shield glass |
Dimensions |
163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm |
160.7 x 77.6 x 7.85 mm |
Weight |
234 grams |
240 grams |
Colour Options |
Phantom Black, Green, Cream, Lavender |
Space Black, Silver, Gold, Deep Purple |
The camera systems differentiate these two devices significantly in the Samsung S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Pro Max contest. Samsung boasts a 200MP primary sensor delivering ultra-detailed photos and two telephoto lenses enabling up to 10x optical zoom. The additional 12MP ultrawide sensor rounds out a versatile quad-camera setup.
Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro Max features a 48MP main sensor with advanced pixel binning for excellent low-light capture, a 12MP telephoto lens, and a 12MP ultrawide sensor. The iPhone shines in video recording with Dolby Vision HDR at 4K 60fps and ProRes support.
Feature |
Samsung S23 Ultra |
iPhone 14 Pro Max |
Rear Cameras |
200MP wide + 10MP periscope tele + 10MP telephoto + 12MP ultrawide |
48MP wide + 12MP telephoto + 12MP ultrawide |
Night Mode |
Yes |
Yes |
Optical Zoom |
10x (periscope) + 3x (telephoto) |
3x telephoto optical zoom |
Front Camera |
12MP |
12MP with TrueDepth |
Video Recording |
8K at 30fps, 4K at 60fps |
4K Dolby Vision HDR at 60fps |
Both flagships excel in performance. The Samsung S23 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 globally, with the Exynos 2200 variant for India, complemented by up to 12GB RAM. Meanwhile, the iPhone 14 Pro Max’s A16 Bionic chip delivers industry-leading speed and energy efficiency paired with 6GB RAM.
In terms of battery, Samsung offers a larger 5000mAh cell with faster wired and wireless charging. Apple’s 4323mAh battery benefits from superior software optimization, often matching or exceeding real-world endurance despite smaller capacity.
Feature |
Samsung S23 Ultra |
iPhone 14 Pro Max |
Processor |
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 / Exynos 2200 |
Apple A16 Bionic |
RAM |
8GB / 12GB |
6GB |
Battery Capacity |
5000mAh |
4323mAh |
Video Playback |
Up to 22 hours |
Up to 29 hours |
Charging |
45W wired, 15W wireless |
20W wired, MagSafe wireless |
Samsung’s One UI 5.1 on Android 13 offers extensive customization, Samsung DeX, S Pen support, and Knox security. The iPhone 14 Pro Max runs iOS 16, known for its fluidity, privacy features, and seamless Apple ecosystem integration.
Feature |
Samsung S23 Ultra |
iPhone 14 Pro Max |
Operating System |
Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
iOS 16 |
Stylus Support |
Yes, built-in S Pen |
No |
Biometric Security |
Ultrasonic under-display fingerprint + Face Recognition |
Face ID |
Software Updates |
4 years major Android updates |
5-6 years iOS updates |
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max are priced closely in the premium segment in India. While Samsung offers a slightly lower starting price for 256GB and 512GB variants, the iPhone 14 Pro Max commands a premium for its ecosystem and features.
Storage Variant |
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Price (INR) |
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max Price (INR) |
128GB |
— |
₹1,39,900 |
256GB |
₹1,09,999 |
₹1,49,900 |
512GB |
₹1,19,999 |
₹1,69,900 |
Buy the Samsung S23 Ultra if you want a large, immersive display, superior zoom camera capabilities, stylus input, and a feature-rich Android experience at a slightly lower price point.
Or, choose the iPhone 14 Pro Max if you prioritize iOS’s smooth ecosystem, longer software updates, industry-leading video recording, and a premium build with superior optimization.
Both phones are excellent flagships; the decision boils down to your ecosystem preference and specific feature priorities.
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Samsung offers higher megapixels and zoom versatility; iPhone excels in color accuracy and video quality.
Yes, especially for note-taking, drawing, and multitasking.
Samsung offers about 4 years of major Android updates; Apple provides up to 5-6 years of iOS updates.
No, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is slightly heavier by 6 grams.
Both perform excellently; iPhone may have an edge due to optimized hardware and software integration.