iPhone 15 Plus vs Galaxy S23
Two makers, one class, one decision: the iPhone 15 Plus from Apple or the Galaxy S23 from Samsung. The numbers lean one way: the Galaxy S23 comes out ahead in 1 of the 5 areas we compared, with its clearest lead in the camera category.
At a glance
- Display Trade-off
- Performance Tie
- Memory & Storage Tie
- Camera Galaxy S23 wins
- Battery & Charging Tie
- Price Galaxy S23 wins
- Display2.6
- Camera1.7
- Display5.4
- Camera2.4
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Galaxy S23 has a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz
The Galaxy S23 doesn’t just edge this one; 120 Hz against 60 Hz is a lead you’ll feel. A higher refresh rate makes scrolling, animations and games look smoother. Once you’re used to it, a lower-rate screen can feel sluggish by comparison.
-
The Galaxy S23 has a 1.16 oz lighter build
Big gap, real consequences. The Galaxy S23’s 5.93 oz versus the iPhone 15 Plus’s 7.09 oz changes how the two compare in daily use. A few grams won’t matter, but bigger gaps add up in a pocket or a small bag over a full day.
-
The Galaxy S23 has an extra rear camera
The iPhone 15 Plus is clearly behind on rear cameras (2 against 3), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. More cameras help most when each covers a different view, so check the table to see what the Galaxy S23’s extra lens adds.
-
The iPhone 15 Plus has a 0.6-inch larger screen
Numbers like 6.7 in against 6.1 in only tell you which is larger (here, the iPhone 15 Plus), not which is better. A larger display also means a larger phone overall, so this is as much about your hands and pockets as it is about the picture.
-
The iPhone 15 Plus has 14% higher peak brightness
On paper, the iPhone 15 Plus is a touch ahead here, listing 2,000 nits against 1,750 nits. Peak figures are usually reached only in short bursts or small areas of the screen, but a higher ceiling still helps outdoor visibility.
Design & Size
- iPhone 15 Plus 6.33 in × 3.06 in × 0.31 in
- Galaxy S23 5.76 in × 2.79 in × 0.30 in
Size-wise, the iPhone 15 Plus takes up more space, and the Galaxy S23 is easier to fit where room is tight. Weight-conscious buyers will note the Galaxy S23’s 1.16 oz advantage.
Design & Build
| Spec | iPhone 15 Plus | Galaxy S23 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6.33 in | 5.76 in |
| Width | 3.06 in | 2.79 in |
| Thickness | 0.31 in | 0.30 in |
| Weight | 7.09 oz | 5.93 oz (winner) |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Armor Aluminum |
Display
Trade-off
The display section doesn’t produce a winner so much as a choice: 14% higher peak brightness (iPhone 15 Plus) or a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz (Galaxy S23). The display verdict depends on you more than on the spec sheet.
Refresh rate
iPhone 15 Plus: 60 Hz Galaxy S23: 120 Hz You notice refresh rate every time you scroll a feed or a web page, which is why the Galaxy S23 feels more fluid in everyday use.
Screen size
iPhone 15 Plus: 6.7 in Galaxy S23: 6.1 in Screen size is personal. If you watch a lot on your phone, the extra area pays off; if you text one-handed on the go, compact is kinder.
Performance
Too close to call
You can skip ahead if performance was your deciding factor: the two are evenly matched here. Neither phone gives you a reason to choose it on performance.
CPU cores
iPhone 15 Plus: 6 Galaxy S23: 8 Core count on its own says little about speed; how the chip is designed and how fast each core runs matter more.
Memory & Storage
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to memory & storage. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Camera
Galaxy S23 leads
The camera numbers lean toward the Galaxy S23, not dramatically but consistently. On its side, the Galaxy S23 has an extra rear camera. An extra rear camera usually means another focal length (ultra-wide, telephoto or macro) and more freedom in framing. If this section decides it for you, choose the Galaxy S23.
Rear cameras
iPhone 15 Plus: 2 Galaxy S23: 3 The count alone doesn’t guarantee quality, but the Galaxy S23 gives you more lenses to choose from.
Battery & Charging
Too close to call
Both the iPhone 15 Plus and the Galaxy S23 cover battery & charging equally well on paper. Bottom line for battery & charging: it’s a wash.
Software & Updates
Names, not numbers: the software & updates rows below show what each one is built with, and it’s worth reading them side by side.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | iPhone 15 Plus | Galaxy S23 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.7 in | 6.1 in |
| Panel type | OLED (Super Retina XDR) | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2796 x 1290 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Pixel density | 460 ppi (winner) | 425 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 120 Hz (winner) |
| Peak brightness | 2,000 nits (winner) | 1,750 nits |
| Always-on display | No | Yes (winner) |
Performance
| Spec | iPhone 15 Plus | Galaxy S23 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | A16 Bionic | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| CPU cores | 6 | 8 |
| Process node | 4 nm | 4 nm |
| RAM | N/A (not specified) | 8 GB |
Memory & Storage
| Spec | iPhone 15 Plus | Galaxy S23 |
|---|---|---|
| Base storage | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Max storage | 512 GB | N/A (not specified) |
| microSD slot | No | No |
Camera
| Spec | iPhone 15 Plus | Galaxy S23 |
|---|---|---|
| Main camera | 48 MP | 50 MP |
| Ultra-wide camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Telephoto camera | N/A (not specified) | 10 MP |
| Optical zoom | N/A (not specified) | 3× |
| Rear cameras | 2 | 3 (winner) |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Max video | 4K60 Dolby Vision | 8K30 |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | iPhone 15 Plus | Galaxy S23 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | N/A (not specified) | 3,900 mAh |
| Rated video playbackManufacturer rating | 26 h | N/A (not specified) |
| Wired charging | N/A (not specified) | 25 W |
| Wireless charging | 15 W | 15 W |
| Port | USB-C (USB 2) | USB-C |
Software & Updates
| Spec | iPhone 15 Plus | Galaxy S23 |
|---|---|---|
| OS at launch | iOS 17 | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) |
| Promised OS updatesManufacturer commitment | N/A (not specified) | 4 years |
Design & Build
| Spec | iPhone 15 Plus | Galaxy S23 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6.33 in | 5.76 in |
| Width | 3.06 in | 2.79 in |
| Thickness | 0.31 in | 0.30 in |
| Weight | 7.09 oz | 5.93 oz (winner) |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Armor Aluminum |
Price
| Spec | iPhone 15 Plus | Galaxy S23 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $899 | $800 (winner) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
Price barely moves the needle here: the iPhone 15 Plus launched $99 higher. The iPhone 15 Plus asks $99 more without winning more areas, which tilts value firmly toward the Galaxy S23.
Based on US launch pricing as of September 2023. Deals and regional pricing can change the picture.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the iPhone 15 Plus if…
- you want the screen that stays readable on sunny days (2,000 nits vs 1,750 nits)
- you want the sharper screen (460 ppi vs 425 ppi)
- you want the bigger phone
Choose the Galaxy S23 if…
- you want smoother scrolling (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
- you want the lighter phone (5.93 oz vs 7.09 oz)
- you like switching between focal lengths (3 vs 2 cameras)
- you want an always-on display
- you’d rather keep $99 in your pocket
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the iPhone 15 Plus or the Galaxy S23?
For most people, the Galaxy S23 is the stronger choice, unless you care more about 14% higher peak brightness than anything else.
Which is larger, the iPhone 15 Plus or the Galaxy S23?
Going by the official dimensions, the iPhone 15 Plus is the bigger of the two at 6.33 × 3.06 × 0.31 in. The Galaxy S23 measures 5.76 × 2.79 × 0.30 in.
Does the iPhone 15 Plus have a stronger camera setup than the Galaxy S23?
Going by the hardware, the Galaxy S23 comes out ahead: an extra rear camera.
Is the iPhone 15 Plus cheaper than the Galaxy S23?
The Galaxy S23 is the cheaper option, launching at $99 less than the iPhone 15 Plus (launch prices as of September 2023).
Which weighs less, the iPhone 15 Plus or the Galaxy S23?
Going by the official figures, the Galaxy S23 weighs 1.16 oz less than the iPhone 15 Plus.
Executive Summary
Cross-brand comparisons are where I find the real differences in philosophy, and the iPhone 15 Plus versus the Galaxy S23 shows that nicely. The Galaxy S23 earns my vote first and foremost with a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz. Less flashy, but still real: the Galaxy S23 brings a 1.16 oz lighter build. I don’t want to sell the iPhone 15 Plus short, though: it has 14% higher peak brightness.
The iPhone 15 Plus makes sense for anyone who values screen brightness; the Galaxy S23 for anyone who values camera.
My pick: the Galaxy S23, with one exception: if you know that 14% higher peak brightness would make a real difference in your routine, go for the iPhone 15 Plus.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.