iPhone 16 vs Galaxy S23
Brand preference aside, the iPhone 16 and the Galaxy S23 are close competitors, both pitched at flagship smartphone buyers. The numbers lean one way: the iPhone 16 comes out ahead in 2 of the 5 areas we compared, with its clearest lead in the performance category.
At a glance
- Display Trade-off
- Performance iPhone 16 wins
- Memory & Storage Tie
- Camera Galaxy S23 wins
- Battery & Charging iPhone 16 wins
- Price iPhone 16 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 clearly leads on refresh rate, and 120 Hz versus 60 Hz is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. 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.
-
The Galaxy S23 has an extra rear camera
On rear cameras, the Galaxy S23 posts 3 against 2 for the iPhone 16, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. An extra rear camera usually means another focal length (ultra-wide, telephoto or macro) and more freedom in framing.
-
The iPhone 16 has faster 25 W wireless charging
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 25 W for the iPhone 16 versus 15 W for the Galaxy S23. Faster wireless charging makes a pad or stand more practical as your main way to top up.
-
The iPhone 16 has a newer 3 nm chip process
The Galaxy S23 lists 4 nm; the iPhone 16 comes in at 3 nm. That’s not a rounding error. Process numbers are partly marketing labels these days, so read this as a hint about efficiency rather than a verdict.
-
The iPhone 16 has 14% higher peak brightness
The iPhone 16 nudges ahead with 2,000 nits, while the Galaxy S23 lists 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 16 5.81 in × 2.82 in × 0.31 in
- Galaxy S23 5.76 in × 2.79 in × 0.30 in
The iPhone 16 and the Galaxy S23 take up almost exactly the same space. Both land at nearly the same weight, so this isn’t a deciding factor.
Design & Build
| Spec | iPhone 16 | Galaxy S23 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5.81 in | 5.76 in |
| Width | 2.82 in | 2.79 in |
| Thickness | 0.31 in | 0.30 in |
| Weight | 6 oz | 5.93 oz |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Armor Aluminum |
Display
Trade-off
Give the iPhone 16 credit for 14% higher peak brightness, and the Galaxy S23 credit for a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz. If you’re torn on display, the other sections may help break the tie.
Refresh rate
iPhone 16: 60 Hz Galaxy S23: 120 Hz 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.
Peak brightness
iPhone 16: 2,000 nits Galaxy S23: 1,750 nits If you use your phone outdoors a lot, the iPhone 16’s brighter panel is the one that holds up better at midday.
Performance
iPhone 16 leads
The iPhone 16 does a little better in the performance section, though nothing here is a deal-breaker for the Galaxy S23. In its favor, the iPhone 16 has a newer 3 nm chip process. A finer process node generally lets a chip do the same work with less power, which can mean cooler running and better battery life. Prioritize performance, and the iPhone 16 is where you should land.
Process node
iPhone 16: 3 nm Galaxy S23: 4 nm The iPhone 16’s chip is built on a more advanced process. That usually points to efficiency gains, though chip design matters just as much.
CPU cores
iPhone 16: 6 Galaxy S23: 8 Phone chips mix large and small cores, so a different count mostly reflects a different design rather than a clear speed gap.
Memory & Storage
Too close to call
The memory & storage specs are close enough that neither gets the point. Either phone will serve you equally well on memory & storage.
Camera
Galaxy S23 leads
If you’re keeping score, the camera point goes narrowly to the Galaxy S23. The Galaxy S23 stands out with an extra rear camera. The count alone doesn’t guarantee quality, but the Galaxy S23 gives you more lenses to choose from. For anyone who cares most about camera, the Galaxy S23 is the safer choice.
Rear cameras
iPhone 16: 2 Galaxy S23: 3 More cameras help most when each covers a different view, so check the table to see what the Galaxy S23’s extra lens adds.
Battery & Charging
iPhone 16 leads
The Galaxy S23 keeps it close on battery & charging, yet the iPhone 16 holds a small lead. The iPhone 16 gives you faster 25 W wireless charging. If you rely on a wireless pad at your desk or bedside, the iPhone 16 refills quicker there. On battery & charging alone, the iPhone 16 gets the nod.
Wireless charging
iPhone 16: 25 W Galaxy S23: 15 W Wireless charging is usually slower than a cable, so this edge matters mainly to people who value the convenience.
Software & Updates
There isn’t a number to compare on software & updates, just names. Look at the rows below to see how the iPhone 16 and the Galaxy S23 differ.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | iPhone 16 | Galaxy S23 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.1 in | 6.1 in |
| Panel type | OLED (Super Retina XDR) | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2556 x 1179 | 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 16 | Galaxy S23 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | A18 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| CPU cores | 6 | 8 |
| Process node | 3 nm (winner) | 4 nm |
| RAM | N/A (not specified) | 8 GB |
Memory & Storage
| Spec | iPhone 16 | Galaxy S23 |
|---|---|---|
| Base storage | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Max storage | 512 GB | N/A (not specified) |
| microSD slot | No | No |
Camera
| Spec | iPhone 16 | 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 16 | Galaxy S23 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | N/A (not specified) | 3,900 mAh |
| Rated video playbackManufacturer rating | 22 h | N/A (not specified) |
| Wired charging | N/A (not specified) | 25 W |
| Wireless charging | 25 W (winner) | 15 W |
| Port | USB-C (USB 2) | USB-C |
Software & Updates
| Spec | iPhone 16 | Galaxy S23 |
|---|---|---|
| OS at launch | iOS 18 | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) |
| Promised OS updatesManufacturer commitment | N/A (not specified) | 4 years |
Design & Build
| Spec | iPhone 16 | Galaxy S23 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5.81 in | 5.76 in |
| Width | 2.82 in | 2.79 in |
| Thickness | 0.31 in | 0.30 in |
| Weight | 6 oz | 5.93 oz |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Armor Aluminum |
Price
| Spec | iPhone 16 | Galaxy S23 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $799 | $800 |
“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
The Galaxy S23 asked only $1 more at launch. It’s unusual for the cheaper option to lead, but the iPhone 16 does, and it keeps $1 in your pocket.
Launch prices in the US as of September 2024; street prices move, so check before you buy.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the iPhone 16 if…
- you use a wireless charging pad every day (25 W vs 15 W)
- you care about efficiency under the hood (3 nm vs 4 nm process node)
- you use your phone outdoors a lot (2,000 nits vs 1,750 nits peak brightness)
- you notice fine detail in text and photos (460 ppi vs 425 ppi pixel density)
- you don’t need the extras that cost $1 more
Choose the Galaxy S23 if…
- you want smoother scrolling (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
- you like switching between focal lengths (3 vs 2 cameras)
- you like checking the time and alerts without waking the phone
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the iPhone 16 or the Galaxy S23?
The iPhone 16 wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless what you want most is a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz.
Which is larger, the iPhone 16 or the Galaxy S23?
Neither by much. The iPhone 16 and the Galaxy S23 have nearly identical dimensions.
Does the iPhone 16 perform better than the Galaxy S23?
The iPhone 16 has the edge in performance thanks to a newer 3 nm chip process.
Does the iPhone 16 have a stronger camera setup than the Galaxy S23?
On paper, the Galaxy S23 has the stronger camera setup, with an extra rear camera.
Is the iPhone 16 cheaper than the Galaxy S23?
Going by launch prices, the iPhone 16 costs $1 less than the Galaxy S23. Prices as of September 2024; current offers may differ.
Which weighs less, the iPhone 16 or the Galaxy S23?
Their weights are practically identical, so neither has a real advantage.
Executive Summary
The iPhone 16 versus the Galaxy S23 is a matchup I find genuinely interesting, because Apple and Samsung made different bets. My main argument for the iPhone 16? It comes with faster 25 W wireless charging. A second reason: the iPhone 16 comes with a newer 3 nm chip process. On the other side, the Galaxy S23 brings a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz, and I wouldn’t dismiss that.
Choose by what you’d use most: performance leads to the iPhone 16, camera leads to the Galaxy S23.
My pick: the iPhone 16, though the Galaxy S23 makes sense if you’d rather have a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz on the Galaxy S23.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.