They are closely matched: Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max scores 81/100 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra scores 79/100 in our overall comparison — within 2 points. Neither is a clear winner overall, so the decision comes down to the specific features and price that matter most to you.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra are closely matched overall (within 3 points).
- Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max stands out on Display Screen-to-body ratio: 89.6%, Front camera aperture: 1.9, Cellular SIM type: Nano-SIM + eSIM.
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra counters with Display Size: 6.8 in, Display Resolution: 1440 × 3088 px, Display Pixel density: 501 PPI.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra are closely matched
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
82
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
79
Where Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max stands out
- Display Screen-to-body ratio: 89.6%
- Front camera aperture: 1.9
- Cellular SIM type: Nano-SIM + eSIM
Where Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra stands out
- Display Size: 6.8 in
- Display Resolution: 1440 × 3088 px
- Display Pixel density: 501 PPI
Head-to-head verdictAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Aug 2026.
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra are premier flagships that represent the top of their respective platforms, with our site rating the iPhone slightly higher at 81 compared to the Galaxy at 79. The iPhone 15 Pro Max leads in physical refinement, offering a lighter and more compact frame alongside its proprietary A17 Pro processor. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra excels in potential multitasking performance, offering configurations with up to 12 GB of faster LPDDR5X memory. The iPhone is ideal for users seeking a highly integrated, lightweight premium experience, while the Galaxy is best for those who prioritize a larger overall footprint and maximum memory capabilities.
- Processor and Performance
- The iPhone 15 Pro Max utilizes Apple's proprietary A17 Pro system-on-chip, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy.
- Memory Capacity
- Samsung offers the Galaxy S23 Ultra with up to 12 GB of LPDDR5X RAM, whereas the iPhone 15 Pro Max is equipped with 8 GB of LPDDR5 memory.
- Size and Weight
- The iPhone 15 Pro Max is lighter at 221 grams and has a thinner depth, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra is heavier at 233 grams and features a taller, thicker build.
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is a premium smartphone designed for users who demand high-end camera capabilities and top-tier performance. Featuring advanced build elements and connectivity options, it appeals to photography enthusiasts and power users.
Best for professional photographyBest for power usersBest for media consumption
Pros
- Equipped with an advanced chipset for demanding mobile processing
- Features substantial battery capacity for all-day use on larger models
- Offers multiple camera lenses including a high-resolution main sensor, alongside ultrawide and telephoto options (Source 2)
- Utilizes USB-C connectivity for easier charging and transfer across various devices (Source 2)
Cons
- The slightly heavier weight compared to smaller models suggests increased heft during extended use (Source 2)
- Availability of multiple finish colors means aesthetic choices are important factors for buyers (Source 2)
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 15 Pro Max
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max1,641,883
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 15 Pro Max4,441 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 15 Pro MaxSamsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is 12 g (5%) heavier than Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Review Videos
Hand-picked expert reviews for each product
Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comparison
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra are compared side by side above across every spec in the smartphones category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 81/100 for Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and 79/100 for Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.
At launch, Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max was the more affordable option ($1199) versus Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra ($1199). Weigh that against the overall scores (81/100 vs 79/100) and the value-for-money meter above to judge whether the higher-rated model justifies its price for your needs. Current retail prices vary — check the retailer.
It's close — Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max (81/100) and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (79/100) score almost the same. Pick based on price and the individual specs that matter most to you; the comparison above shows where each one pulls ahead.
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