Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is finally official and this is the best moment to compare it with other most important smartphones of the moment, namely iPhone 14 Pro Max (our review here) and Pixel 7 Pro (review), in order to better understand the similarities and differences between the three devices.
In order not to dwell excessively, we have chosen to divide this comparison into 5 main points that take into consideration the general hardware of smartphones, their software , the photographic sector , the one dedicated to the battery and charging and, of course, the price . On the other hand, these are the main elements that are considered in the selection phase and the purpose of this piece is not to decree an absolute winner, but to offer you a mirror as exhaustive as possible regarding the characteristics of the 3 devices, in order to evaluate them at 360°.
- HARDWARE
- SOFTWARE
- CAMERAS
- BATTERY AND RECHARGE
- PRICES
HARDWARE
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| Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
78.1 x 163.4 x 8.9 mm |
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
77.6 x 160.7 x 7.9 mm |
Google Pixel 7 Pro
76.6 x 162.9 x 8.9 mm |
Click here for the full comparison »
Let’s start from the hardware at the base of the 3 phones examined, an aspect that is managed in a completely different way by the respective companies. Obviously we are not only talking about the component linked to SoC and memories, but also about the care taken in the build quality of the individual smartphones.
With Galaxy S23 Ultra, Samsung has brought the best of the technologies currently available to the market, focusing on a 4 nm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC customized by Qualcomm – here you can find out what changes compared to the basic version -, UFS 4.0 type memories , LPDDR5X RAM , Gorilla Glass Victus 2 glass and a decidedly high general build quality. The complete kit of these innovations – added to the presence of the now inevitable S Pen – allows the S23 Ultra to present itself as the most complete and advanced Android smartphone on the market, in which all the latest technologies converge without particular sacrifices.
Completely different, however, the approach of Google , which with Pixel 7 Pro has brought its 5 nm Tensor G2 chip to the market, a revised version of the previous Tensor G1 which mainly aims to expand the potential of the SoC as regards its capabilities in the Machine Learning field , without however introducing significant innovations in terms of power. The build quality is good, even if it is clearly perceptible that it is a smartphone positioned in a different price range from that of the other two competitors.
Apple , for its part, once again proposes the most performing hardware platform of the moment, or A16 Bionic , and adopts a more conservative approach with regard to the amount of RAM memory, while switching to the LPDDR5 type . The build quality of the iPhone 14 Pro Max is at the top of the category , with elements in steel and Ceramic Shield glass that come together with precision in every point of the smartphone, giving a sensation of unique solidity. Too bad that this translates into an off-scale weight.
COMPARISON OF TECHNICAL DATA SHEETS IN BRIEF
- Galaxy S23 Ultra
- SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy a 4 nm (1 x 3,36 GHz Cortex X3 + 2 x 2,8 GHz Cortex A715 + 2 x 2,8 GHz Cortex A710 + 3 x 2,02 GHz Cortex A510) con GPU Adreno 740 a 719 MHz e NPU Qualcomm AI Engine
- RAM: 8/12 GB LPDDR5X
- Storage: 256/512 GB, 1 TB UFS 4.0
- Display : Dynamic AMOLED 2x 6.8″ QHD+ Edge, Super Smooth 1-120Hz refresh rate, 240Hz touch sampling (Gaming mode), 4-level vision booster (Off, Level 1, 2 and 3), Enhanced Comfort to adjust colors and contrast levels, Gorilla Glass Victus 2, max brightness: 1,750 nits
- Pixel 7 Pro
- SoC: Google Tensor G2 a 5 nm (2 x 2,85GHz Cortex X1 + 2 x 2,35GHz Cortex A78 + 4 x 1,80GHz Cortex A55) con GPU Mali G710 MP7 e nuova TPU
- RAM: 12 GB LPDDR5
- Storage: 128/256 GB UFS 3.1
- Display : LTPO OLED 6.7″ QHD+, 19.5:9, 512ppi, refresh rate up to 120Hz, always-on, up to 1.000nit (HDR) e 1.500nit (max), contrast > 1.000.000:1, HDR, 16 million di color 24-bit, Corning Gorilla Glass Protection
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- SoC: Apple A16 Bionic a 4 nm (2 x 3,46 GHz core Everest + 4 x 2,01 GHz core Sawtooth), con GPU Apple a 5 core e Neural Engine 16 core
- RAM: 6 GB LPDDR5
- Storage: 128/256/512 GB, 1 TB
- Display : Super Retina XDR 6.7″ OLED 2796×1290, 460ppi, dynamic island, always-on, ProMotion technology with adaptive refresh rate from 1 to 120Hz, HDR display, contrast 2,000,000:1, True Tone, max brightness: 1,000 nits , peak (HDR) 1600, peak outdoors 2000, Ceramic Shield glass
As we can see from this cross-section of the technical data sheets, all 3 smartphones are also equipped with a high brightness display and with 120 Hz support, even if in the case of S23 Ultra and iPhone 14 Pro Max we see a step forward on both these aspects. The two devices are in fact able to drop even up to 1 Hz and the maximum brightness of both easily exceeds that of the Pixel 7 Pro, reaching up to the maximum 2,000 nits of the iPhone.
SOFTWARE
The software comparison between 3 different devices such as the S23 Ultra, Pixel 7 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max may seem decidedly forced, but it is still interesting to note some aspects that could be important to evaluate . All smartphones adopt completely different philosophies and interfaces, even remaining in the Android arena, since One UI 5.1 – which debuts with the S23 Ultra – continues to be one of the most complete UIs: in the dedicated article we have explored all the details of new features in the latest version of the interface.
- Samsung certainly offers an approach that aims more at enhancing the functionality of the device, offering a series of advanced options for multitasking, a granular level of customization enhanced by the Good Lock suite, many additional applications that allow you to expand the system functions – from Expert Raw a Camera Assistant, but not only – and a truly unique ecosystem of accessories and services, as well as offering one of the most integrated software experiences even with the Windows world.
- Googlehas instead taken a very different path, which aims to bring into the hands of users an extremely well-finished and coherent software from a graphic point of view, with also a great focus on the theme of artificial intelligence, made possible by the already mentioned choice of Google to betting precisely on the ML component of its chips, in order to allow Pixels to counter the brute power of the competition with a base capable of offering smart solutions. It is therefore a very different approach from the one adopted by Samsung, which in some ways forces Google to reduce the number of options and functions present within its interface, but on the other hand allows it to maximize the potential of those present . Just think of the deep integration of Assistant even during calls,
- Apple doesn’t compete directly with Google and Samsung in this respect, but it proposes a very different philosophy from that undertaken by any other Android manufacturer. By taking care of both the software and the hardware in-house, Apple is able to offer a middle ground between Google’s smart approach and Samsung ‘s full-featured approach , especially now that year after year it is gradually cutting down so many of the stakes that delimited the iOS software experience within very specific boundaries. With iOS 16, this process has taken further steps forward and the iPhone 14 Pro Max allows you to enjoy it to the fullest, thanks also to exclusive functions such as the Dynamic Island software implementations and the new always-on display.
As for software support, Samsung offers 4 years of major updates and 5 of security patches , managing to do even better than Google which stops at 3 major updates and 5 years of patches . Obviously neither of the two rivals can compete with the support offered by Apple on its iPhones , which in the worst case will be limited to 6 years of constant operating system updates.
CAMERAS
We then move on to one of the most interesting sectors, namely the photographic one. All 3 smartphones are equipped with an extremely complete rear compartment , which includes a high-resolution main camera, a wide-angle lens with focus for macro shots and a dedicated telephoto lens. Let’s take a look at the characteristics of the individual modules:
- Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Posteriori:
- 200 MPX (Samsung ISOCELL HP2) principale Adaptive Pixel con pixel binning, f/1,7, FOV 85°
- 12.2 MPX ultra wide angle, AF, f/2.2, FOV 120°
- 10 MPX 3x telephoto, optical zoom, f/2.4, FOV 36°
- 10 MPX 10x telephoto, optical zoom, f/4.9, FOV 11°
- Space Zoom 100x (ottico 10x + digitale 10x, tecnologia AI Super Resolution), video 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@960fps, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS
- Anteriore: 12 MPX (Samsung S5K3LUS), f/2,2, FOV 80°, video sino a 4K@60fps
- Posteriori:
- Pixel 7 Pro
- Posteriori:
- 50 MPX (Samsung GN1) Octa PD Quad Bayer, f/1,85, pixel da 1,2um, FOV 82°, sensore 1/1,31″, OIS, EIS
- 12 MPX (Sony IMX381) ultra wide angle, AF, 1.25um pixels, f/2.2, FOV 125.8°, lens correction
- 48 MPX (Samsung S5KGM1) Quad Bayer PD tele, pixel da 0,7um, f/3,5, FOV 20,6°, zoom ottico 5x, Super Res Zoom 30x, OIS, EIS
- video fino a 4K a 60fps, HDR 10-bit, LDAF
- Anteriore: 10,8MP (Samsung S5K3J1), f/2,2, pixel da 1,22um, FF, FOV 92,8°, video sino a 4K@60fps
- Posteriori:
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- Posteriori:
- 48 MPX (Sony IMX803) main, f/1.78, 24mm, quad-pixel sensor, 1.22um quadruple pixel, OIS on 2nd gen. sensor, 100% Focus Pixel, 7-element lens
- 12MPX (Sony IMX633) ultra wide angle, f/2.2, 13mm, FOV 120°, 6-element lens, 100% Focus Pixel, lens correction
- 12 MPX (Sony IMX713) tele 3x sino a 15x digitale, f/2,8, 77mm, OIS, lenti a 6 elementi
- Adaptive True Tone flash, Photonic Engine, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 4, ProRAW, registrazione video fino a 4K @60fps
- Anteriore: 12 MPX Sony IMX714, f/1,9, AF con Focus Pixel, Photonic Engine, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 4, TrueDepth per riconoscimento facciale, video sino a 4K@60fps
- Posteriori:
As we can see, Galaxy S23 Ultra comes with the most complete equipment of the group, proposing the new 200 MegaPixel Samsung HP2 sensor, assisted by 2 cameras with tele lenses, in order to adequately cover all zoom levels between 1.01x and 100x. Yes because once again Samsung focuses on the inclusion of a periscopic module which brings to the market a 10x optic capable of zooming up to 100x . The new software then aims to make the most of the ML capabilities of Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 to improve the shot even on such high magnification levels.
Among other noteworthy innovations, we point out that this year Samsung has significantly expanded the functions of Expert Raw precisely in view of the launch of Galaxy S23 Ultra. On this smartphone, in fact, it is now possible to shoot in RAW at 50 MegaPixels and enjoy much more advanced and complete control of all shooting parameters.
Pixel 7 Pro is instead the most balanced , as it is true that it offers a more limited overall zoom – stopping at a digital 30x -, however it has already proved to be a particularly versatile solution in almost every aspect. Too bad for the absence of a real Pro mode that allows you to take advantage of the 50 MegaPixels of the main sensor, which can never be exploited at native resolution.
iPhone 14 Pro Max , on the other hand, is the most lacking in the zoom sector, even if to date it is one of the best in terms of quality produced at magnification levels between 1.01x and 4.99x. Overall, Apple’s proposal is certainly among the most interesting for editing lovers, since the possibility of taking shots in ProRAW at 48 MegaPixels opens up scenarios hitherto precluded to Cupertino smartphones . iPhone is also the smartphone to beat when it comes to video quality, but for more in-depth comparisons we’ll have to wait for the S23 Ultra review.
BATTERY AND RECHARGE
The battery compartment is another of those fundamental aspects when choosing a smartphone, especially now that elements such as super-fast charging are starting to spread more and more. The good news is that none of the 3 devices examined is equipped with extremely fast charging, so this element will not be able to make a difference in the selection phase. The proposed configurations are the following:
- Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Battery capacity: 5,000mAh
- Charging speed: up to 45W wired, up to 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse charging
- Pixel 7 Pro
- Battery capacity: 5,000mAh
- Charging speed: up to 30W wired, up to 23W wireless with Pixel Stand, up to 12W Qi wireless, 5W reverse charging
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- Battery capacity: 4,323mAh
- Charging speed: up to 27W wired, up to 15W with MagSafe, up to 7.5W wireless Qi
Although iPhone may seem disadvantaged, due to its battery of just over 4,300 mAh, it is good to remember that iOS and Android have very different consumptions, which is why the top of the range from Apple is still today an undisputed champion of autonomy .
Galaxy S23 Ultra and Pixel 7 Pro have the same battery capacity and we expect very similar autonomy, even if it is still early to express the real potential of the top of the Samsung range, which however can count on the fastest charging of the trio .
PRICES
We conclude with the question of prices , where we see a big gap between the Pixel 7 Pro and the other two participants in the comparison. The prices of the 3 smartphones are in fact the following:
- Galaxy S23 Ultra:
- 256GB – 1,479 euros
- 512GB – 1,659 euros
- 1 TB – 1.899 euro
- Pixel 7 Pro:
- 128GB – 899 euros
- 256GB – 999 euros
- iPhone 14 Pro Max:
- 128GB – 1,489 euros
- 256GB – 1,619 euros
- 512GB – 1,879 euros
- 1 TB – 2.139 euro
We are faced with a very particular scenario, where only the Pixel 7 Pro is positioned in the price range below 1,000 euros for both of its configurations ( obviously for all we are talking about list prices that do not take into account the various offers ). Galaxy S23 Ultra is positioned exactly in the middle , while the most expensive proposal is that of Apple , which in its maximum configuration exceeds the 2,000 euro ceiling without any problems.
Such a wide range is impossible to ignore , but in the case of S23 Ultra it can also be reduced considerably if one resorts to the various promotions designed by Samsung for the launch of its top of the range.
GALAXY S23 ULTRA – FULL DATA SHEET
- display: Dynamic AMOLED 2x 6.8″ QHD+ Edge, Super Smooth 1-120Hz refresh rate, 240Hz touch sampling (Gaming mode), 4-level vision booster (Off, Level 1, 2 and 3), Enhanced Comfort to adjust colors and contrast levels
- piattaforma mobile: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
- memory cuts:
- 8GB + 256GB
- 12GB + 256GB
- 12GB + 512GB
- 12GB + 1TB
- OS: Android 13 con One UI 5.1
- fingerprint sensor: integrated in the display
- sicurezza: Samsung Knox, Samsung Knox Vault
- waterproof: IP68
- connettività : 5G, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, NFC, GPS
- other: Integrated S Pen
- cameras:
- anteriore: 12MP, f/2,2, FOV 80°
- posteriori:
- 200MP principale Adaptive Pixel con pixel binning, f/1,7, FOV 85°
- 12MP ultra wide angle, f/2.2, FOV 120°
- 10MP tele 3x, optical zoom, f/2.4, FOV 36°
- 10MP telephoto 10x, optical zoom, f/4.9, FOV 11°
- 100x Space Zoom (10x optical + 10x digital, AI Super Resolution technology)
- battery: 5,000mAh, 45W wired charging (up to 65% in 30 min), Fast Wireless Charging 2.0, Wireless PowerShare
- dimensions and weight: 163.4×78.1×8.9mm per 234g
- colori: Phantom Black, Cream, Green, Lavender
VIDEO
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Caricatore incluso, Smartphone Android, Display 6.8 Dynamic AMOLED 2X, Fotocamera 200MP, RAM 12GB, 512 GB, 5.000 mAh, Cream
1659 1479€Â
Google Pixel 7 Pro – Unlocked 5G Android Smartphone with Telephoto, Wide Angle and 24-Hour Battery – 128GB, Ice White
Amazon
€836Â
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max (128 GB) – Space Black
1429 €Â
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is available online from Euronics for 1,659 euros .
- Samsung Galaxy S23 is available online from Pskmegastore for 886 euros or from eBay for 939 euros .
(updated February 02, 2023, 2.50 pm)
