Samsung Galaxy S23 vs iPhone 14 – which one should you go for?

You may be wondering what’s the difference between the Samsung Galaxy S23 vs iPhone 14 and you’d certainly not be alone.

The Samsung Galaxy S23, the follow-up from the popular Galaxy S22, has been released, and although it still shares a number of similarities with the S22, Samsung’s latest smartphone stands out with a number of key differences that are worth getting excited about.

The iPhone 14 was released in October 2022, and followed the iPhone 13 / 13 Mini, since receiving excellent reviews. It shines in all the ways you’d hope, boasting an excellent camera, stunning display and ultra-fast performance. While the iPhone 14 Pro goes above and beyond these specs, the iPhone 14 makes a worthy comparison to the Samsung Galaxy S23.

You may be weighing up which phone to go for, and how it matches up to what your main usage will be – whether that be for everyday browsing, watching content, or even gaming. It also is worth checking out our chosen alternatives to the S23 that can also help you decide.

So, we’re going to make things a little easier by comparing what we think are the key comparison areas between the Samsung Galaxy S23 and iPhone 14. We’ll look at everything from specs to features, and even design and value for money so you can make an informed choice.

Samsung Galaxy S23 vs iPhone 14 – specs

Spec	S23	iPhone 14
Size	6.1″	6.1″
Display	AMOLED	OLED
Resolution	1080 x 2340	1170 x 2532
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Gen 2	Apple A15 Bionic
Battery	3900mAh	3279mAh
Charger	25W (wired), 15W (wireless)	20 W (wired), 15W wireless
Cellular	5G	5G
Refresh Rate	120Hz	60Hz
Touch sampling rate	960Hz	390Hz
Storage	128GB, 256GB	128GB, 256GB, 512GB
RAM	8GB	6GB
Main Camera	3 lens (50MP, 10MP, 12MP)	2 lens (12MP, 12MP)
Selfie Lens	12MP	12MP

As you can see from the table, you’ll notice only a couple of similarities between the S23 and iPhone 14. Both have a 6.1 inch OLED display that is HDR enabled, making both phones attractive options for those after a crisp and colorful display.

In terms of chipset which determines the phone’s performance, there is a slight difference between S23 and iPhone 14. The iPhone 14 is fitted with Apple’s A15 Bionic chip which has a very slight edge over the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. That being said, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 comes with hardware-accelerated Ray Tracing Support, so if you’re a fan of mobile gaming, the combination of Samsung’s choice of chipset, combined with a larger battery and higher peak brightness probably makes the S23 the preferred option.

Read More: Will the Samsung Galaxy S22 drop in price?

Other key areas of difference include the difference in refresh and touch sampling rates. The S23 comes out as the clear winner with a refresh rate of 120Hz and touch sampling rate of 960Hz. Despite matching the S22 Ultra’s refresh rate, the iPhone 14 clearly lacks behind at 60Hz. Despite losing out against the S23, a 60Hz refresh rate is still capable of delivering a smooth experience. If you would like a higher refresh rate but are leaning towards Apple, consider the iPhone 14 Pro which matches the S23.

You’ll also notice the S23 appears to triumph in terms of camera ability at least on paper. It boasts a 50MP main camera, and 12MP ultra-wide sensor.

Overall, though the iPhone 14 is a beautiful design,but the S23 has a slightly better overall performance.

Samsung Galaxy S23 vs iPhone 14 – battery life

Battery life is an important consideration, especially if you’re out a lot, or else like to use your phone for taking photos which tend to sap a lot of battery.

The S23 has a larger battery at 3,900mAh versus the 3279mAh of the iPhone 14. While you can still expect the iPhone 14 to last a full day without needing a recharge, Samsung’s Galaxy S23 simply performs better in this category.

Read More: Best Samsung S22 Ultra case – our top picks

If battery life is a dealbreaker for you, then the Galaxy S23 probably ticks more of your boxes. In fact, even the S22 has a higher battery life of 3,700mAh than the iPhone 14.

Samsung Galaxy S23 vs iPhone 14 – design

As you probably know, Android and Apple have always looked quite different from each other.

The S23 looks very sleek, updating its camera design that fits the individual camera rings on the rear, and will resemble the look of the S23 Ultra and S23 Plus. It’s available in the usual colors you’d expect, including black, green and light pink.

Read More: Are gaming phones worth it?

If you’re familiar with the iPhone 13, its successor is largely similar with a minor redesign inside that makes it easier and cheaper to repair. Its mid-frame mid-frame design allows the phone to be opened from the front and black which makes the phone more durable while allowing for improved heat dissipation. It is available in five colors – midnight, blue starlight, purple and red.

Overall, whether you prefer the look of the Galaxy S23 or iPhone 14 ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Samsung Galaxy S23 vs iPhone 14 – value for money

The Samsung Galaxy S23 is available at $799 right off the bat, which is (at the time of writing) the same as the iPhone 14.

Ultimately, since both phones are part of Samsung and Apple’s latest lineup, meaning the best value for money lies in their older models, like the Galaxy S22 or iPhone 13 – otherwise, it’s pretty neck and neck here.

Price Check: iPhone 14 256GB, Midnight via Newegg

Price Check: Samsung Galaxy S23 at Samsung.com

Which should you go for?

We’d say that it’s very close between the two devices, but we’d have to give the edge to the Samsung Galaxy S23 purely based on its impressive camera, and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which does appear to beat out the A15 Bionic.

That being said, it’s not all about specs – we’d say go with what you feel is the best fit for you when it comes UI, design, and how you’ll use it most.

But if you’re a gamer, like we all are, we’d say check out the S23…

Read More: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 vs A16 Bionic – which is the better chip?