S23 Plus vs iPhone 14 Plus: Which Phone Reigns Supreme?
Choosing a new smartphone can feel like navigating a minefield. With so many options, how do you pick the perfect device? Today, we’re putting two heavy hitters head-to-head: the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus and the Apple iPhone 14 Plus.
Both phones offer a premium experience, but they cater to different preferences and ecosystems. The S23 Plus boasts cutting-edge Android features and impressive camera capabilities. Meanwhile, the iPhone 14 Plus provides seamless integration within Apple’s ecosystem and a user-friendly interface.
This in-depth comparison will break down everything you need to know, from performance and display quality to camera prowess and battery life. We’ll explore their strengths, weaknesses, and ultimately help you decide which phone best suits your needs and budget. Get ready to discover which device comes out on top in the battle of the S23 Plus vs iPhone 14 Plus!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | s23 plus | iPhone 14 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.6 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Display Technology | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (for Galaxy) | A15 Bionic chip |
| RAM | 8GB | 6GB |
| Internal Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Main Camera | 50MP + 12MP + 10MP | 12MP + 12MP |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 8K @ 24fps | 4K @ 60fps |
| Battery | 4700 mAh | 4323 mAh |
| Charging | 45W Wired, 15W Wireless | 20W Wired, 15W Wireless |
| Operating System | Android 13, One UI 5.1 | iOS 16 |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- S23 Plus: Features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The display is bright and can handle direct sunlight well. Some users may find the slightly curved edges less comfortable.
- iPhone 14 Plus: Equipped with a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display, it provides excellent color accuracy and brightness. It has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which may appear less smooth compared to the s23 plus.
- Winner: s23 plus
Processor
- S23 Plus: Powered by a custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor, delivering exceptional performance and efficiency. It excels in multitasking and demanding games.
- iPhone 14 Plus: Uses the A15 Bionic chip, providing fast performance and efficient power management. It handles everyday tasks and gaming smoothly.
- Winner: s23 plus
Camera
- S23 Plus: Boasts a versatile triple-camera system with a 50MP main sensor, offering excellent image quality in various lighting conditions. It provides advanced features like Nightography and enhanced video stabilization.
- iPhone 14 Plus: Features a dual 12MP camera system with improved low-light performance. It includes features like Cinematic mode and Action mode for enhanced video capture.
- Winner: s23 plus
Battery Life
- S23 Plus: Offers all-day battery life with its 4700mAh battery, providing reliable performance for moderate to heavy use. Fast charging capabilities ensure quick replenishment.
- iPhone 14 Plus: Provides excellent battery life with its optimized software and efficient A15 Bionic chip. It easily lasts a full day with typical usage.
- Winner: iphone 14 plus
Design and Build Quality
- S23 Plus: Features a sleek design with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, and an Armor Aluminum frame, offering a premium feel and enhanced durability. The design is modern and stylish.
- iPhone 14 Plus: Showcases a flat-edge design with Ceramic Shield front and aluminum back, offering a premium feel and durability. The design is iconic and recognizable.
- Winner: Tie
Software
- S23 Plus: Runs on Android with Samsung’s One UI, offering extensive customization options and features. The user interface is feature-rich, but may feel overwhelming to some.
- iPhone 14 Plus: Operates on iOS, providing a streamlined and user-friendly experience with seamless integration across the Apple ecosystem. The ecosystem is a significant advantage.
- Winner: Tie
Storage Options
- S23 Plus: Offers a range of storage options, typically starting at 128GB, providing ample space for files, apps, and media. Higher storage variants are available.
- iPhone 14 Plus: Available in various storage configurations, with options up to 512GB. Offers a wide range of storage choices to meet diverse user needs.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- S23 Plus: Generally available at a competitive price point, often offering good value for its features. Prices can vary based on storage and promotions.
- iPhone 14 Plus: Typically priced at a premium, reflecting its brand and feature set. The cost may be a barrier for some consumers.
- Winner: s23 plus
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | Tie |
| Performance | s23 plus |
| Camera Versatility | s23 plus |
| Battery Life | s23 plus |
| Operating System | iPhone 14 Plus |
| Charging Speed | s23 plus |
| Ecosystem | iPhone 14 Plus |
What They Have in Common
- Water Resistance: Both phones are rated IP68, offering excellent protection against dust and water submersion.
- 5g Connectivity: Both devices support 5G networks, ensuring fast data speeds and improved connectivity.
- Wireless Charging: Both smartphones support wireless charging, providing convenient charging options.
- High-Quality Displays: Both phones feature vibrant and sharp displays, perfect for media consumption and everyday use.
- Durable Build: Both phones feature a robust build, including premium materials like glass and aluminum.
- Large Screen Sizes: Both phones feature large displays, providing ample screen real estate.
S23 Plus Vs Iphone 14 Plus Buying Guide
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus boasts a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor, offering exceptional performance for demanding tasks and gaming. It handles multitasking with ease and delivers smooth graphics. The iPhone 14 Plus, equipped with the A15 Bionic chip, also provides impressive speed and efficiency. While the A15 Bionic is still a strong performer, the S23 Plus generally edges out the iPhone 14 Plus in raw processing power and graphics capabilities, especially in intensive tasks. Consider your usage needs and prioritize performance accordingly.
Display
The S23 Plus features a vibrant Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing incredibly smooth scrolling and animations. Colors are punchy, and viewing angles are excellent. The iPhone 14 Plus has a Super Retina XDR display, which is also very good, but it lacks the adaptive refresh rate of the S23 Plus, meaning the S23 Plus can dynamically adjust to save battery. Both displays are bright and clear, making them suitable for outdoor use. The S23 Plus’s display offers a slightly more immersive and fluid visual experience.
Camera
The S23 Plus features a versatile triple-lens camera system known for its excellent low-light performance and detailed images. Its telephoto lens adds extra flexibility for zooming. The iPhone 14 Plus’s dual-camera system captures high-quality photos and videos, with impressive computational photography capabilities. Both phones excel in different areas, with the S23 Plus often outshining the iPhone in zoom capabilities and the iPhone excelling in video stabilization. Consider which camera features are most important to you.
Battery Life
Both the S23 Plus and iPhone 14 Plus offer excellent battery life, easily lasting a full day of moderate to heavy use. The S23 Plus, with its slightly larger battery capacity and efficient processor, often provides a longer battery life compared to the iPhone 14 Plus. However, battery performance can vary depending on usage patterns and software optimization. Both phones offer fast charging capabilities, allowing for quick top-ups when needed. Battery life is a crucial factor for many users.
Software & Ecosystem
The S23 Plus runs on Android, offering a highly customizable user experience with a wide range of apps and widgets. The iPhone 14 Plus operates on iOS, known for its user-friendliness, seamless integration with other Apple devices, and strong privacy features. The choice between Android and iOS often comes down to personal preference and ecosystem loyalty. Consider which operating system’s features and design language you prefer, along with the apps you use most frequently.
Price & Value
When comparing prices at the time of release, both phones were positioned in the premium smartphone category. The S23 Plus and iPhone 14 Plus generally have comparable price points, although they can fluctuate based on promotions and retailer offers. Consider the features, performance, and overall value that each phone provides, based on your budget and desired features. Shop around and compare prices to find the best deal. Both phones offer excellent value for their feature set.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy s23 plus If…
- You prefer a more versatile camera system with a telephoto lens.
- You want faster charging speeds.
- You prefer the Android operating system and its customization options.
- You value the latest processor technology.
Buy iphone 14 plus If…
- You prefer the simplicity and user experience of iOS.
- You are invested in the Apple ecosystem.
- You prioritize video recording capabilities.
- You value a longer software support cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has the better performance?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor, generally offers slightly better raw performance and graphics capabilities compared to the iPhone 14 Plus’s A15 Bionic chip. It handles demanding tasks and gaming with slightly more ease. The iPhone 14 Plus is still very fast and efficient, but the S23 Plus has a slight edge in overall processing power.
Which phone takes better photos?
Both phones take excellent photos. The S23 Plus boasts a versatile triple-lens system with great low-light performance and zoom capabilities. The iPhone 14 Plus excels in video and computational photography, offering amazing color and detail. The “better” camera depends on your photographic preferences. Both phones offer amazing image quality.
Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones offer great battery life, but the S23 Plus often provides slightly longer battery life due to its larger battery capacity and efficient processor. However, real-world battery performance can vary based on individual usage patterns. Both offer fast charging, meaning you won’t be without power for long if you do run out.
What are the main differences in software?
The S23 Plus runs on Android, offering high customization and a wide app selection. The iPhone 14 Plus runs on iOS, known for its user-friendliness and seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem. The choice depends on your preference for user interface, customization options, and the ecosystem of other devices you use. Both offer great software experiences.
Is the S23 Plus water resistant?
Yes, both the S23 Plus and the iPhone 14 Plus are water-resistant. They both have an IP68 rating, which means they can withstand submersion in water up to a certain depth for a certain amount of time. However, it’s always best to avoid exposing your phone to water unnecessarily and to dry it off if it does get wet.
Does the iPhone 14 Plus have a 120Hz display?
No, the iPhone 14 Plus does not have a 120Hz refresh rate display. It features a Super Retina XDR display with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The S23 Plus boasts a 120Hz display, which allows it to provide smoother animations and scrolling. This feature is a key difference between the two displays.
Which phone is more expensive?
At the time of release, both phones were priced similarly, though prices can fluctuate based on sales and retailer offers. The final price depends on the storage configuration chosen. Consider which features and performance aspects best match your budget and needs. Comparison shopping is essential to find the best deal.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus and iPhone 14 Plus are both excellent smartphones, each with its strengths. The S23 Plus offers a more powerful processor, a more versatile camera system, and a display with a 120Hz refresh rate, while the iPhone 14 Plus provides a user-friendly iOS experience and seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem. The choice ultimately depends on individual preferences regarding software, camera features, and ecosystem.
Winner: S23 Plus