Apple iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S23
The Apple iPhone 16 (2024) runs on the Apple A18, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 (2023) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2; launch prices were $799 and $799. By overall MobileRank rating, the Apple iPhone 16 leads — 68/100 vs 66/100 (a 2-point difference). Key differences: the Samsung Galaxy S23 has the bigger battery (3900 mAh vs 3561); the main camera is 48 MP vs 50 MP; the Apple iPhone 16 is faster in AnTuTu (1,972,476 vs 1,656,761); per DXOMark lab testing, the Apple iPhone 16 has the stronger camera (147 vs 133).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Apple iPhone 16
Samsung Galaxy S23
What makes Apple iPhone 16 better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 1972476 vs 1656761
- Better Geekbench Single: 3100 vs 2004
- Better Geekbench Multi: 7700 vs 5311
- Faster charging: 27W vs 25W
- Faster wireless charging: 25W vs 15W
- Higher performance (84/100 vs 75/100)
- Better camera (78/100 vs 67/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy S23 better?
- Bigger battery: 3900 vs 3561 mAh
- Better main camera: 50MP vs 48MP
- Higher refresh rate: 120Hz vs 60Hz
- Lighter: 168g vs 170g
- Longer battery life (29/100 vs 24/100)
- Better display (82/100 vs 61/100)
- Better portability (83/100 vs 79/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Apple iPhone 16 vs the Samsung Galaxy S23, the Apple iPhone 16 scores 2 points higher (68/100 vs 66/100). In the "camera" category, the Apple iPhone 16 leads (78/100 vs 67/100). Value score: Apple iPhone 16 — 50/100, Samsung Galaxy S23 — 46/100; it shows how far a model sits above or below the usual level for its price, and is not part of the overall rating. In the "performance" category, the Apple iPhone 16 is a bit better (84/100 vs 75/100). In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S23 notably outperforms the Apple iPhone 16 (82/100 vs 61/100). In the "camera" category, the Apple iPhone 16 is a bit better (78/100 vs 67/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is a bit better (29/100 vs 24/100). In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S23 and the Apple iPhone 16 are nearly equal (83/100 vs 79/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Apple iPhone 16 | Samsung Galaxy S23 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple A18 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | |
| AnTuTu | 1972476 | 1656761 | |
| Geekbench Single | 3100 | 2004 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 7700 | 5311 | |
| Display | 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED | 6.1" AMOLED | |
| Resolution | 2556x1179 | 2340x1080 | |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 3561 mAh | 3900 mAh | |
| Charging | 27W | 25W | |
| Wireless charging | 25W | 15W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | 147 | 133 | |
| Main camera | 48 MP | 50 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 12 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 10 MP | |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 12 MP | |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | 128GB / 256GB | |
| OS | iOS 18 | Android 13 | |
| Brightness (peak) | 2000 nits | 1750 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP68 | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 147.6×71.6×7.8 mm | 157.8×76.2×7.6 mm | |
| Weight | 170 g | 168 g | |
| Launch price | $799 | $799 |
Camera comparison
Apple iPhone 16
- Main: 48MP f/1.6
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Front: 12MP
Samsung Galaxy S23
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Telephoto: 10MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Apple iPhone 16
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED
- Resolution: 2556x1179
- Refresh rate: 60 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S23
- 6.1" AMOLED
- Resolution: 2340x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Apple iPhone 16
- 3561 mAh
- Wired: 27W
- Wireless: 25W
Samsung Galaxy S23
- 3900 mAh
- Wired: 25W
- Wireless: 15W
Overall performance score
We compared Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S23, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Apple iPhone 16 leads Samsung Galaxy S23 by 19.1% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $0. Same launch price.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Apple iPhone 16 is a bit better (84/100 vs 75/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S23 notably outperforms the Apple iPhone 16 (82/100 vs 61/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Apple iPhone 16 is a bit better (78/100 vs 67/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is a bit better (29/100 vs 24/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S23 and the Apple iPhone 16 are nearly equal (83/100 vs 79/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Apple iPhone 16 or the Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Apple iPhone 16 edges out the Samsung Galaxy S23 by just 2 points — the two devices are very close in overall level.
What is the rating of the Apple iPhone 16 and the Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Apple iPhone 16 has a MobileRank rating of 68/100, the Samsung Galaxy S23 — 66/100.
Which has the better camera: the Apple iPhone 16 or the Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Apple iPhone 16 leads on camera score (78/100 vs 67/100).
Which is more powerful: the Apple iPhone 16 or the Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Apple iPhone 16 leads on performance (84/100 vs 75/100).
Should you choose the Apple iPhone 16 over the Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Apple iPhone 16 is a better fit for gamers and power users. The Samsung Galaxy S23 is a better fit for active users.