Apple iPhone 16e vs Samsung Galaxy S23
The Apple iPhone 16e (2025) runs on the Apple A18, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 (2023) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2; launch prices were $599 and $799. By overall MobileRank rating, the Samsung Galaxy S23 leads — 66/100 vs 56/100 (a 10-point difference). Key differences: the Samsung Galaxy S23 has the bigger battery (3900 mAh vs 3279); the main camera is 48 MP vs 50 MP; the Apple iPhone 16e is faster in AnTuTu (1,972,476 vs 1,656,761).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Apple iPhone 16e
Samsung Galaxy S23
What makes Apple iPhone 16e better?
- Higher AnTuTu: 1972476 vs 1656761
- Better Geekbench Single: 3254 vs 2004
- Better Geekbench Multi: 8070 vs 5311
- Lighter: 167g vs 168g
- Cheaper at launch: $599 vs $799
- Higher performance (85/100 vs 75/100)
What makes Samsung Galaxy S23 better?
- Bigger battery: 3900 vs 3279 mAh
- Faster charging: 25W vs 20W
- Better main camera: 50MP vs 48MP
- Higher refresh rate: 120Hz vs 60Hz
- Faster wireless charging: 15W vs 7W
- Better camera (67/100 vs 30/100)
- Longer battery life (29/100 vs 19/100)
- Better display (82/100 vs 61/100)
- Better portability (83/100 vs 80/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Apple iPhone 16e vs the Samsung Galaxy S23, the Samsung Galaxy S23 scores 10 points higher (66/100 vs 56/100). In the "performance" category, the Apple iPhone 16e leads (85/100 vs 75/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S23 leads (67/100 vs 30/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S23 leads (29/100 vs 19/100). Value score: Apple iPhone 16e — 26/100, 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 16e is a bit better (85/100 vs 75/100). In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S23 notably outperforms the Apple iPhone 16e (82/100 vs 61/100). In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S23 significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 16e (67/100 vs 30/100). In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is a bit better (29/100 vs 19/100). In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S23 and the Apple iPhone 16e are nearly equal (83/100 vs 80/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Apple iPhone 16e | Samsung Galaxy S23 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple A18 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | |
| AnTuTu | 1972476 | 1656761 | |
| Geekbench Single | 3254 | 2004 | |
| Geekbench Multi | 8070 | 5311 | |
| Display | 6.1" OLED | 6.1" AMOLED | |
| Resolution | 2532x1170 | 2340x1080 | |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 3279 mAh | 3900 mAh | |
| Charging | 20W | 25W | |
| Wireless charging | 7W | 15W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | — | 133 | |
| Main camera | 48 MP | 50 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 0 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) | 1200 nits | 1750 nits | |
| NFC | yes | yes | |
| Protection | IP68 | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 146.7×71.5×7.8 mm | 157.8×76.2×7.6 mm | |
| Weight | 167 g | 168 g | |
| Launch price | $599 | $799 |
Camera comparison
Apple iPhone 16e
- Main: 48MP f/1.6
- Front: 12MP
Samsung Galaxy S23
- Main: 50MP f/1.8
- Ultrawide: 12MP
- Telephoto: 10MP
- Front: 12MP
Display comparison
Apple iPhone 16e
- 6.1" OLED
- Resolution: 2532x1170
- Refresh rate: 60 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S23
- 6.1" AMOLED
- Resolution: 2340x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Apple iPhone 16e
- 3279 mAh
- Wired: 20W
- Wireless: 7W
Samsung Galaxy S23
- 3900 mAh
- Wired: 25W
- Wireless: 15W
Overall performance score
We compared Apple iPhone 16e and Samsung Galaxy S23, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.
Apple iPhone 16e leads Samsung Galaxy S23 by 19.1% in our overall performance rating.
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Launch price difference: $200. Apple iPhone 16e was $200 cheaper at launch.
Detailed category analysis
performance
In the "performance" category, the Apple iPhone 16e is a bit better (85/100 vs 75/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Samsung Galaxy S23 notably outperforms the Apple iPhone 16e (82/100 vs 61/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Samsung Galaxy S23 significantly outperforms the Apple iPhone 16e (67/100 vs 30/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is a bit better (29/100 vs 19/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Samsung Galaxy S23 and the Apple iPhone 16e are nearly equal (83/100 vs 80/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Apple iPhone 16e or the Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is noticeably better than the Apple iPhone 16e — the overall rating gap is 10 points.
What is the rating of the Apple iPhone 16e and the Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Apple iPhone 16e has a MobileRank rating of 56/100, the Samsung Galaxy S23 — 66/100.
Which has the better camera: the Apple iPhone 16e or the Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 leads on camera score (67/100 vs 30/100).
Which is more powerful: the Apple iPhone 16e or the Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Apple iPhone 16e leads on performance (85/100 vs 75/100).
Should you choose the Apple iPhone 16e over the Samsung Galaxy S23?
The Apple iPhone 16e is a better fit for gamers and power users. The Samsung Galaxy S23 is a better fit for active users.