iPhone or Samsung Galaxy? This is the question that many of us ask today. Samsung with its Galaxy S23 and Apple with its iPhone 15 both offer good smartphones that are difficult to choose when it comes down to the crunch. In this product comparison, we ‘ll review not just the latest devices, but also their operating systems and ecosystems. Let’s dive in: Galaxy or iPhone?
iPhone or Samsung: Catalog range and pricesApple is known to be very different from its competitors. While brands like Oppo or Xiaomi have confusing ranges with plenty of the models having almost identical specifications, the Cupertino giant has always insisted on having the leanest catalog possible. Thus, this year is no different with eight models on offer in its store.
The iPhone 15 generation also ditched the mini variant. Instead, Apple will once again rely on the Plus, Pro, and Pro Max models in addition to the base model. Even the iPhone 13 Mini has disappeared from the Apple Store.
Samsung’s advantages over Apple:
Huge catalog of devices.More affordable handsets.Apple’s advantages over Samsung:
Clearly defined product range.Older models are still competitive in terms of features and performance.Recently, the number of products from Apple’s smartphone line has increased a little, with the arrival of the mini variant while maintaining a long software update policy for older iPhones. This makes the iPhone product range the smallest among the top five smartphone manufacturers today.
As mentioned earlier, Apple’s September 2023 catalog includes eight models, four of which were launched in 2023, three in 2022, and one in 2021. In addition to the new iPhone 15, Apple also retains the iPhone 14, 14 Plus, iPhone 13, and iPhone SE (2022) in its lineup.
The entry-level iPhone SE (2022) which was introduced in March 2022 is also there, offering many iPhone 11 features at a much lower price.
Since the iPhone 14 series launched, all eight models are 5G-compatible. In addition, all models, with the exception of the iPhone SE (2022), have an OLED display.Samsung’s smartphone catalog and pricesWhile you can count the iPhones 2023 on your own fingers (with two hands, of course), Samsung’s catalog is far more extensive. It begins with inexpensive entry-level smartphones and goes all the way to expensive foldables with top-notch hardware.
Samsung’s line of smartphones is made up of the Galaxy family, which also includes wearables, headsets, tablets, notebooks, and other gadgets. The family is divided into categories such as:
Galaxy Z (foldable phones)Galaxy S (premium handsets)Galaxy A and M (entry-level and mid-range models)Galaxy XCover (rugged handsets that target the corporate segment)
Since Apple doesn’t offer entry-level and mid-range smartphones, the Galaxy A, M, and XCover ranges do not compete directly with the brand’s models. Therefore, for this comparison, we have only considered models that are in the same price range as the iPhone range sold by Apple.
After the launch of the new Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5 foldables and with our respective reviews online, we are expecting discounts on the previous generation models. These are smartphones with beautiful OLED screens, SoCs that allow you to play demanding games, a versatile camera module with several cameras, or support for 5G.
In 2023, the pricing argument is not as relevant as it used to be, as Samsung is marketing smartphones that are almost as expensive as Apple’s. However, while the prices of Apple’s models usually remain stable until a new generation is released, Samsung’s smartphone prices normally drop far too soon after their release.
This makes the iPhone a pretty good purchase by any standard.This has an impact on the depreciation and resale price of its devices, in the case of iPhones, as they normally receive new operating system versions and security updates for a longer period of time, a gap something which Samsung has been trying to narrow in recent months.
iPhone or Samsung: The hardwareLet’s say it right from the start, Apple is clearly not a champion when it comes to value for money. The Cupertino-based company is known for offering smartphones that don’t push the envelope when it comes to new technologies as their competitors but at higher prices.
As for Samsung, even if prices have recently risen to approach those of Apple, the brand strives to offer the latest technological innovations in each new generation of flagships.
For example, if we were to compare the technical specifications of the latest “vanilla” flagships of Apple and Samsung, ie the Galaxy S23 and the iPhone 15, we can clearly see that Samsung offers a much more interesting smartphone, whether it is the screen , camera, or the fast charging capability.
However, we have to admit that the technical specifications are not everything, and that shows with the software optimization performed on the Apple iPhone. However, it is remarkable that Apple has lowered its prices compared to last year, at least in Europe. Thus, the iPhone 15 is exactly as expensive/cheap as the Galaxy S23, at least when one looks at the respective recommended retail prices.
Apple iPhone 15 vs Samsung Galaxy S23
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 UltraAfter adopting the 120 Hz refresh rate with its ProMotion mode in 2021, Apple marked the occasion in 2022 with a new camera as well as a replacement for the notch, calling it Dynamic Island. This year , USB Type-C ports were finally introduced for all new iPhones.
The new Pro iPhones in 2023 also feature a titanium case, slimmer bezels, and are powered by the A17 Pro chipset. The action button is also new and replaces the mute button.
While Samsung stands out with superlative figures in its extravagant specs, Apple’s strong point would be the integration of its components, especially its SoCs. Apple’s iPhones are regularly the most powerful on the market and the brand does not hesitate to show it by comparing its SoCs with the competition.