The iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra are among the best premium smartphones on the market. While Apple scores with two Pro models, Samsung only offers one Ultra version of its Galaxy range. In this guide, we compare the two Pro iPhones with the S23 Ultra to find out which device best suits your needs. We also highlight the differences between the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max so that you can make an informed decision.
Technical Facts at a Glance
Technical facts of the iPhone 15 Pro
- display: 6.1 inch Super Retina XDR with ProMotion – colorful and clear, with an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120 Hz for a particularly smooth experience.
- camera: Triple camera system with 48-megapixel main camera, ultra-wide angle and 3x telephoto lens
- processor: A17 Pro.
- battery life: Up to 23 hours of video playback.
- material: Titanium frame.
Technical facts of the iPhone 15 Pro Max
- display: 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR with ProMotion – large, colorful display with an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120 Hz for a smooth experience.
- camera: Triple camera system with 48-megapixel main camera, ultra-wide angle and a 5x telephoto lens.
- processor: A17 Pro.
- battery life: Up to 29 hours of video playback.
- material: Titanium frame.
Technical facts of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
- display: 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X – a large, stunning display with QHD+ resolution and up to 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate.
- camera: Quad camera system with 200 megapixel main camera, ultra wide angle, periscope telephoto lens and additional telephoto lens. The 10x optical zoom offers you options that no other smartphone in this form offers.
- processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 – specially optimized for the Galaxy S23 Ultra, ensures high performance and energy efficiency in every application.
- battery life: Up to 26 hours of video playback.
- material: Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2..
iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max – What’s the difference?
In practice, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max offer different advantages depending on your needs. The iPhone 15 Pro scores with its compact size, making it easier to hold and comfortable to use with one hand. The Pro Max, on the other hand, offers a larger display that is ideal for watching movies, gaming or multitasking, but is less handy.
One important difference is the camera: The Pro Max has a 5x telephoto lens that allows for impressive magnification - perfect for distant subjects such as animals or sporting events. The iPhone 15 Pro comes with a 3x telephoto lens, which is absolutely sufficient for everyday use, but offers less zoom.
In addition, the Pro Max lasts longer thanks to the larger battery, which is particularly practical for heavy users.Whether you're gaming or watching videos, the larger model offers a noticeable advantage. So if you prefer a more handy smartphone, the Pro is the better choice. The Pro Max, on the other hand, is worth it if camera zoom, longer battery life and a large display are important to you.
camera comparison
The Tech YouTuber The Tech Chap examined and compared the cameras of the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra in his video. We have summarized his results here.
- The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers four lenses, including a 200-megapixel main camera and 10x and 3x zoom. It is great for extreme zoom shots and detailed photos, especially in low-light situations.
- The iPhone 15 Pro Max has three lenses, including a 48-megapixel main lens and a 5x telephoto zoom. Apple relies on smart HDR processing and offers features such as "Next Generation Portraits", where normal photos can be subsequently converted into portraits - a clear advantage over Samsung.
- Portrait shots: Both devices deliver solid results, but the iPhone impresses with better recognition of details such as hair and background objects. Colors appear more natural, while Samsung is often too contrasty or saturated.
- zoom capabilities: Samsung is the zoom king, as the 10x optical zoom clearly outperforms the iPhone's 5x telephoto lens. Apple, on the other hand, scores with seamless transitions between zoom levels and smooth operation.
- image quality: In good light, the iPhone delivers consistent colors and better dynamics. Samsung impresses in low-light situations with detailed and balanced images. However, the results can be very saturated or overexposed.
- video quality: The iPhone 15 Pro Max offers impressive ProRes and Log options as well as seamless lens switching at 4K 60 fps. Samsung scores with 8K recording and features like "Director's View", but lags slightly behind Apple.
Conclusion
Both devices have their strengths. The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers more versatility and better low-light performance, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max scores with consistent results, natural colors, and better video options. In the end, the choice depends on what is more important to you: extreme zoom and versatility (Samsung) or better software integration and natural results (iPhone).
purchase recommendation according to user profile
photo and video lovers
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is the right choice if you value the best camera resolution and extreme zoom options. With a 10x optical zoom and a 200-megapixel main camera, you can take impressive shots that are second to none. The iPhone 15 Pro Max, on the other hand, also offers exceptional zoom performance with its 5x telephoto lens and impresses with natural colors and strong low-light management. Both iPhones, the 15 Pro and Pro Max, also score points with the "Spatial Video" feature, which inspires creative videography fans.
gamers and power users
All three devices – the iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max and the Galaxy S23 Ultra – are excellent for gaming and demanding applications.The A17 Pro in the iPhones delivers one of the best performances on the market, especially in graphics-intensive games. The Pro Max offers a more intense gaming experience thanks to its larger screen. The Galaxy S23 Ultra is in no way inferior with the optimized Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and also scores with its large, vibrant display that takes gaming to a new level.
travelers and frequent users
If you travel a lot and need a reliable smartphone, all three models offer strong arguments. The Galaxy S23 Ultra impresses with its long battery life and powerful camera with 10x zoom - perfect for capturing impressive landscapes or details on the go. For fans of a compact design, the iPhone 15 Pro is ideal: light, handy and still equipped with a strong camera and solid battery life. The iPhone 15 Pro Max, on the other hand, offers the best overall package for frequent users who prefer a large display and even more battery reserves for longer trips - especially practical if you often use photos, videos or streaming.
Conclusion
The iPhone 15 Pro (Max) and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra are undoubtedly impressive smartphones that shine with their strong performance and outstanding features. The Galaxy S23 Ultra impresses with its huge display, impressive camera resolution and 10x zoom. The iPhone 15 Pro scores with its titanium design, fast A17 Pro performance and innovative features such as "Spatial Video".
However, there are now successors to both models - the iPhone 16 Pro and that Galaxy S24 Ultra - which are especially interesting for those who always want the best of the best. For everyone else, the iPhone 15 Pro and Galaxy S23 Ultra remain an excellent choice that offers high-end technology at an attractive price.
