Samsung S23 Ultra vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max - Which Should You Buy?

Summary

In this comparison, Josh Teder evaluates the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max, highlighting key features and ecosystem strengths. The S23 Ultra impresses with its 10x telephoto camera, S Pen functionality, and customizable One UI. It offers a flexible ecosystem and compatibility with non-Samsung devices. The iPhone 15 Pro Max stands out for its weight, Apple's robust ecosystem, iMessage, and Continuity Camera. It excels in video quality and offers a streamlined user experience with timely software updates. The choice ultimately hinges on personal preference for customization or seamless integration within the respective ecosystems.

Takeaways

• 📱 The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra offers a 10x telephoto camera, which is great for capturing close-ups of nature.
• 🖊️ The S23 Ultra includes an S Pen stylus, enabling unique features like writing on the screen when off and using it as a remote for photos.
• 🤖 The S23 Ultra runs on One UI, Samsung's version of Android, which provides extensive customization options and features like multitasking and Samsung DeX.
• 🔄 Samsung's ecosystem is flexible, allowing for easier sharing with non-Samsung devices and a broader range of compatible devices.
• 📸 The iPhone 15 Pro Max is slightly lighter than the S23 Ultra, offering a more comfortable feel in hand.
• 🌐 The Apple ecosystem is characterized by market-leading accessories like iPad, AirPods, and Apple Watch, along with unique services like Apple Music and Apple TV Plus.
• 💬 iMessage is a popular messaging service exclusive to Apple devices, offering a consistent and fun messaging experience with full-res photo sharing.
• 🎥 The iPhone 15 Pro Max excels in video quality, with features like Apple ProRes for professional-grade footage and smooth lens switching.
• 🔧 The iPhone 15 Pro Max introduces a dedicated action button for customizable shortcuts and quick access to features like silent mode and the camera.
• 📱 The iOS operating system on the iPhone 15 Pro Max is known for its aesthetic consistency, fluidity, and timely updates directly from Apple.

Q & A

What is the main advantage of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra's camera over the iPhone 15 Pro Max?

The main advantage is the 10x telephoto camera, which is surprisingly usable for taking close-ups of distant subjects like waterfalls and animals.

What unique feature does the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra offer that is not commonly found in other smartphones?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra offers the S Pen, a stylus that allows for writing on the screen when it's off, converting handwritten notes to text, and using it as a remote to take photos.

How does One UI on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra enhance the Android experience?

One UI enhances the Android experience with features like multitasking, window management, edge panels, S Pen features, and Samsung DeX, which can turn the phone into a computer when connected to a desktop monitor.

What customization options does the Good Lock app provide for the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?

Good Lock allows for customizations such as creating a new lock screen and always-on display, changing the app tray to a list style, adjusting the task changer layout, creating new themes, and adjusting theme colors with Theme Pack.

How does the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem compare to Apple's ecosystem in terms of flexibility?

The Samsung Galaxy ecosystem is more flexible, allowing for easier sharing with non-Samsung devices and a broader range of compatible devices beyond just Samsung's own products.

What is the weight difference between the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is slightly lighter, weighing 221g compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra's 234g.

What are some of the unique services and accessories that differentiate the Apple ecosystem from Samsung's?

The Apple ecosystem offers market-leading accessories like iPad, AirPods, and Apple Watch, along with unique services such as Apple Music, Apple Fitness Plus, Apple TV Plus, and Apple Arcade.

How does the iPhone 15 Pro Max's video quality compare to the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is noted for having the best video quality of any smartphone tested, with excellent color science, HDR processing, and minimal noise artifacts, even in low light conditions.

What is the significance of the dedicated action button on the iPhone 15 Pro Max?

The dedicated action button allows for customization to perform various actions like silent mode, Do Not Disturb, opening the camera, flashlight, voice memo, and shortcuts for further automation.

How does the iOS operating system on the iPhone 15 Pro Max compare to Samsung's One UI in terms of customization and app availability?

iOS is less customizable than One UI but offers a more aesthetically consistent and fluid experience. Developers tend to release apps first on iOS, and users get access to the latest iOS version on day one.