Apple iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S23

Verdict

Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S23 tie on the OH Rank at a score of 67. Apple iPhone 16 wins on Performance and Video; Samsung Galaxy S23 wins on Battery and Desktop Replacement. Apple iPhone 16 is 0.7mm wider than Samsung Galaxy S23. Apple iPhone 16 is the more recent release, from Sep 2024.

Score Breakdown

Category

Apple iPhone 16

71.6mm (2.82in) · Sep 2024 · Rank #125

Samsung Galaxy S23

70.9mm (2.79in) · Feb 2023 · Rank #124
Performance /15
11
7
Battery /15
6
7
Screen /15
11
11
IP Protection /15
12
12
Main Camera /15
12
12
Selfie /5
5
5
Video /5
5
3
SD Memory /5
0
0
Software /5
5
5
Desktop Replacement /5
0
5
TOTAL
67
67
Apple iPhone 16
71.6mm (2.82in) · Sep 2024 · Rank #125
11+6+11+12+12+5+5+0+5+0 = 67

EDITORIAL: This round Apple upgraded it’s non-Pro models’ chips to match the Pro level. They are now better then ever. iPhone 16 is a great option for anyone needing great photos and videos from a compact iPhone. The screen is still only 60htz (no one else makes phones with such slow refresh rate any more) but this is a flagship grade phone in every other way

PROs
fast performance led by A18 chip, up to 6m of water submersion, good photos and excellent videos from a 48MP main + 12MP ultrawide plus a 12MP Selfie – all with PDAF, 6 years of iOS updates
CONs
improved but still barely a day of battery endurance, slow charging, only 60Hz when every other maker offers 120Hz screen refresh rate, no expandable storage or desktop replacement (updated Mar 30, 2025)
Samsung Galaxy S23
70.9mm (2.79in) · Feb 2023 · Rank #124
7+7+11+12+12+5+3+0+5+5 = 67

EDITORIAL: Samsung’s top of the line contact in 2023 is still a good flagship. Great build, fast SnapDragon 8 Gen 2 performance (iPhone 15 Pro Max level) with more years of One UI updates and regular security patches make it a relevant smartphone while many of it’s peers are being retired. Excellent selfie too.

PROs
still good SD 8 Gen 2 with UFS4.0 (the 128GB version gets UFS3.1) performance, HDR10+ screen with >430ppi resolution, great photos and videos from a 50MP main + 10MP tele (both with OIS PDAF) + 12MP ultrawide, a very competent 12MP PDAF selfie, years of OS and security updates and of course: DeX software
CONs
less-than-a-day 3900mAh battery with >1hr charging and no memory expansion (updated Apr 28, 2025)

Both phones here were scored by me, using the same ten categories, with no ads, sponsorships, or manufacturer relationships — this comparison is as objective and honest as it gets.

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