Looking for an honest Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S23 5G comparison in 2026? We scored both smartphones on the same six-dimension framework — performance, battery, display, camera, design and value — using identical methodology, so the numbers below are directly comparable. In our overall scoring the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max comes out ahead 78/100 to 65/100 — a 13-point gap. The widest gap is in design and build, where the Samsung Galaxy S23 5G pulls noticeably ahead. On price the Samsung Galaxy S23 5G undercuts the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max by 281% ($314.88 vs $1,199), which materially changes the value calculus for budget-conscious buyers.
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Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max edges out the Samsung Galaxy S23 5G in the smartphones category, especially in performance (benchmark 210 vs 150), scoring 78 vs 65. If you want the better overall smartphones, Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is the recommended choice.
Picking Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max over Samsung Galaxy S23 5G means trading these off.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
| Spec | Apple iPhone 17 Pro MaxW | Samsung Galaxy S23 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.9"✓ | 6.1" |
| Display Type | OLED | — |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness | 2000nits✓ | 1750nits |
| Chipset | Apple A19 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| RAM |
Buy Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max if…
Buy the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Buy Samsung Galaxy S23 5G if…
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 5G if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max edges out the Samsung Galaxy S23 5G in the smartphones category, especially in performance (benchmark 210 vs 150), scoring 78 vs 65. If you want the better overall smartphones, Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max is the recommended choice.
Yes, Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max scores higher overall (78 vs 65).
Samsung Galaxy S23 5G is cheaper at $314.88 vs $1199 for the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Buy the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 5G if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max has a larger battery (4,685mAh vs 3,900mAh for the Samsung Galaxy S23 5G), which generally means longer use between charges.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max has the larger display (6.9" vs 6.1").
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Scores are relative within the smartphonescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
| 8GB |
| 8GB |
| Storage | 256GB✓ | 128GB |
| Main Camera | 48MP | 50MP✓ |
| Front Camera | 24MP✓ | 12MP |
| Battery | 4685mAh✓ | 3900mAh |
| Charging | 30W✓ | 25W |
| OS | iOS 19 | Android 13 |
| NFC | Yes | — |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | — |
| Weight | 228g | 168g✓ |
| Price | 1199$ | 314.88$ |
Samsung Galaxy S23 5G has a higher-resolution main camera (50MP vs 48MP). Note that megapixels are one factor — sensor quality and processing also matter.
Samsung Galaxy S23 5G is lighter at 168g vs 228g.