Galaxy S23 vs iPhone 14
Short answer: the Galaxy S23 gives you more hardware: a smooth 120Hz screen, a 3x telephoto camera, a faster chip, USB-C and a local SIM that works without PTA tax. The iPhone 14 is the pick if you prefer iOS, want very consistent video and care about resale value. Both are compact 6.1 inch phones that are easy to use with one hand.
Updated 11 November 2026
Design and build
Both phones are compact with a 6.1 inch screen, an aluminium frame, a glass back and IP68 water resistance. The Galaxy S23 weighs 168 g and is 7.6 mm thin; the iPhone 14 weighs 172 g and is 7.8 mm thin.
The S23 uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back. The iPhone 14 uses Apple's Ceramic Shield on the front. In the hand both feel premium and pocket-friendly.
Display
The S23 has a 6.1 inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with 120Hz refresh and 1750 nits peak. The iPhone 14 has a 6.1 inch Super Retina XDR OLED with a notch, 60Hz refresh and 1200 nits peak in HDR.
The S23's 120Hz screen makes scrolling and games look much smoother, and it is brighter outdoors. The iPhone's colours are accurate, but 60Hz feels dated if you are used to a fast screen.
Performance and chipset
The S23 uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy. The iPhone 14 uses the A15 Bionic with a 5-core GPU, the same chip family as the iPhone 13 Pro. The Snapdragon is faster in graphics, and both handle daily apps easily.
For PUBG Mobile and other heavy games, the S23 can hold higher frame rates on its 120Hz screen. The iPhone 14 still runs these games smoothly at standard settings.
Cameras
The S23 has a 50MP main camera with OIS, a 12MP ultra-wide and a 10MP 3x telephoto. The iPhone 14 has a 12MP main camera with sensor-shift OIS and a 12MP ultra-wide, with no telephoto.
The S23 wins for zoom and detail. The iPhone 14 is excellent for video, with 4K 60fps Dolby Vision and Action mode for very stable footage. Its 12MP autofocus selfie camera is also very good for video calls.
Battery and charging
The S23 has a 3900 mAh battery with 25W wired, 15W wireless and reverse wireless charging. The iPhone 14 has a 3279 mAh battery with fast wired charging (about 50% in 30 minutes) and 15W MagSafe.
Battery life is similar, about a day of normal use. On a used iPhone, check battery health: our used iPhone 14 units have 100% battery health.
Neither phone comes with a charger in the box. The S23 needs a 25W USB-C Samsung adapter for its top speed, while the iPhone 14 needs a 20W or higher USB-C adapter and a USB-C to Lightning cable. During load shedding, a small power bank keeps either phone going through the evening.
Specs side by side
- Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy vs A15 Bionic (5-core GPU)
- Display: 6.1 inch FHD+ 120Hz vs 6.1 inch 60Hz OLED with notch
- Peak brightness: 1750 nits vs 1200 nits
- Rear cameras: 50MP + 12MP + 10MP 3x vs 12MP + 12MP
- Front camera: 12MP vs 12MP autofocus
- Battery: 3900 mAh vs 3279 mAh
- Charging: 25W wired, 15W wireless vs fast wired, 15W MagSafe
- Port: USB-C 3.2 vs Lightning (USB 2)
- Weight: 168 g vs 172 g
- Launch software: Android 13, One UI 5.1 vs iOS 16
Software and updates
The S23 launched with Android 13 and was promised four Android upgrades, and it has Galaxy AI features. The iPhone 14 launched with iOS 16 and still gets the current iOS version. It does not support Apple Intelligence. Apple tends to support iPhones for longer, which helps resale value.
Non PTA and SIM notes in Pakistan
Our iPhone 14 units are slightly used Non PTA phones with 100% battery health. A Non PTA iPhone is not registered with PTA's DIRBS, so a local SIM works only for a limited time unless you register it and pay the PTA tax. US iPhone 14 units are eSIM only. Read what a Non PTA mobile is (What Is a Non PTA Mobile? Everything You Should Know).
Our Galaxy S23 is a Non Custom box pack unit that is PTA Patch Approved, so a local SIM works normally.
Who should buy which
Buy the Galaxy S23 if you want a 120Hz screen, 3x zoom, USB-C and no PTA tax worries in a small phone.
Buy the iPhone 14 if you prefer iOS, shoot a lot of video and want good resale value. For a newer iPhone match, see Galaxy S23 vs iPhone 15 (Galaxy S23 vs iPhone 15).
