Galaxy S23+ • Unlocked vs iPhone 14 • Locked T-Mobile

Galaxy S23+ • Unlocked
Galaxy S23+ • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$259.99

Versus $999.99 new

See options
iPhone 14 • Locked T-Mobile
iPhone 14 • Locked T-Mobile
Starting at

Refurbished price:$239.00

Versus $599.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, released in early 2023, and the Apple iPhone 14, launched in late 2022, are both prominent smartphones offering distinct user experiences. While the Galaxy S23 Plus provides a larger display and a more versatile camera system, the iPhone 14 focuses on a compact design and a streamlined operating system. These devices cater to different preferences, with the Galaxy S23 Plus running on Android and the iPhone 14 on iOS, influencing everything from app availability to user interface.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical resilience. The Galaxy S23 Plus and iPhone 14 offer robust build quality, but their long-term software support and physical durability differ based on their respective ecosystems and design choices.

  • Software Longevity: The iPhone 14, released in September 2022, is expected to receive iOS updates for approximately five to seven years from its launch, potentially extending support until 2028 or beyond. The Galaxy S23 Plus, launched in February 2023, is committed to four years of major Android version updates and five years of security patches, providing reliable support into the late 2020s.
  • Repairability: The iPhone 14 initially featured a redesigned internal architecture that made back glass repair more accessible. However, its repairability score was later adjusted due to software locks that require parts pairing with Apple's system for full functionality. The Galaxy S23 Plus has also seen improvements in component accessibility, though specific repairability scores are less widely publicized.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature high-grade materials and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The iPhone 14 utilizes Ceramic Shield for its front display, while the Galaxy S23 Plus employs Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both its front and back panels, offering strong protection against drops and scratches.

Release Year

2023

2022

Last OS Compatibility

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in modern smartphones is about more than just raw speed; it encompasses how smoothly the device handles daily tasks, multitasking, and demanding applications, alongside efficient power management.

  • System Responsiveness: The Galaxy S23 Plus, equipped with a current-generation processor optimized for its ecosystem, delivers a very fast and smooth user experience, handling demanding apps and multitasking without noticeable delays. The iPhone 14, powered by a previous-generation but still highly capable processor, also offers consistently smooth performance and quick app loading.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a larger battery capacity, which generally translates to longer usage times for many users, often lasting a full day even with heavy use. It also supports faster wired charging and includes reverse wireless charging capabilities. The iPhone 14 provides reliable all-day battery life for most users, with efficient power management from its operating system.
  • Storage and Multitasking: The Galaxy S23 Plus typically comes with 8GB of RAM and utilizes UFS 4.0 storage, contributing to swift data access and efficient multitasking. The iPhone 14 features 6GB of RAM and NVMe storage, ensuring smooth transitions between applications and responsive operation.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer high-quality viewing experiences, though with distinct characteristics in technology and features.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. Its FHD+ resolution provides clear and sharp visuals for everyday viewing. The iPhone 14 comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, which also delivers deep blacks and accurate color reproduction, offering a crisp viewing experience.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S23 Plus boasts an adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 48Hz to 120Hz, resulting in exceptionally smooth scrolling and fluid animations, particularly noticeable during gaming or fast-paced content. It also offers a high peak brightness, enhancing outdoor visibility. The iPhone 14 features a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which provides a consistent and smooth experience for most tasks, and offers good brightness levels for various lighting conditions.
  • Viewing Experience: The larger screen of the Galaxy S23 Plus is well-suited for media consumption and productivity, offering more screen real estate. The iPhone 14's more compact screen size makes it easier for one-handed use and portability.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos, but they approach imaging with different hardware configurations and processing philosophies.

  • Camera System Capabilities: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom. The iPhone 14 is equipped with a dual-camera system, comprising a 12MP main sensor with OIS and a 12MP ultra-wide lens.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S23 Plus excels in providing detailed images with vibrant colors, and its dedicated telephoto lens offers significant zoom capabilities, capturing distant subjects with clarity. Users often note its ability to bring out more detail in shadows. The iPhone 14 is praised for its natural color reproduction and consistent image quality across various lighting conditions, making it a reliable choice for everyday photography.
  • Video Recording and Audio: The Galaxy S23 Plus supports video recording up to 8K at 30 frames per second, offering high-resolution capture. The iPhone 14 records in 4K Dolby Vision HDR, known for its excellent dynamic range and cinematic quality. Both devices provide clear microphone quality for calls and recordings, and offer good speaker output for media consumption.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience, including connectivity, physical design, and security features.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data and feature modern Wi-Fi standards (Wi-Fi 6E for S23 Plus, Wi-Fi 6 for iPhone 14) and Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless accessories. The Galaxy S23 Plus uses a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, while the iPhone 14 retains the Lightning port.
  • Security and Biometrics: The Galaxy S23 Plus incorporates an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking and authentication. The iPhone 14 relies on Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system, for biometric security.
  • Physical Attributes: The Galaxy S23 Plus measures 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm and weighs 196g, offering a substantial yet manageable feel. The iPhone 14 is more compact at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm and lighter at 172g, making it easier for one-handed operation. Both devices feature premium build materials, including aluminum frames and durable glass.

Weight

7 oz

6 oz

Width

3,43 in

2.82 in

Height

6.6 in

5.78 in

Depth

0.3 in

0.31 in

Screen size (inches)

6.6

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

T-Mobile

User feedback for the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus often highlights its strong overall performance, excellent battery life, and the versatility of its camera system, particularly the optical zoom. Many users appreciate its vibrant, high-refresh-rate display and the extensive customization options available through the Android operating system. Some criticisms occasionally point to the camera's post-processing, which can sometimes lead to over-sharpening, and some users find the camera quality, while good, not quite at the level of the Ultra models.

For the iPhone 14, common praise centers on its consistently smooth performance, reliable camera for everyday shots with natural color science, and the intuitive user experience of iOS. Users also value its compact size and the long-term software support Apple provides. A frequent criticism, however, is the standard 60Hz refresh rate of its display, which some users feel makes it less fluid compared to competitors. Some users have also reported minor cosmetic issues like camera discoloration over time.

Users prioritizing a larger, high-refresh-rate display for media consumption and gaming, along with a versatile camera system that includes optical zoom, may find the Galaxy S23 Plus to be a more suitable choice. Its robust battery life and faster charging capabilities also appeal to those who need extended usage. Conversely, users who prefer a more compact device, a highly integrated ecosystem, and a camera known for its natural image processing and video capabilities may lean towards the iPhone 14. Both devices represent quality-assured options, and considering a refurbished model can be an eco-friendly alternative for either choice.

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