You have probably read some Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Apple iPhone SE 3 comparison of specifications and features. We have both devices in our hands here at MobilityArena Towers, have used both, and bring you the most interesting hands-on comparison ever of the two compact premium smartphones.
As different as they might have appeared in specs, the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Apple iPhone SE 3 (2022) are similar in quite a number of ways. Is it also a coincidence that we have them in the same colour scheme? Ta! Come with me and let’s get into the meat of the matter.
Table of Contents
Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Apple iPhone SE 3 2022
| Samsung Galaxy S23 | Apple iPhone SE 3 2022 |
|---|---|
| Released February 2023 | Released April 2022 |
| 6.1-inch AMOLED display, 1080 x 2340 pixels | 4.7-inch LCD display, 750 x 1334 pixels |
| 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm |
| 168g | 144g |
| Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back, Amor aluminum frame | Ion-strengthened glass front, glass back, aluminum frame |
| Nano-SIM and eSIM, 5G | Nano-SIM and eSIM, 5G |
| IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5 meter for 30 minutes) | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes) |
| Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) |
| 8GB RAM, 128GB storage | 4GB RAM, 128GB storage |
| 12MP selfie camera | 7MP selfie camera |
| 50 MP OIS + telephoto OIS, 3x optical zoom + 12 MP ultrawide rear camera | 12MP rear camera |
| Stereo speakers | Stereo speakers |
| Front fingerprint sensor | Front fingerprint sensor |
| 3900mAh battery | 2018mAh battery |
| 25W fast charging, PD 3, 15W wireless charging | 20W fast charging, 7.5W wireless charging, 4.5W reverse wireless charging |
Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Apple iPhone SE 3 (2022): The Differences
In terms of differences, the iPhone SE 2022 has a more dated design at the front. There are bezels all round, and the ones at the top and bottom are massive. This is a design from years gone by. While the S23 has a 120Hz screen of superior resolution and is AMOLED, the iPhone SE’s LCD screen is very low resolution and of standard refresh rate.
The Samsung S23 has a more advanced, capable camera system that includes a telephoto lens and an ultrawide lens. There is also Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). The iPhone SE 2022’s camera system is basic, in comparison. I believe, the word is “mid”.
Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Apple iPhone SE 3 (2022): Similarities
Both devices are premium in build – toughened glass on the screen, aluminium frame, and toughened glass at the back. Incidentally, both review units are white (or cream, if you prefer), so they really look like they belong on the same desk in a top multinational organisation. In the hand, they both have an excellent quality to their build.
They are both compact smartphones by today’s standards. iPhone SE 2022 has a diminutive 4.7-inch screen. When you compare it with the S23’s 6.1-inch screen in your head, you are expecting a massive difference in size between the two phones; right? In real life, the difference isn’t much, thanks to the bezels on the iPhone. Both have ingress protection, though the S23 has an edge with its IP68 rating, against the iPhone’s IP67.
For storage, you will find 128GB memory in each of them (though they both have additional memory options). Both of them lack expandable memory and headphone jack. Also, both are 5G phones, support eSIM technology and NFC, have stereo loudspeakers, have front fingerprint scanner, and have similar fast charging ratings; one is 25W and the other 20W. They also both have fast charging.
Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Apple iPhone SE 3 (2022): Final Words
While the Galaxy S23 is a 2023 smartphone, the iPhone SE 3 is from the year behind – 2022. Is this then a fair comparison? In a sense, it is. The iPhone SE has a 2-year release cycle, so we won’t be seeing another till 2024. Till then, the SE 2022 is the most compact iPhone model for comparisons with Samsung’s compact flagship. Of course, the iPhone 14 is also there, and we will compare that with the S23, too. Already, I imagine that it will be a fairer fight.
For no fault of its, the iPhone SE 3 (2022) loses to Samsung S23 on all counts except portability and price. It is lighter, more compact, and more affordable than the Samsung. Some say that the design of the SE 2022 (inherited from a long line of older iPhones from the model 6) is ugly. But that is a subjective matter.
In terms of raw power, its Bionic A15 chipset is bested with a wide margin by the Samsung’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. You also get better protection, better cameras, better display, better battery life, and faster charging with the S23. This might be a fair comparison, but the fight isn’t fair. It is pretty much a walkover. Samsung Galaxy S23 wins by a wide margin. Unless you are held back by cash or are a die-hard iPhone lover, that is the phone to buy.