Apple iPhone SE (2022) vs Samsung Galaxy S23 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date March 18, 2022 February 17, 2023
Release Year 2022 2023

Physical

Volume 67.99 cm³ 78.83 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.26 "/g 3.63 "/g
Weight 144 g 168 g
Height 138.4 mm 146.3 mm
Width 67.3 mm 70.9 mm
Thickness 7.3 mm 7.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Red
  • Starlight
  • Midnight
  • Green
  • Graphite
  • Phantom Black
  • Lavender
  • Cream
  • Lime

Display

Screen Size 4.7 " 6.1 "
Resolution 750 x 1334 1080 x 2340
Aspect Ratio 16:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 65.4 % 88.1 %
Pixel Density 326 PPI 425 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 120 Hz
Typical Brightness 625 nits N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 1200 nits
Peak Brightness N/A 1750 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 91.35 mAh/in² 104.81 mAh/in²
Battery Density 29.68 mAh/cm³ 49.47 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 2018 mAh 3900 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.22 GHz Avalanche + 4x1.82 GHz Blizzard) Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU Apple GPU (4-core graphics) Adreno 740

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.2
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features Lightning 2.0 USB Type-C 3.2, OTG

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 15.4 13
Maximum OS Version 18 17

Comparison Summary

iPhone SE (2022) vs. Samsung Galaxy S23: A User-Centered Comparison

As a technology communications specialist, my goal is to help you understand these phones beyond the numbers. Let's delve into the user experience each device offers.

1. Design and Usability Assessment:

FeatureiPhone SE (2022)Samsung Galaxy S23User Experience Impact
Interface DesignFamiliar, classic iOS with physical home buttonModern Android with One UI, gesture navigationSE offers a nostalgic, simple interface. S23 provides a customizable, feature-rich experience. Impact depends on user preference and tech comfort.
Interaction FlowIntuitive, single-handed use optimizedLarger screen; two-handed use often necessarySE excels in one-handed navigation. S23 offers more screen real estate but may require two hands.
AccessibilityComprehensive iOS accessibility featuresRobust Android accessibility optionsBoth offer strong accessibility features, catering to diverse user needs.
ErgonomicsCompact, lightweight, comfortable to holdLarger, heavier; can feel less secure in handSE prioritizes portability and comfort. S23 sacrifices some ergonomics for a larger display.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration:

Scenario: Imagine a user navigating a bustling city. The iPhone SE's compact design allows for effortless one-handed map checking and quick text replies while on the go. Its familiar interface requires minimal learning, making it perfect for users prioritizing simplicity. Conversely, the S23 user enjoys a more immersive viewing experience for videos on their commute thanks to the vibrant AMOLED display and larger screen. The customizable Android interface allows them to personalize their phone to match their individual workflow.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation:

  • For the mature user or someone less tech-savvy: The iPhone SE's consistent design language and physical home button offer a sense of familiarity, reducing the learning curve.
  • For the power user: The Galaxy S23's powerful processor, larger RAM, and customizable Android OS provide a platform for multitasking and demanding applications.
  • For the budget-conscious user: The iPhone SE offers a compelling combination of performance and affordability in a compact package. While the S23 is pricier, it offers significantly updated technology.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework:

The iPhone SE champions simplicity and familiarity in a compact form factor. The Galaxy S23 prioritizes a modern, immersive experience with a focus on customization and cutting-edge technology.

My Choice:

As Sophia Rodriguez, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S23. While I appreciate the iPhone SE's compact design and user-friendliness, I value the S23's superior display, more powerful processor, expanded camera capabilities, and the flexibility of the Android ecosystem. The larger screen enhances media consumption and productivity, while the advanced camera system allows for greater creative expression. Although the S23 is a larger phone, the benefits of the updated technology outweigh the ergonomic trade-offs for me. Furthermore, the longer software support lifespan offered by Samsung ensures a longer-term investment. Ultimately, the S23 aligns more closely with my preference for a feature-rich, customizable, and technologically advanced mobile experience.

Sophia Rodriguez
Sophia Rodriguez

Technology Communications Specialist

Expert in transforming complex technological innovations into accessible, engaging narratives.

Key Strengths:

  • Technology storytelling
  • User experience design analysis
  • Inclusive technology communication
  • Design-driven technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with human-centered understanding.