HTC U23 Pro vs Apple iPhone 15 Plus - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date May 18, 2023 September 22, 2023
Release Year 2023 2023

Physical

Volume 114.32 cm³ 97.64 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.27 "/g 3.33 "/g
Weight 205 g 201 g
Height 166.6 mm 160.9 mm
Width 77.1 mm 77.8 mm
Thickness 8.9 mm 7.8 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Snow White
  • Coffee Black
  • Black
  • Yellow
  • Blue
  • Green
  • Pink

Display

Screen Size 6.7 " 6.7 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1290 x 2796
Aspect Ratio 20:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 84.4 % 88 %
Pixel Density 393 PPI 460 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz N/A
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 1000 nits
Peak Brightness N/A 2000 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 102.47 mAh/in² 97.64 mAh/in²
Battery Density 40.24 mAh/cm³ 44.89 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4600 mAh 4383 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM7450-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.36 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) Hexa-core (2x3.46 GHz Everest + 4x2.02 GHz Sawtooth)
GPU Adreno 644 Apple GPU (5-core graphics)

Connectivity

USB Version 3.0 2.0
OTG Support
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.0 USB Type-C 2.0, DisplayPort

Software

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

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureHTC U23 ProApple iPhone 15 PlusPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)166.6 x 77.1 x 8.9160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8iPhone 15 Plus is slightly shorter, narrower, and significantly thinner. More pocketable.
Weight (g)205201Negligible weight difference in real-world usage.
Build MaterialsNot specifiedAluminum frame, glass front/backDurability and premium feel cannot be fully compared due to missing HTC data.
Display
Display Size (inches)6.76.7Same screen size.
Resolution (pixels)1080 x 24001290 x 2796iPhone has a noticeably sharper display with higher pixel density (460 ppi vs 393 ppi), resulting in crisper text and images.
Display TypeOLED, 120HzSuper Retina XDR OLEDBoth are OLED, but iPhone's Super Retina XDR likely offers better color accuracy and brightness. 120Hz on the HTC offers smoother scrolling and animations.
Peak Brightness (nits)Not specified2000Missing HTC data prevents brightness comparison. iPhone's high peak brightness ensures excellent outdoor visibility.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 7 Gen 1A16 BionicA16 is significantly more powerful, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
CPUOcta-coreHexa-coreWhile core count differs, A16's architecture and performance per core are superior, making it faster overall.
RAM8GB/12GB6GBWhile HTC offers more RAM in some variants, iOS's memory management often allows it to perform efficiently with less RAM. Real-world multitasking performance needs further testing.
Camera
Main Camera (MP)10848Higher megapixel count on HTC doesn't guarantee better image quality. iPhone's larger sensor and advanced image processing often result in superior photos.
Video Recording4K@30fps4K@60fps with HDR, Dolby VisioniPhone offers higher resolution and frame rate video recording with HDR and Dolby Vision for better dynamic range and color.
Battery
Capacity (mAh)46004383HTC has a slightly larger battery. Actual battery life depends on optimization and usage patterns.

2. Key Differences Analysis

HTC U23 Pro Advantages:

  • Potentially longer battery life: Slightly larger battery capacity.
  • Higher refresh rate display: 120Hz for smoother visuals.
  • Potentially lower price: "Medium price" suggests it's cheaper than the iPhone 15 Plus.

Apple iPhone 15 Plus Advantages:

  • Significantly better performance: A16 Bionic chip offers a substantial performance advantage.
  • Sharper display: Higher resolution and pixel density.
  • Superior camera system: Advanced image processing and video recording capabilities.
  • More polished software experience: iOS is known for its optimization and ecosystem.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

HTC U23 Pro: Budget-conscious users who prioritize a smooth display and potentially longer battery life. Suitable for everyday tasks, web browsing, and casual gaming.

Apple iPhone 15 Plus: Users who demand top-tier performance, a premium display, and excellent camera capabilities. Ideal for demanding tasks, gaming, content creation, and those invested in the Apple ecosystem.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The iPhone 15 Plus is significantly more expensive.
  2. What level of performance do you need? For demanding tasks and gaming, the iPhone is a clear winner.
  3. How important is camera quality? The iPhone generally offers superior image and video quality.

My Choice: Apple iPhone 15 Plus

While the HTC U23 Pro offers a 120Hz display and potentially longer battery life, the iPhone 15 Plus's superior performance, significantly better camera, sharper display, and overall refined experience make it the clear winner for me. The A16 Bionic chip ensures future-proofing and a smooth user experience for years to come. While the price premium is significant, the long-term value proposition of the iPhone 15 Plus outweighs the HTC's potential cost savings for my needs. I prioritize performance and a polished user experience over marginal gains in battery life and refresh rate.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.