The iPhone 16e and Galaxy S23 Ultra take different paths through price, hardware, camera priorities, and ecosystem extras.
This comparison breaks down price, design, display, performance, camera, battery, software, storage, transfer, and final buyer value so you can see where each phone actually leads.
TL;DR: The iPhone 16e is the better value pick because it gives you lower starting price of $599, 12MP TrueDepth front camera, smaller footprint, and lighter body.
iPhone 16e vs Galaxy S23 Ultra Specs Table
The specs table below highlights the exact launch-price, size, display, chip, camera, battery, USB, and connectivity differences between iPhone 16e and Galaxy S23 Ultra before the section-by-section breakdown.
| Specifications | iPhone 16e | Galaxy S23 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $599 | $1,199.99 |
| Dimensions | 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.31 in | 6.43 x 3.07 x 0.35 in |
| Weight | 167 g | 234 g |
| Processor | A18 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
| Display | 6.1 in (Super Retina XDR OLED) | 6.8 in (Dynamic AMOLED 2X) |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 | 3088 x 1440 |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC | 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, UWB |
| Rear Cameras | 48MP Fusion main with 2x optical-quality crop | 200MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 10MP 3x telephoto + 10MP 10x telephoto |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 12MP |
| Battery | Up to 26 hours video playback | Up to 26 hours video playback |
| USB | USB 2 | USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 |
| Colors | Black, White | Phantom Black, Cream, Green, Lavender, Graphite, Sky Blue, Lime, Red |
iPhone 16e vs Galaxy S23 Ultra: Price
The iPhone 16e starts at $599, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra starts at $1,199.99. That creates a launch-price gap of $600.99.
The premium only makes sense if you specifically want telephoto flexibility, larger display, smoother 120Hz display, and S Pen from the Galaxy S23 Ultra. If not, the iPhone 16e keeps the cleaner value case.
Winner: iPhone 16eiPhone 16e vs Galaxy S23 Ultra: Design
The iPhone 16e measures 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.31 in and weighs 167 g, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in at 6.43 x 3.07 x 0.35 in and 234 g.
iPhone 16e wins on design because it gives you smaller footprint and lighter body.
Winner: iPhone 16eiPhone 16e vs Galaxy S23 Ultra: Display
The iPhone 16e offers 6.1 in, 2532 x 1170, and 60Hz, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra counters with 6.8 in, 3088 x 1440, and 1-120Hz adaptive.
Galaxy S23 Ultra takes the display section because it delivers a larger 6.8 in screen, higher pixel density, and a smoother 120Hz-class panel.
Winner: Galaxy S23 UltraiPhone 16e vs Galaxy S23 Ultra: Performance
On paper, the iPhone 16e runs A18, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra runs Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy. Transfer support also matters: iPhone 16e uses USB 2, and Galaxy S23 Ultra uses USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1.
There is no meaningful performance difference here for most buyers, so this section stays a tie instead of pretending one side has a practical speed lead.
Winner: TieiPhone 16e vs Galaxy S23 Ultra: Camera
The iPhone 16e uses 48MP Fusion main with 2x optical-quality crop on the back plus a 12MP TrueDepth front camera. The Galaxy S23 Ultra counters with 200MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 10MP 3x telephoto + 10MP 10x telephoto and a 12MP selfie camera.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has the stronger rear camera setup because of its telephoto lens and broader focal-length flexibility. The iPhone 16e has the upgraded 12MP TrueDepth front camera. The Galaxy S23 Ultra also has the better video-workflow angle because it offers USB-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1. That creates a real tradeoff rather than a total camera sweep from one side. Overall, the Galaxy S23 Ultra takes the camera section once rear-camera flexibility, front-camera hardware, and video-workflow practicality are weighed together.
Winner: Galaxy S23 UltraiPhone 16e vs Galaxy S23 Ultra: Battery
Apple lists the iPhone 16e at Up to 26 hours video playback. Samsung lists the Galaxy S23 Ultra at Up to 26 hours video playback.
Because both quoted video-playback figures are the same, battery stays a true tie on paper here.
Winner: TieiPhone 16e vs Galaxy S23 Ultra: Software, Storage, and Features
The iPhone 16e offers storage up to 512GB, plus 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC. The Galaxy S23 Ultra reaches up to 1TB, plus 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, UWB.
Galaxy S23 Ultra wins this section because it gives you storage up to 1TB, USB 3, Wireless PowerShare, UWB, and S Pen.
Winner: Galaxy S23 UltraSwitching to a New Phone? Use MobileTrans to Transfer Your Data
If you are moving between the iPhone 16e and Galaxy S23 Ultra , the practical challenge is not just choosing a winner. It is also making sure your photos, videos, messages, contacts, and app data move over cleanly without wasting time.
That is where MobileTrans - Phone Transfer can help. It is useful whether you are jumping from iPhone to Samsung, Samsung to iPhone, or just setting up a second device while keeping your files organized.
How to transfer data using MobileTrans
If you decide to upgrade to either model, moving your data can be quick and simple with MobileTrans.
Step 01
Connect Your Phones
Install MobileTrans on your computer, then click the Phone to Phone tab and connect both Phones via USB.
Step 02
Choose What to Transfer
Select the data you want to move, such as contacts, photos, messages, videos, and other important files.
Step 03
Start the Transfer
Click the transfer button and wait for the process to finish. Once done, check your new phone to make sure everything has been copied successfully.
iPhone 16e vs Galaxy S23 Ultra: Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the iPhone 16e if you want lower starting price of $599, 12MP TrueDepth front camera, smaller footprint, lighter body, and thinner profile.
Choose the Galaxy S23 Ultra only if you specifically care more about telephoto flexibility, larger display, smoother 120Hz display, and S Pen than about the broader value case of the iPhone 16e.
Winner: iPhone 16eFinal Verdict
Final verdict: the iPhone 16e wins this comparison because it gives you lower starting price of $599, 12MP TrueDepth front camera, smaller footprint, lighter body, and thinner profile.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra still matters if you specifically want telephoto flexibility, larger display, smoother 120Hz display, and S Pen, but the value scoring here favors the iPhone 16e.
