Although I’ve owned an iPhone for many years, I can state with confidence that Apple has to catch up after using the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra for a considerable amount of time. The Galaxy S23 Ultra outperforms the iPhone in a number of features and capabilities, even if the iPhone still shines in many others. Apple should pay attention to these five ways that Samsung’s flagship device surpasses the iPhone.
1. Better Zoom Features
The S23 Ultra’s camera experience is just unparalleled, especially in terms of zoom. The gadget is unmatched for long-distance photography since it has a 10x optical zoom.
One of the most significant advantages the Galaxy S23 Ultra has over the iPhone is its built-in S Pen. Unlike Apple, which restricts stylus functionality to iPads, Samsung seamlessly integrates the S Pen into the phone itself. This opens up a world of possibilities for users, from precise note-taking and digital sketching to advanced editing and navigation. The ability to jot down ideas instantly, annotate screenshots, and even use the stylus as a remote control for presentations makes the S23 Ultra a versatile device for both creatives and professionals.
Apple has yet to embrace a stylus for the iPhone, leaving users without an advanced tool for detailed input. If Apple were to introduce an “Apple Pencil Mini” designed specifically for the iPhone, it could greatly enhance productivity, bridging the gap between smartphones and tablets in a way that Samsung has already mastered.
3. True Multitasking With Split-Screen Mode
The iPhone has made progress in multitasking with features like picture-in-picture mode and dynamic island, but it still lacks full split-screen functionality. Meanwhile, the S23 Ultra allows users to open two apps side by side, creating a much more efficient workflow. Whether you’re watching a YouTube tutorial while taking notes, replying to emails while referencing a document, or browsing the web while chatting with friends, the ability to use two apps simultaneously changes how you interact with your device.
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Apple’s reluctance to implement split-screen multitasking on iPhones limits their potential for power users. Given the increasing screen sizes of iPhones, adding a proper multi-window mode would make a huge difference in productivity and convenience.
4. Unmatched Customization Options
Apple has slowly introduced more customization features, such as lock screen widgets and home screen modifications, but it still lags far behind what Samsung offers. The S23 Ultra provides deep personalization, allowing users to tweak everything from home screen layouts and app icons to always-on display settings and system-wide themes.
iOS remains heavily restricted in comparison, forcing users into a uniform experience with limited ways to make their device feel unique. If Apple embraced more customization options—such as third-party icon packs, interactive widgets, and deeper theming—the iPhone could offer a much more personalized experience without compromising its signature simplicity.
5. Faster Charging and Longer Battery Life
Battery life and charging speeds are two areas where the iPhone consistently falls short. The S23 Ultra supports 45W fast charging, meaning it can power up significantly faster than the iPhone, which maxes out at 27W. This difference is noticeable in real-world usage, especially for users who need a quick top-up before heading out.
Beyond just charging speeds, the S23 Ultra delivers superior battery life under heavy use. Thanks to a larger battery capacity and more efficient power management, users can go longer between charges, even with intensive apps and tasks. Apple’s optimization is impressive, but it needs to match Samsung’s fast-charging technology and improve battery endurance to keep up with growing user demands.
Galaxy S23, Final Thoughts
While the iPhone remains a polished and reliable device, the Galaxy S23 Ultra highlights several areas where Apple could improve. Features like an integrated stylus, split-screen multitasking, deeper customization, and better battery performance make Samsung’s flagship stand out. If Apple takes inspiration from these strengths, future iPhones could become even more versatile and user-friendly. Until then, the S23 Ultra serves as a reminder that sometimes the competition leads the way in innovation, optical zoom, and 100x digital zoom. Even the newest iPhones, in contrast, have trouble