Galaxy S8+ vs iPhone 13: Which One Should You Buy?

These two are too close to call on BeastScore — the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Samsung · 2017

Galaxy S8+

Galaxy S8+
65/ 100
Launch price$824
Apple · 2021

iPhone 13

iPhone 13
65/ 100
Launch price$799
Head-to-head

Too close to call: 1 of 8 categories each

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Galaxy S8+
Galaxy S8+
1 win
iPhone 13
iPhone 13
1 win
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivitySecurityValue
Galaxy S8+iPhone 13
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedTie
    64
    64
  • CameraTie
    72
    72
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieiPhone 13
    40
    60
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityGalaxy S8+
    65
    63
  • SecurityTie
    100
    100
  • ValueTie
    68
    68
Key differences
  • Galaxy S8+ has the bigger battery3,500 mAh vs 3,240 mAh
  • iPhone 13 charges faster20W vs 15W
  • Galaxy S8+ has the bigger screen6.2" vs 6.1"
  • Galaxy S8+ is lighter173 g vs 174 g
  • iPhone 13 launched cheaper$799 vs $824
  • iPhone 13 has a sharper selfie camera12 MP vs 8 MP
  • iPhone 13 has faster Wi-FiWi-Fi 6 vs Wi-Fi 5
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Galaxy S8+
  • ✓1 g lighter (173 g vs 174 g), easier to hold
  • ✓Bigger 3,500 mAh battery (+260 mAh)
  • ✓12 MP main camera
Reasons to buy iPhone 13
  • ✓$25 cheaper at launch ($799 vs $824)
  • ✓12 MP main camera
  • ✓6.1" display at 60 Hz

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationGalaxy S8+iPhone 13
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeSuper AMOLEDSuper Retina XDR OLED
Screen Size6.2"6.1"
Resolution & Density2960x1440 (529 ppi)2532x1170 (460 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness600 nits peak800 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance
Chipset / ProcessorNot listed Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedApple GPU (5-core)
Operating SystemAndroid 7.0iOS 15
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory4 GB LPDDR4 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage64GB / 128GB128GB / 256GB / 512GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics
Primary Camera12 MP, f/1.7, OIS12 MP, f/1.6, OIS, Sony IMX603
Telephoto ZoomNone (digital zoom only)None (digital zoom only)
Ultrawide CameraN/A12 MP, f/2.4
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video
Main Camera Video
Not listed
Not listed
Front Video
Not listed
Not listed
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lens8 MP, f/1.712 MP, f/2.2
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 Galaxy S8+ Lightest Chassis
Dimensions159.5 x 73.4 x 8.1 mm146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm
Weight173 g174 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP68IP68
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity3,500 mAh3,240 mAh
Wired Fast Charging15W wired fast charging20W wired fast charging
Wireless Charging9W wireless charging15W wireless charging
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 6
Bluetooth5.05.0
USB Port & SpeedUSB-C 3.1Lightning
NFCYes (contactless payment)Yes (contactless payment)
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch Price$824$799
Our verdict

Galaxy S8+ and iPhone 13 are evenly matched

It's a close call. Pick the Galaxy S8+ for its bigger battery (3,500 mAh vs 3,240 mAh) and bigger screen (6.2" vs 6.1"), or the iPhone 13 for its faster charging (20W vs 15W) and lower launch price ($799 vs $824).

Buy Galaxy S8+ if you want

Larger battery: 3,500 mAh vs 3,240 mAh

Buy iPhone 13 if you want

Reliable all-round performance.

Common questions

Which is better: Galaxy S8+ or iPhone 13?

It's a close call. Pick the Galaxy S8+ for its bigger battery (3,500 mAh vs 3,240 mAh) and bigger screen (6.2" vs 6.1"), or the iPhone 13 for its faster charging (20W vs 15W) and lower launch price ($799 vs $824). BeastScore: Galaxy S8+ 64.8/100, iPhone 13 64.8/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Galaxy S8+ and iPhone 13?

Galaxy S8+ has a 6.2-inch display and 3500 mAh battery. iPhone 13 has a 6.1-inch display and 3240 mAh battery.

How do Galaxy S8+ and iPhone 13 compare for speed?

Galaxy S8+ scores 64/100 for performance; iPhone 13 scores 64/100.

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