If the Samsung S22 Ultra was the best version of a flat-style smartphone, then the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is even better.
The S23 Ultra comes with a few improvements and a new main camera sensor. It doesn’t have any groundbreaking new features, like folding in half or super fancy displays. That might not change until we see big improvements in battery tech or holographic screens.
But here’s the thing: the S22 Ultra was already really good, and the S23 Ultra just makes it a little bit better. It’s super fast, thanks to its custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip. The camera system is updated and can do some amazing stuff. Plus, some small changes, like the phone’s new shape and screen, make it even more likable.
That’s definitely some good news to consider! However, it’s essential to weigh the downside: The price tag remains quite hefty at $1,200, significantly more than the $1,099 iPhone 14 Pro Max and a considerable jump from the Pixel 7 Pro’s $899 starting price. Samsung’s software continues to have some familiar quirks, such as its insistence on including its own app store alongside Google’s. While the camera system boasts impressive capabilities, it does have its moments of producing subpar images due to occasional odd choices.
Nevertheless, if you’re willing to overlook the price and occasional photo hiccups, the S23 Ultra offers a suite of features that can be truly rewarding.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Comparing the S22 Ultra and S23 Ultra side by side, there’s a noticeable difference in shape this time around. The display has been toned down with less curvature at the edges, and the side rails are now flatter. This seemingly minor adjustment has a significant impact, providing a more secure grip when picking it up from a table, unlike its curvier predecessor. The S23 Ultra instills a sense of confidence, both in hand and during usage, particularly when utilizing the S Pen for writing tasks.
The slight flattening of the device’s profile gives it a somewhat boxier appearance, which surprisingly, adds to its charm. Especially in the cream color variant, it exudes a sophisticated, almost retro late-’80s aesthetic, elevating its perceived value and justifying the premium price tag.
Despite these impressive features, the S23 Ultra remains a notably large and somewhat heavy handset. Its display continues to be a 6.8-inch 1440p LTPO OLED screen with a top-notch 120Hz refresh rate. While the display offers an enjoyable user experience akin to last year’s model, I encountered one issue with the embedded fingerprint sensor, which felt inconsistent and slightly slower compared to the one found on the OnePlus 11 5G. However, the face unlock feature provided a swift alternative. With both biometric security options activated, I found that either method offered satisfactory performance.
Furthermore, the S23 Ultra includes all the hallmark features expected of a premium smartphone: a robust IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, comprehensive 5G connectivity, wireless charging capabilities, fast 45W wired charging (charger sold separately), and a minimum of 256GB of built-in storage. Notably, Samsung has doubled the base storage capacity compared to previous models, providing users with ample storage space right out of the box.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra performance and battery
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra boasts impressive performance and battery life. Powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, specifically optimized for Galaxy devices, it offers enhanced speed compared to previous models. The device feels remarkably fast in day-to-day use, effortlessly handling multitasking and app navigation without any lag. Equipped with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM, it excels in managing demanding tasks with ease.
Additionally, the new chipset operates cooler than its predecessor, ensuring a comfortable user experience even during intensive tasks like gaming. The device’s 5,000mAh battery, while unchanged from the previous model, delivers improved performance thanks to enhanced battery efficiency and display optimizations. Battery stamina has notably improved over the previous generation, providing users with extended usage throughout the day. Even under heavy usage scenarios, such as navigation, video streaming, and camera use, the battery retains a substantial charge by the day’s end.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra offers improved battery longevity and performance, making it suitable for both moderate and heavy usage. While extensive tasks like gaming may require mid-day recharging, for most users, the device provides sufficient battery life to last through a full day with ease.
An increasingly vital aspect of smartphones is their integration with other digital devices you use. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra offers a plethora of connectivity options to enhance this integration. These include the improved DeX feature for seamless integration with Windows PCs, Samsung’s SmartThings app for managing smart home devices, and Smart View for effortless mirroring to Samsung TVs.
I found that Smart View worked flawlessly with my older Samsung TV from 2016. Additionally, the TV connects to the S23 Ultra through the SmartThings app, allowing me to control basic functions like volume, channel, and source directly from my phone. I thought I had finally eliminated the need for a remote control, but unfortunately, my TV lacks support for a crucial feature: powering on via mobile. It seems I’ll still need to keep that remote handy after all.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra S Pen and software
The S23 Ultra continues the legacy of the Galaxy Note with its integrated S Pen stylus, inherited from its predecessors. While there aren’t any major enhancements to the S Pen or its functionalities this time, the slightly flatter screen edges aim to enhance the writing experience by offering more surface area. Compared to the S22 Ultra’s curved edges, which could sometimes lead to accidental slips of the stylus off the screen while writing, the S23 Ultra mitigates this issue to some extent.
However, there are still instances where the subtle curve of the screen presents challenges. For example, when using a template in the notes app with a left-aligned column of boxes, writing within those confines can be restrictive due to the curvature interfering with the stylus movement. A hope for a completely flat display in future iterations persists.
While not a fervent user of styluses in the past, I found myself more inclined to utilize the S Pen with the S23 Ultra than its predecessor. This inclination may partly be attributed to the phone’s improved ergonomics, making it more comfortable to hold.
In my endeavor to streamline my life, I found it genuinely beneficial to transition some of my physical to-do lists into digital ones pinned to the home screen. Though the verdict on whether this has made me more organized remains pending, it provides a balance between the convenience of app-based lists and the tactile satisfaction of handwritten notes.
The S23 Ultra comes equipped with One UI 5, Samsung’s customized version of Android 13. While it represents a modest upgrade from One UI 4, offering enhancements such as improved modes and routines setup and expanded lockscreen customization options, it maintains its characteristic abundance with a plethora of quick settings in the notification shade and Samsung’s suite of proprietary apps alongside Google equivalents. While this approach may not suit everyone’s preferences, personalizing the setup can mitigate its overwhelming nature (goodbye, Bixby).
One commendable aspect of Samsung’s software is its robust support policy, offering four years of OS updates and five years of security updates. Though slightly shorter than Apple’s support duration, it stands out as one of the most generous policies in the Android ecosystem.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra camera
The S23 Ultra boasts one of the most formidable mobile camera setups available on the market. Sporting a 3x and 10x telephoto lens, an ultrawide lens, and the standout feature, a brand-new 200-megapixel main camera, it delivers stunning imagery that defies expectations for smartphone photography, particularly in the 10x to 30x zoom range. A testament to its capabilities is a shot of the Space Needle’s peak, taken from ground level over half a mile away, revealing intricate details like elevators and people on the observation deck—truly remarkable.
Here’s the breakdown of its camera specifications:
- 200-megapixel f/1.7 standard wide with OIS
- 12-megapixel f/2.2 ultrawide
- 12-megapixel f/2.2 selfie with autofocus
- 10-megapixel f/2.4 3X telephoto with OIS
- 10-megapixel f/4.9 10X telephoto with OIS
However, despite its prowess, the S23 Ultra’s camera occasionally falters, especially with exaggerated saturation or HDR effects. Additionally, the digital 100x “Space Zoom” setting yields pixelated results, rendering it unsuitable for anything other than capturing the moon.
The standout feature of the new 200-megapixel sensor lies not in its ability to capture high-resolution images, but rather in its versatility. While it can deliver astounding detail in well-lit conditions, its true innovation lies in pixel binning, grouping pixels to enhance image quality in low-light environments. Even in default shooting mode, which downscales images to 12 megapixels, users can appreciate the benefits of enhanced detail capture.
In comparing the S23 Ultra to competitors like the iPhone 14 Pro, the differences in processing choices become apparent. While the iPhone leans towards higher contrast, Samsung opts for richer colors and brighter shadows, occasionally venturing into overly HDR territory.
Where the S23 Ultra truly shines is in its zoom capabilities, unrivaled by competitors. From native 3x and 10x settings to AI-powered Space Zoom, which extends up to 30x, the phone produces impressive results suitable for social media sharing. Though not ideal for large prints, the advancements in digital zoom signify a significant leap forward in smartphone photography.
Taking 200-megapixel photos
The standout feature of the new sensor isn’t its ability to capture 200-megapixel photos; in fact, that’s one of its least remarkable capabilities. In low-light conditions, the camera performs adequately, though there are instances of peculiar outcomes, such as my toddler appearing orange in one photo and pale in the next, taken consecutively in a dimly lit Mexican restaurant. Some low-light portraits exhibit an artificial HDR appearance, particularly when night mode is forced on in less-than-optimal conditions, resulting in overly brightened shadows.
Nevertheless, Samsung’s portrait mode remains exceptional, excelling in subject isolation and retaining fine details like individual hairs. While background blur may seem uniform, especially at the 1x setting, it’s less conspicuous in 3x zoom portraits, which generally impress.
Video recording quality is commendable, supporting up to 8K/30p resolution, though I typically stuck to 4K. In well-lit environments, videos exhibit vibrant colors and crisp detail, although indoors, there’s a tendency to flatten dynamic range and oversaturate bright colors. Nonetheless, it’s more than sufficient for capturing moments with an active toddler, earning no complaints from family members about video quality.
The S23 Ultra isn’t merely a phone for users who exploit every feature; it’s designed for those who desire freedom from the limitations of their device. Whether you rarely use the S Pen or aren’t keen on the telephoto lenses, their presence offers reassurance for potential needs, catering to the ultimate tech enthusiast plagued by FOMO.
However, accessibility may be a concern for some due to the multitude of cameras, complex menus, and the hefty price tag. Configuring the software to suit personal preferences can be time-consuming, an aspect that seems disproportionate given the device’s premium cost.
Nevertheless, for those with patience and deep pockets, the S23 Ultra promises a gratifying user experience. Though an incremental update from its predecessor, the S22 Ultra, its minor enhancements propel it further ahead in the smartphone race.
In the US market, the S23 Ultra stands unmatched among Android devices, with the Google Pixel 7 Pro as its closest competitor. While the Pixel 7 Pro offers a more user-friendly experience out of the box with a strong camera and capable performance, it lacks the optical zoom capabilities, stylus functionality, and, surprisingly, offers one less year of Android OS upgrades. It’s a viable option for users less concerned with software customization and unwilling to splurge on the highest-tier device.
Labeling a flagship phone as “Ultra” is a bold move, but the S23 Ultra lives up to its name. Boasting a comprehensive feature set, top-tier hardware, and an unparalleled camera system, it commands its premium price tag and sizable form factor. As one of the early releases of 2023, it sets a remarkably high standard for mobile devices to follow. If that isn’t “Ultra-worthy,” then what is?
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Full Specifications
General Specifications
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Samsung |
| Model | Galaxy S23 Ultra |
| Price | $1,200 (£1,249, AU$1,949). |
| Release date | |
| Launched | Yes |
| Form factor | Touchscreen |
| Dimensions (mm) | 163.40 x 78.10 x 8.90 |
| Weight (g) | 234.00 |
| IP rating | IP68 |
| Battery capacity (mAh) | 5000 |
| Removable battery | No |
| Wireless charging | Yes |
| Colours | Phantom Black, Cotton Flower, Botanic Green, Misty Lilac |
Display Specifications
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
| Resolution Standard | QHD+ |
| Screen size (inches) | 6.80 |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Protection type | Gorilla Glass |
| Pixels per inch (PPI) | 500 |
Hardware Specifications
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | Octa-core |
| Processor make | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| RAM | 8GB, 12GB |
| Internal storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Expandable storage | No |
| Dedicated microSD slot | No |
Software Specifications
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Android 13 |
| Skin | One UI 5.1 |
Camera Specifications
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Rear camera | 200-megapixel (f/1.8) + 12-megapixel (f/2.2) + 10-megapixel (f/2.4) |
| No. of Rear Cameras | 4 |
| Rear autofocus | Phase detection autofocus |
| Rear flash | Yes |
| Front camera | 12-megapixel (f/2.2) |
| No. of Front Cameras | 1 |
| Front autofocus | Yes |
Connectivity Specifications
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Wi-Fi standards supported | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax |
| GPS | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes, v 5.30 |
| NFC | Yes |
| USB Type-C | Yes |
| Number of SIMs | 2 |
| Wi-Fi Direct | Yes |
| Active 4G on both SIM cards | Yes |
SIM Details SIM 1
- SIM Type: Nano-SIM
- GSM/CDMA: GSM
- 3G: Yes
- 4G/ LTE: Yes
- 5G: Yes
Sensor Specifications
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Fingerprint sensor | Yes |
| In-Display Fingerprint Sensor | Yes |
| Compass/ Magnetometer | Yes |
| Proximity sensor | Yes |
| Accelerometer | Yes |
| Ambient light sensor | Yes |
| Gyroscope | Yes |
| Barometer | Yes |
Pros. and Cons.
Pros
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Consistent camera performance in all features | Ensures a versatile and reliable smartphone imaging experience |
| Very good photo rendering | Provides high levels of detail in captured photos |
| Very good autofocus in photo and video | Enables capturing the moment in various lighting conditions |
| Strong tele zoom performance at long range | Delivers impressive results for distant subjects |
| Good sound rendition with built-in speakers and microphones | Ensures quality audio for both playback and recording |
| Efficient audio zoom and wind noise reduction features | Enhances audio recording capabilities, reducing unwanted noise |
| Good readability in most lighting conditions | Ensures a clear display in various environments |
| Very good display experience when watching videos | Provides an enjoyable visual experience for video content |
| Good color fidelity in most lighting conditions | Accurate color representation in different lighting scenarios |
| Very good autonomy with nearly 67 hours in moderate use | Offers extended battery life for prolonged usage |
| Good selfie photos and videos in indoor or outdoor conditions | Provides satisfactory results for front-facing camera usage in different settings |
Cons
| Issues | Details |
|---|---|
| Loss of image detail in low-light situations | Reduced clarity and detail in photos taken in low-light environments |
| Shutter lag when shooting in low light | Delay in capturing photos in low-light conditions |
| Exposure and focus instabilities, particularly in backlit scenes | Challenges in maintaining consistent exposure and focus, especially in backlit scenarios |
| Default recorder app doesn’t offer the same audio quality | Discrepancy in audio quality between the default recorder app and the main camera app |
| Low flicker frequency and too-high brightness for night reading | Issues with screen flicker frequency and excessive brightness during night reading |
| Under sunlight, colorful content lacks nuances | Reduced nuances in colorful content when viewed under direct sunlight |
| Details and brightness lacking in indoor lighting conditions | Decreased details and brightness in photos taken in indoor lighting conditions |
| Front-camera performance in low-light environments | Subpar performance of the front camera in low-light conditions |
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Buy or Not?
The Galaxy S23 Ultra packs a punch with its impressive features like the large screen, 200-megapixel camera, 100x zoom, and S Pen stylus. It’s designed for those who want the best of the best and are willing to pay for it. If you’re looking for a reliable phone with a good camera, the Pixel 7 Pro or the regular Galaxy S23 might be more suitable and budget-friendly options.
Sure, the Galaxy S23 Ultra comes with a higher price tag compared to the iPhone 14 Pro and Pixel 7 Pro. But it offers extra perks like the S Pen, more storage, a slightly larger screen, and an improved zoom lens. These might not be essential for everyone, but they’re great for those who appreciate those added features.
The standout feature of the Galaxy S23 Ultra is its new camera system. While the increase in sharpness is notable, the improvements in color accuracy, skin tones, and dynamic range are what truly elevate the photography experience. However, Samsung could have gone further in enhancing other aspects beyond the camera, such as faster charging.
Despite some areas for improvement, the Galaxy S23 Ultra delivers a fantastic experience, especially if you’re upgrading from an older phone. Keep an eye out for trade-in deals to make the $1,200 price tag more manageable.
Agree to continue: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
To proceed with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, users are required to consent to a series of terms and conditions, a common practice in the realm of smart devices, despite the fact that most individuals do not peruse these agreements thoroughly. While it’s impractical to scrutinize every clause in detail, we’ve made a habit of documenting the number of “agree” prompts encountered during our reviews, recognizing that these agreements often go unread and unchallenged.
To utilize the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, users must consent to the following mandatory agreements:
- Samsung’s Terms and Conditions
- Samsung’s Privacy Policy
- Google Terms of Service (inclusive of Privacy Policy)
- Google Play Terms of Service
- Automatic installs (comprising Google, Samsung, and carrier-installed applications)
Additionally, numerous optional agreements may surface, particularly with carrier-specific versions. Here’s a sampling of some optional agreements:
- Samsung’s “Continuity Service” for diagnostic data transmission
- Samsung’s “Customization Service” for tailored advertisements
- Google Drive backup, Location services, Wi-Fi scanning, and diagnostic data sharing
- Bixby privacy policy (mandatory for Bixby usage), with optional selections for personalized content, data access, and audio recording review
Moreover, there may be additional agreements to consider, such as those associated with Samsung’s Weather app, which could entail sharing information with weather.com.
In summary, users encounter five mandatory agreements and at least seven optional agreements when setting up the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs. Google Pixel 7 Pro, Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
| Specifications | iPhone 14 Pro Max | Google Pixel 7 Pro | Galaxy S23 Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display; 2,796×1,290 pixels; 120Hz | 6.7-inch OLED LTPO display; 3,120×1,440 pixels; 120Hz | 6.8-inch AMOLED; 3,088×1,440 pixels; 120Hz |
| Pixel density | 460 ppi | 512ppi | 500 ppi |
| Dimensions (inches) | 6.33 x 3.05 x 0.31 in. | 6.14 x 3.02 x 0.35 in. | 6.43 x 3.07 x 0.35 in. |
| Dimensions (millimeters) | 160.7 x 77.6 x 7.85mm | 162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9 mm | 163.3 x 78 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight (ounces, grams) | 240 g (8.47 oz) | 212 g (7.5 oz) | 234 g (8.25 oz) |
| Mobile software | iOS 16 | Android 13 | Android 13 |
| Camera | 48-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 12-megapixel (telephoto) | 50-megapixel (main), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 48-megapixel (telephoto) | 200-megapixel (main), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (telephoto) |
| Front-facing camera | 12-megapixel | 10.8-megapixel | 12-megapixel |
| Video capture | 4K | 4K | 8K |
| Processor | Apple A16 Bionic | Google Tensor G2 | Galaxy-optimized Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| RAM/storage | RAM NA; 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 12GB + 128 GB, 12GB + 256GB, 12GB + 512GB | 12GB + 256GB; 12GB + 512GB; 12GB + 1TB |
| Expandable storage | None | None | None |
| Battery/charging speeds | Undisclosed; Apple claims 29 hours of video playback (20W wired charging) | 5,000 mAh (20W wired charging) | 5,000 mAh (45W wired charging) |
| Fingerprint sensor | None (Face ID) | In-display | In-display |
| Connector | Lightning | USB-C | USB-C |
| Headphone jack | None | None | None |
| Special features | Dynamic Island; Always-On display; 5G enabled; MagSafe; water resistant (IP68); wireless charging; dual-SIM capabilities (e-SIM) | 5G, IP68 rating, Face Unblur | 5G (mmw/Sub6), IP68 rating, faster wired charging, wireless PowerShare to charge other devices, integrated S-Pen, 200x Space Zoom, 10x Optical Zoom, UWB for finding other devices |
| US price off-contract | $1,099 (128GB), $1,199 (256GB), $1,399 (512GB), $1,599 (1TB) | $899 (£849, AU$1,299) | $1,200 (12GB/256GB) |
| UK price | £1,199 (128GB) | £849 | £1,249 (12GB/256GB) |
| Australia price | AU$1,899 (128GB) | AU$1,299 | AU$1,949 (12GB/256GB) |
Recommended For You:
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G review. Is it worth your money at a sub-$200 price point?
Xiaomi 14 Ultra With 50-Megapixel Quad Rear Camera Launched in India: Price, Specifications
Apple iPhone 15 and 15 Plus Review: What’s New?
Note: Credit for all the above images goes to Samsung.com