Galaxy S23 Ultra Vs Galaxy S23+

Galaxy S23 Ultra
Galaxy S23 Ultra
Starting at

Refurbished price:430.00

Versus €1,409.00 new

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Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:307.20

Versus €1,072.00 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and the Galaxy S23 Plus, both released in February 2023, represent distinct offerings within Samsung's flagship smartphone lineup. While sharing the same core operating system and a powerful processor, the Ultra model distinguishes itself with a more advanced camera system, a larger display, and the integrated S Pen, catering to users with specific productivity and photography needs. The Plus model, on the other hand, offers a balanced experience in a slightly more compact form factor.

Scores

Durability

Both the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy S23 Plus launched with Android 13 and Samsung's One UI 5.1, benefiting from Samsung's commitment to long-term software support.

  • Software Longevity: Samsung typically provides four generations of Android OS updates and five years of security updates for its flagship devices, ensuring both models receive extended support well into the future. This means users can expect continued access to new features and security patches for several years.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back, offering enhanced scratch and drop resistance compared to previous generations. They also incorporate an Armor Aluminum frame and carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes.
  • Practical Lifespan: Given their robust build and extensive software support, both the Galaxy S23 Ultra and S23 Plus are designed for a practical lifespan of several years, making them suitable for users seeking a durable and long-lasting device. Opting for a quality-assured refurbished option can further extend the lifecycle of these devices, offering a sustainable choice.

Year of Release

2023

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy S23 Plus are equipped with a current-generation processor, designed to deliver smooth and responsive performance across various tasks.

  • Processing Power: Both models utilize a specialized version of the processor optimized for Galaxy devices, providing efficient handling of demanding applications, multitasking, and graphic-intensive games. This ensures a fluid user experience without noticeable lag.
  • Memory and Storage: The Galaxy S23 Plus comes with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 256GB or 512GB. The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers more flexibility with 8GB or 12GB of RAM, and storage configurations up to 1TB, catering to users who require more memory for intensive tasks or extensive storage for media and applications.
  • Battery Performance: The Galaxy S23 Ultra houses a 5000mAh battery, often providing extended usage, with many users reporting it can last up to two days with moderate use. The Galaxy S23 Plus features a 4700mAh battery, which also delivers excellent endurance, sometimes matching or even surpassing the Ultra in specific battery tests due to its lower-resolution display. Both support 45W wired and 15W wireless charging.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display experience on the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy S23 Plus offers distinct characteristics, primarily differing in size, resolution, and adaptive refresh rate capabilities.

  • Display Technology and Size: Both phones feature a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Galaxy S23 Ultra boasts a larger 6.8-inch display, while the Galaxy S23 Plus has a 6.6-inch screen.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The S23 Ultra offers a QHD+ resolution (1440 x 3088 pixels), resulting in a higher pixel density for sharper images and text. The S23 Plus features an FHD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels), which still provides a clear and enjoyable viewing experience for most content.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both models achieve a peak brightness of 1750 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The S23 Ultra's display can adapt its refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz, optimizing power consumption, while the S23 Plus adjusts between 48Hz and 120Hz, providing smooth scrolling and responsiveness.

Resolution

1440 x 3088

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy S23 Plus cater to different levels of photography enthusiasm, with the Ultra offering a more versatile and advanced setup.

  • Main Camera Capabilities: The Galaxy S23 Ultra features a powerful 200MP main sensor, capable of capturing highly detailed images, alongside a 12MP ultrawide lens and two 10MP telephoto lenses (3x and 10x optical zoom). The Galaxy S23 Plus comes with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
  • Zoom and Low-Light Performance: The S23 Ultra excels in zoom capabilities, offering significant optical and digital zoom for distant subjects. Both devices demonstrate strong low-light photography performance, with the Ultra often providing more detail and clarity in challenging conditions due to its higher-resolution sensor and advanced processing.
  • Video Recording and Audio: Both models support video recording up to 8K at 30 frames per second and 4K at 60 frames per second, offering high-quality video capture. They also feature stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience during media consumption and clear microphone quality for calls and recordings.

Main camera

200 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond their core features, several practical elements differentiate the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy S23 Plus, influencing daily usability and specific user needs.

  • Integrated S Pen: A key differentiator for the Galaxy S23 Ultra is its integrated S Pen, offering precise input for note-taking, drawing, and remote control functionalities. This feature is exclusive to the Ultra model.
  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support modern connectivity standards, including 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections. They both feature a USB-C port for charging and data transfer but lack a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Physical Characteristics: The Galaxy S23 Ultra is larger and heavier, measuring 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm and weighing 234g, which can be substantial for one-handed use. The Galaxy S23 Plus is slightly more compact and lighter at 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm and 196g, offering a more manageable feel for many users. Both incorporate an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor for secure authentication.

Weight

233 g

168 g

Screen size (in)

6.8

6.6

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback often highlights the Galaxy S23 Ultra's exceptional camera system, particularly its zoom capabilities and overall image quality, as a major draw. Many users also praise its extended battery life, often achieving two days of use, and the versatility offered by the integrated S Pen. Criticisms sometimes point to its larger size and weight, which can make one-handed operation challenging for some. The Galaxy S23 Plus is frequently lauded for striking a good balance between screen size and portability, coupled with strong battery performance that often rivals or exceeds the Ultra in real-world usage due to its lower-resolution display. Its camera system is considered very capable for everyday photography, though it doesn't offer the same extreme zoom or high-resolution main sensor as the Ultra. Some users might find its design less distinctive compared to the Ultra's more angular aesthetic.

Users prioritizing advanced photography features, especially telephoto zoom, and those who benefit from the precision and functionality of a stylus for productivity, will find the Galaxy S23 Ultra well-suited to their needs. Its larger display also enhances media consumption and multitasking. Conversely, users seeking a device that offers excellent performance, strong battery life, and a capable camera in a slightly more manageable form factor may lean toward the Galaxy S23 Plus. It provides a premium smartphone experience without the added bulk or specialized features of the Ultra. Both devices offer a compelling package, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly alternative for acquiring either model.

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