Galaxy S23 Vs Galaxy S23 Ultra

Galaxy S23
Galaxy S23
Starting at

Refurbished price:262.00

Versus €959.00 new

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Galaxy S23 Ultra
Galaxy S23 Ultra
Starting at

Refurbished price:422.40

Versus €1,559.62 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 Ultra, both released in February 2023, represent distinct offerings within Samsung's flagship smartphone series. While they share the same core operating system and a powerful processing platform, they cater to different user preferences primarily through variations in display size, camera capabilities, and the inclusion of an integrated stylus on the Ultra model. Both devices run on the Android operating system, offering a consistent software experience with Samsung's One UI.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, both the Galaxy S23 and S23 Ultra offer robust software support and durable builds.

  • Software Longevity: Both models were launched with Android 13 and are expected to receive approximately four years of major Android operating system updates and five years of security updates, ensuring a prolonged period of current software features and security patches.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, meaning they can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. They also incorporate durable glass on the front and back, contributing to their resilience against everyday wear and tear.
  • Expected Practical Lifespan: Given their premium build quality and extended software support, users can expect both the Galaxy S23 and S23 Ultra to remain functional and secure for several years, making them suitable for long-term use.

Year of Release

2023

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both the Galaxy S23 and S23 Ultra are equipped with a highly capable processing platform, delivering smooth and responsive performance across various tasks, though their configurations offer some differences in storage and memory.

  • Processing Power: Both devices utilize a custom-tuned processor designed for demanding applications and efficient multitasking. This ensures that everyday operations, graphic-intensive games, and complex applications run smoothly without noticeable slowdowns.
  • Storage and RAM: The Galaxy S23 typically comes with 8GB of RAM and storage options up to 512GB. The 128GB variant of the S23 uses a slightly older storage technology (UFS 3.1), while higher capacities and all S23 Ultra models benefit from faster UFS 4.0 storage. The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers more flexibility with 8GB or 12GB of RAM and storage options extending up to 1TB, providing more headroom for power users and extensive media libraries.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 features a 3900 mAh battery, generally providing a full day of use for most users. The S23 Ultra, with its larger 5000 mAh battery, often delivers significantly longer endurance, with many users reporting up to two days of use on a single charge, even with heavy usage.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display experience on the Galaxy S23 and S23 Ultra differs primarily in size and resolution, offering distinct visual experiences tailored to different preferences.

  • Display Technology and Brightness: Both smartphones feature vibrant Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with a smooth 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, ensuring fluid scrolling and responsive interactions. They also share a high peak brightness of 1750 nits, which allows for clear visibility even in bright outdoor conditions.
  • Size and Resolution: The Galaxy S23 has a compact 6.1-inch display with a Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels), resulting in a pixel density of approximately 425 pixels per inch (ppi). The Galaxy S23 Ultra boasts a larger 6.8-inch display with a Quad HD+ resolution (3088 x 1440 pixels), offering a sharper image with around 500 ppi. The S23 features a flat screen, while the S23 Ultra has slightly curved edges.
  • Viewing Experience: The S23 provides a comfortable one-handed experience due to its smaller size, while the S23 Ultra's expansive screen is well-suited for immersive media consumption, detailed productivity tasks, and gaming.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440 x 3088

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems are a significant differentiator between the Galaxy S23 and S23 Ultra, with the Ultra model offering more advanced hardware and zoom capabilities.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S23 features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S23 Ultra elevates this with a quad-camera system, highlighted by a 200MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and two 10MP telephoto lenses providing 3x and 10x optical zoom, respectively.
  • Photography Performance: Both devices excel in everyday photography, producing detailed and vibrant images. The S23 Ultra's 200MP main sensor and advanced processing contribute to superior detail capture and enhanced low-light performance, often referred to as 'Nightography'. The Ultra also offers a 100x 'Space Zoom' feature, leveraging its dual telephoto lenses for extended reach.
  • Video and Front Camera: Both models are capable of recording high-resolution video, including 8K at 30fps for the S23 Ultra and 8K at 24/30fps for the S23. They both feature a 12MP front-facing camera for clear selfies and video calls.

Main camera

50 megapixels

200 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and differentiate these two Samsung smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy S23 and S23 Ultra 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 neither includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Biometrics and Special Features: Both devices incorporate an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. A key distinguishing feature of the Galaxy S23 Ultra is its integrated S Pen stylus, which offers enhanced productivity for note-taking, drawing, and precise navigation.
  • Physical Characteristics: The Galaxy S23 is a more compact device, measuring 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm and weighing 168 grams, making it comfortable for one-handed use. The S23 Ultra is significantly larger and heavier at 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm and 233-234 grams, reflecting its larger display and battery.

Weight

167 g

234 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.8

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23 Ultra, both released in 2023, offer compelling smartphone experiences, each with distinct strengths. Users frequently praise the standard S23 for its comfortable, compact size and excellent all-day battery life, especially considering its smaller form factor. Its camera system is generally well-regarded for producing high-quality images in various conditions. Some users, however, have noted that the 50MP camera can sometimes over-process images, leading to less natural skin tones in certain lighting.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra consistently receives acclaim for its exceptional battery life, often lasting well beyond a single day for many users, and its expansive, high-resolution display. Its advanced camera system, particularly the 200MP main sensor and versatile zoom capabilities, is a major highlight, though some reviews mention that the higher megapixel modes might appear flatter compared to pixel-binned 12MP images. The integrated S Pen is also a significant draw for those who value its productivity features. Criticisms for the Ultra often revolve around its larger size and weight, which can make one-handed use challenging for some.

Users prioritizing a more compact and lightweight device that still delivers strong performance and a capable camera for everyday use may find the Galaxy S23 to be an ideal fit. It's well-suited for individuals who prefer a phone that is easy to handle and carry. Conversely, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is better suited for power users, content creators, and professionals who benefit from a larger, more detailed display, extended battery life, and the advanced photographic tools, including the S Pen. For those seeking an eco-friendly alternative, both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing a sustainable choice without compromising on performance.