Galaxy S23 Vs Galaxy S25 Ultra

Galaxy S23
Galaxy S23
Starting at

Refurbished price:249.00

Versus €959.00 new

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Galaxy S25 Ultra
Galaxy S25 Ultra
Starting at

Refurbished price:735.00

Versus €1,408.78 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23, released in February 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, anticipated in early 2025, represent different generations within Samsung's premium smartphone lineup. While both operate on the Android platform with Samsung's One UI, the S25 Ultra introduces significant advancements in processing power, camera technology, and software longevity. The S23 offers a more compact form factor, whereas the S25 Ultra is designed for users seeking the most advanced features and a larger display.

Scores

Durability

The expected lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S23 was released in February 2023, making it an established device in the market. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, as a newer model from early 2025, benefits from a more recent hardware and software foundation.
  • OS Support: The Galaxy S23 launched with Android 13 and is promised 4 years of operating system updates and 5 years of security updates, with support ending around 2028. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, launching with Android 15, is expected to receive an extended support period of 7 years for both OS and security updates, extending its software relevance significantly longer, potentially until 2032.
  • Durability Features: Both devices feature robust construction with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against submersion in fresh water. The Galaxy S23 utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for screen and back panel protection, while the S25 Ultra is expected to feature newer, more advanced protective glass, such as Gorilla Armor, and a titanium frame, offering enhanced resistance to drops and scratches.

Year of Release

2023

2025

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance differences between these two models are notable, primarily due to the generational gap in their core components.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S23 is powered by a custom-tuned current-generation processor from its release year, which handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to feature a significantly more advanced current-generation flagship processor, designed for enhanced performance in complex tasks, advanced AI features, and high-fidelity gaming.
  • RAM and Storage: The Galaxy S23 typically comes with 8GB of RAM, with storage options up to 512GB. The 256GB and higher storage variants of the S23 utilize faster UFS 4.0 storage. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is anticipated to offer a base of 12GB of RAM, with higher configurations potentially reaching 16GB of RAM, alongside storage options up to 1TB. It is also rumored to feature UFS 4.1 storage, which would offer faster data transfer speeds compared to UFS 4.0.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 houses a 3900 mAh battery, providing sufficient power for a full day of moderate use. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to maintain a larger 5000 mAh battery, similar to previous Ultra models, combined with a more power-efficient processor, which could translate to extended usage times, especially for heavy users.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display experience differs between these two devices, primarily in size, resolution, and advanced features.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S23 features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks in a compact form factor. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to feature a larger 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, providing a more expansive viewing area.
  • Resolution and Brightness: The S23 has a Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels) and a peak brightness of 1750 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The S25 Ultra is anticipated to offer a Quad HD+ resolution (3120 x 1440 pixels) for sharper detail and potentially higher peak brightness, further enhancing outdoor visibility and HDR content viewing.
  • Refresh Rate and Advanced Features: Both models feature an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, providing smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. The S25 Ultra is also expected to include advanced display technologies like ProScaler, which uses AI to upscale lower-resolution content for a clearer appearance on its high-resolution screen.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340 pixels

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities see significant upgrades in the newer Ultra model, particularly in sensor resolution and versatility.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S23 features a triple-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to boast a quad-camera system, retaining a 200MP main sensor but significantly upgrading the ultrawide to 50MP and introducing a 50MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, alongside a 10MP 3x telephoto lens.
  • Photography Performance: The S23 delivers strong everyday photography and capable low-light performance. The S25 Ultra's higher-resolution sensors, especially for the ultrawide and telephoto lenses, are expected to enhance detail, improve low-light performance across all lenses, and offer greater flexibility for cropping and digital zoom.
  • Video Recording: Both devices support 8K video recording at 24/30fps and 4K at 30/60fps. The S25 Ultra's advanced processing and potentially improved sensors are expected to offer enhanced video stabilization and quality, with all rear cameras capable of recording at higher resolutions and frame rates.

Front camera

12 megapixels

8K@24/30fps

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements differentiate these two Samsung smartphones.

  • Connectivity: Both devices support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Galaxy S23 features Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to upgrade to Wi-Fi 7, offering faster wireless speeds and improved network efficiency, along with a newer Bluetooth standard.
  • Ports and Sensors: Both models utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer and lack a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack or expandable memory via microSD. They both include in-display fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking. The S25 Ultra continues to feature an integrated S Pen stylus, a signature feature of the Ultra line, though rumors suggest its Bluetooth functionality might be removed.
  • Physical Characteristics: The Galaxy S23 is a more compact device, weighing 168 grams and measuring 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is a larger and heavier device, consistent with the Ultra series' focus on a larger display and advanced features.

Weight

167 g

2 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.9

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S25 Ultra cater to different user priorities, reflecting their generational and model distinctions.

Users often praise the Galaxy S23 for its balanced performance in a compact form factor, making it comfortable for one-handed use and easy to carry. Its camera system is generally well-regarded for everyday photos, and its battery life is considered sufficient for most users. Some common criticisms might revolve around its smaller screen size for media consumption compared to larger phones, or the absence of the most cutting-edge camera features found in Ultra models.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra, on the other hand, is frequently lauded for its expansive display, advanced camera capabilities, and powerful performance, making it suitable for demanding tasks like high-end gaming, professional photography, and extensive multitasking. Its integrated S Pen is a significant draw for users who value productivity and creative input. Potential criticisms might include its larger size and weight, which some users find less convenient for portability, or the complexity of its advanced features for casual users.

Ultimately, users prioritizing a more compact device with solid performance and a capable camera for daily use may find the Galaxy S23 well-suited to their needs. Those who require the absolute latest in mobile technology, a larger display for media and productivity, and a highly versatile camera system, along with the S Pen functionality, will likely lean towards the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Both devices, whether new or as quality-assured refurbished options, offer a premium Android experience, allowing consumers to make an informed and sustainable choice based on their individual preferences.

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