Hey there, tech-savvy folks! It's time to talk about the latest and greatest smartphone from Samsung; the Galaxy S23 Ultra. With a sleek design and advanced features, this phone is already making waves in the tech community.
But, let's be real, upgrading to a new phone is a big investment. That's why we're here to answer the all-important question; is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra worth buying? From its stunning display to its camera system and lightning-fast performance, we'll dive into every detail to help you make an informed decision. So, buckle up and get ready for a ride through the world of mobile technology as we explore whether the Galaxy S23 Ultra is truly the phone of the future.
Key Specs Of Galaxy S23 Ultra:
- Display: The primary display has a 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic Amoled 2X screen, packing an impressive 500 pixels per inch.
- Refresh Rate: The adaptive refresh rate of this device ranges from 1Hz to 120Hz.
- Rear Cameras: This is the most appreciated feature of Galaxy S23 Ultra. The rear-facing camera system boasts a 200 megapixels for its primary lens. Accompanied by a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens and two telephoto lenses, one with 3x magnification and another with 10x magnification. Each equipped with a 10-megapixel sensor.
- Front Camera: The front-facing camera boasts a stunning 12 megapixel lens. Ready to capture your best self-portraits with crystal-clear detail.
- Chipset Snapdragon: The Galaxy is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset.
- RAM: This device gives a powerful RAM of either 8GB or 12GB.
- Storage: You can select from three storage options, namely 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.
- Battery: Samsung S23 Ultra comes with a powerful battery of 5,000 milliampere-hour capacity.
- Charging: It can be charged quickly with 45 watts wired or 10 watts wireless charging capabilities.
- Connectivity: The device comes packed with various connectivity options such as 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, UWB and GNSS. Thus, ensuring seamless connectivity at all times. Additionally, the device also supports USB-C, making it easier to transfer data and charge the device quickly.
- Water/dust resistance: It has water resistance rating of IP68. This means that it can withstand being submerged in up to 1.5m of water for a duration of 30 minutes.
- Size: The dimensions of Samsung S23 Ultra are 163.4 by 78.1 by 8.9mm, which translates to approximately 6.4 by 3.0 by 0.35 inches.
- Weight: The scale ticks at 233g, which is equivalent to 8.2 ounces.
- Available Colors: The Samsung S23 Ultra available color options include Phantom Black, Cotton Flower, Botanic Green, and Mystic Lilac.
Alright, let's cut to the chase; how exactly will all these flashy features of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra benefit you? And are they really better than what its predecessors or iPhone rivals have to offer? Let's get ready to dive in and find out!
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Design
The Bold Design of the Samsung S23 Ultra
Samsung's daring design approach has paid off with the S23 Ultra, setting it apart from other smartphones in the market. The distinct squared frame gives the phone a unique identity. This distinguishes it from its own siblings, the S23 and S23+. Despite being slightly bigger and weightier compared to the Pixel 7 Pro, the phone retains its streamlined form and does not feel bulky like the Galaxy Fold 4.
Comfortable Handling of the Samsung S23 Ultra
The size and weight of the phone are marginally more than that of the Pixel 7 Pro. However, you won't be burdened like while holding the Galaxy Fold 4.
The Refined Aesthetics of the Samsung S23 Ultra
In our review, we found that the S23 Ultra in green boasted a refined and tasteful color scheme that set it apart from the bolder tones of competitors, such as the iPhone. Despite the premium feel of the glass rear, we advise utilizing a protective case to maintain its flawless surface and enhance its grasp.
User-Friendly Button and Port Arrangement of the Samsung S23 Ultra
The S23 Ultra boasted of a user-friendly button and port arrangement, where the power and volume buttons were conveniently approachable for the user.
The Versatility of the S Pen on Samsung S23 Ultra
The standout characteristic of the S23 Ultra lies in its ability to accommodate the S Pen. This transfers the device into a compact yet efficient tablet for jotting down notes, sketching, illustrating and marking up documents. Despite the potential need for two-handed operation, we were pleasantly surprised by how frequently we found ourselves utilizing this function.
Upgrades and Durability of the Samsung S23 Ultra
The S23 Ultra differentiates itself from its predecessor, the S22 Ultra, by possessing larger back cameras and a flatter display. Although the 6.8-inch panel still has a slight curvature, it presents a slimmer profile with a flatter surface, rendering it more user-friendly for operating with the S Pen. Moreover, the phone boasts Corning's innovative Gorilla Glass Victus 2, impervious to scratches and drops, ensuring its durability and longevity.
Sustainability Efforts in the Construction of the Samsung S23 Ultra
The S23 Ultra from Samsung has embraced sustainability by utilizing environment-friendly materials in its construction. To be specific, the inner cover and bottom speaker module of the S Pen is crafted from discarded fishing nets. The side key and volume key are fashioned from recycled water barrels, and the SIM tray is made from recycled aluminum.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Display
Similar to its forerunner, the S23 Ultra flaunts a cutting-edge 6.8-inch display, which is excellent for binge-watching or indulging in virtual challenges. The hues and distinction are breathtaking, injecting life into every frame with astonishing precision.
Seamless Display Experience with the Samsung S23 Ultra's Flexible Refresh Rate
The S23 Ultra boasts a flexible refresh rate of 120Hz. This enables seamless app scrolling, complemented by remarkable brightness and delightful haptic response. This culminates into a stimulating experience. Regardless of your location, be it a train ride or laidback couch session, brace yourself to get lost in a world of mesmerizing visuals that will leave you awestruck.
OLED technology of S23 Ultra brings cinematic experience
The display capabilities of the S23 Ultra are truly exceptional, particularly with its OLED technology. This was clearly demonstrated during the testing when the Luke Skywalker hallway fight scene from The Mandalorian was played. The outcome was nothing short of breathtaking. The rich deep blacks that amplify the beauty of space, in addition to the bright green of the laser sword, made for an unforgettable cinematic experience.
The Pinhole Design of the S23 Ultra's Display Enhances Its Sleek Aesthetics
Samsung's S23 Ultra boasts an exquisite display that stands out due to its clean and sleek aesthetics, as there is no notch on the physical panel. Similar to the Pixel 7 Pro's design, Samsung has opted for a pinhole gap in the center of the screen for the front-facing camera. This not only looks neat but also does not hinder the viewing experience during testing.
Exceptional HDR and Color Accuracy of the S23 Ultra Display
The HDR capabilities of the S23 Ultra's display are truly remarkable. And what stands out the most is its exceptional color accuracy. In the lab tests, it was discovered that when playing HDR content, it gave an impressive average brightness of 1,225 nits, just slightly behind the iPhone 14 Pro Max's 1,275 nits. However, where it truly excels is in its ability to display colors accurately. Its Natural mode showcases a staggering 112% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, surpassing the iPhone's 83%. What's more, with a Delta-E score of only 0.3 on Natural and 0 on Vivid, you can trust that what you see on the screen is a true-to-life representation.
Samsung S23 Ultra's Clever Screen Additions
Not only is S23 Ultra's screen impressive in terms of specifications. But Samsung has gone the extra mile and incorporated some clever additions to elevate your viewing pleasure. The Vision Booster characteristic enables you to modify color and contrast in response to the current lighting conditions. Whereas the eye comfort feature actively works to minimize ocular fatigue during extended periods of use.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S23 ULTRA CAMERAS: A Game Changer in Smartphone Photography
For individuals who have an inclination towards photography or simply enjoy capturing moments on their mobile devices, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra could be the epitome of their aspirations. Laden with exceptional features, the device stands out with its 200MP primary camera, a pioneering technology in the United States. While it may seem remarkable, the question remains; does it truly revolutionize the photography experience? Let's delve further and explore.
Discover how a 200-megapixel camera Of Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra enhance your photography experience!
Capturing photographs with a 200MP camera unlocks the possibility of producing larger-than-life posters. Yet, its capabilities extend beyond that. The adaptive pixel sensor is adept at amalgamating 16 individual pixels into a single large pixel, paving the way for brighter and more intricately detailed photographs, particularly in dimly lit settings.
Focusing closely on a particular aspect or element, as if looking through a magnifying lens.
The zoom feature of the Galaxy S23 Ultra is simply astounding. Equipped with dual 10MP telephoto lenses, it allows you to capture your subject like never before. With a 30x digital zoom functionality, getting up close and personal with your subject is a breeze. But wait, there's more! The phone even boasts a 100x Space Zoom feature. To truly appreciate the power of this camera, take a look at the Empire State building in the photographs taken at varying zoom levels. The amount of detail captured is simply astonishing.
When put side by side with other mobile devices, how does it measure up?
Curious about how the Galaxy S23 Ultra measures up against its competitors? Let me tell you, it's not even a fair fight. The Samsung device dominates in every aspect, particularly the camera when compared to the Pixel 7 Pro. Notably, at 30x zoom, the Samsung camera outshines its Google counterpart by a significant margin. Meanwhile, the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max can't even keep up, capping out at a mere 15x zoom.
Enhancing Your Selfie Game
Although the 40MP selfie shooter on the S22 Ultra is technically superior, the Galaxy S23 Ultra's front camera still manages to capture stunning images, thanks to its 12MP camera equipped with advanced AI and a Night portrait mode. The portraits are expected to have better overall quality. Check out the comparison selfie to witness the level of detail in the S23 Ultra image.
Feel free to crop to your liking and creative expression
By capturing photos in 200MP mode, you're provided with an opportunity to revise your composition post-capture. This enables you to obtain an entirely unique shot without diminishing its intricacy. To gain a better understanding of the degree to which you can crop and still retain exceptional detail, take a glimpse at the highlighted snapshot of Bryant Park.
Comparing Portraits: Sharp Clarity and Natural Skin Color.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is a superb choice for portrait photography, capturing intricate details while avoiding the issue of overexposure in the sun that presented itself in earlier Galaxy models. The bokeh effect, albeit slightly intense, can be regulated to your taste. On the other hand, the iPhone 14 Pro produces a warm and inviting tone, and the Pixel 7 Pro excels at accentuating the subject's skin tone and visage.
Battle of the Food Shots: Comparing the Allure of Natural versus Enhanced Color Palette
When it comes to capturing food in close-up shots, the Galaxy S23 Ultra tends to exaggerate colors to the point of oversaturation. On the other hand, the iPhone 14 Pro and Pixel 7 Pro deliver images with a more authentic and natural appearance. The iPhone, however, has a slight downside as it tends to blur out everything in the background, whereas the Pixel allows for a sharp focus on both the foreground and background elements.
Skating Rink Excitement
If you take a picture of a skating rink while the sun is on the right-hand side using the Galaxy S23 Ultra, the ice might appear featureless, yet the skaters and buildings will still look impressive. When it comes to displaying the texture of the ice, both the iPhone 14 Pro and Pixel 7 Pro outperform the Galaxy S23 Ultra, even with a touch of lens flare. However, the Galaxy S23 Ultra's vibrant colors make the bumper cars on the ice pop, while the iPhone 14 Pro Max showcases superior contrast and clarity.
Unveiling the Shades and Hues in the Luminous Metropolis
The Bryant Park fountain photo reveals that the Galaxy S23 Ultra stands out as the brightest and most effective in capturing the area right beneath the fountain's top. Whereas, the Pixel outperforms in depicting the bricks of the background building more explicitly. For a dark fish market scene, the iPhone 14 Pro Max's image is more radiant, but the S23 Ultra does justice to the neon sign. In contrast, when it comes to a home bar shot, it's a neck and neck competition between the S23 Ultra and Pixel 7 Pro, as the iPhone 14 Promax picture is the brightest, but appears blurry.
Disappointing Outcome in Dim Lighting: Hazy and Indistinct
Regrettably, when it comes to low-light scenarios, the Galaxy S23 Ultra fails to impress as demonstrated by a snapshot of a snoozing dog. In comparison to the iPhone's picture, the fur on the Samsung photo is not as finely defined, and the image appears a tad indistinct.
Night Mode Photography with Samsung S23 Ultra
If you fancy yourself a budding night photographer, the Galaxy S23 Ultra might just be the key to unlocking your potential. This top-of-the-range smartphone packs a punch when it comes to camera specs, making it the ultimate choice for capturing stunning nighttime shots that are sure to impress.
Fire's Reflections: A Chilling Turn of Events
The camera of the Galaxy S23 Ultra has the remarkable ability to capture reflections that lend a cool and fascinating look to the image. The way it takes a photo of fire reflecting on a glass door is absolutely mind-blowing, and the resulting picture is an artistic masterpiece with a distinct and captivating effect.
Bid farewell to indistinct moon photographs.
The prowess of Galaxy S23 Ultra extends to lunar photography as well. In contrast to the blurry, unsatisfactory output of iPhone 14 Pro Max, the former guarantees a crisp and distinct picture, accentuating the moon's intricate bumps and crevices. The 100x space zoom feature emulates the capabilities of a compact telescope, all within the palm of your hand!
Astro Hyperlapse Mode: Perfect for Capturing Star Movements
The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers an exciting astro hyperlapse mode that is perfect for nocturnal photography enthusiasts. This impressive feature enables you to record mesmerizing time-lapse footage of the celestial movements, empowering you to produce extraordinary, unparalleled video clips.
Advanced Autofocus Feature to Capture Every Moment Without a Miss.
The cutting-edge autofocus capabilities of the Galaxy S23 Ultra guarantee that you capture every moment flawlessly. Using state-of-the-art technology, this smartphone swiftly and precisely focuses on your desired subject, delivering brilliantly crisp and vivid pictures without fail.
The mode of Multiple Exposures: Merging several frames to create one-of-a-kind images.
The multiple exposures mode of the Galaxy S23 Ultra provides an exciting opportunity for artistic photographers to merge several frames into a single stunning photograph. By enabling you to blend various styles, this feature has the potential to fuel your creativity, promoting the creation of magnificent and unparalleled visuals.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S23 ULTRA PERFORMANCE
The Galaxy phone is loaded with the advanced Snapdragon 8 Gen chip. This was created and customized exclusively by Samsung for this device. With the potential to clock in at speeds up to 3.36 GHz, this processor outperforms the standard version of the chip. Thus, delivering rapid execution and speedy app startups. This also makes it an ideal fit for demanding tasks such as video editing and gaming. Lightning-fast performance is guaranteed with this high-end processor.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Outperforms Competitors in Benchmark Tests
Samsung has upped the game with its latest flagship phone, the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Not only does it boast the fastest mobile graphics in a phone to date, but it has proved its mettle by outperforming its competitors in benchmark tests.
When tested its mettle against the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, and the S23 Ultra emerged as the clear winner, leaving the Apple models trailing behind in graphics tests. This is truly a remarkable achievement and a testament to Samsung's commitment to excellence in mobile technology.
Galaxy S23 Ultra Dominates CPU Performance Tests: Outperforms iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max in Multicore Applications
Delving into the details, we can observe that the Galaxy S23 Ultra has outdone its predecessor, the Galaxy S22 Ultra, in both single-core and multicore applications as revealed by the Geekbench test that measures CPU performance. Despite the fact that the iPhone 14 Pro's A16 Bionic chip showed better results in single-core tests, the S23 Ultra has surpassed both iPhone variants in multicore tests.
S23 Ultra Dominates Graphics Performance with Record-Breaking Scores on 3DMark Wild Life Test
The S23 Ultra has emerged as the undisputed champion in the mobile device graphics performance category as per the 3DMark Wild Life graphics test. The smartphone bagged the top honors by recording an impressive frame rate of 79.3 fps on the Unlimited test. While managing 20.9 fps on the extremely challenging Extreme Unlimited test. The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max were left behind in the competition, with their respective scores falling short in comparison to the S23 Ultra on both tests.
Galaxy S23 Ultra's Impressive Video Transcoding Abilities: Outperforms S22 Ultra
By conducting a test on Adobe Premiere Rush, the video transcoding abilities of S23 Ultra were evaluated. The test involved transcoding a 4K video to 1080p, and its progress was timed. The results revealed that S23 Ultra outperformed S22 Ultra by accomplishing the task in 40 seconds, which was 7 seconds faster. However, in comparison to iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, S23 Ultra was still slower, taking 26 and 30 seconds respectively to complete the same task. Nevertheless, S23 Ultra's performance was commendable.
Enhanced temperature regulation achieved through augmentation of the vapor chamber size
With a bigger vapor cooling chamber compared to its forerunner, the Galaxy S23 Ultra boasts a superior ability to dissipate heat, making it highly effective for extensive gaming or any energy-hungry activities. The enhanced cooling mechanism also serves to avert overheating, a damaging event capable of negatively affecting phone performance and harming its internal components.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S23 ULTRA BATTERY LIFE AND CHARGING
With the Snapdragon 8 Gen chip enhancing its energy efficiency, Galaxy S23 Ultra from Samsung presents an impressive battery life of 5,000 mAh capacity. This surpasses the performance of its precursor S22 Ultra.
As per the Tom's Guide Battery test conducted, the S23 Ultra lasted an outstanding 12 hours and 22 minutes in Adaptive mode, while browsing the web continuously at 150 nits of screen brightness over 5G. The battery life further rose to an exceptional 13 hours and 9 minutes when operated in 60Hz mode.
Assessing the Duration of Batteries of Samsung Galaxy S23 With S22 And iPhone 14 pro Max
The Galaxy S23 Ultra surpasses its predecessor by an impressive 1 hour and 52 minutes in Adaptive mode and 2 hours and 51 minutes in 60Hz mode. When compared to its competitors, the iPhone 14 Pro Max and the OnePlus 10T, the Galaxy S23 Ultra emerged as the clear winner with 13 hours and 39 minutes of battery life.
Although, the Asus ROG Phone 6 Pro proved to be the ultimate powerhouse, with a remarkable battery life of 16 hours and 27 minutes in 60Hz mode and 15 hours and 30 minutes in Adaptive mode!
Results obtained from the process of charging assessment:
Some users have expressed disappointment over the company's decision to retain the same 45W fast charger for Galaxy S23. With rumors about the OnePlus 11 featuring 80W charging in the U.S. and 100W charging in other regions, many were hoping for faster charging capabilities. Regrettably, the S23 Ultra only reached a modest 57% in 30 minutes during charging tests, which falls behind Samsung's original claim of 65%.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S23 ULTRA: S PEN
With an improved design for enhanced comfort, the Galaxy S23 Ultra come packed with an S Pen. This continues to be an exceptional instrument for jotting down notes, sketching, and making precise alterations. Even though there aren't any remarkable feature upgrades, the S Pen still boasts remarkable functionality. One of its most convenient features is the ability to swiftly unlock the screen by simply tapping the S Pen button, without requiring the hassle of feeding in a password or employing a fingerprint.
Samsung Notes app on the S23 Ultra, comes with an exciting collaboration feature that enables users to share and edit their notes simultaneously. It is a perfect feature for team projects or ideation meetings as it allows everyone to contribute their thoughts in real-time. Moreover, this versatile app offers multiple templates, ranging from music sheets to graphs and checklists, making it an ideal tool for a plethora of use cases.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S23 ULTRA: ONE UI 5.1
Bixby's Text and Call Feature - Your Dedicated Virtual Assistant
An exceptional aspect of One UI 5.1 that has gained massive attention is Bixby Text Call. It allows Samsung's competent voice assistant to take your incoming phone calls.
Moreover, you can also leverage this feature to dictate messages, that Bixby will effortlessly transcribe to text, or utilize voice typing to respond via text. This hands-free functionality is particularly handy if you're out driving or if you're engaged in other activities that limit your hands' functionality.
Tailor-made Settings: Personalizing Your Lifestyle
With One UI 5.1's new Modes feature, you have the power to personalize your phone settings to suit every facet of your life. Say you need to recharge your batteries, you can activate the sleep mode that significantly dulls the screen, silences notifications, and switches on the Do Not Disturb mode.
For those who are always on the go, activate driving mode that enables voice-activated features, making it easier to take calls and messages while on the road. For workaholics, there's the work mode that eliminates distractions by enabling only essential apps. Modes is the game-changer that provides you the ultimate control to customize your phone settings tailored to your unique requirements and wishes.
Customization: Tailor Your Mobile Device to Your Unique Preferences
The latest One UI 5.1 emphasizes the importance of personalization, offering a vastly improved stacked widget system that consolidates all your go-to widgets in a single, convenient location. The smart system takes into account your daily routine, suggesting relevant apps and actions for different times of the day.
As an example, if you like to unwind with an e-reader at night, the recommended apps could feature your preferred reading application as well as a blue light filter. Conversely, in the morning, you may be presented with your workout apps and a forecasting widget. With One UI 5.1, you have complete control in configuring your phone just the way you desire.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S23 ULTRA PRICE
On the 17th of February, Samsung released the much-awaited Galaxy S23 Ultra which can now be purchased. Buyers can get their hands on the 256GB storage model for $1,199 in the US, £1,249 in the UK and AU$1,949 in Australia. What's exciting about this release is that it offers twice the storage capacity of its predecessor, the Galaxy S22 Ultra, which is a bonus for individuals who require more storage on their mobile device.
It is important to mention that the prices for the UK and Australian markets have undergone a minor increment from the previous model, with an additional cost of £100 and AU$100, correspondingly.
For those requiring additional storage, the Galaxy S23 Ultra provides an option to upgrade to 512GB which costs $1,379 in the US, £1,399 in the UK, and AU$2,249 in Australia, or 1TB for $1,619 in the US, £1,599 in the UK, and AU$2,649 in Australia. By opting for these higher storage capacities, you can effortlessly store all your photos, videos, and applications without running out of space.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S23 ULTRA DRAWBACKS
One of the biggest drawbacks of the Samsung S23 Ultra is its size and weight. If you prefer a more lightweight and portable phone, this may not be the best option for you. It's a hefty device that may be difficult to use comfortably, especially if you have smaller hands.
While the design is still sleek and attractive, it hasn't changed much since last year's model. Samsung has made some improvements under the hood, but they may not be enough to justify all the hype and marketing around this new release.
To top it all off, the base price of the S23 Ultra has gone up by £100 compared to its predecessor. Yes, it's an expensive phone, now starting at a whopping £1,249. That's a significant investment, and you'll want to make sure you're getting your money's worth if you decide to go for this device.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S23 ULTRA FINAL VERDICT
Let us tell you, after putting the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra through its paces, we can confidently say that it's hands down the best Android phone out there right now. In fact, it could even give the best phones overall a run for their money.
The camera is a real game-changer with a whopping 200MP sensor, and the low-light performance is just stunning. After spitting it against the iPhone 14 Pro Max and it definitely held its own in some areas, although the iPhone still has its strengths too. But when it comes to zoom power, the S23 Ultra takes the cake.
And let's talk about speed. This phone is lightning fast thanks to the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip. It's also the perfect device for gaming; We've tried quite a few and this one definitely takes the cake.
And the battery life? Don't even get me started. It lasts for over 13 hours, which is a significant improvement from its predecessor, the Galaxy S22 Ultra.
Now, if you're not a huge fan of the S Pen, the Galaxy S23 Plus could be a more cost-effective option for you. You'll still get the same powerful Snapdragon chip and a bright display, just in a slightly smaller 6.6-inch screen size, and for $200 less than the Ultra.
But if you want a phone that can do it all and experience the stunning capabilities of a 200MP camera, the Ultra is definitely worth the splurge.