I find myself at a crossroads. Just a few weeks ago, I reviewed Samsung’s Galaxy A14 5G, praising it as a phenomenal phone that costs a mere $200. It really drives home the point that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a great smartphone. Now, however, I’m diving into the world of Samsung’s top-tier Galaxy S23 Ultra, priced at $1,200, and the Galaxy S23 at $800—and I must admit, sometimes it feels good to indulge a little, doesn’t it?
The Galaxy S23 lineup (which also includes the S23+, a model I haven’t had the chance to test yet) isn’t exactly revolutionary. In my opinion, these devices don’t fundamentally change the game, and most users may not require all the high-end cameras and impressive processing power they offer. However, I have to remind myself that there are times when it’s perfectly acceptable to invest in the best of the best. It’s a relief not to squint at a dim screen on a sunny day, and the ability to play demanding games at their highest settings is undeniably appealing.
If you’re coming from a Galaxy S22, S21, or any other flagship device released in the last couple of years, these new Samsung handsets don’t provide a compelling reason to upgrade. In my experience, if your current phone is still performing well, it might be wise to hold off. However, if you’re using an older device or a more budget-friendly option that feels like it compromises performance, then you should definitely consider checking out the Galaxy S23 series.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal needs and preferences. If you value cutting-edge technology and premium experience, the S23 lineup may be worth the investment. But if you’re satisfied with your current device, there’s no rush to make a change.
Stellar Galaxies
I won’t bore you with the nitty-gritty specs on these phones. Instead, you can check out my explainer on how the Galaxy S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra differ and how they’re similar. What you can’t quite glean from reading specs is how these phones feel in your hands. The 6.1-inch S23 is my personal favorite because it fits comfortably in my hands, and most of the screen remains fairly accessible when I want to use it one-handed. On the other hand, the S23 Ultra’s 6.8-inch display isn’t overly unwieldy, but I find my thumbs stretching farther and farther until my other hand has to join in—and I have large hands!
Design and Comfort
The best change is the S23 Ultra’s edges, which are much flatter than last year’s curvy S22 Ultra. While they aren’t as flat as the edges on an iPhone 14, the Ultra still feels nicer to hold than its predecessor, and my grip almost never interrupts the screen. However, I must admit that I’m somewhat underwhelmed by the overall design of the Galaxy S23 lineup. I still think Samsung’s S21 series offered a sharper design language with its Contour Cut camera module in an accent color. These new phones, with their understated and accent-free camera array, look like the textbook definition of a “smartphone.” They’re undoubtedly elegant, but there’s not much character to them.
Display and Performance
The three handsets share many of the same traits, such as their 120-Hz AMOLED screens, which can now hit 1,750 nits of peak brightness. This feature is often overlooked; a high brightness makes it so much easier to read the screen when you’re outside on a sunny day. Too often, my fiancée has to squint at her Pixel phone, but that’s never a problem here. (It also gets pretty darn dim for anyone who appreciates low brightness at bedtime.)
All models are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 “for Galaxy” chipset, which is slightly faster than the base-level Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 found in other flagship Android phones like the OnePlus 11. My benchmark tests confirmed this, but the difference isn’t a massive leap. This chip is special for two reasons. Year after year, it’s challenging to notice meaningful gains in performance, but I’ve found that phones with this processor feel more responsive and snappier than ever before.
This responsiveness is particularly evident in demanding games like Genshin Impact. Last year, I had to lower the graphics settings to avoid stutters, but now the game runs smoothly at the highest settings. You might see a few stutters after long play sessions, especially during intense action, but overall, the experience is much improved. The handset does get warm after some gaming, but not excessively so—hooray!
Battery Life and Efficiency
The second thing I appreciate about this chip is its efficiency. Despite using the same 5,000-mAh cell as last year’s S22 Ultra, Samsung claims the S23 Ultra lasts 20 percent longer. This rings true in my experience. The Ultra often lasted me well into a second day with average use, requiring a top-up around 3 PM. The S23, with its 3,900-mAh battery capacity, comfortably lasted a full day, leaving around 30 percent by midnight. You probably won’t need to carry a charger everywhere you go. (Though if you do need one since Samsung doesn’t include a charger in the box, we have recommendations in our guide to S23 cases and accessories.)
Software and Updates
Samsung is leading the Android world with software updates, as these phones will receive four Android OS upgrades and five years of monthly security updates. This ensures that you can keep using the S23 lineup for as long as you’d like without feeling like you’re missing out on new Android features or crucial security fixes. While Samsung’s OneUI software interface isn’t my absolute favorite, it certainly beats the OnePlus 11. I’m also thrilled that a recent software update finally allows me to disable Samsung Calendar, which I don’t use, so I no longer have to deal with two notifications from it and Google Calendar.
The S Pen Experience
The Galaxy S23 Ultra remains the only model with the S Pen stylus embedded in the bottom. I’ve enjoyed using it as a remote shutter for the camera, allowing me to take photos in low light without having to tap the shutter icon, which could introduce a camera shake. This feature was especially helpful when I balanced the Ultra on a park bench in New York, trying to use Samsung’s new Astrophoto mode to capture some stars. A single tap on the S Pen’s button, and voila—a sharp photo! While I’m not one for taking notes or doodling with a stylus, I can see how it would be beneficial for those who enjoy that functionality.
Additional Features and Considerations
Beyond the core features, the Galaxy S23 lineup also includes enhancements in connectivity and audio quality. With support for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, these devices ensure faster and more reliable connections, which is particularly beneficial for streaming high-definition content or gaming online. The audio experience has also been refined, with improved speakers that deliver richer sound quality, making media consumption more enjoyable.
Another aspect worth mentioning is the camera system. While I didn’t delve deeply into the camera specs, the S23 Ultra boasts impressive capabilities, including advanced night mode and enhanced zoom features. The ability to capture stunning photos in low light or from a distance is a significant advantage for photography enthusiasts.
Cosmic Eye
If you take a lot of photos, it’s probably worth splurging on the S23 Ultra. In my experience, the photos I’ve captured with the Ultra over the past few weeks are generally nicer than those from the standard S23, but the difference isn’t vast. The 50-megapixel camera on the S23 can snap crisp and colorful shots in any lighting condition, and the same can be said for Ultra’s impressive 200-megapixel camera. If selfies are your thing, you’ll be pleased to know that all models feature the same 12-megapixel selfie camera, which delivers sharp images.
Camera Capabilities
The ultrawide and 3X telephoto cameras are super reliable and handy to have, but I particularly love using the S23 Ultra for its fourth camera: the 10X optical zoom. Ask my fiancée; she’ll tell you how often I stop on the street to point the 10X camera up toward a tree to capture a photo of a bird, a squirrel, or even the Empire State Building. I’m definitely a telephoto kind of guy, so if you find yourself zooming in on your subjects, this feature is a top reason to consider this phone over others available in the US. That said, I must mention that the Pixel 7 Pro’s 10X digital zoom gets impressively close, especially considering its price point.
Overall, I’m really impressed and happy with the photos that come out of the S23 lineup. As with any camera system, there are some flaws, such as colors occasionally being too saturated or the cameras smoothing out facial features by default (though you can turn this off). I also don’t find much use for the dedicated 200- or 50-megapixel camera modes on the S23 Ultra and S23, respectively. While these modes allow you to capture a lot of detail, I generally prefer the results from the default 12-megapixel shots, which also save storage space.
Comparison with Competitors
These cameras easily rival the Pixel 7 Pro and the iPhone 14 Pro, and in many cases, they outperform them. Samsung’s improved video stabilization on the S23 Ultra is also worth noting, as it’s among the best you’ll find on an Android phone, although the iPhone still takes the crown in this area.
Minor Quibbles
I do have a few minor quibbles. For instance, why are the S23+ and S23 Ultra made out of aluminum instead of stainless steel like the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max? Some of the software menu options can also be a bit confusing and are somewhat tucked away. It would be nice to see one major new feature with these handsets that feels more helpful than gimmicky. Alas, I’m nitpicking.
Which Should You Buy?
So, which should you buy? I want to remind you that you don’t need to spend this much to get a great phone, but hey, it doesn’t hurt to treat yourself. Most people will be more than happy with the Galaxy S23, and the S23+ is a great option if you prefer a larger handset. However, camera enthusiasts and stylus users will absolutely love the S23 Ultra.
I suggest waiting a few months for a sale, as Samsung phones are often discounted before long. Alternatively, you might consider purchasing last year’s Galaxy S22 series for a fairly similar experience at a lower price point. Ultimately, the choice comes down to your specific needs and how much you value the enhanced camera capabilities and features of the S23 Ultra.
