The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the latest high-end Android smartphone from industry leader Samsung. As the newest member of the popular Galaxy S series, the S23 Ultra represents the pinnacle of mobile technology, offering a suite of flagship features in a large-screen package.
Following in the footsteps of the popular Galaxy Note series, the S23 Ultra is designed for power users and is the only Galaxy device to include the versatile S Pen stylus.
In this blog post, we will explore the Samsung S23 Ultra in depth to help consumers determine if this premium device is right for them. We will examine the S23 Ultra’s build quality, display, performance capabilities, camera specs, software features, battery life, and more.
Design and Display of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
The Samsung S23 Ultra has premium design and build quality as well as its large, beautiful 6.8-inch screen. Though sizable, the S23 Ultra features premium materials and a screen that delivers an engaging multimedia experience.
Premium Build of the Samsung S23 Ultra
The Samsung S23 Ultra features a construction using strengthened glass and aluminium for durability. At 8.25 ounces, it possesses a solid heft that conveys premium quality. Its IP68 rating guarantees resistance to dust and water submersion. Overall, the S23 Ultra feels very well-made thanks to materials like Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back coupled with Samsung’s Armor Aluminum frame.
Stunning Screen of the Samsung S23 Ultra
Under the glass sits a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with QHD+ 1440p resolution. Its peak brightness of 1750 nits allows comfortable visibility even in direct sunlight. At 501 pixels per inch, the screen exhibits sharp clarity. Perhaps most importantly, its 120Hz adaptive refresh rate provides buttery-smooth visuals. Overall, the S23 Ultra sports one of the finest and largest mobile screens on the market.
Flattened Design Improves Grip
While similar to last year’s S22 Ultra, the Samsung S23 Ultra features slightly flattened side edges and curves for a boxier aesthetic. This small tweak noticeably enhances in-hand grip and comfort compared to its predecessor. The subtle redesign is a welcome evolution that shows Samsung’s attention to ergonomic details.
Versatile Color Options
Consumers can choose from Phantom Black, Green, Lavender or Cream hues for the S23 Ultra. Ordering direct from Samsung unlocks premium Graphite, Red, Lime or Sky Blue variants. Regardless of tone, the sleek matte glass feels appropriately luxurious for a flagship device.
Powerful Performance of the Samsung S23 Ultra
The Galaxy S23 Ultra delivers buttery-smooth functionality thanks to Qualcomm’s cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 system-on-chip. Optimized specifically for Galaxy devices, it provides lightning-fast speed for both routine and intensive tasks.
Premium Processor
Qualcomm’s custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset for Galaxy is purportedly 10% faster than the stock version. During testing, the S23 Ultra felt instantly responsive with no noticeable lag. Complex apps and graphics-intensive games opened in the blink of an eye.
Memory and Storage
Review units offered a generous 12GB of fast LPDDR5x RAM paired with 512GB of speedy UFS 4.0 flash storage. Previous Samsung flagships max out at 8GB, so this additional memory future-proofs the Samsung S23 Ultra for years of heavy usage. Benchmark scores handily outperformed top competitors.
Benchmarks
We ran PCMark Work 3.0, scoring a stout 15,841. On Geekbench, the single-core and multi-core tallies of 1,545 and 5,078, respectively, easily beat rivals. Graphics benchmark Aztec Ruins ran buttery-smooth at 62fps using the GPU. Basemark Web peaked at 925, far higher than other devices. Overall performance is simply phenomenal.
In daily use, the S23 Ultra handles intensive games, multi-tasking, and more without breaking a sweat. Whether browsing multiple tabs or playing graphics-intensive titles, it delivers a buttery-smooth experience.
Versatile Cameras of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
The S23 Ultra offers one of the most powerful mobile camera systems thanks to upgrades like its new 200MP main sensor. This versatile array of shooters allows creative photo opportunities.
Updated Main Sensor
Samsung upgraded the main camera to a 200MP sensor. While 200MP shots are possible, most photos come out at 12.5MP using pixel-binning for better low-light performance. Images show impressive detail, vibrant colours and strong dynamic range.
Additional Lenses
Accompanying the main camera are a 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto, and a special 10MP 10x telephoto, which allows discrete optical zoom from 0.5x to 10x. The latter is unique and enables exceptional close-ups from a distance.
Photography Quality
Overall, photo quality is simply outstanding, on par with or surpassing top rivals. The 200MP sensor means more computational photography tricks are possible. Video quality is also excellent at 4K60 with great stabilization. Portrait mode stands out for natural edge detection and detail retention.
Zoom Capabilities
Where the S23 Ultra shines is its strong zoom capabilities. Photos between 3x to 10x optical are very sharp. AI enhances zoom further to 30x while maintaining good detail. The 100x “Space Zoom” is also dramatically improved versus its predecessors, capturing incredible close-ups.
Software and Features of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
The S23 Ultra runs Samsung’s One UI 5 operating system, which is based on Android 13. It offers a robust feature set and great customization options.
Software Updates
One UI 5 provides minor improvements over prior versions. More importantly, Samsung guarantees four OS upgrades and five years of security patches, more than most Android phones.
Premium Software
While Samsung’s software remains cluttered, features like S Pen support and smart appliance integrations give One UI unique value. Bixby can be ignored in favour of Google Assistant.
Versatile S Pen
The embedded S Pen enables note-taking, sketching, and remote controls. Though underutilised, it benefits certain users, such as students and creatives. Gestures let you scribble notes on the locked screen quickly.
Feature-Rich Connectivity
WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and multi-gigabit 5G provide seamless connectivity. Through tools like DeX, you can easily link to the web and share between other Galaxy and SmartThings devices. Nearby Share transfers files wirelessly at LAN speeds.
Fresh Focus Modes
One UI 5 introduces Focus Modes for muting distractions during designated activities. Presets let you auto-apply a profile or build your own, and integrations make the modes more useful.
Long-Lasting Battery of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Despite its huge 6.8-inch screen, the 5,000mAh battery inside the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra provides all-day longevity. With typical use, it easily reaches bedtime with around 30% power left over after closing apps and enabling features like the always-on display.
This is partly thanks to the power efficiencies of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset inside. However, Samsung also claims battery optimizations in Android 13 and tweaks to the Adaptive 120Hz refresh rate help the S23 Ultra eke out greater endurance over last year’s model. In several battery tests, the S23 Ultra managed over 24 hours on a single charge.
Heavier use, such as navigating, taking plenty of photos and videos, or gaming, saw it last a full day. Its stamina holds up even better than many rivals’, though quick top-ups are still necessary for power users. With 45W charging, refills happen reasonably fast when needed.
Price of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is priced premium, reflecting its flagship features and build quality. The base 256GB model retails for $1,199, while additional storage tiers are also available.
At $1,199, the 256GB S23 Ultra is an investment. But additional memory is available if you need it:
- 512GB: $1,379
- 1TB: $1,699
Ordering certain exclusive colours like Graphite or Sky Blue from Samsung may extend delivery times slightly.
Carriers and retailers often have deals that can save a couple hundred dollars. Watching for promos and sales helps offset the high MSRP.
Conclusion
The Samsung S23 Ultra delivers the most complete high-end smartphone experience available today. It combines top-notch hardware, from its refined design to a powerful processor and large battery, with best-in-class cameras, including phenomenal zoom performance.
The software package provides an expansive feature set and useful S Pen integration backed by excellent long-term support. Connectivity and ecosystem integration make it a seamless companion for advanced users. While very expensive and large, the S23 Ultra sets an extremely high bar for what’s possible on a mobile device in 2023.
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