Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Design and Build Quality
Aesthetics
The Galaxy S23 Ultra carries forward the iconic design language of the Ultra series, with squared-off edges and a massive presence. It is available in a range of elegant colors, including Phantom Black, Green, Lavender, and Cream. Exclusive online colors like Graphite and Lime cater to niche tastes.
Ergonomics
Despite its size—measuring 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm and weighing 234 grams—the S23 Ultra is surprisingly comfortable to hold, thanks to its slightly curved edges and well-distributed weight. However, one-handed use is still challenging for users with smaller hands.
Build Quality
Constructed with an aluminum frame and Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both front and back, the S23 Ultra offers outstanding durability. It is IP68-rated, ensuring resistance against dust and water immersion for up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
Display
Specifications
- Size: 6.8 inches
- Type: Dynamic AMOLED 2X
- Resolution: QHD+ (3088 x 1440 pixels)
- Refresh Rate: Adaptive 120Hz
- Brightness: 1750 nits peak
- HDR Support: HDR10+ certified
The 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is arguably the best in the market. Samsung continues to lead in display technology, delivering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and unparalleled sharpness.
Real-World Usage
The adaptive refresh rate, ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, ensures smooth scrolling while conserving battery during static usage. The display excels under all conditions, offering superb visibility even in direct sunlight with its 1750-nit peak brightness. Watching HDR content on platforms like Netflix and YouTube is a cinematic experience, with stunning contrasts and vivid colors.
Additional Features
The inclusion of an S Pen adds another layer of functionality, enabling precision input for note-taking, drawing, and productivity tasks. The S Pen is neatly housed within the device, adding to the overall convenience.
Performance
Specifications
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (custom-tuned)
- GPU: Adreno 740
- RAM Options: 8GB / 12GB LPDDR5X
- Storage Options: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0)
Samsung partners exclusively with Qualcomm to deliver a custom-tuned Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy. This chipset offers improved clock speeds, making the S23 Ultra the fastest Galaxy device to date.
Benchmark Results
- Geekbench 6: Single-core: 1575, Multi-core: 5060
- AnTuTu 9: Over 1.3 million points
Gaming and Multitasking
Whether it’s intensive gaming with titles like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty: Mobile or heavy multitasking with multiple apps running simultaneously, the S23 Ultra handles everything without breaking a sweat. The enhanced cooling system ensures the phone remains cool during prolonged usage.
Camera System
Specifications
- Primary Camera: 200MP wide sensor, f/1.7, OIS
- Ultra-Wide Camera: 12MP, f/2.2, 120-degree field of view
- Telephoto Camera 1: 10MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom
- Telephoto Camera 2: 10MP, f/4.9, 10x optical zoom
- Front Camera: 12MP, f/2.2
Primary Sensor
The new 200MP ISOCELL HP2 sensor is a game-changer, capturing incredible detail in well-lit conditions. The adaptive pixel technology intelligently merges pixels to deliver bright and clear 12MP or 50MP shots in low-light scenarios.
Zoom Capabilities
The dual telephoto cameras provide unmatched zoom performance, ranging from 3x to a staggering 100x Space Zoom. Photos remain surprisingly detailed and sharp, even at extreme zoom levels, making this phone a leader in its class.
Ultra-Wide and Front Cameras
The 12MP ultra-wide sensor captures expansive shots with minimal distortion, perfect for landscapes and group photos. Meanwhile, the 12MP front camera delivers clear and vibrant selfies, with excellent edge detection in portrait mode.
Video Recording
The S23 Ultra supports 8K recording at 30fps, with improved stabilization thanks to Samsung’s Super Steady and enhanced HDR algorithms. Videos are cinematic, with accurate colors and sharp details.
Software
One UI 5.1 on Android 13
Samsung’s One UI 5.1 offers a refined and intuitive experience. Based on Android 13, it brings a host of features, including enhanced multitasking, customizable lock screens, and improved widget support.
Key Features
- DeX Mode: Offers a desktop-like experience when connected to a monitor.
- Samsung Notes: Works seamlessly with the S Pen for productivity and creativity.
- Customization: Extensive options for themes, wallpapers, and widgets.
Software Support
Samsung commits to four years of major Android updates and five years of security patches, ensuring the S23 Ultra remains relevant for years to come.
Battery Life
Specifications
- Capacity: 5000mAh
- Charging: 45W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless
The 5000mAh battery easily lasts a full day of heavy usage, thanks to the energy-efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and adaptive refresh rate. During testing, the phone delivered approximately 8-9 hours of screen-on time.
Charging Speed
While the 45W wired charging isn’t the fastest in the market, it gets the job done, taking the phone from 0% to 65% in 30 minutes and a full charge in just under an hour. Wireless and reverse wireless charging are handy features for those on the go.
Audio
The Galaxy S23 Ultra features stereo speakers tuned by AKG, delivering immersive sound quality. The audio is loud and clear, with good bass response and minimal distortion at high volumes. Dolby Atmos support further enhances the experience for movies, music, and gaming.
Connectivity
The S23 Ultra supports the latest connectivity standards:
- 5G: Comprehensive support for global bands
- Wi-Fi 6E: Future-proof for high-speed networks
- Bluetooth 5.3: Reliable and fast pairing
- Ultra-Wideband (UWB): Enhanced device tracking and file sharing
- USB-C 3.2: Fast data transfers
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Stunning QHD+ AMOLED display with vibrant colors and smooth refresh rate
- Exceptional performance with custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
- Industry-leading 200MP camera with unmatched zoom capabilities
- Sleek and durable design with IP68 certification
- Long-lasting battery with efficient charging options
- Comprehensive software support and extended updates
- S Pen integration for added productivity
Cons
- Expensive, with a starting price above $1,199
- Large and heavy, not ideal for one-handed use
- Charging speeds could be faster compared to competitors
- No expandable storage option
Pricing and Availability
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra starts at $1,199 for the 256GB model, with higher storage options priced accordingly. While it’s a premium investment, the device offers unparalleled features and performance, justifying the cost for those seeking the best.
Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a masterpiece of smartphone engineering. Its unmatched display, powerful performance, and groundbreaking camera capabilities set a new standard for flagship devices. While the price may deter some buyers, those who invest in the S23 Ultra are rewarded with a phone that excels in every category.
If you’re looking for the ultimate Android smartphone experience, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is undoubtedly the device to beat.