The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a flagship smartphone that excels with its industry-leading 200MP camera, delivering stunning photos and 8K video. Featuring a vibrant 6.8-inch AMOLED display, powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, and long-lasting 5000mAh battery, it offers top-tier performance for photography enthusiasts and power users alike. With S-Pen support and durable design, it’s a versatile device for creativity and productivity.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Review: The Ultimate Flagship Smartphone
- Performance
- Camera Quality
- Battery Life & Charging
- Display Quality
- Software
4.6/5Overall Score
Specs
- Display: 6.8" AMOLED, 120Hz, QHD+
- RAM: 8GB / 12GB options
- Storage: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB, UFS 4.0
- Main Camera: 200MP wide + periscope zoom
- Battery: 5000mAh, Fast Charging
- Special Features: S-Pen, IP68, Advanced Zoom
Pros
- Great low-light photography.
- Comes with S-Pen for notes and creativity.
- Super fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip.
- Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with fast charging support
- 200MP camera with superb zoom.
Cons
- Large and heavy, may not suit all users
- High price point
- No microSD card slot for storage expansion
- Occasional minor software bugs reported
Table of Contents
What is Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is Samsung’s crown jewel in its 2023 flagship smartphone lineup, sitting above the Galaxy S23 and S23+. Designed for tech enthusiasts, creators, and professionals, the S23 Ultra blends cutting-edge performance, unmatched camera capabilities, and the productivity of the S Pen, making it a true successor to the Galaxy Note series.
Launched globally in February 2023, this powerhouse features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor, a massive 200MP main camera, and a gorgeous 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. It’s a premium device aimed at users who want the very best in mobile technology, whether for work, creativity, gaming, or photography.
With a durable Gorilla Glass Victus 2 build, IP68 dust/water resistance, and long-term Android update support, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is built to last, both in hardware and software. But premium performance comes with a premium price, making it essential to know whether this phone is truly right for you.
Standout Features
1. Groundbreaking 200MP Camera System
The Galaxy S23 Ultra’s headline feature is its quad-camera array, led by a 200MP main sensor that captures breathtaking detail. Supporting cameras include:
- 12MP Ultra-wide lens
- 10MP Telephoto (3x optical zoom)
- 10MP Periscope Telephoto (10x optical zoom)
This setup allows for up to 100x digital Space Zoom, exceptional low-light performance with Nightography, and 8K video recording. Whether you’re shooting in bright daylight or dim city streets, the image quality is industry-leading.
2. Flagship Performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
Exclusively tuned for Samsung devices, this chipset offers faster CPU speeds and improved GPU performance over the standard Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Coupled with 8GB or 12GB RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, the S23 Ultra is lightning-fast for gaming, editing videos, or multitasking.
3. Stunning 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display
With a 1440 x 3088 QHD+ resolution, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and 1750 nits peak brightness, the display is a treat for both entertainment and productivity. HDR10+ support ensures vivid colors and deep contrast, making videos and games come alive.
4. S Pen Integration
Carrying forward the Galaxy Note legacy, the built-in S Pen stylus allows for precise handwriting, sketching, and remote camera controls. For productivity-focused users, it’s an invaluable tool.
5. All-Day Battery Life with Fast Charging
A 5,000mAh battery powers the S23 Ultra, supported by 45W wired fast charging (65% in about 30 minutes), 15W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging for accessories.
6. Premium Build & Durability
The phone uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both front and back, paired with an Armor Aluminum frame. It’s IP68-certified for dust and water resistance, giving peace of mind against accidental spills or splashes.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Vs Google Pixel 8
| Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Google Pixel 8 |
|---|---|
| Display: 6.8″ AMOLED, 120Hz, QHD+ | Display: 6.2″ OLED, 120Hz, FHD+ |
| Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Processor: Google Tensor G3 |
| Camera (Main): 200MP wide + periscope zoom | Camera (Main): 50MP wide |
| Battery: 5000mAh, Fast Charging | Battery: 4575mAh, Fast Charging |
| Storage Options: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (No microSD) | Storage Options: 128GB / 256GB (No microSD) |
| Special Features: S-Pen, IP68, Advanced Zoom | Special Features AI Features, IP68, Pixel UI |
| Amazon Price | Amazon Price |
Is this phone right for you?
Who should buy it
- Photography & Videography Enthusiasts – The 200MP camera, 8K video, and powerful zoom make it ideal for those who want DSLR-like versatility in their pocket.
- Content Creators & Professionals – With S Pen productivity features, blazing-fast performance, and large storage options (up to 1TB), this is a mobile workstation.
- Power Users & Gamers – The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy and QHD+ 120Hz display deliver an exceptional gaming experience.
- Long-Term Users – Samsung promises up to 4 years of major Android updates and 5 years of security patches, ensuring it stays relevant.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Flagship smartphone that excels with its industry-leading 200MP camera, delivering stunning photos and 8K video.
Who should skip it
- Budget Buyers – With a starting price around $1,199, it’s a big investment.
- Fans of Compact Phones – At 6.8 inches and over 230g, it’s large and heavy.
- Casual Users – If you only need basic apps, messaging, and browsing, the S23 Ultra’s capabilities may be overkill.
User Review Highlights
Positive Reviews
- Camera Excellence – Many users praise the 200MP sensor for incredible detail and the low-light performance as a game-changer.
- S Pen Productivity – Fans of the Note series love that the S Pen is integrated, making note-taking and creative work seamless.
- Top-Tier Performance – Reviewers report flawless gaming, video editing, and multitasking, with apps opening instantly.
- Premium Display Quality – Bright, sharp, and smooth, ideal for streaming and content creation.
- Battery Endurance – Easily lasts a full day of heavy use, even with high refresh rate enabled.
Critical Feedback
- High Price Point – Several buyers note that while the phone is excellent, it’s a major financial commitment.
- Bulky Design – Some users find it too big for comfortable one-handed use.
- Charging Speed – While 45W is good, competitors like Xiaomi offer faster charging at 120W+.
- Minor Camera Overprocessing – A few reviewers feel Samsung’s image processing sometimes makes photos look too saturated.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is not just another flagship, it’s the flagship for those who want the absolute best in camera technology, display quality, and performance. It caters perfectly to content creators, photographers, gamers, and business professionals who demand a device that can do it all.
However, its size, weight, and price mean it’s not for everyone. If you prefer compact devices or are looking for something affordable, there are better-suited options in Samsung’s own lineup or from competitors.
If your goal is to own one of the most powerful, future-proof, and versatile smartphones available in 2025, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is a top-tier choice that will not disappoint
FAQs
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Does the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra have good battery life?
Yes. The Galaxy S23 Ultra is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, which can easily last a full day of heavy use. It supports 45W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging for powering other devices.
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Is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra good for photography?
Absolutely. Its 200MP main camera delivers outstanding detail, supported by a 12MP ultra-wide, a 10MP telephoto (3x zoom), and a 10MP periscope telephoto (10x zoom). With 100x Space Zoom and advanced Nightography features, it’s one of the best camera phones on the market.
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Does the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra come with an S Pen?
Yes. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a built-in S Pen stylus, allowing for precise writing, sketching, and productivity tasks. It also supports air gestures and remote camera shutter functions.
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How long will the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra receive software updates?
Samsung promises 4 years of major Android updates and 5 years of security patches, ensuring the S23 Ultra remains secure and up-to-date well into the future.
