The Galaxy S23 Ultra: A Flagship Phone that Carries the S Pen Legacy
Samsung has always been known for its cutting-edge smartphones and the latest addition to its lineup, the Galaxy S23 Ultra, is no exception. Starting at a price of $1,199.99, this smartphone is a true powerhouse that offers a wealth of features to its users.
As the only smartphone in Samsung’s lineup to come equipped with the S Pen stylus, the Galaxy S23 Ultra carries the torch forward from the popular Galaxy Note series. The S Pen is a handy tool for taking notes, drawing, and even remotely controlling your phone, making it an ideal device for those who are always on the go.
For those who don’t need the S Pen or the extra cameras, the slightly smaller and more affordable Galaxy S23+ (starting at $999.99) might be a better option. This phone still offers the outstanding performance and high-quality hardware that you would expect from a Samsung flagship, but in a more compact form factor.
In conclusion, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is a top-of-the-line smartphone that offers a wealth of features for those who are looking for the ultimate mobile device. Whether you need a stylus for taking notes, want the best camera for capturing memories, or simply demand the fastest and most powerful phone, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is a smartphone that is sure to impress.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S23 ULTRA SPECS
Operating System | Android 13 |
CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
Dimensions | 6.43 by 3.07 by 0.35 inches |
Screen Size | 6.8 inches |
Screen Resolution | 3,088 by 1,440 pixels |
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing) | 200MP, 12MP, 10MP, 10MP; 12MP |
Battery Life (As Tested) | 13 hours |
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Design, Display and Other Features
Samsung has once again raised the bar for premium smartphone design with the release of the S23 Ultra. This new device builds upon the foundation set by last year’s S22 Ultra, with many design elements carried over to the new model. However, despite its similarities, the S23 Ultra is a phone that truly stands on its own.
The S23 Ultra is a massive phone, measuring in at 6.43 x 3.07 x 0.35 inches and weighing a hefty 8.25 ounces. For comparison, the smaller and lighter Galaxy S23 and S23+ are 5.76 x 2.79 x 0.3 inches and 6.21 x 3.0 x 0.3 inches, respectively. The large size of the S23 Ultra makes it a phone that you’ll definitely want to put in a case, which is also recommended given its high price tag.
Samsung’s glass-and-metal sandwich design is a hallmark of their premium devices, and the S23 Ultra is no exception. The Armor Aluminum frame features recycled materials and the front and back are protected by Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus 2, providing top-notch protection against drops and scratches. The phone is available in four main colors: Cream, Green, Lavender, and Phantom Black, with exclusive colors like Graphite, Lime, Red, and Sky Blue available on Samsung’s website. Additionally, Samsung has made a commitment to using recycled dyes in their production process, making the S23 Ultra not just a beautifully designed phone, but a socially responsible one as well.
In conclusion, the S23 Ultra is a true work of art in the world of smartphone design. Its massive size and premium materials make it a phone that truly stands out, while its use of recycled materials adds an element of social responsibility. If you’re in the market for a new phone, the S23 Ultra is definitely worth checking out.
A Big Screen
The S23 Ultra boasts an impressive display, with minimal improvements from last year’s model. Its 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O screen features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, QHD+ resolution, and brightness reaching up to 1,750 nits. This provides a great viewing experience, easily visible even in direct sunlight. Samsung also offers customization options for resolution, brightness, color profiles, and more, allowing for a personalized experience. The S23 and S23+ have 6.1- and 6.6-inch displays, respectively, with FHD+ resolution. Overall, the S23 Ultra’s screen is a standout feature that provides a premium viewing experience.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Performance
The Samsung S23 Ultra boasts the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which has been given a performance boost by Samsung and Qualcomm. The 8 Gen 2 is built on a 4nm process and features an octa-core Kryo CPU with one Arm Cortex-X3 core reaching up to 3.36GHz. The Adreno 740 GPU has also been improved, though the extent of the improvement is not disclosed. The S23 Ultra comes with 8GB of LPDDR5x RAM and 256GB of UFS 4.0 storage, and options for up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB or 1TB of storage. The S23 Ultra is a powerful device that delivers smooth and fast performance.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Battery Life
The Galaxy S23 Ultra boasts a 5,000mAh battery, just like its predecessor, the S22 Ultra. However, it still manages to have a longer battery life, with 13 hours and 11 minutes of endurance in our battery life test. Though it’s an improvement over the 12 hours and 14 minutes of the S22 Ultra and the 10 hours and 30 minutes of the Pixel 7 Pro, it falls short of the 19 hours of the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
In terms of charging, the S23 Ultra supports the same 45W wired and 15W wireless charging as the S22 Ultra, but doesn’t come with a charger. Charging times with a 45W charger took 71 minutes and with a 25W charger took 81 minutes, which is faster than the iPhone 14 Pro Max (90 minutes) but slower than the OnePlus 11 5G (27 minutes).
Large, Bright Display
Speedy Performance
Excellent Cameras
S Pen Integration
Solid Battery Life
Durable Hardware
Four years of Android OS updates
Expensive
Big, heavy build
Photos don't always look natural, especially selfies
No improvements to fast charging