The S23 Ultra Review: Your Definitive Guide

Table of Contents

Key Highlights

  • The Galaxy S23 Ultra is a powerful Android phone. It has the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip. This helps the phone give top performance and good battery life.
  • The main camera on the Galaxy S23 Ultra is 200MP. It comes with a good optical zoom and can take nice photos in low light. This makes it one of the best cameras you can get in a top smartphone.
  • You get an S Pen stylus that works right inside the phone. This helps you get more done and makes the s23 ultra different from many other phones.
  • Many people say that the big, bright screen is easy to use and reacts quickly to touch. Some people feel that the phone is large and can be costly.
  • The phone is strong because it uses Gorilla Glass Victus. You also get years of security updates and strong software features. This makes the galaxy s23 ultra a really well-made phone.

Introduction

When the new galaxy phones come out, people expect big things. The galaxy s23 ultra is Samsung’s boldest phone yet. It builds on what the galaxy s23 and earlier models gave us. This phone stands out with its sharp look, the latest snapdragon 8 gen chip, and a camera system built to feel like you use a real DSLR. The s23 ultra is made for those who want the very best. This review will look at how the galaxy s23 ultra matches up with other phones out there. We will talk about its performance, camera system, how well it works in real life, and what makes it special.

First Impressions of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Taking the s23 ultra out of the box for the first time tells you right away that this is unlike other phones. The galaxy s23 ultra is bigger than most and looks great because the makers put real care into it. Many people feel this one could be the best android phone of the year. Right after you turn it on, you see the sharp screen and feel the top-level build. The built-in s pen also gives you something extra that makes the phone stand out.

From the first time you use it, you can see this is not like other new phones. It feels like a big step forward, with top hardware and smart software together in one, but also, it is quite a large flagship. Still, the question is: will this mix of features and size work well in daily life? To find out, let’s start by looking at what it feels like to open the box and hold the phone for the first time.

Unboxing Experience and In-the-Hand Feel

Opening the S23 Ultra’s box feels like you are showing off something special. The size of the S23 Ultra stands out right away. It is a gigantic phone, and when you hold it, that feeling is clear. It almost feels as if you are holding an empire state building, especially when you see it in the Phantom Black shade. The matte finish on the back of the phone makes sure you do not see fingerprints right away. This gives it a simple and cool feel. The Gorilla Glass Victus on it also helps you feel it will be safe and last a long time.

Once you hold the S23 Ultra in your hand, you can feel its weight right away. It is heavy, but the balance is good, so it feels strong and not hard to use. A few people mention the sharp corners. These show off Samsung’s careful work, but not everyone likes them. A lot of users feel it’s easy to use if you are used to big phones. But many say it’s hard to use the S23 Ultra with just one hand. Even though the phone is large, almost everyone agrees that the feel and look of the S23 Ultra stand out. The glass and metal design from Samsung gives a very high-end feel. Like Eric Zeman says, “Samsung’s glass-and-metal design sets the bar for luxury smartphones.”

Initial Setup Process and Software Introduction

When you turn on the S23 Ultra for the first time, you see Samsung’s One UI on top of Android. This gives you an interface that feels familiar and has many features. On the right side, you get the power and volume buttons. The left side has nothing on it, so it looks neat. At the bottom of the phone, there is a lot going on. You will find the S Pen slot, the speaker, the USB-C port, and the SIM tray.

  • The setup wizard will help you connect to Wi-Fi. It will also show you how to sign in to your Samsung account. You can move your stuff from another android phone or iOS device with it.
  • A quick tutorial tells you about samsung’s one ui. It points out how to use gesture navigation and the new ways you can change things to look the way you want.

Feedback from big tech reviewers and everyday people is good. Setting up the device is easy and fast. One UI gives you many ways to personalize it and helps you get work done, but it is not confusing. Samsung has made sure that even if you are new to the Galaxy series, you feel comfortable in just a few minutes.

Design and Build Quality

Samsung has worked hard on the design of the Galaxy S23 Ultra. The s23 ultra comes with Gorilla Glass Victus on both sides, which makes it strong. It also has a flatter surface area, so you get a better grip when you use it. The company has put a lot of care into the frame and made changes that feel good in your hand. There are several colors to pick from. Some colors are simple, while others are bold, so both types feel happy. The galaxy s23 ultra keeps the feel of the old galaxy s23 but does it better. You still get the same look, but now you get more style and strength together.

Let’s look at the materials, the color choices, and how well they last over time.

Materials, Craftsmanship, and Color Options

The s23 ultra is built with Gorilla Glass Victus and Armor Aluminum, so it is tough and strong. The model with the matte finish in Phantom Black looks good and feels nice, too. It helps keep the phone safe from smudges and small scratches.

  • You can pick from four main colors for the phone. These are Cream, Green, Lavender, and Phantom Black. There are also special colors, such as Graphite and Red, that you will get only on the Samsung website.
  • There are recycled things in the frame, and the dyes for the colors use green ideas. These things show Samsung’s promise to be good to the planet. The company does all this without taking away the feel of luxury.

You can see the workmanship in the s23 ultra phone’s smooth finish and frame that matches the color. The sides are a bit flatter. This helps stop you from touching the screen by mistake. Not everyone likes the sharp corners. But most say the s23 ultra really feels top quality. When you look at older models, you will see the new sides feel better in your hand. The curve is less now, and it makes the phone more comfortable to hold. It is a small change, but it helps a lot.

Durability, Water Resistance, and Long-Term Wear

Longevity is one of the best things about the s23 ultra. The gorilla glass victus makes it tough, so it can handle drops and marks well. The IP68 rating means the phone is safe if you spill something on it or take it out in the rain. Many people say the s23 ultra still looks great after using it every day for months. Except for some small marks here or there, the phone still works just as good as before.

Samsung gives you years of security updates for its phones. You can feel good knowing that after you buy one, the phone will get updates for a long time. The phone:

  • This phone can handle everyday drops because it has strong glass and is built to last.
  • It stays safe in water, working even at 1.5 meters deep for up to 30 minutes. This is just as good as phones like the iPhone 14 Pro Max.

The s23 ultra keeps looking good and stays reliable even when you use it a lot. This makes it one of the best phones out there for long-term use.

Display Performance and Visual Experience

The screen on the S23 Ultra is big and very clear. It gets really bright and shows lots of colors and shades. No matter if you are gaming, watching videos, or just looking at websites in direct sunlight, it always looks good. You can see the screen well, even when you go outside on a sunny day. The pictures and animations move smoothly and look sharp every time. The s23 ultra really stands out where dynamic range and brightness matter.

Let’s take a look at the details and see how they show up in daily use.

Screen Size, Resolution, and Brightness

The S23 Ultra has a bright, sharp screen. It is 6.8 inches and known as a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel. With a 3,088 x 1,440 resolution and 501 ppi, text is clear and colors are strong. You can read or play games with this display and get a good look. The 5,000mAh battery helps the s23 ultra deliver both strong power and long life.

Feature                   S23 Ultra

Screen Size           6.8 inches

Resolution             3,088 x 1,440 pixels

Pixel Density         501 ppi

Peak Brightness   1,750 nits

Battery                    5,000mAh

In real use, you can still see the display well, even when the sun is shining bright. When you look at the last year’s model, this new one gives you more light with 1,750 nits peak brightness. This is a game changer that makes it simple to read outside. It also helps movies and games look good on the screen.

Refresh Rate, Touch Response, and Outdoor Readability

A key thing here is the 120Hz refresh rate. It changes between 1Hz and 120Hz based on what is happening on the screen. You get very smooth scrolling and animations this way. It also helps the battery life when you look at something that stays still. People who play games will like the low input lag and quick touch response. Every tap, swipe, and move you make feels fast and instant.

If you take the S23 Ultra outside, you do not have to worry about using it in bright sun. The high peak brightness and its anti-reflective coat make the screen easy to see, even in direct sunlight. People who have used it and also experts say it is great for watching HDR and editing photos. The screen shows good colors and gives a wide dynamic range, so everything looks clear and true to life.

The display gives you fast, clear, and flexible use. It is one of the best you can get on any smartphone. It even matches or beats its top rivals at times.

Camera System Deep Dive

Photography fans will like the s23 ultra and its camera system. It has a 200MP main camera. The optical zoom helps you get clear, bright pictures in many kinds of light. The camera app is easy to use. You can switch between lenses quickly. It also lets you take RAW photos, so those who want more control can edit their shots in different ways.

The s23 ultra does really well when you take pictures with it. It is as good as the iphone 14 pro max and pixel 7 pro. The camera works great both in daylight and in low light. Let’s look at what the s23 ultra can do and also see what it cannot do.

Main Camera Specs and Daylight Photography

The main 200MP sensor stands out in this phone. It uses smart tech to group pixels together, so it gets more light and detail in each photo. The camera app is fast to open. When you take pictures during the day, you get bright, clear images. Skin tones look natural, and the exposure is really good.

  • You can take pictures in 12.5MP, 50MP, or the full 200MP. This lets you get raw photos with a lot of detail. These are good for people who like to change and edit the photos.
  • Both portraits and landscapes look sharp. The color stays real and there is not much extra editing.

Competitors such as the iPhone 14 Pro Max and Pixel 7 Pro are strong rivals. But the s23 ultra usually does better with the main camera, especially when it comes to dynamic range and versatility. In daily use, this phone takes great photos and most people feel good using it. The s23 ultra’s camera rarely lets anyone down.

Low Light, Ultra-Wide, and Telephoto Capabilities

Where the S23 Ultra stands out is the way it adapts in different settings. When you take a photo in low light, the main camera uses smart binning and a night mode to create bright and clear pictures. It adds little noise, and you do not have to turn the night mode on yourself most of the time. The ultra-wide lens works great for landscapes and group photos, showing less distortion. The phone also has two telephoto cameras with 3x and 10x optical zoom, letting you get sharp and close shots. This zoom beats what most other phones can do.

Photos taken with up to 30x digital zoom stay very clear. The 100x Space Zoom is good for fun pictures, but you might not want to use it for social media. The camera system gives you lots of ways to snap photos. It works better than most other options out there. Both critics and everyday people like it.

Video Recording Features

People who make videos will like the S23 Ultra. It has a strong set of tools for recording. The phone can record in 8K and 4K. The video stabilization is good. You also get editing tools right in the app. These are great for casual and advanced users. The S23 Ultra has remote shutter options. You can share your videos to social media quickly with this phone.

Samsung has made some big changes. Now, the phone is one of the best among top brands. You have more control and see things more clearly than before. Let’s take a look at the recording quality and the tools you can use for making new things.

8K and 4K Recording Quality

The s23 ultra lets you record in 8K with the main camera, at up to 30 frames per second. This gives you a lot of detail if you need it. For most people who take videos every day, 4K60 is enough. You can use it on the main camera and the selfie camera. It gives you sharp video, good dynamic range, and smooth motion in many situations.

No matter if you are vlogging or taking videos of family, the footage will look good from the start. The camera app gives you editing tools, so you can trim, add filters, and make your videos better before you share them.

When you look at other top phones, the S23 Ultra makes some of the best videos. The iPhone 14 Pro Max might do a bit better in some ways when it comes to keeping video steady. Still, Samsung’s updates to OIS and its software really help in real use. You can see the difference when you use the s23 ultra instead of the iphone 14 pro, iphone 14, or pro max.

Stabilization, Editing Tools, and Social Media Sharing

Stabilization is one more strong feature with this camera app. You get better OIS and smart digital tools working at the same time. They help keep your videos steady, even if you move around. The camera app also gives you all the main editing options you need. You can trim clips, change colors, or put on filters right in the app. You do not have to use any other app for these things.

  • The S Pen lets you take group videos or creative pictures from far away. The remote shutter makes this easy for you.
  • You can share your content on social media fast. It only takes a few seconds to post on your favorite apps.
  • You get better editing tools, so you can change photos or videos quickly while you are out. This helps creators and influencers do their work on the go.

Whether you post for fun or spend a lot of time on social media, the s23 ultra gives you top video features. The camera be sharp and easy to use. It stands out as one of the best out there.

Real-World Performance and Speed

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, the s23 ultra gives you top performance all day. The phone does well with multitasking, gaming, and heavy apps. You can use these features without stutter or lag. The device also stays cool during use, because it has better thermal management than last year’s model. This is a clear upgrade over what you got last year.

Everyday tasks like streaming videos or editing photos feel quick and smooth. This android phone is made for people who need speed and power. It is also easy to use for anyone who just wants their phone to be fast and dependable. Let’s take a look at how the android phone does in both benchmark scores and real-world tests.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Benchmark Results

Benchmarks show that the S23 Ultra is one of the best when it comes to speed and power. The device uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, and for this model, it runs at a higher clock speed. Scores in tests such as Geekbench and PCMark put it ahead of older models and most other phones, with only the iPhone 14 Pro Max’s CPU offering more. The s23 ultra and snapdragon 8 gen make it a top choice for anyone wanting a fast and strong device, even compared to the iphone 14 pro, pro max, and iphone 14 pro max.

In PCMark’s Web 3.0 test, the S23 Ultra was much better than last year’s S22 Ultra and the Pixel 7 Pro. Graphics tests like GFXBench showed good frame rates, so the phone is great for gaming. The Basemark Web 3.0 browser test also shows that it is fast when you browse and look at content.

In real life, the S23 Ultra works just like it shows in the numbers. You can open big apps, play games with high settings, and switch between tasks smoothly. The speed of the s23 ultra shows why it is a top model.

Multitasking, Gaming, and Thermal Efficiency

You can switch between apps, work with big images, or play games like Genshin Impact on the s23 ultra without any trouble. The phone has a lot of RAM. It can have up to 12GB. Its fast UFS 4.0 storage helps, too. So, there is no lag. Everything works well, even when the s23 ultra is busy.

Thermal efficiency is a big improvement this year. The device stays cooler when you play games for a long time or open many apps. It does not get hot like the older one. This helps stop battery drain and keeps your hands comfortable. The latest android os upgrades make sure everything in the phone stays up to date. samsung’s one ui comes with nice changes you will like. It gives you better ways to work and lets you make your phone feel more like you.

No matter if you play games or do many things at once, the S23 Ultra has the speed you need. It does not slow down. You can count on it every time. The S23 Ultra is a top phone for both work and play.

Battery Life and Charging Experience

Battery life plays a big part in how good a top phone can be. The s23 ultra does very well and has one of the best batteries you can get. It comes with a large 5,000mAh battery. There is also the snapdragon 8 chip, which makes the phone run without using too much power. So, you can use the phone for a day and a half without worry, even if you do different things on it. The fast charging can make the battery full in a bit more than an hour. The only thing is, the phone does not come with its own charger in the box.

Long-term users say that the s23 ultra keeps its battery working well over the years. Many people feel that it charges fast every time too. This makes the s23 ultra a phone that you can rely on every day. Let’s see how the phone holds up during daily use and over time.

Daily Endurance and Fast Charging Speeds

The s23 ultra stands out for its battery life. Most people can use the phone for a full day and even more, even if they spend a lot of time on social media, playing games, using navigation, or streaming videos. If you use the phone less, you can get close to two days on one charge. The phone’s hardware works well and makes sure the battery does not drop quickly, even during harder use or when you are outside in the sun.

Charging is simple. The 45W wired charger can fill the battery up to 70% in about 30 minutes. The battery reaches full in around 75 to 80 minutes. The phone also offers wireless and reverse wireless charging for extra ease. But, both of these ways are slower than wired charging.

Compared to last year’s model and other top phones, the S23 Ultra gives you longer battery life. It also charges much faster. So, you feel calm at home, at work, or when you go out. You do not have to worry about running out of power.

Long-Term Battery Longevity Reports

Many people say good things about the S23 Ultra’s battery after using it for several months. The phone still works well and the battery lasts a long time. There does not seem to be much drop in how long the battery lasts. This shows that Samsung does a good job with battery care and gives helpful software updates.

  • Samsung gives you years of security updates. You also get four Android OS upgrades. This helps your phone stay fresh and work its best. The software and battery will keep running well for a long time.
  • The phone’s battery is made to last for at least 500 full charges. It will hold about 80% of its power by then. If you need to, you can go to an authorized service center to get their battery replaced.

Owners get regular software updates, which help the s23 ultra use less power over time. This goes with strong hardware and good choices for repairs. The s23 ultra is made to last for a long time, not just the first year. This makes it a good pick for people who want a smart long-term investment.

Standout Features That Define the S23 Ultra

This device is more than just a new piece of hardware. It shows off many new features. The S Pen stylus stays a game changer. It helps with taking notes and being creative. With Smart Select, the remote shutter, and simple software tools, you get to work in a smooth way.

Samsung’s One UI gives the s23 ultra more to do, with better security and strong connections. You also get many special apps that you can not find on other phones. These things make the s23 ultra feel better and more useful than other phones out there. You will see how each part works for you when you use it.

S Pen Integration and Productivity Tools

The S Pen stylus is built right into the phone. You can slide it out from the bottom of the phone, and it’s ready to use. You can make quick notes or draw with it. The s pen is more than just for writing. You can use it as a remote shutter to take pictures with the camera. It helps you move slides when you give a presentation. With Smart Select, the s pen lets you get and share things on your screen easily.

Productivity tools on the S23 Ultra are many. You can turn handwriting into text. The phone lets you use translation, air gestures, and works better with Google apps. With these features, you do not feel limited by where you are.

People say the S Pen in the s23 ultra works fast and is easy to use. The S Pen fits different needs. You can use it if you are a worker, a student, or someone creative. It makes all your everyday tasks feel easier and smoother. Samsung keeps improving how the s pen works, but does not make it hard for you to use. This focus on simple and smart design turns the s23 ultra into a top phone for getting things done.

Security, Connectivity, and Unique Software Perks

Security is one of the best features of the s23 ultra. It comes with Samsung’s Knox suite, which gives strong protection. You get years of security updates, so it helps to keep your data safe from new threats. When it comes to staying connected, the s23 ultra has support for Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and fast 5G bands. This means you will be good for the future too.

  • Samsung’s One UI comes with things like easy device syncing, better multitasking, and Edge panels you can change to fit what you like.
  • The remote shutter lets you take pictures without touching your phone. You can also send messages and move files fast between devices, which helps you work better.

These new features, along with a smooth feel and help for updates over time, make the s23 ultra special. The s23 ultra does not just stand out because of the way it is made. It is also the smart system that is built for people who use it.

Comparing the S23 Ultra to Its Predecessors and Rivals

When you look at the s23 ultra next to the s22 ultra, iphone 14 pro, pixel 7 pro, and the z fold series, you can see what makes it different more clearly. The s23 ultra makes last year’s design better. It has a better chip. The camera works better. The battery life is longer. It still matches up well with top phones from Apple and Google like the iphone 14 and pixel 7.

Every phone in the competition has some strengths. But the S23 Ultra stands out because of its speed, the way it works, and the help you get with it. This makes it a good pick for people who want strong and fast phones. How does it match up to others? Let’s take a closer look at the details.

S23 Ultra vs S22 Ultra: What’s Really Improved

The S23 Ultra looks a lot like last year’s model, but there are big changes inside. The new phone uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, which is better for speed and helps save battery life. You get more use out of your phone in a day. The main camera now has 200MP. Photos you take with it are sharper than before. Here’s how it compares to last year’s model.

Feature                    S22 Ultra                        S23 Ultra

Processor                Snapdragon 8 Gen 1   Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

Main Camera          108MP                            200MP

Battery                      5,000mAh                      5,000mAh

Peak Brightness    1,200 nits                       1,750 nits

S Pen                       Included                         Included

OS Updates            4 years                            4 years

Security Updates   5 years                            5 years

You can feel the change with the s23 ultra. It runs smoother, lasts longer, and it can take better photos. These changes may not feel huge, but they do make the s23 ultra the top choice for a traditional Samsung phone now. If you have an older Galaxy or want the best android phone, this one should be at the top of your list. The s23 ultra is hard for any other android phone to beat.

How S23 Ultra Stacks Up Against Flagship Competitors

The Galaxy S23 Ultra is a strong choice if you want a top-tier phone. It stands out when you look at it next to the iPhone 14 Pro Max and the Google Pixel 7 Pro. This phone uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen chip. So, it gives you quick speed for all your everyday tasks and gaming. Everything feels smooth and fast.

The camera system on the s23 ultra is really good. You get great pictures when you take shots in low light. The optical zoom helps you get close to things without losing picture quality. If you like taking photos, this is a game changer.

Battery life on the galaxy s23 ultra is good too. With a 5,000 mAh battery, you have power to go through the day easily. Even with the bright, clear display, the phone lasts a long time. The s23 ultra helps people get more use out of their phone on busy days.

Drawbacks and User-Reported Issues

Feedback from users has pointed out a few things that people should think about before getting the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Many say the s23 ultra costs a lot, which might make some stay away. People also talk about battery life not being good, especially if you use a lot of apps that need power. The camera system on the galaxy s23 ultra is strong, but there be times colors look off or details get lost when lighting is tricky because it tries to fix pictures too much. Some owners feel updates are slow for the galaxy s23. They want new features and security patches faster. These things can make people think twice before picking the galaxy s23 ultra.

Common Complaints Since Release

Many users have shared some problems about the Galaxy S23 Ultra. A lot of people talk about battery life. They say when they use the s23 ultra for heavy tasks, like using the Snapdragon 8 Gen chip, the battery does not last long. There are also comments about software updates. People feel that Samsung’s One UI is not always what they want, and updates can bother them. The camera system gets good reviews for daytime photos, but some feel that low light pictures are not as good. This gets worse when they try digital zoom in low light. Because of all this, many people feel the high price of the galaxy s23 ultra does not match its performance.

Potential Dealbreakers for Prospective Buyers

Several things can stop people from wanting to buy the Galaxy S23 Ultra. The first is the high price. This can be a problem, especially when the s23 ultra is compared to the Google Pixel 7 or the iPhone 14. The galaxy s23 ultra uses the snapdragon 8 chip, and it gives good speed. Still, some people feel the snapdragon 8 gen is hard to use, or they want something simpler in their phone. The battery life in the galaxy s23 ultra is strong, but it may not work well enough for people who spend a lot of time on video or gaming. People should think about all these things before they choose the galaxy s23.

Conclusion

To sum up, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is a strong choice in the smartphone world, but it is not perfect. Some people talk about problems with its battery life and how the software works. These issues make it feel less great, even though it does many things very well. The camera system and S Pen work very well and make the phone feel special. But the high price can stop some people from getting it if they want good value. You should think about these downsides as well as what you get from the s23 ultra. A person needs to look at what they want in a phone to see if the Galaxy S23 Ultra or the Galaxy S23 is right for them. The key is to see if this device fits your own needs.

FAQs

Q1: Is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra worth upgrading to for existing Galaxy users?

A: For people who already use a Galaxy phone, getting the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra could be good if they want better camera quality, battery life, and performance. If you feel happy with the phone you have now, you may not need to change to the s23 ultra. Some things on the galaxy s23 ultra are like what you get on the galaxy s23 and other older phones. So, think about what you need before you decide to get one.

Q2: Are there any persistent issues with the S23 Ultra after several months?

A: Many people have said that the S23 Ultra has a few problems. The main issue is with how long the battery lasts. There are also some bugs in the software. People have been talking about these problems from when the phone first came out. If you want to buy the S23 Ultra, you might need to think about how well it will work over time and if it is reliable.

Q3: How does the S23 Ultra justify its price compared to other flagships?

A: The s23 ultra has a high price, but it offers strong technology and great cameras. It works fast and well. Its features are often better than what you find in other phones. There are regular software updates and it works smoothly with other devices. This makes the s23 ultra a good choice for people who love new tech. The phone gives you a good experience, so for many users, it is worth the cost.