Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

♡

1st best phone of 2023 (~$899)

6.8-inch

234g

8.9mm

45W

waterproof

Click to open full specs on GSMArena.com:

* Screen covers 89.9% of body.

Reviews

Overall phone rating and the reviews that impact it.

1st review by

6th review by

2nd review by

GSMCritic Score

5th review by

100

3rd review by

4th review by

* how the score is calculated?

Last update: 2023-08-24

Pros

Camera

200MP Main Camera: Exceptional results in well-lit and low-light conditions with rich color reproduction.

Versatile Telephoto Zoom: High-quality zoomed images that are hard to beat in the market.

Performance

High Resolution: Delivers stunning detail, ideal for streaming and gaming.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Chipset: Optimized for Galaxy, providing fast performance for multitasking, gaming, and resource-heavy apps.

Smooth Performance: Navigation and app usage are fluid, with little to no lag.

Large Display: Excellent for gaming and multimedia consumption.

High Performance for Gaming: The powerful chipset ensures smooth gameplay and supports demanding games.

Solid Long-Term Investment: The phone's future-proofing and performance make it a good long-term device.

Gaming-Specific Features: Large display and fast performance make it a suitable device for gaming enthusiasts.

Ideal for Heavy Users: The device can handle heavy multitasking, gaming, and media consumption with ease.

Design

Premium Build Quality: The phone feels robust and well-made, with an elegant design.

IP68 Certification: Dust and water resistance, enhancing durability.

Professional and Sleek Design: Blends high-end hardware with a visually appealing design.

Display

6.8-inch LTPO OLED Display: Offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a 120Hz refresh rate for a smooth visual experience.

High Brightness: Great outdoor visibility even in bright sunlight.

Battery

Battery Performance: Lasts a full day even under heavy use.

Software

Long Software Update Commitment: Four years of Android updates for future-proofing.

S Pen Remote Control Features: Enhances functionality with remote control over certain phone features.

Great for Creative Professionals: The combination of the S Pen and powerful hardware makes it suitable for professional creatives.

Storage

Impressive Base Storage Upgrade: Provides ample space, reducing the need for immediate upgrades.

Ample Space Without Upgrades: Reduces the need for immediate storage upgrades.

Other

S Pen: Adds precision and functionality, ideal for professional tasks like note-taking, drawing, and creative projects.

Cons

Camera

Inconsistent Camera Performance: While great overall, image quality can vary between shots, especially in challenging lighting conditions.

Selfies Can Look Overprocessed: Some selfie images may appear unnatural or overly processed.

Performance

Moderate Heat Buildup During Gaming: Extended gaming sessions lead to noticeable heat buildup.

Cooling System Could Be Better: Prolonged use, especially for gaming, could benefit from improved heat management.

Design

Large and Heavy Design: May not be comfortable for all users, especially for those with smaller hands or those preferring one-handed use.

One-Handed Use Difficult: Size and heft make it hard to use with one hand, a downside for people who prioritize mobility.

No Major Design Innovation: The design feels very similar to its predecessor, lacking groundbreaking new features.

Hefty Trade-off for Large Display: While the large display is great for media consumption, it adds to the device's size and weight.

Battery

Slow Charging: The 45W wired charging is slow compared to competitors, especially at this price range.

Price

Expensive: The price is very high, making it less accessible to a broader audience.

Software

Samsung One UI Can Feel Bloated: The software is packed with features, but it can be overwhelming and less streamlined.

Unintuitive Software Navigation: Some settings in Samsung’s One UI can be difficult to navigate.

Audio

No Advanced Bluetooth Audio Codecs: Missing some modern audio features, which may disappoint audiophiles.

Connectivity

No Wi-Fi 7 Support: Lacks the latest wireless connectivity features.

Missing Advanced Connectivity Features: The absence of newer connectivity tech like Wi-Fi 7 and modern Bluetooth codecs could disappoint some tech enthusiasts.

Rankings

The Best Phone Of 2023: #1

The Highest Optical Zoom Of 2023: #1

The Largest Screen Size Of 2023: #12

The Smallest Screen Size Of 2023: #63

The Lightest Phone Of 2023: #70

The Thinnest Phone Of 2023: #51

The Fastest Charging Speed Of 2023: #40

The Highest Screen To Body Ratio Of 2023: #14

The Cheapest Phone Of 2023: #65

GSMCritic Camera Score: 96