Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

I spend countless hours with the latest smartphones, from Apple to Google, I’ve finally gotten my hands on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. Over the past few weeks, I’ve put it through everything from casual everyday use to heavy work tasks. 

After testing its camera, battery life, and overall performance, I can say that this phone has plenty to offer, though it’s not without its flaws.

When Samsung launched the Galaxy S23 Ultra, expectations were high. With a 200MP camera, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, and a 6.8-inch AMOLED display, it’s easy to see why. But how does it compare to other flagships like the iPhone 15 Pro Max or Google Pixel 8 Pro? 

More importantly, is it really worth the investment? Let’s break down my experience and how this phone stacks up in the real world.

Galaxy S23 Ultra Specs

Here’s a quick overview of the Galaxy S23 Ultra specs, which you’ll quickly see are on par with most flagship devices today.

Pros and Cons of Galaxy S23 Ultra

Pros

• The 200MP camera delivers incredibly detailed daytime shots, even surpassing the iPhone 15 Pro Max in some scenarios.
• The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and 12GB RAM ensures smooth multitasking with no noticeable lag.
• The 6.8-inch AMOLED display offers vibrant colors and a fluid 120Hz refresh rate, making videos and photos look stunning.
• The battery lasts a full day, even with heavy use.
• The built-in S Pen is a handy tool for quick notes and edits on the go.

Cons

• The 6.8-inch size makes it difficult for one-handed use, requiring both hands for most tasks.
• No option for expandable storage, which limits space for high-resolution photos.
• It comes with a premium price tag that may be too steep for some.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Key Features

1. Camera System

The 200MP camera really lives up to its promise. During the day, photos are crisp, and you can zoom in to an unbelievable level of detail. 

I compared this with my iPhone 15 Pro Max and found that while Apple’s processing software is great, Samsung wins in sheer resolution.

That said, the camera isn’t perfect. Switching between lenses can feel a little jerky, and in low-light situations, the phone’s Night Mode performed well, though not as naturally as the Google Pixel 8 Pro, which I found to be slightly more reliable in these tricky lighting conditions.

2. Performance

When it comes to performance, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is no slouch. I ran multiple apps, played graphics-intensive games, and even edited a few 4K videos without noticing any lag.

Compared to the Google Pixel 8 Pro, which runs the Google Tensor G3, the S23 Ultra felt slightly faster during heavy multitasking.

However, OnePlus 11 is another competitor in this range, and while it performs well with its Snapdragon chip, it lacks the same level of camera performance and polish in daily use.

3. Display

Samsung’s displays have always been top-notch, and the 6.8-inch AMOLED on the S23 Ultra is no exception. The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations silky smooth. Watching Netflix or reviewing photos was an absolute treat. 

In comparison, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max has a great display, I found Samsung’s colors to be a bit more vibrant.

4. Battery Life

The 5,000mAh battery is robust and lasted me through a typical day, even with heavy usage. On lighter days, I could stretch it into the next morning. 

However, during gaming or extensive use of GPS, the battery drained faster than I expected. 

In terms of battery endurance, I’d say it’s on par with the Google Pixel 8 Pro, though devices like the Asus ROG Phone 7 might outlast it under continuous gaming sessions.

5. S Pen

As a fan of Samsung’s Note series, I appreciated the built-in S Pen on the S23 Ultra. Whether it’s jotting down quick ideas or editing photos with precision, the stylus adds a layer of convenience that I miss in other devices like the iPhone 15 Pro Max or Google Pixel 8 Pro, neither of which offer similar stylus support.

My Final Thoughts 

After spending quality time with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, I can say it’s one of the best flagships on the market, but it’s not perfect. 

The camera system, with its 200MP lens, is undoubtedly impressive, but it does have its quirks, especially when switching between lenses. The phone’s performance is as fast as they come, and the S Pen is a productivity feature I didn’t know I missed until I had it again.

For me, the Galaxy S23 Ultra remains a powerhouse device, perfect for those who want the absolute best in display, camera performance, and productivity tools like the S Pen. 

But as with all things tech, it comes down to what matters most to you—camera, battery life, or a balance of features. The S23 Ultra does a lot right, and for me, it’s been an excellent daily driver.