Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

Samsung has released its latest flagship phone, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, on February 17, 2023. This device boasts impressive features and specifications that are sure to catch the attention of tech enthusiasts and casual users alike. With its stylish design, advanced camera system, and powerful performance, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is set to be one of the most sought-after phones in the market.

Design and Build Quality

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra boasts a sleek and modern design that is sure to turn heads. The phone measures 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm, making it slightly larger than its predecessors, but still comfortable to hold and use with one hand. The Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back, along with the aluminum frame, give the device a premium feel and add to its durability. The phone also features an IP68 rating, meaning it is dust and water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.

One of the most notable design features of the S23 Ultra is its inclusion of a stylus. The S Pen, with its Bluetooth integration, accelerometer, and gyro, allows for a more precise and efficient way to interact with the phone. Additionally, the Armor aluminum frame with tougher drop and scratch resistance, as advertised, provides added protection for the device.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra's design and build quality are top-notch, providing a premium look and feel while also maintaining durability and practicality. The inclusion of the stylus only adds to the phone's versatility and functionality.

Display

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra boasts a stunning display that is sure to impress even the most discerning user. The 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen features a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ and a resolution of 1440 x 3088 pixels, which delivers a pixel density of around 500ppi. The color accuracy and vibrancy are nothing short of excellent, with rich blacks and vivid colors that pop. The screen is also incredibly bright, with a peak brightness of 1750 nits that makes it easy to read even in direct sunlight.

The touch sensitivity and responsiveness of the screen are top-notch, and users will appreciate the smooth scrolling and effortless navigation. The display is also equipped with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which provides excellent protection against scratches and drops.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra's display is a standout feature that truly shines. Whether you're browsing the web, watching videos, or playing games, the screen is sure to impress. It's one of the best displays on the market, and a major selling point for the phone.

Performance

When it comes to performance, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra doesn't disappoint. It's powered by a Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) chipset, which offers smooth and snappy performance. The octa-core CPU, which consists of 1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715, 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710, and 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510, is capable of handling even the most demanding tasks with ease.

The device comes with various RAM and storage options, including 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, and 1TB 12GB RAM. These storage options allow you to store all your important files, photos, and videos without worrying about running out of space.

Multitasking on the Galaxy S23 Ultra is a breeze, thanks to its powerful processor and ample RAM. You can switch between apps seamlessly and without any lag. The device also handles gaming exceptionally well, with no noticeable frame drops or stutters, even when playing graphics-intensive games.

In terms of benchmark scores, the Galaxy S23 Ultra performs impressively, with an AnTuTu score of 1241531 (v9) and a GeekBench score of 4927 (v5.1). Real-world usage further confirms the device's high performance levels, making it an ideal choice for power users.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra offers impressive performance, making it a top contender in the high-end smartphone market. Whether you're using it for work or play, this device can handle anything you throw at it with ease.

Software and User Interface

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra runs on Android 13, with the One UI 5.1 overlay. The user interface is smooth and intuitive, with a clean and modern design. There are plenty of customization options available, including themes, wallpapers, and icon packs. The phone comes with a few pre-installed apps, but they can be easily uninstalled if desired.

The One UI 5.1 offers plenty of user-friendly features, such as a simplified settings menu, a dark mode, and a one-handed mode. The phone also offers Bixby natural language commands and dictation for hands-free use.

The software updates are frequent and ensure that the phone always runs smoothly. Additionally, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is equipped with Samsung DeX, which allows users to connect their phone to a monitor and use it like a desktop computer.

Overall, the software and user interface of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra are impressive, providing a seamless and customizable experience for users.

Camera

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra boasts an impressive camera setup, with a quad-camera system that includes a 200 MP main camera, a periscope telephoto lens with 10x optical zoom, a telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and an ultrawide lens for capturing expansive shots. This camera system is packed with features and technologies that enhance the overall image quality and versatility of the device.

With its high megapixel count, the S23 Ultra allows for capturing incredibly detailed photos. The large aperture and focal length of the lenses ensure excellent light gathering capabilities, making it ideal for both daylight and low-light photography. The sensor size further enhances the camera's ability to capture more light, resulting in improved low-light sensitivity and reduced noise levels.

Image stabilization is crucial for achieving sharp and steady shots, especially when zooming in or shooting in challenging conditions. The S23 Ultra utilizes optical image stabilization (OIS) for the main and telephoto lenses, as well as advanced digital stabilization for video recording. This combination ensures that both photos and videos are well-balanced and free from unwanted blurriness.

The camera's dynamic range is commendable, allowing for well-exposed shots in various lighting scenarios. Whether capturing landscapes, portraits, or challenging high-contrast scenes, the S23 Ultra excels in preserving details in both shadows and highlights. Additionally, the device offers a dedicated night mode that maximizes low-light performance, reducing noise and enhancing overall image quality.

The camera app is equipped with a range of features to cater to different photography needs. Portrait mode delivers professional-looking background blur, while HDR enhances the overall dynamic range in tricky lighting conditions. Panorama mode enables capturing wide vistas, and pro mode gives users full control over settings like ISO and shutter speed. The device also features AI scene recognition, which automatically optimizes camera settings for specific subjects or environments.

When it comes to video recording, the S23 Ultra supports 4K resolution, allowing for high-quality footage. Video stabilization ensures smooth and steady videos, while slow-motion and time-lapse features add creative possibilities. The device supports various video formats, giving users flexibility in choosing the most suitable option for their needs.

Overall, the camera system of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra provides exceptional image quality, versatility, and advanced features, making it an excellent choice for mobile photography and videography enthusiasts.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comes with a Li-Ion 5000mAh non-removable battery, which provides a decent battery life. With its 45W wired charging and PD3.0 technology, the device boasts a fast charging capability, allowing it to reach up to 65% in just 30 minutes. Additionally, it supports 15W wireless charging (Qi/PMA) and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. The battery performance is optimized through power efficiency and various battery optimization features. Users can expect a good screen-on time and standby time, thanks to the device's efficient battery management system. The battery capacity ensures a reliable backup for extended usage. Samsung has also included a battery saver mode to further extend battery life when needed. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra offers a strong battery performance with fast charging options and efficient power management.

Connectivity and Networking

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra offers a wide range of connectivity options, making it a versatile device for staying connected. With 5G network compatibility, users can enjoy fast and reliable data speeds, ensuring smooth browsing, streaming, and downloading experiences. The device also supports various Wi-Fi standards, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, allowing for seamless wireless internet connectivity. Bluetooth 5.3 ensures efficient pairing with compatible devices and enables convenient wireless communication. NFC technology is also included, enabling users to make mobile payments and easily share files with other NFC-enabled devices. The USB Type-C 3.2 port provides fast charging and data transfer capabilities. Additionally, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra supports dual SIM functionality, allowing users to use two SIM cards simultaneously. GPS, GLONASS, BDS, and GALILEO ensure accurate positioning and navigation. The device also offers the option for wireless charging, making it convenient to power up the device without the need for cables. With its comprehensive connectivity options, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra ensures that users can stay connected and enjoy a seamless mobile experience.

Additional Features

• Standout features: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra boasts an impressive array of standout features. Its 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support delivers stunning visuals. The device is also equipped with a powerful quad-camera setup, including a 200MP main camera, periscope telephoto lens with 10x optical zoom, telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and an ultrawide lens with Super Steady video capabilities. Additionally, the Galaxy S23 Ultra features an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, ensuring durability in various environments. It also supports wireless charging, including Qi wireless charging, making it convenient to power up the device. The smartphone is packed with advanced sensors, including an accelerometer, gyroscope, and a sensor suite for enhanced motion and environmental sensing.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a highly anticipated flagship smartphone that comes packed with a range of impressive features. When comparing it to other related gadgets in the market, it stands out as a top contender in terms of specifications, performance, and value for money.

In terms of competition, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra faces tough competition from other flagship smartphones such as the iPhone 13 Pro Max and the Google Pixel 6 Pro. These devices also offer high-end features and cutting-edge technology, making them strong contenders in the market.

When it comes to specifications, the Galaxy S23 Ultra boasts a stunning 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support. This puts it on par with other flagship devices in terms of display quality and smoothness.

In terms of performance, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, which offers excellent processing power and efficiency. Benchmark tests have shown that the device performs admirably, with high scores in tests like AnTuTu and GeekBench.

One of the standout features of the Galaxy S23 Ultra is its camera system. With a quad-camera setup that includes a 200MP main camera, a periscope telephoto lens with 10x optical zoom, a telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and an ultrawide lens with Super Steady video, the device offers impressive photography and videography capabilities. This puts it at the forefront of smartphone camera technology, competing with devices like the iPhone 13 Pro Max and the Pixel 6 Pro.

In terms of pricing, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is positioned as a premium smartphone with a starting price of around €1,079.54. While it may be more expensive than some of its competitors, the device offers a range of high-end features and a premium build quality, making it a compelling option for those seeking a top-of-the-line smartphone experience.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra holds its own against other related gadgets in the market. With its impressive specifications, performance, and camera capabilities, it offers a compelling package for tech enthusiasts and smartphone power users.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a flagship device that offers a plethora of impressive features. With its sleek design, durable build, and IP68 water and dust resistance, it ensures a premium feel and durability. The dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate provides stunning visuals and smooth scrolling. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and ample RAM deliver exceptional performance, making multitasking a breeze. The camera setup, including the 200MP main sensor and versatile telephoto lenses, captures stunning photos and videos. The battery life is commendable, and the fast charging capabilities are impressive. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a top-tier smartphone that offers a premium experience to potential buyers.