Samsung, the South Korean electronics giant, is once again pushing the boundaries of innovation with its latest flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S23 Ultra. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra replaces the beloved Note line, which was discontinued last year. This smartphone is a must-have for those who demand the best in terms of performance, design, and features. In this review, we will take an in-depth look at the device and see how it stacks up against the competition.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Image credits to Brian Heater

Design and Build Quality

The Galaxy S23 Ultra embodies a premium and high-end aesthetic, befitting its position as Samsung’s flagship offering. The smartphone boasts a sleek and modern appearance, with a slender and eye-catching profile. Despite its substantial size, the device is ergonomic and comfortable to hold and use, thanks to its optimal weight distribution and firm grip.

The build quality of the Galaxy S23 Ultra is robust and resilient, using only the finest materials. The device features a solid aluminum and glass chassis, imparting a sturdy and long-lasting feel. The Galaxy S23 Ultra is also IP68 rated, making it water and dust resistant, enhancing its durability.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra features a massive 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a high resolution of 3200 x 1440 pixels. The display is HDR10+ certified, ensuring an immersive and vivid viewing experience, with rich blacks and vivid colors. The display also has a high refresh rate of 120Hz, providing a seamless and fluid experience for scrolling, gaming, or any other use.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra sets a new standard in design and build quality, outperforming its rivals in the premium smartphone market. With its premium materials, elegant design, and robust build, this device is guaranteed to impress and deliver.

Hardware and Performance

The Galaxy S23 Ultra integrates the latest and most powerful hardware components for unbeatable performance. The device is powered by either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 or the Samsung Exynos 2100, depending on the region, and comes with 12GB to 16GB of RAM. This configuration enables the device to handle even the most demanding tasks, such as gaming, multitasking, or demanding applications, with ease.

In terms of storage, the Galaxy S23 Ultra offers either 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, which can be expanded with a microSD card. This means that you can store all your photos, videos, and data without worrying about running out of space.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra features a large 5,000mAh battery that supports fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging, allowing you to charge other devices from your phone. The device also has an in-display fingerprint sensor for added security and runs Samsung’s One UI 3.1 operating system, based on Android 13. The One UI 3.1 provides a clean and intuitive interface that makes it easy to use and navigate.

The camera of the Galaxy S23 Ultra is a standout feature of the device. The smartphone has a triple-camera system for its rear camera, consisting of a 108MP primary camera, a 12MP ultra-wide camera, and a 10MP periscope telephoto camera. The front camera is built with a 12MP lens for taking selfie photos. The camera system captures incredible detail and has excellent low-light performance. The phone also features a 40MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.

If you are looking for a device for gaming, multitasking, or everyday use, the Galaxy S23 Ultra will not disappoint in terms of performance.

Software and User Experience

The software experience on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is built around Samsung’s One UI 3.1, which is based on Android 11. This new version of Samsung’s custom interface offers a refreshed look and feel, with an emphasis on minimalism and ease of use.

One of the key features of One UI 3.1 is an improved Dark Mode, which makes it easier to use the phone in low-light conditions. Additionally, there are a number of new customization options available, so users can personalize their device to suit their individual tastes.

In terms of performance, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 888 processor, which is paired with 12GB of RAM. This combination provides lightning-fast performance and smooth multitasking, allowing users to easily switch between apps and run demanding games and applications with ease.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra also features a large 5,000mAh battery, which provides all-day battery life even with heavy use. Additionally, the phone supports fast charging, so users can quickly and easily charge their device when needed.

The software and user experience on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, with a focus on providing a seamless and enjoyable experience for users.

Key Features (Recap)

Galaxy S23 Ultra
Screengrab from Samsung website

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is packed with several key features, including:

  • Display: The device features a large 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a resolution of 3200 x 1440 and a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth and vivid visuals.
  • Camera: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a quad-camera setup with a 108-megapixel primary sensor, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens, a 10-megapixel periscope telephoto lens, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens. It also features features such as 8K video recording, phase-detection autofocus, and optical image stabilization.
  • Battery Life: The device is equipped with a 5000mAh battery, which supports fast charging and wireless charging.
  • Performance: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is powered by a 5nm Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888 chipset, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage.
  • Software: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra runs on the latest version of Samsung’s One UI, based on Android 11. It offers several new features, including an improved Dark mode, better privacy controls, and a more customizable interface.
  • Security: The device includes an in-display fingerprint sensor, facial recognition, and Samsung Knox, a security platform that protects the device from malware and unauthorized access.
  • 5G Connectivity: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra supports 5G connectivity, which allows for faster data transfer speeds and improved connectivity.

These are some of the key features of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra that set it apart from other devices on the market.

Final Thoughts

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is an excellent smartphone that is designed for those who demand the best in terms of performance, design, and features. The phone has a stunning design, with a large and vibrant display, and it is powered by a fast and powerful processor. The camera system is excellent, and the phone has excellent battery life and fast charging capabilities. The user interface is clean and easy to navigate, and the phone runs smoothly and quickly. Additionally, the phone has a range of key features, including 5G connectivity, an in-display fingerprint sensor, and water and dust resistance, that set it apart from other high-end smartphones.

This device is an excellent smartphone that will satisfy even the most demanding users. It is a well-designed, high-performance phone that is capable of handling anything that you throw at it. Whether you’re a power user, a photographer, or someone who simply wants the best, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is an excellent choice.

The phone is available for purchase now and is priced starting at $1,200. It can be purchased from Samsung’s website, as well as from a range of retail and online stores. If you’re in the market for a new smartphone, and you want the best, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is definitely worth considering.