Galaxy A34 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra
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Galaxy A34
Starting at
£149.65£342.32 new
Galaxy S23 Ultra
Starting at
£369.24£1,599.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy A34 and Galaxy S23 Ultra?
Galaxy A34 vs S23 Ultra comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy A34 starts at £149.65, £219.59 less than the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) on the Galaxy A34, Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) on the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
- The Galaxy S23 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
- The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a bigger screen: 6.8 inch vs 6.6 inch.
Galaxy A34 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra specs
The Galaxy A34 and Galaxy S23 Ultra both come from 2023 and share a 5000 mAh battery and 120 Hz refresh rate, but they cater to different needs. The Galaxy A34 suits everyday users looking for a reliable phone with a large screen and expandable storage via microSDXC. The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers more power with a high-end Snapdragon chipset, double the RAM, a higher resolution and slightly larger Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, plus a 200 megapixel main camera for detailed photos. It also supports eSIM and offers larger storage options, ideal for users wanting a premium experience and more storage without expansion cards.
Galaxy A34 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra price
Galaxy A34 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra battery life and software updates
Both phones share a strong 5000 mAh battery, giving similar potential for daily use. Both devices come from 2023, reflecting their contemporary design and software.
Battery Capacity
Both devices feature a 5000 mAh battery, which suits users who want a full day of typical use without frequent charging. This capacity supports extended screen time and app use on both the Galaxy A34 and Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Operating System
The Galaxy A34 runs Android, which provides a solid platform but does not specify the version, making it suitable for general Android users.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy A34 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra performance
Performance differences come down to chipset and RAM. The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers a high-performance Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset with 12 GB RAM, while the Galaxy A34 is built around a Mediatek Dimensity 1080 chipset and 6 GB RAM. Storage options also differ, affecting how much content and apps you can keep on the device.
Chipset Power
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset built on a 4 nm process, designed for demanding tasks and intensive multitasking. The Galaxy A34's Mediatek Dimensity 1080 chipset is built on a 6 nm process and suits everyday apps and moderate multitasking.
Memory Size
With 12 GB RAM, the Galaxy S23 Ultra keeps more apps open and handles heavier workloads smoothly, appealing to power users or those who run multiple apps simultaneously. The Galaxy A34's 6 GB RAM is ample for typical app use and casual multitasking.
Storage Options
The Galaxy A34 is stocked with 128 GB and 256 GB storage, suitable for everyday users who store common apps and media. The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers larger options: 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB, which is ideal for those needing substantial space for large files, apps, or media without relying on external storage.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy A34 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra screen
Screen quality is a key difference, with both phones offering a 120 Hz refresh rate for smooth motion. However, the Galaxy S23 Ultra provides a higher resolution, a larger screen, and a more advanced screen type, which benefits users who prioritise display sharpness and vibrancy.
Screen Resolution
The Galaxy S23 Ultra's 1440 x 3088 resolution delivers sharper and more detailed images, which is beneficial for watching high-definition video or editing photos. The Galaxy A34's 1080 x 2340 resolution still provides clear visuals suitable for everyday use.
Screen Size and Type
At 6.8 inches, the Galaxy S23 Ultra offers a slightly larger display than the Galaxy A34's 6.6 inches, providing more room for video and multitasking. It uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology for enhanced brightness and colour accuracy, while the Galaxy A34 uses Super AMOLED, offering good colour and contrast for typical viewing.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy A34 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra camera
Camera capabilities differ significantly, with the Galaxy S23 Ultra focused on high-detail photography and the Galaxy A34 covering everyday photo needs. Front cameras are similar in megapixels, suiting video calls and selfies.
Main Camera Detail
The Galaxy S23 Ultra features a 200 megapixel main camera, designed for capturing highly detailed images, appealing to photography enthusiasts or users who want the best quality photos. The Galaxy A34's 48 megapixel camera meets general photography needs well, suitable for social media and casual photography.
Front Camera
The Galaxy A34 has a 13 megapixel front camera, which provides clear selfies and video calls. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 12 megapixel front camera, offering a similar experience for video and self-portraits.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy A34 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra size and design
Other differences cover connectivity, design dimensions, and storage expandability. These features affect how the phone fits your lifestyle, including how you use SIM cards and expand storage.
SIM and Storage Expansion
The Galaxy A34 supports dual physical SIM cards and includes a microSDXC slot for storage expansion, ideal for users who want flexibility in SIM use and extra storage beyond built-in capacity. The Galaxy S23 Ultra supports dual physical SIM cards plus eSIM but does not have a microSDXC slot, focusing on internal storage options.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy A34 measures 161.3 mm in height, 78.1 mm in width, and 8.2 mm in depth, weighing 199 g, which offers a lighter and slightly slimmer profile. The Galaxy S23 Ultra is larger at 163.4 mm high, the same width, deeper at 8.9 mm, and heavier at 234 g, which may feel more substantial in hand.
Connector Type
Both phones use USB-C connectors, providing standard charging and data transfer options.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy A34 or Galaxy S23 Ultra: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy A34 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £149.65, £219.59 less than the Galaxy S23 Ultra
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (13 megapixels vs 12 megapixels)
- you want longer software support (until Mar 2028 vs until Feb 2028)
Buy the Galaxy S23 Ultra if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 6 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (6.8 inch vs 6.6 inch)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (200 megapixels vs 48 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers who bought the Galaxy A34 generally appreciate its value and reliability for everyday use. Many find the condition acceptable for the price and mention the phone works well with typical apps, though a few note that battery life can be shorter than expected. The screen condition is often described as good with minor marks easily covered by cases. Some customers had concerns about condition grading, but many express satisfaction with the phone's performance and usability.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra receives praise for its premium feel and high performance. Customers highlight how the phone looks almost new, with excellent cameras and smooth operation thanks to the Snapdragon processor and 12 GB RAM. The screen and camera quality stand out in reviews, making it a popular choice for those seeking advanced features. Users also like the range of storage options and the overall experience of a high-end device at a refurbished price.
Overall, the Galaxy A34 suits buyers who want a solid, capable smartphone for everyday tasks, with expandable storage and a lighter build. The Galaxy S23 Ultra appeals to users looking for a top-tier device with superior performance, a larger, sharper screen, and a camera system for detailed photography.
Galaxy A34 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra FAQs
Galaxy A34 vs S23 Ultra comes down to the chipset, RAM and screen size. Chipset: Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) on the Galaxy A34, Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) on the Galaxy S23 Ultra. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 6 GB.
The Galaxy A34 is cheaper refurbished, from £149.65 compared with £369.24 for the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Both have the same battery: 5000 mAh.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a higher-resolution main camera: 200 megapixels vs 48 megapixels.
The Galaxy A34 gets updates until Mar 2028. The Galaxy S23 Ultra gets updates until Feb 2028.
Refurbished, the Galaxy A34 comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the Galaxy S23 Ultra in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
