Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Galaxy S25 FE
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Galaxy S23 Ultra
Starting at
£369.24£1,599.00 new
Galaxy S25 FE
Starting at
£364.55£645.24 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy S25 FE?
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs S25 FE comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S25 FE starts at £364.55, £4.69 less than the Galaxy S23 Ultra. The Galaxy S25 FE is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Main camera
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) on the Galaxy S23 Ultra, Exynos 2400 (4 nm) on the Galaxy S25 FE.
- The Galaxy S23 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4900 mAh.
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Galaxy S25 FE specs
The Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy S25 FE both offer unlocked 5G connectivity and USB Type-C ports, but they differ in several key areas. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a larger 6.8 inch screen with higher resolution and more RAM, making it suited for users who want a roomier display and stronger multitasking. The Galaxy S25 FE is lighter and offers storage options starting at 128GB, which benefits those looking for a lighter phone with a simpler memory configuration. Battery capacities are close, with the S23 Ultra holding 5000 mAh and the S25 FE 4900 mAh. The S23 Ultra supports dual physical SIM plus eSIM, while the S25 FE uses dual physical SIM only. These differences mean the S23 Ultra fits users seeking a high-end experience, while the S25 FE suits everyday use with solid features in a lighter design.
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Galaxy S25 FE price
Colour
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Galaxy S25 FE battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and operating system shape how long each phone runs and what software they use. Both phones offer strong battery sizes and Android-based systems.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 5000 mAh battery, which offers a solid power reserve for long days of use. The Galaxy S25 FE has a slightly smaller 4900 mAh battery, still substantial and able to support typical daily activities. Both batteries suit users needing dependable all-day performance.
Operating System
The Galaxy S23 Ultra runs on Android 13, providing a mature and well-established software experience. The Galaxy S25 FE runs Android, offering a standard Android environment. This means the S23 Ultra might appeal more to those who prefer a confirmed OS version.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Galaxy S25 FE performance
Processing power and memory affect how smoothly apps run and how much multitasking the phone can handle. Storage options also influence how much data and media you can keep on the phone.
Chipset
The Galaxy S23 Ultra uses the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset built on a 4 nm process. The Galaxy S25 FE features the Exynos 2400 chipset also on 4 nm. Each chipset suits users depending on their preference for Qualcomm or Exynos architectures.
RAM Capacity
With 12 GB of RAM, the Galaxy S23 Ultra supports heavy multitasking and keeps more apps active in the background. The Galaxy S25 FE has 8 GB of RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly and fits well for regular daily use.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers storage choices of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, suiting users who need ample space for apps, photos, and videos. The Galaxy S25 FE is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, which fits users who want a range of storage that starts smaller but still covers typical needs.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Galaxy S25 FE screen
Screen size, resolution, and display type affect how you view content and interact with the phone. Both devices use Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels but differ in size and clarity.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 6.8 inch display, offering more room for watching videos, gaming, or browsing. The Galaxy S25 FE has a 6.7 inch screen, slightly smaller but still providing a comfortable viewing experience suitable for everyday use.
Screen Resolution
With a resolution of 1440 x 3088, the Galaxy S23 Ultra delivers sharper and more detailed images, making it ideal for users who value high clarity and precision. The Galaxy S25 FE has a resolution of 1080 x 2340, which provides clear visuals that suit typical viewing and is easier on battery life.
Screen Type
Both the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy S25 FE use Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, ensuring vibrant colours and deep blacks. This means both phones offer excellent screen quality for watching media and general use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Galaxy S25 FE camera
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Galaxy S25 FE size and design
Several features affect everyday convenience and user preferences, such as SIM options, weight, and network compatibility.
SIM Card Support
The Galaxy S23 Ultra supports dual physical SIM cards plus eSIM, which suits users who want flexible options for work and personal lines or travel. The Galaxy S25 FE supports dual physical SIM cards, meeting the needs of users who prefer physical SIMs without eSIM.
Weight
Weighing 234 g, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is heavier, which may feel more substantial in hand and could appeal to those who prefer a solid build. The Galaxy S25 FE weighs 190 g, making it lighter and easier to carry for users who prioritise a less bulky phone.
Other Features
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G networks, allowing use with any compatible carrier. Neither has an SD card slot. Both use USB Type-C connectors, ensuring common charging and accessory options.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S23 Ultra or Galaxy S25 FE: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S23 Ultra if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4900 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (200 megapixels vs 50 megapixels)
Buy the Galaxy S25 FE if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £364.55, £4.69 less than the Galaxy S23 Ultra
- you want longer software support (until Sep 2032 vs until Feb 2028)
- you want a lighter build (190 g vs 234 g)
What our customers say
Customers say the Galaxy S23 Ultra looks and works like new, often matching or exceeding their expectations for a refurbished phone. Many note the phone feels like a high-end device with a pristine screen and body, smooth performance thanks to the Snapdragon processor, and excellent camera quality. Battery life is described as solid, and the overall experience compares favourably to new phones. Some customers appreciate the environmental benefits of buying refurbished and find the device a worthwhile upgrade or replacement.
For the Galaxy S25 FE, customers report the phone feels like new and works well for daily use. Many mention the battery performs adequately, with some noting it improves as the phone learns usage patterns. The S25 FE is praised for offering good value at a lower price point, and the screen and camera meet expectations for a refurbished model. A few customers mention minor issues such as receiving the wrong colour or small imperfections, but overall satisfaction with the phone's condition and performance is high.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra suits users wanting a spacious, powerful phone with high-end features and storage. The Galaxy S25 FE fits those looking for a lighter, simpler device with enough power and size for everyday use. Both offer reliable refurbished options with different strengths to match user needs.
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Galaxy S25 FE FAQs
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs S25 FE comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) on the Galaxy S23 Ultra, Exynos 2400 (4 nm) on the Galaxy S25 FE. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
The Galaxy S25 FE is cheaper refurbished, from £364.55 compared with £369.24 for the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4900 mAh.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a higher-resolution main camera: 200 megapixels vs 50 megapixels.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra gets updates until Feb 2028. The Galaxy S25 FE gets updates until Sep 2032.
The Galaxy S25 FE adds longer software support (until Sep 2032 vs until Feb 2028) and a lighter build (190 g vs 234 g). Refurbished, it costs £4.69 less (from £364.55 vs £369.24).
Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, and the Galaxy S25 FE in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.
