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Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Galaxy Z Fold5

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Galaxy S23 Ultra

Starting at

£369.24£1,599.00 new
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Galaxy Z Fold5

Starting at

£402.00
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(589 reviews)
(298 reviews)

What's the difference between the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold5?

Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Z Fold5 comes down to the battery, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 Ultra starts at £369.24, £32.76 less than the Galaxy Z Fold5.

Refurbished from

£369.24£402

Battery

5000 mAh4400 mAh

Screen size

6.8 inch7.6 inch

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2XFoldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Main camera

200 megapixels50 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels4 megapixels
  • The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4400 mAh.
  • The Galaxy Z Fold5 has a bigger screen: 7.6 inch vs 6.8 inch.
  • Screen type: Dynamic AMOLED 2X on the Galaxy S23 Ultra, Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X on the Galaxy Z Fold5.

Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Galaxy Z Fold5 specs

The Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold5 both run on the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset with 12 GB of RAM and come in storage options up to 1TB. The S23 Ultra focuses on a traditional large smartphone experience with a higher battery capacity and very high resolution main camera. The Z Fold5 offers a foldable design with a larger flexible screen, smaller front camera, and a more compact but thicker body. Choose the S23 Ultra if you want a classic phone with a long battery life and a detailed camera setup. The Z Fold5 suits those who value a bigger versatile foldable screen for multitasking and media, and do not mind carrying a heavier device.

Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Galaxy Z Fold5 price

Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Galaxy Z Fold5 battery life and software updates

Battery capacity and operating system are key factors for daily use and longevity. Both phones come from 2023 and use Android, but the S23 Ultra has a noticeably larger battery.

Battery Capacity

The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 5000 mAh battery, which is higher than the Galaxy Z Fold5's 4400 mAh. This means the S23 Ultra will generally offer longer usage between charges, suiting those who prioritise battery life for extended daily use without frequent charging.

Operating System

The Galaxy S23 Ultra runs Android 13, providing a specific software version. The Galaxy Z Fold5 runs Android. Both support modern Android features, so software experience will be broadly similar.

Battery

5000 mAh4400 mAh

Foldable

N/AYes

OS at launch

Android 13N/A

Software updates

Until Feb 2028Until Aug 2028

Year of release

20232023

Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Galaxy Z Fold5 performance

Performance is powered by the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and 12 GB of RAM in both phones. Storage options are also identical, offering flexibility for apps and media.

Processor and RAM

Both devices use the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) chipset and include 12 GB of RAM. This combination will deliver smooth multitasking and fast app performance for gaming, productivity, and everyday tasks.

Storage Options

You can get both phones with 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of storage. This range suits users who need from moderate to very large amounts of space for apps, photos, videos, and files.

Chipset

Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)

RAM

12 GB12 GB

Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Galaxy Z Fold5 screen

Screen size, resolution and type differ between the two phones, affecting how you view content and interact with apps. Both support a 120 Hz refresh rate for fluid motion.

Screen Size and Type

The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 6.8 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, a large and bright panel for sharp visuals. The Galaxy Z Fold5 offers a bigger 7.6 inch Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, which unfolds to give more room for multitasking or watching videos on a tablet-sized display.

Screen Resolution

The S23 Ultra has a resolution of 1440 x 3088 pixels, delivering very sharp and detailed images on its screen. The Z Fold5 has a resolution of 1812 x 2176 pixels on its foldable display, which provides a spacious but differently shaped viewing area suited to its foldable format.

Refresh Rate

Both phones support a 120 Hz refresh rate, so scrolling and animations appear smooth and responsive on each device.

Refresh rate

120 Hz120 Hz

Resolution

1440 x 30881812 x 2176

Screen size

6.8 inch7.6 inch

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2XFoldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Galaxy Z Fold5 camera

Camera capabilities differ notably, impacting photography and video calls. Front and main cameras have different resolutions which matter depending on your photography style or video calling needs.

Front Camera

The Galaxy S23 Ultra features a 12 megapixel front camera, ideal for sharp selfies and clear video calls. The Galaxy Z Fold5 has a 4 megapixel front camera, which works well for video chat but with less detail compared to the S23 Ultra.

Main Camera

The S23 Ultra has a very high resolution 200 megapixel main camera, suited for capturing detailed photos and large prints. The Z Fold5's 50 megapixel main camera offers strong image quality with fewer megapixels, which still supports everyday photography needs well.

Front camera

12 megapixels4 megapixels

Main camera

200 megapixels50 megapixels

Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Galaxy Z Fold5 size and design

Other physical and connectivity features affect portability, network, and user preferences. These include size, weight, SIM support, and connectors.

Dimensions and Weight

The Galaxy S23 Ultra measures 163.4 mm in height, 78.1 mm in width, and 8.9 mm in depth, weighing 234 g. The Galaxy Z Fold5 is shorter at 154.9 mm tall, narrower at 67.1 mm wide, but thicker at 13.4 mm and heavier at 253 g. The Z Fold5's foldable design results in a bulkier and heavier device, while the S23 Ultra is slimmer but wider.

SIM Card Support

The Galaxy S23 Ultra supports Dual Physical SIM plus eSIM, which benefits users who want two physical SIM cards alongside an eSIM. The Galaxy Z Fold5 supports one Physical SIM plus eSIM, fitting users who use a single physical SIM with an eSIM option.

Connectivity

Both phones are unlocked and support 5G networks. They also both use USB Type-C connectors, ensuring compatibility with modern chargers and accessories.

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

USB-CUSB-C

Depth

8.9 mm13.4 mm

Height

163.4 mm154.9 mm

Mobile network

5G5G

SD card slot

NoNo

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIMPhysical SIM + eSIM

Weight

234 g253 g

Width

78.1 mm67.1 mm

Galaxy S23 Ultra or Galaxy Z Fold5: which should you buy?

Buy the Galaxy S23 Ultra if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £369.24, £32.76 less than the Galaxy Z Fold5
  • you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4400 mAh)
  • you want a higher-resolution main camera (200 megapixels vs 50 megapixels)

Buy the Galaxy Z Fold5 if

  • you want a bigger screen (7.6 inch vs 6.8 inch)
  • you want longer software support (until Aug 2028 vs until Feb 2028)

What our customers say

Customers who bought the Galaxy S23 Ultra frequently mention the phone looks and works like new, with many praising the excellent camera quality and smooth performance. The condition often exceeds expectations, with some noting minor marks that are hardly noticeable. Users appreciate the large battery life and the high-end features, describing the phone as a solid upgrade and a great value for a refurbished device. Several customers highlight the sustainable choice of buying refurbished and the detailed photos possible with the 200MP main camera.

Galaxy Z Fold5 customers enjoy the foldable design, especially for multitasking and media consumption on the larger inner screen. Many say the phone works perfectly with only minor signs of use such as a faint crease on the screen that is barely noticeable during video playback. Some buyers highlight the device's speed and battery life lasting nearly two days with optimisation. The foldable format suits users who want a compact phone that expands into a tablet-sized display. A few mention the phone feels heavier but appreciate the versatility.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra is well suited to those who want a traditional large smartphone with very detailed cameras and long battery life. The Galaxy Z Fold5 fits buyers looking for a foldable device offering a larger screen experience for multitasking and media, accepting a thicker and heavier design.

Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Galaxy Z Fold5 FAQs

Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Z Fold5 comes down to the battery, screen size and screen type. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4400 mAh. The Galaxy Z Fold5 has a bigger screen: 7.6 inch vs 6.8 inch.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra is cheaper refurbished, from £369.24 compared with £402 for the Galaxy Z Fold5.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4400 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 Z Fold5 gets updates until Aug 2028.

Both come in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB refurbished.

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