Galaxy S23 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra
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Galaxy S23
Starting at
£235.29£1,019.00 new
Galaxy S23 Ultra
Starting at
£369.24£1,599.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 Ultra?
Galaxy S23 vs Ultra comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 starts at £235.29, £133.95 less than the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Main camera
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S23, Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) on the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
- The Galaxy S23 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3900 mAh.
Galaxy S23 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra specs
The Galaxy S23 and S23 Ultra both offer the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and 5G connectivity, making them strong performers. The S23 is a compact, lighter option with 8 GB of RAM and a 6.1 inch Full HD screen, suitable for everyday use and easy handling. The S23 Ultra is larger with a 6.8 inch higher resolution screen and 12 GB of RAM, providing more screen space and memory for multitasking. Its 5000 mAh battery suits heavier users who want longer battery life. The Ultra also features a 200 megapixel main camera for high detail photos, compared to 50 megapixels on the S23. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise size and simplicity or a larger screen, more memory, and a more advanced camera.
Galaxy S23 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra price
Galaxy S23 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity and software version. The Galaxy S23 and S23 Ultra differ mainly in battery size and Android version, which influence how long you can use the phone between charges and the software features available.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S23 has a 3900 mAh battery which suits everyday users who want a phone that fits comfortably in one hand and lasts a day with moderate use. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a larger 5000 mAh battery, ideal for those who use their phone intensively or want longer periods between charges.
Operating System
The Galaxy S23 runs Android, supporting the Android experience without confirming the exact iteration.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S23 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra performance
Performance depends on chipset, RAM, and storage options. Both devices share the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, ensuring powerful and smooth operation. Differences in RAM and storage options affect multitasking and data capacity.
RAM
The Galaxy S23 comes with 8 GB of RAM, enough to keep everyday apps running smoothly and handle common multitasking needs. The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers 12 GB of RAM, which is suited to users who run multiple demanding apps simultaneously or want extra memory headroom.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S23 is available in 128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB storage sizes, covering typical storage needs for apps, photos, and media. The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers larger options including 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB, ideal for users who store large files or want more onboard space.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S23 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra screen
Screen quality shapes your experience viewing content. Both models have a 120 Hz refresh rate and the same screen type, but differ in size and resolution, affecting sharpness and display area.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S23 has a 6.1 inch screen, which makes it compact and easier to use with one hand. The Galaxy S23 Ultra's 6.8 inch screen is significantly larger, providing more room for watching videos, gaming, and multitasking.
Resolution
With a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, the Galaxy S23 offers sharp and clear images suitable for most daily tasks. The Galaxy S23 Ultra provides a higher resolution of 1440 x 3088 pixels, delivering crisper detail and more screen real estate for immersive viewing.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S23 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra camera
Audiovisual features impact photography and video calls. Both phones share the same front camera resolution but differ notably in their main cameras, affecting photo detail and quality.
Main Camera
The Galaxy S23 has a 50 megapixel main camera, which captures clear and detailed photos suitable for everyday photography. The Galaxy S23 Ultra features a 200 megapixel main camera, allowing for much higher detail, which benefits users who want advanced photography capabilities.
Front Camera
Both the Galaxy S23 and S23 Ultra have a 12 megapixel front camera, providing consistent quality for selfies and video calls across both devices.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S23 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra size and design
Miscellaneous differences shape how the phones feel and connect. These include physical dimensions, SIM options, and weight, which affect portability and flexibility.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy S23 is smaller and lighter, measuring 146.3 mm in height, 70.9 mm in width, 7.6 mm in depth, and weighing 168 g. This makes it easier to carry and operate with one hand. The Galaxy S23 Ultra is larger and heavier at 163.4 mm tall, 78.1 mm wide, 8.9 mm deep, and 234 g, offering a more substantial feel and bigger screen.
SIM Card Options
The Galaxy S23 supports one physical SIM plus eSIM, suitable for most users. The Galaxy S23 Ultra includes dual physical SIM slots alongside eSIM, providing more flexibility for users who need to manage two physical numbers.
Connector Type
Both phones use USB Type-C connectors, supporting modern charging and data transfer standards.
Carrier Compatibility
Both phones are unlocked, giving you freedom to choose or switch your network provider without restriction.
Mobile Networks and Storage Expansion
Both devices support 5G networks for fast mobile data speeds. Neither device has an SD card slot, so storage expansion relies on internal memory and cloud options.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S23 or Galaxy S23 Ultra: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S23 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £235.29, £133.95 less than the Galaxy S23 Ultra
- you want a lighter build (168 g vs 234 g)
Buy the Galaxy S23 Ultra if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 3900 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.8 inch vs 6.1 inch)
What our customers say
Customers appreciate the Galaxy S23 for its value and reliable performance. Many praise its strong battery life, clear screen, and fast operation, noting it suits everyday needs well. Buyers often mention the phone looks and works like new, with some highlighting it as a good choice for users who prefer a compact device. The Galaxy S23 is also noted for smooth setup and running common apps without issues.
Reviews for the Galaxy S23 Ultra highlight its pristine condition and advanced features. Customers enjoy the larger screen and excellent camera, especially the high megapixel count that produces detailed photos. Many say the phone feels like new and runs smoothly, making it a good option for users wanting a high-end device with more memory and screen space. The dual SIM capability and bigger battery are also appreciated by those who need these extras.
Overall, the Galaxy S23 suits users who want a compact, efficient phone for daily tasks, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra is better for those who prioritise a bigger screen, more memory, and advanced photography features.
Galaxy S23 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra FAQs
Galaxy S23 vs Ultra comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy on the Galaxy S23, Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) on the Galaxy S23 Ultra. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
The Galaxy S23 is cheaper refurbished, from £235.29 compared with £369.24 for the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3900 mAh.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a higher-resolution main camera: 200 megapixels vs 50 megapixels.
The Galaxy S23 gets updates until Feb 2028. The Galaxy S23 Ultra gets updates until Feb 2028.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the Galaxy S23 Ultra in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
