Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (8GB + 256GB) Review | 197 Data compared

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra achieved an overall camera score of 140 from DXOMARK, standing out for its high level of detail, wide dynamic range, and effective video stabilization. Key strengths include excellent zoom performance and fast, accurate autofocus across both photo and video modes. However, the device faces challenges with low contrast in backlit scenes, visible noise in low light, and occasional fusion artifacts. While the long-range zoom is impressive, it sometimes lags behind competitors at shorter distances, and the camera can struggle with white balance accuracy.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is characterized as a "deluxe" powerhouse designed for power users, featuring a significant 200-megapixel main camera sensor that delivers improved color accuracy, dynamic range, and exceptional low-light performance. It boasts unrivaled versatility with a 10x optical zoom and 100x digital zoom, supported by the fast, efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset. Key pros include a long-lasting 5,000mAh battery, an integrated S Pen, and a bright 6.8-inch AMOLED display. However, the $1,200 starting price is a notable barrier, and the device remains bulky and difficult to operate with one hand. Despite the high cost, there are no improvements to the 45W charging speed, leaving it behind faster competitors. Additionally, the camera's aggressive processing can sometimes produce unnatural-looking photos.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, reviewed by The Verge, is a refined, incremental update featuring a new 200-megapixel main sensor and a custom, efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. Pros include significantly improved battery life, a flatter screen edge for better S Pen usage, and double the base storage to 256GB. Cons focus on its high $1,199.99 price, large, heavy design, and inconsistent in-display fingerprint sensor. Despite minor yearly upgrades, it remains a top-tier Android choice.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is positioned as a versatile tool for photographers, highlighted by a new 200MP main sensor and a quad-camera system offering up to 10x optical zoom. The device excels in producing high-quality images with effective night mode capabilities and improved 8K video recording, while the 6.8-inch display and 5000mAh battery provide a strong user experience. Notable pros include the integrated S Pen for remote shooting and superior battery longevity. Conversely, the review identifies the high price point, large, slippery form factor, and the limited practical utility of the 200MP and 100x zoom modes as significant drawbacks. Critics suggest the extreme zoom capabilities often result in reduced image quality, rendering them more of a gimmick than a useful tool. Overall, the S23 Ultra is praised for its performance, but its size and cost are critical considerations.

TheStreet describes the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra as a premier Android device, highlighting its top-tier, large display and integrated S Pen for power users. Key advantages include the 200-megapixel camera, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip, and solid battery endurance. Conversely, the review notes the high $1,200 starting price and a large, unwieldy physical design as significant drawbacks. Other criticisms include excessive pre-installed software and the limited, often blurry quality of the 100x zoom feature.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, as reviewed by PhoneArena, is a refined flagship prioritizing performance and a new 200MP camera sensor over revolutionary design changes. Key strengths include the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip, an exceptional 6.8-inch display, and significantly improved battery endurance. While praised for its imaging capabilities and long-term software support, the device retains a large, heavy, and squared-off design that can be unwieldy. A notable drawback highlighted is the stagnant 45W charging speed, which lags behind competitors.

The SamMobile review characterizes the Galaxy S23 Ultra as a refined, premium device with a more durable, flatter, and easier-to-grip design. Key performance strengths include exceptional battery life from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, superior thermal management, and an impressive 200MP camera system, though it remains a large, heavy phone with limited 45W charging speeds. The S23 Ultra delivers an unmatched display and stylus experience, but is hindered by persistent, minor shutter lag and a lack of expandable storage.

The Android Police review describes the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra as a refined, near-perfect flagship, favoring iterative improvements like a flatter, more premium design and the high-performance Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip. The 5,000mAh battery delivers exceptional, all-day longevity, while the display remains industry-leading for brightness and clarity. Camera performance is a major highlight, centered on a 200MP sensor capable of producing incredibly detailed, high-resolution images. While the 10x periscope zoom remains a standout, unmatched feature, the review notes minor bugs, including occasional shutter lag and inconsistent, overly yellow night mode shots. Despite being arguably the best Android phone available, the device carries a high $1,200 starting price and lacks significant, forward-looking features, making it a difficult upgrade for S22 Ultra owners. Other downsides include 45W charging speeds that lag behind competitors, along with the absence of a microSD slot and included charger.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, as reviewed by Stuff, is a refined, productivity-focused flagship featuring a significant 200MP camera and a custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset that offers exceptional performance and battery efficiency. Key strengths include the versatile camera system, the integrated S Pen for enhanced productivity, and a bright 1,750-nit, 120Hz display. Despite these advancements, the device faces criticism for its high cost and similar design to the S22 Ultra, making it an incremental upgrade for existing users. Additionally, the phone's large size can make one-handed use uncomfortable, and its 45W charging speed trails some competitors.

According to Expert Reviews, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is considered the "ultimate Android smartphone" for users seeking premium features, power, and camera capabilities. Its strengths include performance and battery life, driven by the custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip, while key drawbacks are its high price and bulky design. The review highlights significant camera system upgrades, including a new 200MP main sensor and improved telephoto lenses, offering exceptional detail, low-light performance, and up to 10x optical zoom. Performance benefits from the exclusive Snapdragon chip, providing a notable speed increase, and the 5,000mAh battery demonstrated improved longevity. Beyond the high cost and size, other cons include minimal design changes, slower charging speeds compared to some competitors, and the absence of an included charger.

The Digital Trends review describes the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra as a refined, top-tier flagship featuring the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset and a stunning 6.8-inch 120Hz display. Key highlights include a 200MP main camera, the versatile 10x optical zoom, and a highly functional built-in S Pen, all supported by a four-year OS update guarantee. Despite these strengths, the device faces criticism for its large, heavy design, high price point, and 45W charging speeds that trail some competitors.

According to a Techaeris review, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is considered an excellent flagship phone that refines existing features rather than introducing revolutionary changes. Pros include a more ergonomic design with rounded rails and a flatter display, outstanding performance powered by a custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, significantly improved battery life, and enhanced speakers that rival competitors. Cons include the high price, iterative updates that may not justify an upgrade from recent models, a large and heavy build, and slower charging speeds compared to some competitors.

According to a Business Insider review, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra stands out as a top-performing Android flagship, featuring a custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip that enhances speed and efficiency. The device boasts a versatile camera system with a 200MP main sensor and a 10x optical zoom lens, although it experiences occasional shutter lag. While the design is similar to its predecessor, subtle refinements improve S Pen usability, and it offers better battery life and long-term software support despite a high price and missing charging brick.

IGN's review describes the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra as a powerful Android device featuring a 6.8-inch display, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset, and a 200MP main camera sensor with enhanced zoom capabilities and improved battery efficiency. Key strengths include its performance in demanding tasks and its impressive photography system. However, the review highlights significant drawbacks such as its high price, potential low-light noise in 200MP photos, and large size.

Creative Bloq describes the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra as a "roaring powerhouse" and the "ultimate Android phone" due to its powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip, sharp 6.8-inch display, and unique S Pen. The device features a strong camera system with a 200MP sensor and excellent 10x optical zoom, boasts exceptional battery life, and offers desktop-like functionality with Samsung DeX. However, notable cons include its large size and weight, high price, lack of a headphone jack and microSD slot, and some pre-installed software.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is described as a "near-faultless" device by BBC Science Focus, featuring a premium build, a stunning 6.8-inch display, a 200MP camera system, and a powerful custom Snapdragon processor. Its main drawbacks are its high price (£1,249), bulky size, and niche features like the S Pen and 100x zoom that may be underutilized by most users. The review concludes that while it is arguably the best Android phone, its "overkill" features and cost make it less essential for the average consumer.

PCMag describes the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra as the "best high-end Android phone," praising its 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and performance driven by the custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip. Key pros include its 200MP camera with 10x optical zoom, integrated S Pen stylus, and a long-lasting 5,000mAh battery. However, cons highlighted are its $1,199.99 starting price, large and heavy build, lack of an included charger, and absence of a microSD card slot.

According to Android Authority, the Ultra is considered the "boss of Android" despite its similar appearance to its predecessor, featuring significant internal MP main camera and a powerful " for Galaxy" chipset. However, key drawbacks include its high price, large size, base model' GB RAM, and charging speeds that lag behind competitors.