Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Review: the latest addition to Samsung’s illustrious smartphone lineup, presents a refined smartphone experience with an array of compelling features. In this review, we delve into its design, stunning display quality, impressive battery life, rapid charging capabilities, and the auditory delight of its speakers
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Review and Overview
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Introduction | The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, a year later after the Note series, brings minor upgrades and features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip. |
| Pricing | – 256GB 8GB RAM: $814.99<br>- 256GB 12GB RAM: $909.50<br>- 512GB 12GB RAM: $897.73 |
| Body | Dimensions: 163.4×78.1×8.9mm<br>Weight: 234g<br>Build: Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame<br>IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins). |
| Display | – 6.80″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1750 nits (peak)<br>- Resolution: 1440x3088px<br>- Aspect ratio: 19.3:9<br>- Pixel density: 501ppi<br>- Always-on display. |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)<br>Octa-core CPU<br>Adreno 740 GPU. |
| Memory | – 256GB 8GB RAM<br>- 256GB 12GB RAM<br>- 512GB 12GB RAM<br>- 1TB 12GB RAM<br>- UFS 4.0 storage. |
| OS/Software | Android 13, One UI 5.1. |
| Rear Camera | – Wide (main): 200 MP, f/1.7<br>- Telephoto: 10 MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom<br>- Telephoto: 10 MP, f/4.9, 10x optical zoom<br>- Ultra wide angle: 12 MP, f/2.2<br>- Super Steady video. |
| Front Camera | 12 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide). |
| Video Capture | Rear camera: 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@960fps, HDR10+, stereo sound recording, gyro-EIS.<br>Front camera: 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps. |
| Battery | – Capacity: 5000mAh<br>- Charging: 45W wired, PD3.0, 4.5W reverse wireless, wireless charging (up to 15W). |
| Miscellaneous | – Fingerprint reader (under display, ultrasonic)<br>- Stylus (4096 levels of pressure sensitivity, 2.8ms latency)<br>- NFC<br>- Stereo speakers<br>- Samsung DeX, Samsung Wireless DeX<br>- Bixby natural language commands and dictation, Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified), Ultra Wideband (UWB) support. |
| Design and Build Quality | The S23 Ultra features a flatter display, slim bezels, and a new camera ring design. The frame is made of Armor Aluminum, and the phone is IP68-rated for dust and water resistance. |
| Display Quality | The phone boasts a 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support. It offers up to 1750 nits of peak brightness. The New Vision Booster feature enhances legibility in bright conditions. Color accuracy and modes are similar to previous models. |
| Battery Life | The S23 Ultra’s 5000mAh battery delivers over 39 hours of voice calls and over 21 hours of Wi-Fi web browsing. The phone achieved an overall Endurance rating of 126 hours. It offers improved battery life compared to the previous model. |
| Charging Speed | The phone supports 45W wired charging, delivering a full charge in under an hour. Third-party 65W charging showed faster results. It also supports wireless charging and features a “Pause USB Power Delivery” option for gaming. |
| Speaker Quality | The speaker system on the S23 Ultra offers “Very Good” loudness and improved sound quality compared to the previous model. It features Dolby Atmos enhancement with various sound modes. |
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Design and Build Quality
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Display Flattening | The S23 Ultra features a flatter display, which is a departure from the curved edges of previous models. It provides a secure grip and a premium feel. Slim bezels enhance handling. |
| Frame and Materials | The frame is made of Armor Aluminum, a specific alloy designed for durability. Both the front and rear panels are Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering excellent protection against drops and scratches. |
| IP68 Rating | The S23 Ultra is IP68-rated for dust and water resistance. It can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. This level of protection ensures peace of mind in various environments. |
| Camera Ring Design | The camera module on the rear sports a new ring design, which sets it apart from previous models. This design element adds a touch of elegance to the overall aesthetics of the device. |
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Display Quality
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Display Technology | The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra boasts a 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. It’s equipped with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and offers up to 1750 nits of peak brightness for vivid visuals. |
| Vision Booster | The “Vision Booster” feature helps enhance legibility in bright outdoor conditions by increasing the brightness when needed. This feature is particularly useful when using the phone in direct sunlight. |
| Color Accuracy | The phone maintains the accurate color representation of its predecessors, with excellent color modes like Natural, Vivid, and Adaptive. The display’s colors remain true and vibrant. |
| Display Modes | It offers various display modes to suit different preferences, including Eye Comfort Shield for reducing blue light exposure and adjustable white balance settings. |
| Always-On Display | The S23 Ultra features an Always-On Display that allows you to view essential information, such as notifications and the time, without unlocking the device. |
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Battery Life
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | The S23 Ultra is equipped with a robust 5000mAh battery, ensuring extended usage without the need for frequent recharging. |
| Battery Testing | Battery tests demonstrate impressive results, with over 39 hours of voice calls and over 21 hours of Wi-Fi web browsing. |
| Endurance Rating | The phone achieved an overall Endurance rating of 126 hours, indicating its longevity and excellent battery performance. |
| Improved Battery Life | The S23 Ultra offers improved battery life compared to its predecessor, ensuring a reliable power source for daily tasks. |
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Charging Speed
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Wired Charging Speed | The S23 Ultra supports 45W wired charging, allowing users to attain a full charge in under an hour, which is notably fast. |
| Wireless Charging | It also offers wireless charging capabilities, with support for up to 15W wireless charging, providing convenient and cable-free recharging. |
| USB Power Delivery | The “Pause USB Power Delivery” feature is designed for gamers, enabling them to allocate power to their phone while optimizing gaming performance. |
| Third-Party Charging | The phone can also take advantage of third-party 65W charging solutions for even faster charging speeds. |
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Speaker Quality
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Loudness | The speaker system on the S23 Ultra offers “Very Good” loudness, ensuring clear and audible sound even in noisy environments. |
| Sound Quality | Samsung has made improvements in sound quality, resulting in a more enjoyable listening experience compared to previous models. |
| Dolby Atmos Enhancement | The device features Dolby Atmos enhancement and various sound modes to cater to different media and listening preferences. |
| Stereo Sound | With stereo speakers, the S23 Ultra provides a dynamic and immersive audio experience, ideal for multimedia consumption. |
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra stands out as a versatile and premium smartphone. With its exquisite design, outstanding display, exceptional battery life, fast charging, and impressive audio quality, it is a top-tier device for users seeking the best in both aesthetics and performance. Samsung continues to set a high standard