Motorola ThinkPhone vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date January 29, 2023 February 17, 2023
Release Year 2023 2023

Physical

Volume 98.06 cm³ 113.58 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.5 "/g 2.91 "/g
Weight 188.5 g 234 g
Height 158.8 mm 163.4 mm
Width 74.4 mm 78.1 mm
Thickness 8.3 mm 8.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Carbon Black
  • Red
  • Green
  • Graphite
  • Phantom Black
  • Lavender
  • Cream
  • Sky Blue
  • Lime
  • BMW M Edition

Display

Screen Size 6.6 " 6.8 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1440 x 3088
Aspect Ratio 20:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89 % 89.5 %
Pixel Density 399 PPI 500 PPI
Refresh Rate 144 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 1200 nits
Peak Brightness N/A 1750 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 114.78 mAh/in² 108.13 mAh/in²
Battery Density 50.99 mAh/cm³ 44.02 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU Adreno 730 Adreno 740

Connectivity

USB Version 3.1 3.2
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.1, OTG USB Type-C 3.2, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 13 13
Maximum OS Version 17

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureMotorola ThinkPhoneSamsung Galaxy S23 UltraPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)158.8 x 74.4 x 8.3163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9S23 Ultra is larger and slightly thicker. ThinkPhone might be more pocketable.
Weight (g)188.5234ThinkPhone is noticeably lighter, reducing hand fatigue during extended use.
Build MaterialsNot specifiedNot specifiedCannot compare build quality and durability without specific materials.
Display
Display Size (inches)6.66.8S23 Ultra offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive content consumption.
Resolution (pixels)1080 x 24001440 x 3088S23 Ultra has a significantly sharper display with higher pixel density (500 ppi vs 399 ppi), resulting in crisper text and images.
Display TypeP-OLEDDynamic AMOLED 2XBoth offer excellent contrast and vibrant colors. AMOLED generally has slightly better power efficiency.
Refresh Rate (Hz)144120ThinkPhone's higher refresh rate provides smoother animations and scrolling, especially noticeable in gaming and fast-paced UI interactions.
Peak Brightness (nits)12001750S23 Ultra's higher peak brightness ensures better visibility in direct sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 8+ Gen 1Snapdragon 8 Gen 2S23 Ultra features a newer, more powerful chipset, leading to faster performance and better efficiency in demanding tasks and gaming.
CPUOcta-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)S23 Ultra's CPU boasts faster clock speeds and newer architecture resulting in improved performance across the board.
GPUAdreno 730Adreno 740S23 Ultra's newer GPU delivers significantly improved graphics performance for gaming and demanding applications.
RAM (GB)88 (in specified version)Both offer sufficient RAM for multitasking, though S23 Ultra offers configurations with up to 12GB for even more headroom.
Camera
Main Camera (MP)50200S23 Ultra boasts a much higher resolution main sensor, potentially capturing more detail and offering greater flexibility for cropping.
ZoomNot specified3x Optical, 10x Optical, 100x DigitalS23 Ultra provides significantly superior zoom capabilities for capturing distant subjects.
Other Cameras13MP Wide + Macro, 2MP Depth12MP Ultrawide, 10MP Telephoto, 10MP Periscope TelephotoS23 Ultra offers a more versatile camera system with dedicated telephoto lenses for various zoom levels.
Battery
Capacity (mAh)50005000Both have the same battery capacity. Real-world battery life will depend on software optimization and usage patterns.
Fast Charging (W)6845ThinkPhone supports significantly faster wired charging, reducing downtime.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Motorola ThinkPhone Advantages:

  • Lighter and potentially more compact: Easier to handle and carry.
  • Higher refresh rate display: Smoother visuals for gaming and scrolling.
  • Faster Wired Charging: Less downtime for charging.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Advantages:

  • Significantly more powerful processor and GPU: Superior performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
  • Much higher resolution main camera and superior zoom capabilities: More detailed photos and greater versatility.
  • Sharper display with higher resolution and peak brightness: More immersive and clear visuals, even in bright sunlight.
  • More versatile camera system: Wider range of shooting options.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Motorola ThinkPhone: Users prioritizing a lighter, more compact phone with a smooth display and fast charging. Suitable for everyday tasks, media consumption, and casual gaming. Good value for its price.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Users demanding top-tier performance, the best camera system, and a stunning display. Ideal for power users, mobile gamers, photography enthusiasts, and professionals.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The S23 Ultra is significantly more expensive.
  2. What are your primary use cases? (e.g., gaming, photography, everyday use)
  3. Do you prioritize portability and one-handed usability?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Tight budget, prioritize everyday usability: ThinkPhone
  • Demand the best possible performance and camera: S23 Ultra
  • Balance of performance, features, and price: Consider other options or wait for sales.

My Choice: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

While the Motorola ThinkPhone offers a compelling combination of features and value, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra's superior performance, camera system, and display make it the better choice for me. The significantly improved Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the versatile 200MP camera with incredible zoom capabilities, and the brighter, sharper display outweigh the ThinkPhone's advantages in refresh rate and charging speed. I prioritize long-term performance and having the best possible mobile experience, and the S23 Ultra delivers on that front. While the price difference is significant, the overall user experience justifies the premium for my needs. The Thinkphone's lighter weight is tempting, but the S23 Ultra's advantages are more significant in my daily usage.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

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