Samsung Galaxy S23+ vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

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

Physical

Volume 91.39 cm³ 113.58 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.37 "/g 2.91 "/g
Weight 196 g 234 g
Height 157.8 mm 163.4 mm
Width 76.2 mm 78.1 mm
Thickness 7.6 mm 8.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Green
  • Graphite
  • Phantom Black
  • Lavender
  • Cream
  • Lime
  • Red
  • Green
  • Graphite
  • Phantom Black
  • Lavender
  • Cream
  • Sky Blue
  • Lime
  • BMW M Edition

Display

Screen Size 6.6 " 6.8 "
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1440 x 3088
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 88.9 % 89.5 %
Pixel Density 393 PPI 500 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 1200 nits 1200 nits
Peak Brightness 1750 nits 1750 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 107.90 mAh/in² 108.13 mAh/in²
Battery Density 51.43 mAh/cm³ 44.02 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4700 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 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 740 Adreno 740

Connectivity

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

Software

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

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureSamsung Galaxy S23+Samsung Galaxy S23 UltraPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9S23 Ultra is noticeably larger and thicker. Impacts one-handed usability and pocket portability.
Weight (g)196234S23 Ultra is significantly heavier. Can cause fatigue during extended use.
Display
Size (inches)6.66.8S23 Ultra offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive content consumption.
Resolution (px)1080 x 23401440 x 3088S23 Ultra has a much sharper display due to higher resolution, noticeable in text clarity and image detail.
PPI393500Higher PPI on S23 Ultra translates to crisper visuals and reduced pixelation.
Refresh Rate (Hz)120120Both offer smooth scrolling and animations thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 2Snapdragon 8 Gen 2Both phones offer top-tier performance with the same powerful chipset.
RAM (GB)812 (some versions have 8)S23 Ultra can have more RAM, providing better multitasking and app switching performance, especially with demanding applications.
Camera
Main Camera (MP)50200S23 Ultra boasts a significantly higher resolution main sensor potentially capturing more detail, especially in good lighting.
Zoom3x Optical, 30x Digital10x Optical, 100x DigitalS23 Ultra offers superior zoom capabilities for distant subjects.
Battery
Capacity (mAh)47005000S23 Ultra likely has longer battery life due to larger capacity, but real-world usage varies.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy S23+ Advantages:

  • More Compact and Lighter: Easier to handle and carry.
  • Potentially Lower Price: Depending on configuration.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Advantages:

  • Sharper Display: Noticeably improved clarity and detail.
  • Higher Resolution Camera: Potentially better image quality and detail.
  • Superior Zoom Capabilities: Versatility for various photography scenarios.
  • Larger Battery: Potentially longer battery life.
  • More RAM in some configurations: Better for multitasking and demanding apps.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy S23+: Users prioritizing one-handed usability, portability, and affordability. Suitable for everyday tasks, social media, and casual photography.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Users who demand the best display, camera, and performance, prioritizing image quality, zoom capabilities, and multitasking. Ideal for power users, photographers, and content creators.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The S23+ generally offers better value for its price.
  2. How important is portability and one-handed use? The S23+ is significantly more compact.
  3. What are your primary use cases? The S23 Ultra excels in photography, content creation, and demanding tasks, while the S23+ is sufficient for everyday use.

My Choice: Samsung Galaxy S23+

While the S23 Ultra boasts impressive specs, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S23+. The significantly improved portability and ergonomics are crucial for my daily use. The performance difference between the two phones is negligible for my needs. While the S23 Ultra's camera and display are superior, the S23+'s camera and display are still excellent and more than adequate for my usage. Finally, the price difference is substantial enough to make the S23+ the more sensible choice for me, offering a better balance of performance, features, and price. I value comfortable daily use and don't need the extreme zoom or resolution offered by the Ultra.

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.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.