Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Motorola Moto G85 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date February 17, 2023 June 25, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 113.58 cm³ 89.95 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 2.91 "/g 3.9 "/g
Weight 234 g 171 g
Height 163.4 mm 161.9 mm
Width 78.1 mm 73.1 mm
Thickness 8.9 mm 7.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Red
  • Green
  • Graphite
  • Phantom Black
  • Lavender
  • Cream
  • Sky Blue
  • Lime
  • BMW M Edition
  • Cobalt Blue
  • Olive Green
  • Urban Grey
  • Magenta

Display

Screen Size 6.8 " 6.67 "
Resolution 1440 x 3088 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.5 % 90.8 %
Pixel Density 500 PPI 395 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 1200 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 1750 nits 1600 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 108.13 mAh/in² 112.39 mAh/in²
Battery Density 44.02 mAh/cm³ 55.59 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 (6 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 (2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 740 Adreno 619

Connectivity

USB Version 3.2 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.2, OTG USB Type-C 2.0

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 13 14
Maximum OS Version 17

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureSamsung Galaxy S23 UltraMotorola Moto G85Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9161.9 x 73.1 x 7.6S23 Ultra slightly taller and wider, but thinner. Moto G85 noticeably lighter.
Weight (g)234171Moto G85 significantly more comfortable for one-handed use and extended holding.
Build MaterialUnspecifiedUnspecifiedBuild quality and durability cannot be definitively compared without material information.
Display
Display TypeDynamic AMOLED 2XP-OLEDS23 Ultra likely offers superior contrast, wider color gamut, and potentially higher brightness in direct sunlight due to AMOLED technology.
Size (inches)6.86.67Negligible size difference in practical usage.
Resolution1440 x 30881080 x 2400S23 Ultra offers significantly sharper visuals due to much higher pixel density (500 ppi vs 395 ppi), beneficial for detail-oriented tasks and media consumption.
Refresh Rate (Hz)120120Both offer smooth scrolling and animations.
Peak Brightness (nits)17501600S23 Ultra may be slightly more readable outdoors in bright conditions.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm)Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 (6nm)S23 Ultra boasts a flagship-level processor, significantly outperforming the Moto G85 in demanding tasks like gaming, multitasking, and content creation.
CPUOcta-core (up to 3.36GHz)Octa-core (up to 2.3 GHz)S23 Ultra's superior CPU clock speed translates to faster app loading, smoother performance, and quicker processing.
GPUAdreno 740Adreno 619S23 Ultra's more powerful GPU offers a considerably better gaming experience with higher frame rates and more detailed graphics.
RAM8GB/12GB12GBWhile Moto G85 has more RAM in this comparison, the S23 Ultra's superior processor and optimized software likely result in better overall performance even with less RAM in some configurations.
Camera
Rear Camera200MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto (3x & 10x)50MP main, 8MP ultrawideS23 Ultra possesses a more versatile camera system with higher resolution sensors, dedicated telephoto lenses for optical zoom, and potentially superior image quality across various conditions. Notably, 100X Space Zoom capability.
Video RecordingUp to 8K@30fpsUp to 1080p@60fpsS23 Ultra offers significantly higher resolution video recording capabilities.
Battery
Capacity (mAh)50005000Similar battery capacity suggests comparable battery life, but real-world usage may vary due to different processors and display efficiencies.
Fast Charging45W30WS23 Ultra charges significantly faster.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Advantages:

  • Significantly superior performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 provides a substantial advantage in speed and responsiveness for demanding tasks.
  • More versatile and capable camera system: Higher resolution sensors, optical zoom, and 8K video recording cater to photography enthusiasts.
  • Sharper and potentially brighter display: Higher resolution and AMOLED technology offer a visually richer experience.
  • Faster charging: Reduces downtime significantly.

Motorola Moto G85 Advantages:

  • Lighter and more comfortable to hold: Significant advantage for one-handed use.
  • Lower price: Offers a more budget-friendly option.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Ideal for power users, gamers, content creators, and photography enthusiasts who prioritize top-tier performance, a premium display, and advanced camera features.

Motorola Moto G85: Suitable for budget-conscious users who prioritize a lightweight and comfortable phone for everyday tasks like communication, web browsing, and social media. Good for users who value battery life and affordability over peak performance.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The S23 Ultra is a premium flagship device, while the Moto G85 is a mid-range option.
  2. What are your primary use cases? Gaming, photography, and demanding tasks benefit from the S23 Ultra's power. Everyday tasks can be comfortably handled by the Moto G85.
  3. How important is portability and comfort? The Moto G85's lighter weight is a major advantage for extended use.

My Choice: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

While the Motorola Moto G85 offers excellent value for its price, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the clear winner for me. The superior performance, vastly more capable camera system, stunning display, and faster charging are crucial factors in my decision. The price difference is justified by the significant leap in overall quality and user experience. I prioritize performance, a great camera, and a vibrant display, making the S23 Ultra a better fit for my needs. The slightly larger size and weight are acceptable trade-offs for the significant gains in functionality and experience. The long-term value proposition of the S23 Ultra, with its powerful processor and extended software support, also contributes to its appeal.

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.