Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Realme 12 Pro+ - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date February 17, 2023 January 29, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 113.58 cm³ 105.17 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 2.91 "/g 3.42 "/g
Weight 234 g 196 g
Height 163.4 mm 161.5 mm
Width 78.1 mm 74 mm
Thickness 8.9 mm 8.8 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Red
  • Green
  • Graphite
  • Phantom Black
  • Lavender
  • Cream
  • Sky Blue
  • Lime
  • BMW M Edition
  • Submarine Blue
  • Navigator Beige
  • Explorer Red

Display

Screen Size 6.8 " 6.7 "
Resolution 1440 x 3088 1080 x 2412
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.5 % 90.4 %
Pixel Density 500 PPI 394 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 1200 nits 800 nits
Peak Brightness 1750 nits 950 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 108.13 mAh/in² 111.38 mAh/in²
Battery Density 44.02 mAh/cm³ 47.54 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) Qualcomm SM7435-AB Snapdragon 7s 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 (4x2.40 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 740 Adreno 710

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 UltraRealme 12 Pro+Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9161.5 x 74 x 8.8S23 Ultra slightly taller and wider, negligible depth difference.
Weight (g)234196Realme 12 Pro+ noticeably lighter, impacting one-handed use and pocket comfort.
BuildMissingMissingBuild quality and materials can significantly impact durability and feel, but information is lacking.
Display
Display Size (inches)6.86.7S23 Ultra offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive content consumption.
Resolution1440 x 30881080 x 2412Significantly sharper and more detailed visuals on the S23 Ultra due to higher resolution (500 ppi vs 394 ppi). Impacts clarity of text, images, and videos.
Display TypeDynamic AMOLED 2XAMOLEDBoth offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. Dynamic AMOLED 2X on the S23 Ultra potentially offers better brightness and HDR performance.
Refresh Rate (Hz)120120Both offer smooth scrolling and animations.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 2Snapdragon 7s Gen 2S23 Ultra boasts a flagship-level processor, resulting in significantly faster performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
CPUOcta-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (4x2.40 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A55)The S23 Ultra's superior CPU architecture and clock speeds provide a substantial performance advantage.
GPUAdreno 740Adreno 710S23 Ultra has a more powerful GPU, delivering smoother and higher-quality gaming experiences.
RAM (GB)8 (listed, but other versions available)8 (listed, but other versions available)RAM amount impacts multitasking capabilities. Both have adequate RAM for general use but higher RAM versions offer better performance.
Camera
Main Camera (MP)20050Higher resolution on the S23 Ultra potentially offers more detail in photos, especially in good lighting conditions.
Telephoto Capability10x Optical Zoom3x Optical ZoomS23 Ultra provides superior zoom capabilities for distant subjects.
Video RecordingUp to 8K@30fpsUp to 4K@30fpsS23 Ultra can record higher resolution video.
Battery
Capacity (mAh)50005000Similar battery capacity suggests comparable battery life, though real-world usage can vary significantly based on other factors.
Fast Charging45W67WRealme 12 Pro+ offers significantly faster charging speeds.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: Flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset delivers significantly better performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
  • Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density provide a noticeably clearer and more detailed viewing experience.
  • Advanced Camera System: Offers a 200MP main sensor, superior zoom capabilities, and 8K video recording.

Realme 12 Pro+ Advantages:

  • Faster Charging: 67W fast charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the S23 Ultra's 45W.
  • Lighter Weight: Noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for one-handed use and extended periods.
  • Lower Price: Generally more affordable than the S23 Ultra.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Ideal for users who prioritize top-tier performance, a stunning display, and advanced camera features. Suitable for demanding tasks, mobile gaming, content creation, and professional photography/videography.

Realme 12 Pro+: Suitable for users who seek a balance between performance, features, and affordability. A good option for everyday use, social media, casual gaming, and users who value fast charging.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The S23 Ultra is a premium flagship device, while the Realme 12 Pro+ is more budget-friendly.
  2. What are your performance needs? For demanding tasks and gaming, the S23 Ultra's superior processor is crucial.
  3. What are your camera priorities? If high-quality photography and videography are important, the S23 Ultra's advanced camera system is a significant advantage.

My Choice: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

While the Realme 12 Pro+ offers impressive features for its price point, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. The significantly superior performance, stunning display, and advanced camera system are compelling advantages for my needs. I prioritize a smooth and responsive user experience, high-quality visuals, and the ability to capture detailed photos and videos. While the faster charging of the Realme is attractive, the overall performance and feature set of the S23 Ultra make it the better choice for me in the long run. The price difference is justified by the significant jump in quality and capabilities.

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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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.