Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy M55 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date February 17, 2023 March 28, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 113.58 cm³ 97.8 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 2.91 "/g 3.72 "/g
Weight 234 g 180 g
Height 163.4 mm 163.9 mm
Width 78.1 mm 76.5 mm
Thickness 8.9 mm 7.8 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Red
  • Green
  • Graphite
  • Phantom Black
  • Lavender
  • Cream
  • Sky Blue
  • Lime
  • BMW M Edition
  • Light Green
  • Dark Blue

Display

Screen Size 6.8 " 6.7 "
Resolution 1440 x 3088 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.5 % 86.4 %
Pixel Density 500 PPI 393 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 1200 nits 1000 nits
Peak Brightness 1750 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 108.13 mAh/in² 111.38 mAh/in²
Battery Density 44.02 mAh/cm³ 51.13 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) Qualcomm SM7450-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (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 (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.36 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU Adreno 740 Adreno 644

Connectivity

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

Software

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

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureSamsung Galaxy S23 UltraSamsung Galaxy M55Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9163.9 x 76.5 x 7.8S23 Ultra slightly shorter and narrower, M55 thinner
Weight (g)234180M55 significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use
BuildBuild materials not specified for either phone, limiting comparison.
Display
Size (inches)6.86.7Negligible size difference
Resolution (px)1440 x 30881080 x 2400S23 Ultra much sharper, noticeable in text, images, and videos
PPI Density500393S23 Ultra noticeably sharper, especially for VR applications
Display TypeDynamic AMOLED 2XSuper AMOLED+S23 Ultra likely offers better contrast, brightness, and color accuracy
Refresh Rate (Hz)120120Both offer smooth scrolling and animations
Peak Brightness (nits)17501000S23 Ultra significantly brighter, better visibility outdoors
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 2Snapdragon 7 Gen 1S23 Ultra significantly faster and more powerful, handles demanding tasks and games with ease
CPUOcta-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.36 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510)S23 Ultra's superior CPU architecture provides better performance, especially in multi-tasking and demanding applications.
GPUAdreno 740Adreno 644S23 Ultra offers significantly better graphics performance for gaming
RAM (GB)8/128S23 Ultra offers a 12GB RAM option, enabling better multitasking and handling of large applications
Camera
Main Camera (MP)20050S23 Ultra has significantly higher resolution, potentially capturing more detail
Zoom100x DigitalS23 Ultra offers superior zoom capabilities, missing specifics for the M55 limit detailed comparison.
Video RecordingUp to 8K@30fpsUp to 4K@30fpsS23 Ultra capable of higher resolution video recording
Battery
Capacity (mAh)50005000Similar battery capacity
Fast Charging (W)4545Similar fast charging speeds
Battery TypeLi-PolymerLi-IonLi-Polymer generally degrades slower than Li-Ion over time
Other
OSAndroid 13Android 14M55 ships with a newer Android version
USB VersionUSB Type-C 3.2USB Type-C 2.0S23 Ultra supports faster data transfer speeds

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: Significantly faster processor and GPU for demanding tasks and gaming.
  • Sharper Display: Higher resolution and PPI density for a crisper viewing experience.
  • Brighter Display: Better outdoor visibility.
  • More Versatile Camera System: Higher resolution main sensor and superior zoom capabilities.
  • Faster Data Transfer: USB 3.2 enables quicker file transfers.

Samsung Galaxy M55 Advantages:

  • Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable for one-handed use and carrying.
  • Lower Price: Offers a more budget-friendly option.
  • Newer OS: Ships with the latest Android version out-of-the-box.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Ideal for power users, gamers, photography enthusiasts, and those who prioritize performance and a premium display. Excellent for content creation, multitasking, and demanding applications.

Samsung Galaxy M55: Suitable for everyday users who prioritize affordability, a lightweight design, and the latest software features. Good for social media, web browsing, and light gaming.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The S23 Ultra is significantly more expensive.
  2. What are your primary smartphone uses? Gaming, photography, and demanding tasks benefit from the S23 Ultra's power.
  3. Do you prioritize portability and comfort? The M55 is lighter and thinner.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Limited Budget: M55
  • Power User/Gamer: S23 Ultra
  • Photography Enthusiast: S23 Ultra
  • Casual User: M55

My Choice: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

While the Samsung Galaxy M55 offers a compelling price point and newer Android OS, the S23 Ultra's superior performance, stunning display, and versatile camera system are decisive factors for me. I value a smooth and responsive user experience, high-quality visuals, and the ability to capture detailed photos and videos. The faster data transfer speeds of the USB 3.2 port are also beneficial for my workflow. The price difference is justified by the significant leap in overall quality and capabilities. The slightly heavier weight is a minor trade-off for the substantial gains in other areas. The S23 Ultra is a future-proof device that will handle demanding tasks and provide a premium experience for years to come.

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
  • Digital media communication
  • Technical storytelling
  • User-centric technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.