Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date February 17, 2023 October 16, 2023
Release Year 2023 2023

Physical

Volume 113.58 cm³ 274.06 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 2.91 "/g 2.08 "/g
Weight 234 g 523 g
Height 163.4 mm 254.3 mm
Width 78.1 mm 165.8 mm
Thickness 8.9 mm 6.5 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Red
  • Green
  • Graphite
  • Phantom Black
  • Lavender
  • Cream
  • Sky Blue
  • Lime
  • BMW M Edition
  • Silver
  • Gray
  • Mint
  • Lavender

Display

Screen Size 6.8 " 10.9 "
Resolution 1440 x 3088 1440 x 2304
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 16:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89.5 % 81.7 %
Pixel Density 500 PPI 249 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 1200 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 1750 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 108.13 mAh/in² 67.33 mAh/in²
Battery Density 44.02 mAh/cm³ 29.19 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 8000 mAh
NFC Support Yes No
Chipset Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) Exynos 1380 (5 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 (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 740 Mali-G68 MP5

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, Magnetic Connector

Software

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

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureSamsung Galaxy S23 UltraSamsung Galaxy Tab S9 FEPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9254.3 x 165.8 x 6.5S23 Ultra is a pocketable phone; Tab S9 FE is a large tablet, less portable.
Weight (g)234523Significant weight difference impacts portability and one-handed use. Tab S9 FE is better suited for desk/lap use.
Display
Size (inches)6.810.9Larger display on Tab S9 FE offers more immersive content consumption but reduced portability.
Resolution (px)1440 x 30881440 x 2304Similar sharpness despite size difference due to higher pixel density on S23 Ultra (500 ppi vs 249 ppi).Sharper text and images on S23 Ultra. Tab S9 FE is good for media consumption.
TypeDynamic AMOLED 2X, 120HzIPS LCD, 90HzAMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and brighter colors. Higher refresh rate on S23 Ultra results in smoother animations and scrolling.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 2Exynos 1380Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 significantly outperforms Exynos 1380 in processing power and graphics rendering, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
CPUOcta-core (up to 3.36 GHz)Octa-core (up to 2.4 GHz)Higher clock speed and more powerful cores on S23 Ultra translate to noticeably faster performance.
RAM8/12GB6/8GBMore RAM on S23 Ultra enables better multitasking and smoother performance with demanding applications.
Camera
Rear Cameras200MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto12MP mainS23 Ultra boasts a vastly superior camera system with higher resolution, optical zoom, and dedicated lenses for versatile photography.
Battery
Capacity (mAh)50008000Larger battery in Tab S9 FE provides longer usage time, crucial for a tablet. S23 Ultra's battery is optimized for its size and power consumption.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Advantages:

  • Significantly more powerful: Superior chipset, CPU, and GPU for faster performance in all tasks.
  • Superior display: Brighter, more vibrant AMOLED with a faster refresh rate for a smoother user experience.
  • Advanced camera system: Versatile camera setup with high resolution, optical zoom, and better low-light performance.
  • More compact and portable: Easier to carry and use one-handed.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Advantages:

  • Larger display: More immersive experience for media consumption and multitasking.
  • Longer battery life: Significantly larger battery capacity for extended usage.
  • Lower starting price: More affordable option for basic tasks and entertainment.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Users who prioritize performance, a premium display, a top-tier camera, and portability. Ideal for power users, gamers, photographers, and content creators.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE: Users who prioritize a large screen for media consumption, browsing, note-taking, and casual gaming. Suitable for students, casual users, and those on a budget. Best for consuming content and doing basic tasks.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your primary use case? (e.g., gaming, photography, media consumption, productivity)
  2. What is your budget?
  3. How important is portability?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Heavy user who needs top performance: S23 Ultra
  • Student needing a device for note-taking and media consumption: Tab S9 FE
  • Casual user on a budget primarily for entertainment: Tab S9 FE

My Choice: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

While the Tab S9 FE offers a larger display and battery, the S23 Ultra's superior performance, stunning display, and versatile camera system are more compelling to me. I prioritize a smooth and responsive user experience, high-quality photos and videos, and the ability to easily carry my device everywhere. The price difference is justifiable for the significant jump in overall quality and capabilities. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip ensures future-proofing for demanding apps and games, and the bright AMOLED display provides a visually stunning experience. Although battery life is important, I value performance and a premium user experience more.

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.