The smartphone industry is constantly evolving, and with each passing year, we witness technological marvels that push the boundaries of what is possible. In this fast-paced world, Samsung has once again taken the lead with its groundbreaking release, the Samsung S23 Ultra. Announced on February 1, 2023, and officially released on February 17, this device has already become the talk of the tech town. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the various aspects of this flagship phone that make it a true contender for the title of the best smartphone of 2023.
Design and Build Quality
The Samsung S23 Ultra exudes premium craftsmanship from every angle. Its dimensions of 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm make it substantial in size, but the elegant design ensures it remains visually appealing. With a weight of 234 grams, it feels substantial in your hand, conveying a sense of sturdiness and durability.
The phone is made of durable materials, including glass on the front and back that has been strengthened with the most recent version of Corning Gorilla Glass, Victus 2, to provide additional protection from nicks and drops. Its structural stability is further improved by the aluminium frame. In order to further increase the drop and scratch resistance of this gadget, Samsung has gone above and beyond by creating an Armour aluminium frame.
The Samsung S23 Ultra includes a stylus with Bluetooth capabilities, accelerometer, and gyro sensors, which is one of its notable features. This pen, which is evocative of the S Pen, expands smartphone productivity and creative potential, making it a useful tool for both professionals and creatives.
The phone also has an IP68 classification for dust and water resistance, meaning it can endure immersion for 30 minutes in water up to 1.5 metres deep. Users who frequently find themselves in demanding circumstances may find this degree of protection to be extremely comforting.
Display
The Samsung S23 Ultra boasts a visually stunning display that redefines what we expect from a smartphone. The Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel measures 6.8 inches, dominating the front of the device and providing an impressive screen-to-body ratio of approximately 89.9%. This near bezel-less design makes for an immersive viewing experience, whether you’re streaming videos, playing games, or simply browsing the web.
The display supports a 120Hz refresh rate, which ensures smooth and responsive interactions with the phone’s user interface. It’s also HDR10+ certified, capable of delivering a peak brightness of 1750 nits for HDR content, making it perfect for viewing movies and photos in high dynamic range.
With a resolution of 1440 x 3088 pixels and a pixel density of around 500 ppi, the screen produces incredibly sharp and vibrant visuals. The use of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for protection guarantees not only a crystal-clear display but also peace of mind in terms of durability.
The inclusion of an Always-on display feature adds convenience to your daily routine, providing at-a-glance information without unlocking the phone.
Performance
The 4nm Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset powers the Samsung S23 Ultra’s internal components. An octa-core CPU is used in this powerful processor, with the Cortex-X3 core operating at 3.36 GHz for maximum speed, the Cortex-A715 and Cortex-A710 cores operating at 2.8 GHz for mid-level activities, and the Cortex-A510 core operating at 2.0 GHz for power efficiency. With skill, the Adreno 740 GPU manages graphics processing.
This CPU assures that the Samsung S23 Ultra can handle whatever you throw at it, along with the device’s generous RAM options (8GB, 12GB, or even 16GB). Demanding programmes and games perform without a hitch and multitasking is a snap. This gadget meets your demands whether you’re a power user or a casual smartphone fan.
Storage
There are many of internal storage options available for the Samsung S23 Ultra, ranging from 256GB to a massive 1TB. These setups make use of UFS 4.0 technology, which provides better read and write rates than earlier storage standards. The storage options can accommodate everyone, regardless of whether they are an ardent photographer, videographer, or just someone who wants to carry their complete digital life with them at all times.
Camera System
One of the standout features of the Samsung S23 Ultra is its exceptional camera system. The main camera setup consists of a quad-camera array:
- 200 MP Wide Camera: With an f/1.7 aperture, this sensor is capable of capturing incredible detail and clarity, making it a dream for photography enthusiasts.
- 10 MP Periscope Telephoto Camera: This periscope-style telephoto lens offers an impressive 10x optical zoom, enabling you to get closer to your subjects without compromising image quality.
- 10 MP Telephoto Camera: With a 3x optical zoom, this camera is perfect for capturing subjects at a moderate distance.
- 12 MP Ultrawide Camera: The ultrawide lens has a 120-degree field of view, ensuring you can capture expansive landscapes and creative shots with ease.
The camera system also includes features like LED flash, auto-HDR, and panorama mode. The video capabilities of the Samsung S23 Ultra are equally impressive, with support for 8K recording at 24/30fps and 4K recording at 30/60fps. The inclusion of HDR10+ and gyro-EIS ensures that your videos are not only high-resolution but also stable and vibrant.
On the front, the 12 MP selfie camera with Dual Pixel PDAF ensures sharp and detailed self-portraits. It also supports 4K video recording, allowing for high-quality video calls and content creation.
Samsung has once again demonstrated its expertise in mobile photography, making the S23 Ultra an excellent choice for those who prioritize camera performance in their smartphones.
Audio and Connectivity
The Samsung S23 Ultra comes equipped with stereo speakers, providing a rich and immersive audio experience. With 32-bit/384kHz audio and tuning by AKG, you can expect exceptional audio quality whether you’re listening to music, watching videos, or gaming.
In terms of connectivity, the S23 Ultra supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, offering fast and reliable wireless connections. Bluetooth 5.3 ensures seamless pairing with other devices, and NFC capabilities add convenience for mobile payments and data transfer.
The device also features a USB Type-C 3.2 port with OTG support for wired connections and data transfer. Notably, Samsung’s DeX mode allows for a desktop-like experience when connecting the phone to a compatible display, expanding its versatility.
Battery Life
The Samsung S23 Ultra is powered by a 5000 mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery, providing all-day battery life for most users. What’s even more impressive is the fast charging capabilities. With 45W wired charging, you can quickly top up your battery, achieving a 65% charge in just 30 minutes. Additionally, the phone supports 15W wireless charging (Qi/PMA) and 4.5W reverse wireless charging, making it versatile in terms of power options.
Software and Features
Out of the box, the Samsung S23 Ultra runs on Android 13 with Samsung’s custom One UI 5.1 overlay. This combination provides a smooth and intuitive user experience, with a plethora of customization options to tailor the phone to your preferences. One UI 5.1 introduces new features and refinements to enhance productivity and user satisfaction.
The device also supports Bixby natural language commands and dictation, making it easy to control various functions through voice commands. Samsung Pay, certified by Visa and MasterCard, ensures secure and convenient mobile payments.
Furthermore, the Samsung S23 Ultra incorporates Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology, opening up possibilities for precise location-based services and improved device-to-device communication.
Color Options and Models
The Samsung S23 Ultra is available in a range of attractive colors, including Phantom Black, Green, Cream, Lavender, Graphite, Sky Blue, Lime, and Red. Additionally, there is a special BMW M Edition for automotive enthusiasts looking to match their phone with their vehicle.
Pricing
Pricing for the Samsung S23 Ultra varies depending on the configuration you choose. As of its release, here are the approximate prices in different regions:
- ₹103,950 in India
- $848.00 in the United States
- £878.00 in the United Kingdom
- €1,079.00 in Europe
While it’s undeniably a premium-priced device, the combination of cutting-edge technology, impressive camera capabilities, and a wealth of features make it a worthy investment for those who demand the best in a smartphone.
Performance Benchmarks
For those who appreciate raw performance metrics, here are some benchmark scores for the Samsung S23 Ultra:
- AnTuTu: 1,241,531 (v9)
- GeekBench: 4,927 (v5.1)
- GFXBench: 67fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)
These scores reflect the device’s capability to handle demanding tasks and deliver a smooth user experience.
Display Quality
- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Audio Quality
- Loudspeaker: -25.6 LUFS (Very good)
Battery Life
- Endurance rating: 126 hours
Our Conclusion
The Samsung S23 Ultra is an absolute wonder of contemporary engineering and exemplifies Samsung’s commitment to excellence and innovation. This flagship smartphone is a powerhouse that raises the bar for what a mobile device is capable of, thanks to its gorgeous display, luxurious design, strong performance, and outstanding camera system.
The Samsung S23 Ultra has a premium pricing, but it offers a comprehensive experience that makes the investment worthwhile for people who desire the finest. The Samsung S23 Ultra is a gadget that demands your attention whether you’re a creative professional, an avid photographer, or just someone who values cutting-edge technology.
The Samsung S23 Ultra has solidly established itself as a forerunner as we look to the future of smartphones and has raised the bar for the competition. It’s reasonable to say that Samsung has changed what we can expect from our mobile devices with its blend of elegance, substance, and innovation.
The Samsung S23 Ultra is a testament to the almost limitless potential of the smartphone sector in a world where technology is continually developing.
Buy This Product
Samsung S23 Ultra
Disclaimer: The smartphone ratings provided here are solely based on the device's specifications and may not reflect real-world performance or user experience. Individual preferences and usage may vary.
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Design8.5
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Display8.5
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Performance9
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Camera9
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Battery9.5