The Galaxy S23 series is the latest flagship line-up from Samsung for 2023. Just like last year, we have the base Galaxy S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra that start at $799, $999, and $1199 respectively—the same price as their predecessors.
The price difference is quite significant, especially when you compare the Galaxy S23 and S23 Ultra. Is the latter really worth $400 more for the extra features it offers? Let's find out.
5 Features Exclusive to the Galaxy S23 Ultra
Both the Galaxy S23 and S23 Ultra have the same processor, build quality, 8K video capability, and software features, and they offer four years of OS updates. Here are the five biggest features that are exclusive to the S23 Ultra.
1. Built-In S Pen
The Galaxy S23 Ultra comes with a built-in S Pen stylus the same way its predecessor did—keeping the legacy of the discontinued Galaxy Note series alive. The S Pen is a great tool to take notes, sketch, doodle, sign documents, perform gestures, and trigger the camera shutter.
2. A Higher Resolution Display
The S23 Ultra is a much larger device, boasting its big and boxy 6.8-inch QHD display and higher pixel density at 501 PPI. The base S23 has a smaller 6.1-inch FHD display with 422 PPI. This means media consumption, gaming, and multitasking will more immersive on the Ultra.
3. Better Camera System
One of the best features of the Galaxy S23 Ultra is its new 200MP main camera that delivers more detail in ideal lighting conditions, although colors and dynamic range remain similar to S23. The device also has a 10MP periscope telephoto lens with 10X optical zoom.
4. More Battery and Faster Charging
Unsurprisingly, the 5000mAh cell on the S23 Ultra can outlast the smaller 3900mAh cell on the regular S23. The former also supports up to 45W charging, but the latter is capped at 25W.
5. More Base Storage
The Galaxy S23 Ultra starts at 256GB as its base storage and goes all the way up to 1TB, whereas the base S23 starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB. If you plan to use your phone for a long time, 128GB might not be enough.
The Galaxy S23 Is a Better Deal for Most People
The Galaxy S23 Ultra does indeed have quite a few features that make it stand out against the base Galaxy S23, but they're extras rather than essentials—the S Pen, for example, is not for everyone. The $400 price difference is a bit too steep.
For that price, you can buy another brand-new mid-range Android phone. Unless you actually need those high-end features, and will use them, we suggest you skip the Galaxy S23 Ultra in favor of the regular S23.