Skip to main content

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Review

Consensus Review 44 independent sources

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

A refined, high-performance Android flagship featuring a 200MP camera and integrated S Pen.

8.6 /10
CONSENSUS PICK
✅ 88% Positive ⚠️ 12% Mixed ❌ 0% Negative

How This Score Is Calculated

  • Sources analysed: 44 reviews
  • Explicit scores: 0 sources
  • Sentiment-only: 44 sources (weighted 1.0×)
  • Split: 39 Positive · 5 Mixed · 0 Negative
  • Formula: Weighted average ÷ total weight
  • Consensus bonus +0.3: 88% sources agreed
  • Value sources: 30 of 44 mentioned price/value

Algorithmically calculated. No manual adjustments.

  • Most reviewedCamera (44/44)
  • Most praisedCamera versatility
  • Most criticisedHigh price
  • ConsensusHigh
  • Value for moneyFair Value (5.9/10)
Consensus Pick Power Users Fair Value

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is widely regarded as a powerhouse, offering a top-tier camera system, unmatched zoom capabilities, and excellent performance. While it is an evolutionary update rather than a radical redesign, it remains a dominant, highly capable Android flagship.

🔧 Key Specifications

  • Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
  • Screen: 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
  • Camera: 200MP Main, 10x Optical Zoom
  • Battery: 5000 mAh
  • Extras: Integrated S Pen, IP68 rating

💲 Price Range

₹74,999 - ₹1,54,999

What Reviewers Say

Camera System Universally praised for its versatility, 200MP detail, and industry-leading optical zoom range.
44/44
Performance The custom Snapdragon chipset is lauded for its speed, thermal management, and gaming efficiency.
38/44
⚠️
Physical Design Reviewers appreciate the build quality but frequently flag the device as bulky, heavy, and potentially unwieldy.
35/44
⚠️
Charging Speed Many reviewers criticised the 45W charging as lagging behind modern flagship competitors.
22/44

👍 Key Strengths

  • Unmatched 10x optical zoom capabilities
  • High-performance Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip
  • Versatile integrated S Pen functionality
  • Vibrant and bright AMOLED display
  • Exceptional long-term software update commitment

👎 Key Weaknesses

  • Very expensive premium price point
  • Large, heavy, and boxy physical footprint
  • Slow 45W wired charging speeds
  • Camera shutter lag issues reported
  • No included charger in the box

💰 Value for Money

5.9/10 Fair Value

While widely seen as an excellent device, the high price point makes it a significant investment that some reviewers feel is overkill for average users.

30 of 44 sources commented on price or value.

🏆 CONSENSUS PICK

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra stands as a premier Android experience for power users who prioritize camera versatility and productivity. While its price is steep and its size substantial, it remains one of the most complete smartphones available. If you need top-tier hardware and the S Pen, this is an easy recommendation.

PLG_CONTENT_IMAGEGALLERY_ERROR_NO_IMAGES

Reviewer Perspectives & Source Breakdown

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Review: Truly deserved of the 'Ultra' label - m...

Price: Rs 1,24,999 onwards

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a powerhouse smartphone that lives up to its 'Ultra' moniker, offering exceptional performance, a top-tier display, and industry-leading camera zoom capabilities. It is a refinement of its predecessor rather than a total overhaul, but the improvements in processing and build quality make it a compelling flagship.

Comparison: While the Google Pixel 7 Pro can compete with the phone's zoom, the S23 Ultra remains the undisputed king of zoom shots. Its screen is not as bright as the iPhone 14 Pro, yet it remains highly capable in all lighting conditions.

Pros

  • Powerful custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor
  • Stunning 6.8-inch QHD+ Super AMOLED display
  • Industry-leading 10x optical and 100x Space Zoom
  • Improved durable build with Gorilla Glass Victus 2
  • Excellent low-light camera and portrait performance

Cons

  • Phone is quite chunky and heavy
  • Main camera prone to overexposing shadows
  • Ultrawide lens shows edge distortion
  • Expensive starting price point

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review: Best smartphone of the year (so far) | ...

Price: Approx. ₹99,000

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a highly complete flagship smartphone, offering top-tier performance with its custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and a versatile camera system. Despite minor issues like shutter lag and a bulky design, it stands out as one of the best handsets available today.

Comparison: The author notes that the S23 Ultra outperforms the iPhone 14 Pro's A16 Bionic in efficiency and heat management while maintaining a design similar to its predecessor, the S22 Ultra.

Pros

  • Performant Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset
  • Flatter 6.8-inch AMOLED display
  • Most versatile cameras on a phone
  • S Pen is still unique to the Ultra
  • 256GB base storage capacity

Cons

  • Pricey at $1,199
  • Boxier frame may be unwieldy for some
  • Shutter speed lag still exists
  • Wired charging could be faster

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review: Alternatives, pros and cons, verdict - ...

Price: ₹ 99,999

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a mature and highly recommended device, offering refined battery, camera, and performance improvements. While it lacks groundbreaking new features compared to its predecessor, its overall polish solidifies its status as a top-tier smartphone.

Comparison: It competes with the Z Fold4 for productivity, the Pixel 7 Pro for photography, and the iPhone 14 Pro Max for video, while maintaining a unique position due to its integrated S Pen and superior zoom hardware.

Pros

  • Premium Note-style design with improved handling
  • Highly functional, unrivaled S Pen integration
  • Stunning, high-quality display
  • Excellent battery life and competitive charging speeds
  • Top-tier camera system with market-leading zoom capabilities

Cons

  • Lacks significantly new or innovative features

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review: A complete Android phone - India Today ...

Price: Rs 1,24,999 to Rs 1,54,999

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a complete, high-performing Android smartphone that excels in camera quality, battery life, and overall performance. Despite its high price and lack of an included charger, it remains a top-tier daily driver.

Pros

  • Excellent performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • Fantastic camera system with 200MP sensor
  • Excellent all-day battery life
  • Sturdy and premium build quality

Cons

  • High price point
  • No charger included in the box
  • Heavy and wide, difficult for one-handed use

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review: The flagship wars are at a stalemate, b...

Price: ₹ 124,999

The Galaxy S23 Ultra is the best flagship Samsung has produced, though it offers only incremental improvements over the S22. It is an excellent choice for users upgrading from older devices, but lacks sufficient changes to warrant an upgrade for recent S-series owners.

Comparison: The smartphone market is currently in a stalemate, with the S23 Ultra, iPhone, and Pixel series being evenly matched. It offers superior build quality compared to the Pixel but competes directly with the iPhone in terms of premium construction.

Pros

  • Improved chassis design with a better feel
  • Flatter display reduces accidental touch inputs
  • Excellent outdoor screen readability
  • Outstanding overall build quality
  • Improved battery life

Cons

  • Not a significant upgrade from the S22
  • Very slippery design
  • Expensive, premium price point

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review: A masterclass in refinement - pocket-li...

Price: Approximately ₹99,000

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a powerful, refined flagship that builds upon the success of its predecessor. With top-tier performance, a fantastic display, and an impressive camera system, it remains one of the best phones available, despite its high price and slow charging speeds.

Comparison: The device features a nearly identical design to the S22 Ultra. It is noted as being physically more difficult to use one-handed than the Pixel 7 Pro despite similar screen sizes.

Pros

  • Fantastic display quality
  • Impressive camera performance in all modes
  • Fast and fluid performance
  • Good overall build quality

Cons

  • Software changes can feel cluttered
  • Charging speeds could be faster
  • Expensive price point
  • Speaker placement is awkward for gamers

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review: The best is now better - fonearena.com...

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a powerful, refined flagship featuring excellent battery life and a versatile camera system. While design changes are minimal, the superior performance and display make it a top-tier smartphone choice.

Comparison: It offers significant performance and battery efficiency improvements over the Galaxy S22 Ultra, though charging speeds remain behind other current flagship competitors.

Pros

  • Stunning display with high peak brightness
  • Fantastic camera performance and versatility
  • Exceptional battery life from Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
  • Improved gaming performance and cooling
  • Long-term software update support

Cons

  • Noticeable shutter lag in camera
  • Slow 45W charging compared to competitors
  • Large form factor may be difficult for some

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review: User interface, performance - gsmarena....

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a powerful flagship featuring an exclusive overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and excellent S Pen integration. It delivers significant performance and efficiency improvements over previous models, cementing its position as a top-tier productivity device.

Comparison: It offers superior performance compared to 2022 models and maintains a competitive edge over mainstream Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 handsets, though it is only truly surpassed for multitasking by the Galaxy Z Fold4.

Pros

  • Exclusive high-performance Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset
  • Excellent S Pen productivity features
  • Significant improvements in CPU and GPU efficiency
  • Advanced split-screen multitasking capabilities

Cons

  • S Pen gestures require a steep learning curve
  • Incremental changes compared to the previous model
  • Handwriting recognition limited to specific languages

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review: Camera: Video quality - gsmarena.com...

The Galaxy S23 Ultra is a versatile flagship offering exceptional video quality across its main camera and zoom lenses. It delivers significant improvements in stabilization and 8K recording, making it one of the best video-capable smartphones available.

Comparison: The device competes directly with the iPhone 14 Pro Max and Pixel 7 Pro, offering distinct processing styles and competitive stabilization performance.

Pros

  • Excellent video quality from the main camera
  • Great stabilization across all lenses
  • Improved 8K recording with full sensor width
  • High-quality selfie videos

Cons

  • Ultrawide video is less sharp than its predecessor
  • Telephoto lenses struggle in low-light conditions
  • Stabilization reduces field of view in selfie mode

Page 2 of 5

consensus pick, camera system, high price, fair value

samsung galaxy s23 ultra, review consensus, expert rating, pros cons, consensus pick

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra scores 8.6/10 from 44 reviews. Consensus Pick. A refined, high-performance Android flagship featuring a 200MP camera and integrated S Pen.