CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. But after using the Galaxy S23 Ultra for several days, it’s clear the new camera upholds the areas in which Samsung already excels — like low-light photography — and pushes those strengths a little further.
Samsung largely achieves its goal of providing a deluxe phone with an excellent camera and giant display.
Samsung added a 200-megapixel sensor for the first time, marking a technical upgrade from the S22 Ultra’s 108-megapixel main shooter.
With the S23 Ultra, you have the option to shoot photos at a 12-megapixel, 50-megapixel or 200-megapixel resolution, which you can adjust in the settings menu alongside the camera’s viewfinder. Shooting in raw allows photographers to edit the full, uncompressed version of an image, giving them more flexibility and data to work with in terms of colors and exposure.
Under-the-hood improvements to color, dynamic range, autofocus and low-light performance seem more meaningful than the resolution bump. Samsung said when announcing the S23 Ultra that its new image sensor is better at minimizing noise, and that its algorithms have gotten better at enhancing color tones and details. You can still see changes in how the camera processes color, skin tone and dynamic range even at this lower resolution. In the photos of sweets arranged in a baker’s display case below, the S23 Ultra captured more detail on the strawberries in the top row. In the pictures below, my husband preferred the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s photo over the more natural-looking image from the Pixel 7 Pro because it made his beard and eyes look more vibrant. The Galaxy S22 Ultra’s photo is too soft, while the Pixel 7 Pro’s looked like it had a bluish filter over it when I viewed it on a large screen.
Video recording on the Galaxy S23 Ultra was upgraded to 8K at 30 frames per second, whereas it previously topped out at 24fps when shooting at that resolution. Samsung also increased the field of view when recording 8K video, which is very noticeable compared to the Galaxy S22 Ultra.
Even though Google provides more natural color in still photography, I experienced the opposite when it comes to recording video. The Galaxy S23 Ultra generally captured more realistic color and sharpness compared to the Pixel 7 Pro during my testing.
When testing the video capabilities of each phone, I recorded clips at the highest supported resolution and frame rate. Samsung also highlighted the S23 Ultra’s new 12-megapixel selfie camera when announcing the phone, which it said separates the subject from the background better for more clarity. The improvements to color and dynamic range are noticeable as well, and Samsung fans upgrading from a phone that’s at least two years old will likely see a major difference. The Galaxy S23 Ultra runs on a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which isn’t surprising considering Samsung typically uses the latest Qualcomm chip for its new phones.
Samsung calls it the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, and it’s essentially a special version of the processor that’s been optimized for better performance and power efficiency. The S23 Ultra feels fast and snappy, whether I’m just swiping around the operating system, playing games while on a video call or running Samsung’s Dex program to use my phone as a PC.
I plugged my S23 Ultra into an external monitor, attached a keyboard and mouse via Bluetooth and had five apps running, including Google Docs, to take notes for this review. You’ll also get double the storage that’s in the base model of the Galaxy S23 Ultra (256GB versus 128GB), which gives you more space to store those video projects.
Samsung’s new phone also scored higher than the Galaxy S22 Ultra, Pixel 7 Pro and OnePlus 11 5G on benchmarks meant to test computing power in everyday tasks and in apps that require short bursts of high performance, like mobile games. The iPhone 14 Pro, however, scored higher than the S23 Ultra on the general computing benchmark (Geekbench 5) but lower on the one that measures brief periods of high intensity (3DMark Wild Life Extreme).
In this scenario, I used the phone to take photos, record a few videos, check email, browse social media and stream music for about 15 minutes.
(During this test, I kept the brightness at 50%, left the high refresh rate setting turned on and switched off the always-on display.) That’s not bad, but it would be great to see Samsung push things further now that companies like OnePlus and Xiaomi are offering upwards of 100-watt fast charging. But if you do a lot of reading, gaming, photo editing and TV watching on your phone and don’t mind stretching your fingers for one-handed use, you’ll likely appreciate the extra screen space.
Samsung’s Ultra lineup has effectively replaced the Galaxy Note series, which was previously known for its large screens and embedded stylus. I don’t usually use the S Pen frequently, but I found myself jotting down notes during the course of this review more than I had expected.
Samsung also once again commits to four generations of Android OS upgrades, which is on par with the OnePlus 11 and surpasses Google’s three-year promise for the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. One extra feature you get by going for the Ultra or Plus instead of the regular model is ultrawideband support, which makes it easier to connect to nearby devices more precisely than Bluetooth. UWB isn’t a necessity, but it can make sharing files or using your phone as a digital car key faster and easier. This is a phone for people actively seeking features like large screens and versatile cameras that are willing to pay top dollar for them.
But you also get certain extras like the S Pen, more storage at the base level, a slightly larger screen and a better zoom lens. But in my experience, the behind-the-scenes upgrades Samsung made to the way the camera captures color, skin tones and dynamic range are a more welcome improvement than increased sharpness alone.
If you want a giant screen, a great camera and are upgrading from a phone that’s more than two years old, you won’t be disappointed with the S23 Ultra. We push the processor’s performance to the extremes using both standardized benchmark tools like GeekBench and 3DMark, along with our own anecdotal observations navigating the interface, recording high-resolution videos and playing graphically intense games at high refresh rates.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review: is it worth an upgrade?
It’s big, powerful and beautifully designed, and after going hands-on with the handset for a few weeks we’re flitting between delight and déjà vu. We continue to love the crisp display, built-in stylus, versatile camera system, smooth software and polished glass frame, but we’re not convinced that this iteration warrants an upgrade — at least until runs dry. It is slightly larger and heavier than the , but there’s not such an overwhelming amount of bulk that it becomes a burden — unlike, say, the Galaxy Fold 4. The glass back feels premium, although you’ll want to invest in a to protect it from marks or scratches and to add extra grippiness.
That’s right: This effectively turns the smartphone into a mini tablet — letting you scribble notes, sketches, drawings and annotations. You’re getting an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling on apps, loads of brightness and great haptic feedback when you press down with your fingertips.
Unsurprisingly, given the OLED tech, colours and detail were stunning, with deep blacks of space contrasting against the bright green clashes of the lightsaber. The S23 Ultra takes the same approach as the Pixel 7 Pro by placing a pinhole gap for the front-facing camera in the middle of the screen.
It looks neat and was never a distraction on test, although it’s a bit of a shame that there’s no Android alternative to Apple’s innovative “Dynamic Island” to be found on this new flagship. And unlike Apple, Samsung phones continue to lack full-blown 3D face recognition from the front camera. The rest of the system on the new flagship remains the same as last year, however, with a 12MP ultra-wide, two 10MP telephoto lenses and a 12MP selfie camera up front. We found the S23 Ultra’s images retain lots of small details in bright and low light.
Our outdoor shots show accurate colours in buildings and the sky in both sunny and overcast weather, and close-ups have loads of detail. Testing the Samsung S23 Ultra’s zoom on this Citi Bank logo at Canary Wharf, London. There aren’t many surprises for anyone who has used Android before, but the settings do contain some nice advanced features — including a one-handed mode that creates a small mirror of the display so you can flick around without stretching your fingers. There’s a capable 5,000mAh battery in the S23 Ultra, and while that’s the same size as last year’s model, it’s now more efficient due to the new processor that’s powering the phone.
Aside from the camera upgrade, Samsung has thrown into the S23 Ultra a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor instead of the Exynos chip from the previous model. That probably won’t mean anything to most users, but what it translates to is more speed when loading apps, smoother performance when scrolling through menus and better efficiency in how power is distributed. On test, the earbuds appeared and connected in seconds, and we added a widget to the home screen that shows the battery of the buds and the case in real-time. There’s no way around it: The S23 Ultra is a big, heavy phone, so it may not be suitable if you prefer more lightweight and portable handsets like the iPhone 13 mini or the Pixel 6a, or if you have smaller hands.
And while we appreciate that Samsung makes some smaller improvements under the hood, we aren’t convinced it justifies all the renewed fuss and marketing.
The upgraded cameras and the highly efficient processor are welcome updates to this hulking handset, making it the most powerful that it’s ever been.
Is It Worth Upgrading to the Galaxy S23 Ultra? It Depends
That’s especially true if you’re eyeballing a phone as expensive as the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, which starts at $1,200 without a discount. There’s no single approach that applies to everyone, but taking these factors into account can help you with the decision. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a faster new processor and better cameras with improved low light and dynamic range. However, in my testing, Samsung’s behind-the-scenes improvements to the way the camera captures color and dynamic range felt more impactful than the higher resolution.
Both phones have a large 6.8-inch screen, an included S Pen stylus, better low light photography compared with previous generations, a multi-lens camera system that can zoom up to 100x digitally and a 5,000 mAh battery. You’ll get the same overall experience on both phones, but with refinements to camera quality and processing power on the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Because of this, the same advice holds true: If your Galaxy S21 Ultra is in good shape, don’t upgrade yet. But these changes aren’t significant enough to justify springing for a new device just yet, unless you can basically get it for free through a trade-in deal.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra’s 200-megapixel camera is only truly noticeable when you zoom in at the pixel level, or if you intend to print large copies of your photos. You’ll still get a main camera sensor with a higher resolution than most phones, as well as the ability to zoom up to 100x digitally.
You’ll miss some of Samsung’s newer improvements to low light photography and dynamic range, but the Galaxy S21 Ultra still has a very capable camera. The Galaxy S20 Ultra falls into that gray area where it could be worth upgrading, but it depends on the condition of your device.
Samsung has also improved optical image stabilization over the years, meaning the S23 Ultra should be better at taking steady shots while zooming. Back in 2020, some users also reported issues with the Galaxy S20 Ultra’s autofocusing, though Samsung later released a software fix. Otherwise, you’ll be getting many routine upgrades with the S23 Ultra, such as a faster processor, a refreshed design that more closely resembles the Galaxy Note and the included S Pen stylus.
But it’s worth remembering that you’ll be giving up the S20 Ultra’s micro SD card slot if you upgrade, meaning you can’t add more storage.
In addition to the major gains in resolution, low light performance, stabilization and dynamic range, you’ll also get a much closer zoom on the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Camera aside, you’ll get a significantly newer processor that should result in faster performance and better power efficiency, a bigger battery, the S Pen and a slightly larger screen.
Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus Review: It’s All About the Battery Life
Editors’ note, Nov. 1: With its sleek design, vibrant screen, improved battery life and versatile camera system, Samsung’s Galaxy S23 is a top choice for Android fans in search of a premium smartphone. It even wrangled endorsements from acclaimed directors Ridley Scott and Na Hong-jin during its Galaxy S23 announcement.
However, in a surprising move for Samsung, the camera plays second fiddle to battery and performance upgrades in the new Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus. Performance is faster, and battery life is thankfully a bit longer, which addresses the biggest complaint I had about the Galaxy S22.
Instead, Samsung focused on making practical refinements to one of the areas that matters most in a phone: how long it lasts on a single charge. The $899 Pixel 7 Pro falls in between the Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus pricewise and offers a stellar camera that bests Samsung’s in some scenarios.
Overall, the Galaxy S23 is ideal for Android fans that prioritize fast performance, solid cameras and having a spacious and bright screen in a compact package. The new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor inside the Galaxy S23 series, which has been optimized for Samsung’s new phones, should also bring some improvements to power efficiency. When I used the 6.1-inch Galaxy S22 as my daily smartphone for roughly a month, I noticed that the battery dipped down to between 30 and 40% by 9 p.m., especially after a long day in the office. With the Galaxy S23, the battery was down to 46% by 9:45 p.m. after a day of heavy usage (running benchmark performance tests, taking lots of photos and videos, etc.). While charging speed isn’t a deal-breaker when buying a new phone, it would have been nice to see Samsung push forward in this area. That’s especially true considering rivals like Xiaomi and OnePlus continue to shorten the time it takes to replenish their respective phones’ batteries.
Playing games with the graphics and frame rate at the highest settings felt smooth, and apps launched instantly. All three new phones have an adaptive refresh rate that reaches up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and animations, which also contributes to the devices’ peppiness. Benchmarks meant to test general computing (Geekbench 5) and how a processor handles high performance in short bursts (3DMark) told a similar story. But the Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus did outpace the OnePlus 11 in the test meant to evaluate a processor’s single-core performance, which makes sense considering Samsung overclocked one of the CPU cores. Other than the faster video export speeds, I didn’t experience anything on the Galaxy S23 lineup that felt unusually fast compared to most other phones in the same price range. Thanks to a technique called pixel binning, you can choose to shoot photos at the full 50-megapixel resolution or 12 megapixels depending on the scenario.
Samsung also integrates the controls from its Expert Raw app right into the main camera, making it more convenient for those who want easy access to the full, uncompressed version of an image. The Galaxy S23 performs well in dim conditions overall, which isn’t surprising considering low-light photography has been a big area of focus for Samsung in recent years.
Even though the iPhone 14 and Pixel 7 Pro performed better in the examples above, the S23 easily challenges Apple and Google in other low-light photography scenarios, like taking photos of pets and still objects.
In the photos of a book stack below, for example, the Galaxy S23 did a great job at retaining detail and color. The iPhone 14’s photo isn’t as colorful and has some noise compared to Samsung’s, although the Pixel 7 Pro’s image was a close competitor. While the Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus can both capture crisp and clear images, there were instances in which colors either looked exaggerated or blown out compared to the same photos taken on the iPhone 14 and Pixel 7.
The Galaxy S23’s camera isn’t a leap forward, but it’ll feel significant to those upgrading from a phone that’s several years old. The main difference is that Samsung did away with the camera island on the Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus, instead opting for standalone lenses that sit arranged in a vertical column on the back of the device.
The Galaxy S23 Plus, for example, only feels slightly larger than the 6.1-inch iPhone 14 despite the amount of extra screen space it provides.
The Galaxy S23 is also one of the few Android phones with a 6.1-inch screen other than the Pixel 6A, making it a compelling choice for those who prefer compact devices.
That means your Galaxy S23 will last for at least four years from a software perspective, so it shouldn’t feel outdated anytime soon. Consistent with Samsung’s theme of making practical changes this year, the Galaxy S23 Plus and S23 Ultra now start at 256GB of storage rather than 128GB. Those who have an older phone will get the benefits that came with last year’s camera upgrade and redesign, along with the S23’s better battery life. The camera generally captures more accurate colors and crisper zoom shots than Samsung’s and you get a slightly larger screen for a cheaper price than the Galaxy S23 Plus.
However, just remember that Google only offers three generations of Android OS updates for the Pixel 7 line, so you might want to upgrade sooner. We push the processor’s performance to the extremes using both standardized benchmark tools like GeekBench and 3DMark, along with our own anecdotal observations navigating the interface, recording high-resolution videos and playing graphically intense games at high refresh rates.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra vs S23 Ultra: Is it time to upgrade?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is finally here, bringing several improvements under the hood. The Galaxy S23 Ultra is the first phone to use the new Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which provides better drop protection.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 6.8-inch Edge Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Armor Aluminum, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Armor Aluminum, Gorilla Glass Victus Plus The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra was and still is a beast, running a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or an Exynos 2200, depending on the region.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has similar core specs, but there are a few notable changes. We’ve seen Exynos chips in select regions in the past, but that’s no longer the case.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra runs globally on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. As part of this new exclusive agreement, Samsung and Qualcomm are giving us a slightly overclocked version of its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor exclusive to Samsung phones (for now, at least).
This is enough to give Samsung a marketing point, but does it make a difference in real-world use? We tested the chipset during the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review, and found that the Galaxy S23 Ultra beats the competition (OnePlus 11 and REDMAGIC 8 Pro) in peak speeds.
Regardless, the overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 version offers a more stable experience than the one in the OnePlus 11, which spikes and drops constantly. Of course, neither beat the REDMAGIC 8 Pro, which has an integrated active cooling system. The good news is that the Galaxy S23 Ultra might be at least a bit more durable, thanks to the addition of the new Gorilla Glass Victus 2. But the real magic is its ability to survive drops of up to a meter on solid concrete.
Corning claims rival solutions failed after drops of a half meter or less. Samsung is one of the best Android device manufacturers regarding software support, which remains for the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
The big difference is the Galaxy S22 Ultra is already a year into this cycle. Everything else remains uniform between the two phones, save for the camera and a few other bits, which we’ll discuss more in the sections below.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra takes everything we love about its predecessor but refines it with subtle changes like smaller curves on the side that make for a slightly flatter display. The good news is that if you liked the Galaxy S22 Ultra’s design, you won’t have anything to complain about here. The bad news is that this design is starting to become too familiar, as Samsung has used the same general shape since the Galaxy Note 20. The Galaxy S23 Ultra doesn’t dramatically switch things up but makes a few notable adjustments.
Instead, letting the phone use pixel-binning technology to produce higher-quality 12.5MP images is better. All that said, the rear camera system on both devices is excellent, but there are some things in the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra that give it an edge.
The new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor helps with the new AI-powered Cognitive ISP, which provides real-time semantic segmentation.
It essentially recognizes elements in the photo in real-time, then fine-tunes details before pressing the shutter button.
Remember, there’s more to a good camera than just megapixels, so we wouldn’t necessarily say this is a step downward. Our S23 Ultra review mentions that the “40MP selfie shooter won’t be missed too much.” We also noted that the new 12MP alternative is “just as good, if not better.” This is because the 12MP camera has larger pixels that don’t have to be binned down.
Our Galaxy S22 Ultra review found we could easily make it through a full day with as much as 25% left to spare. While we weren’t expecting much of an upgrade in battery life with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, the newer device impressed us.
This is primarily due to efficiency enhancements from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the variable refresh rate, and screen improvements.
If it makes any difference, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra also charges a bit faster. Yeah, the difference is a few minutes in charging time, so there is nothing to write home about. You can find it even cheaper second-hand or refurbished from places like Swappa or eBay.
Remember that the Galaxy S23 Ultra starts at the same price while giving you double the storage space. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra might not be a massive leap on paper, but it’s still a jump forward. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a more powerful camera and processor, removes Exynos from the equation, and gives you double the storage for the same starting retail price.
Similarly, if you own a Galaxy S22 Ultra, we’d stay put unless you can get one heck of a trade-in deal.
The upgrades here just aren’t massive enough to trade in a phone with years of life ahead of it. Samsung continues to offer some of the most impressive flagships in the Android world, and you can’t go wrong with either device.
These offer great performance and similar camera improvements, and the Galaxy S23 Plus offers similar battery life and charging times compared to the Ultra. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (256GB) Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (256GB) Ultra-premium build quality • Gorgeous screen • Solid performance MSRP: $1,199.99 The Note and S series merged in one device The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra pushes productivity, power, and photography to the utmost to satisfy the most demanding users out there.
The phone combines outstanding performance, a stunning design, and the S Pen previously found on Galaxy Note handsets. It has a newer, more powerful processor, improved battery life, and a higher-megapixel main camera. The only benefit to getting the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is probably to save some money, as it is an older device and can be easily found at a discount. The only real difference is that the newer device has smaller curves along the edges.
Is It Worth Upgrading to the Galaxy S23 Ultra? It Depends
That’s especially true if you’re eyeballing a phone as expensive as the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, which starts at $1,200 without a discount. There’s no single approach that applies to everyone, but taking these factors into account can help you with the decision. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a faster new processor and better cameras with improved low light and dynamic range. However, in my testing, Samsung’s behind-the-scenes improvements to the way the camera captures color and dynamic range felt more impactful than the higher resolution.
Both phones have a large 6.8-inch screen, an included S Pen stylus, better low light photography compared with previous generations, a multi-lens camera system that can zoom up to 100x digitally and a 5,000 mAh battery. You’ll get the same overall experience on both phones, but with refinements to camera quality and processing power on the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Because of this, the same advice holds true: If your Galaxy S21 Ultra is in good shape, don’t upgrade yet. But these changes aren’t significant enough to justify springing for a new device just yet, unless you can basically get it for free through a trade-in deal.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra’s 200-megapixel camera is only truly noticeable when you zoom in at the pixel level, or if you intend to print large copies of your photos.
You’ll still get a main camera sensor with a higher resolution than most phones, as well as the ability to zoom up to 100x digitally. You’ll miss some of Samsung’s newer improvements to low light photography and dynamic range, but the Galaxy S21 Ultra still has a very capable camera. The Galaxy S20 Ultra falls into that gray area where it could be worth upgrading, but it depends on the condition of your device.
Samsung has also improved optical image stabilization over the years, meaning the S23 Ultra should be better at taking steady shots while zooming. Back in 2020, some users also reported issues with the Galaxy S20 Ultra’s autofocusing, though Samsung later released a software fix. Otherwise, you’ll be getting many routine upgrades with the S23 Ultra, such as a faster processor, a refreshed design that more closely resembles the Galaxy Note and the included S Pen stylus. But it’s worth remembering that you’ll be giving up the S20 Ultra’s micro SD card slot if you upgrade, meaning you can’t add more storage. In addition to the major gains in resolution, low light performance, stabilization and dynamic range, you’ll also get a much closer zoom on the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Camera aside, you’ll get a significantly newer processor that should result in faster performance and better power efficiency, a bigger battery, the S Pen and a slightly larger screen.
Be First to Comment