Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Display size: 6.8 inches | Storage options: 256GB/512GB/1TB | Rear cameras: 200MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 10x optical, 10MP 3x optical | Front camera: 12MP
Last year’s Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra took the crown for best Android phone overall, and its successor, the Galaxy S23 Ultra, is on track to earn back-to-back titles for the Korean giant in 2023. From testing, it’s clear that Samsung is once again taking the “everything but the kitchen sink” approach with the new Ultra flagship — and the strategy still works.
The device comes with arguably the best-looking display on the market, with high brightness for outdoor usage and a glass finish that’s less curvy than previous years. That all contributes to a user experience that’s immersive, eye-catching, and practical for various needs.
There’s also a quad-camera setup on the rear that’s headlined by a high-resolution 200MP camera. I’ll admit that having a 200MP main lens can be excessive and almost unnecessary for some, but the added detail that’s captured leads to photos that pop in color and sharpness, even in low-lit scenes. Plus, the Galaxy S23 Ultra still features an integrated S Pen stylus for note-taking, sketching, and remote camera controls, meaning you can always set the phone down, step back, and capture from a distance.
Review: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
There are some more subtle upgrades to this year’s S23 Ultra, including storage configurations that start at 256GB (versus last year’s 128GB), a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset that’s one of the most performant mobile platforms I’ve tested, and a more boxy form factor that makes the phone easier to hold and write on. (Of course, you can make the argument that a bigger square is also less wieldy if you’re coming from a smaller handset. I won’t deny that.)
All of this comes with what is a relatively premium price tag: $1,199 to start. But if you want the most uncompromising phone available, and our top Android pick so far, the S23 Ultra is the one to get.