Virtual Content Has No Border

Tag: s23

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra price & reviews

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Review: Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra represents an incremental but significant improvement over its predecessor. Samsung has opted to fine-tune an already successful formula, focusing on refining key aspects for an enhanced user experience.

Often referred to as the “iPhone killer” or the “king of Android,” the Galaxy S23 Ultra maintains many of the same features as its predecessor—such as the battery, display, and S-Pen—but with notable advancements in performance and camera technology. The most significant upgrades come in the form of a powerful 200-megapixel ISOCELL HP2 camera and a custom Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, which, combined with up to 12GB of RAM, make for a snappier, more powerful experience. Samsung has also made strides in design, with a focus on sustainability rather than radical changes.

In this review, we delve into the S23 Ultra’s design, performance, camera improvements, and battery life to assess whether these updates elevate the user experience enough to justify the upgrade.

Design: At first glance, the S23 Ultra looks very similar to the S22 Ultra, but small changes—such as flatter sides and a more squared-off, “Galaxy Note-like” design—significantly improve the in-hand feel. The slightly larger camera lenses and less pronounced curve on the display also offer subtle yet effective refinements. Available in three colors (Green, Phantom Black, and Cream), the S23 Ultra’s design remains familiar but is enhanced by improved grip and a sturdier frame, giving it a premium feel without needing drastic changes.

Display: The 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1,750 nits peak brightness is as stunning as you’d expect from a Samsung flagship. With LTPO 3.0 technology, the adaptive refresh rate ensures a smooth experience across all activities. The screen is bright, color-accurate, and responsive, making it a joy to use in all conditions. In real-world testing, it hit 1192 nits of brightness and showed excellent color accuracy, with only slight inaccuracies in orange and saffron tones.

Performance: The custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, clocked higher than the standard version, ensures that the S23 Ultra delivers top-tier performance across the board. With a 3.36GHz CPU and 719MHz GPU, it outperforms most other Snapdragon 8 Gen 2-powered devices in benchmarks. Whether you’re multitasking, gaming, or just navigating through apps, the S23 Ultra excels. Games run at max settings without any lag or frame drops, and the higher clock speed boosts performance in demanding tasks. In benchmarking tests, the S23 Ultra consistently outscored its rivals, including the iQoo 11 and OnePlus 11.

Heat management has also been improved, thanks to a larger vapor cooling chamber, making overheating a non-issue during intensive usage like gaming or charging. Throttling is significantly reduced compared to last year’s models.

Battery: Despite the same 5,000mAh capacity as the S22 Ultra, the battery life on the S23 Ultra is much better. It offers around 9 hours of screen time under heavy use, including gaming, camera usage, and video playback. In real-world tests, the phone only lost 2% battery after a 15-minute gaming session and 3% after 30 minutes of 4K video playback. The S23 Ultra supports 45W fast charging, getting from 0 to 100% in 84 minutes, along with 15W wireless charging.

Camera: The highlight of the S23 Ultra is its new 200-megapixel ISOCELL HP2 sensor. The primary camera produces incredibly sharp and detailed images, even without using the full 200MP mode. Autofocus is fast, and stabilization improvements make it easier to capture clear photos in various conditions. The telephoto capabilities remain impressive, with 10x optical zoom and up to 100x digital zoom for distant subjects.

In low light, the S23 Ultra excels, though the night mode can sometimes capture too much light. Portrait shots are excellent, with accurate edge detection and a pleasing background blur. However, minor inconsistencies, like occasional over-saturation and rare image processing glitches, can still occur. But overall, it’s one of the best smartphone cameras available today.

Final Thoughts: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it perfects it. With improvements in performance, battery life, and camera quality, it’s a polished, refined update that addresses the shortcomings of the previous model. While the design remains largely the same, small tweaks enhance usability and durability, making this a top contender in the 2023 flagship market. It’s not a radical overhaul, but the S23 Ultra provides a compelling package for those looking for a powerful, reliable, and premium smartphone.

October 11, 2024
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs. S24 Ultra: Is the New Model Worth It?

Samsung has released its new phone, the Galaxy S24 Ultra, and many are wondering if it’s worth upgrading from the Galaxy S23 Ultra. The premium Android market has many options, and the Galaxy S series has consistently delivered high-performance phones with great features. The new Galaxy S24 Ultra follows in this tradition, but is it a significant improvement over its predecessor?

Samsung’s design philosophy has been consistent over the years, with minimal changes from one flagship to another. The Galaxy S24 Ultra continues this trend, with only minor design adjustments. The most notable change is the new titanium frame, replacing the aluminum alloy used in the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Samsung claims this change enhances the device’s longevity, but there’s no concrete evidence supporting this.

Another design change is the shift to a flatter display, reducing the curvature of the edges. Samsung suggests that this adjustment improves readability and productivity. The Galaxy S24 Ultra also introduces Gorilla Glass Armor for durability, claiming to be four times more resistant to scratches and with a 75% reduction in reflection.

Despite these changes, the overall dimensions of the phone are slightly altered, making it taller and less broad. The Galaxy S24 Ultra maintains its weight despite the shift to titanium, showcasing a commitment to a lightweight design. Additional color options, including yellow, gray, and violet, are introduced alongside the existing black variants.

The display sees significant improvements, with a peak brightness of 2,600 nits compared to the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s 1,750 nits. This enhanced brightness is especially beneficial for viewing HDR content. The Galaxy S24 Ultra maintains its 5,000mAh battery, now with 50% recycled cobalt. However, real-life improvements to battery life may not be substantial.

The phone continues to support 45W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. Reverse power sharing allows the Galaxy S24 Ultra to charge accessories like Galaxy Buds or Galaxy Watch at 3W. The charging capabilities remain similar to the Galaxy S23 Ultra.

One of the most significant changes comes in the hardware department, with the Galaxy S24 Ultra being powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. This makes it the first phone globally to launch with this chip. The new chipset promises a 30% performance boost and a 25% improvement in graphics performance over its predecessor. Samsung also collaborates with game studios to mainstream ray tracing in Android games.

The camera setup sees notable improvements, featuring a 200MP sensor that is 60% larger than the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s ISOCELL HP2. The larger sensor allows for more light, enhancing low-light photography. Samsung emphasizes the improved optical image stabilization (OIS) for smoother images. The AI capabilities of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 enhance the camera’s performance, providing features like the “ProVisual Engine” and “Generative Edit.”

The Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with the latest One UI 6 update based on Android 14, offering visual enhancements to Samsung’s custom Android interface. Samsung assures seven years of Android generation and security updates, ensuring prolonged software support for the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

January 22, 2024
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. S23 Ultra: What’s Changing?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is creating a lot of buzz, especially when compared to its older version, the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Recently, some pictures leaked, giving us a closer look at both phones. These real-life photos reveal several changes in design, making the upcoming Galaxy S24 Ultra look different and promising.

One noticeable thing is the new titanium bezel on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. It has a cool texture, adding a touch of class to the phone. The buttons on the device are flatter and thicker, which might mean they feel different when you press them. At the bottom, the air vents have moved to the top, which seems like a smart change to make the phone stay cool.

The speakers on the Galaxy S24 Ultra now have a long, slim shape, making the phone look sleeker. This change also raises hopes for better sound quality. Even the S-Pen, which you can use with the phone, looks a bit different in the leaked pictures.

One big change is that the Galaxy S24 Ultra is a bit thinner now, measuring 8.6mm. This might make it easier to hold and give the phone a more streamlined look.

As we’ve heard before, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has a more squared-off design compared to the Galaxy S23 Ultra. The screen’s edge is less curved, making the phone look more like straight-screen phones. Samsung seems to be purposefully choosing this design to give users something unique visually while keeping the phone practical.

Looking at the leaked photos, it’s clear that Samsung is putting a lot of thought into making the Galaxy S24 Ultra different. From the cool titanium bezel to the new button layout and speaker shape, each part seems to be chosen to make the phone not only look good but also give users a better experience. As we wait for the official release, these leaks give us an exciting peek into what Samsung’s next flagship phone might be like.

December 8, 2023
Grab the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra at its Lowest Price!

Good news for those eyeing the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Amazon has extended its UK offer until December 31, making it the perfect opportunity to snag the latest flagship phone at an incredible price. Initially set to expire on November 28, the deal now includes a generous £250 voucher. While the Cyber Monday frenzy is behind us, this offer allows you to make significant savings on the top-rated smartphone of 2023.

As of now, Amazon is selling the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra at just $899.99 in the US (originally $1,199.99) and £999 in the UK (originally £1,249). These prices mark historic lows for the device on a standalone basis. However, with the traditional November sales period concluded, it’s advisable to act quickly, as these deals are unlikely to remain available for much longer.

Although Amazon extended its UK promotion to December 31, limited stock may deplete before the deadline. For those open to trading in their existing premium smartphones, Samsung’s offer might be an even more attractive option. In the US, Samsung provides up to $800 in trade-in credit for Samsung, Apple, or Google smartphones, with the highest savings applicable to the latest models.

In the UK, you can receive up to £500 in trade-in credit, coupled with an extra £250 off using the code S23ULTRA250. This means you could potentially acquire the Galaxy S23 Ultra for as low as $399 or £499 right now. Keep in mind that to unlock these savings, you’ll need to part with your current flagship phone, but the substantial discount makes it a tempting proposition.

If you’re considering upgrading to the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Amazon’s extended offer provides an excellent opportunity to secure the latest flagship device at an unbeatable price. Act fast before stocks run out, as this deal is expected to expire soon.

November 30, 2023
Protecting Your Galaxy S23 FE from Water Damage: Tips and Guidelines

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has an IP68 rating, which means it is highly water-resistant but not 100% waterproof. This distinction is crucial to understand, as it means you don’t need to worry too much about accidental exposure to water, like spilling a drink on it or dropping it in the sink. In such cases, you can simply wipe it dry with a cloth and continue using it.

However, you should not submerge the Galaxy S23 FE in a pool or take it for a swim, as it is not designed for prolonged exposure to water. The IP68 rating is common among modern smartphones and offers strong dust and water resistance for everyday situations.

The “IP” in IP68 stands for ingress protection, and the first number represents dust resistance, while the second number indicates water resistance. The Galaxy S23 FE is considered dust-tight, and it has been tested to survive immersion for at least 30 minutes in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water.

It’s essential to note that this water resistance only applies to fresh water. Samsung advises against using the Galaxy S23 FE at the beach or pool due to the presence of saltwater or chlorinated pool water, which can damage the water-resistant seals. If your phone does come into contact with such water, rinse it off with fresh water as soon as possible.

You don’t need to panic if your Galaxy S23 FE gets a little wet from rain, a garden sprinkler, or even the kitchen sink. Just wipe it dry with a clean towel. If it falls into contaminated water, like saltwater, pool water, or your toilet, rinse it with fresh water, wipe it dry, and let it air dry naturally. Avoid using heat sources like a hair dryer, as this can harm your phone.

It’s crucial not to use soap or other cleaning agents on the Galaxy S23 FE, as these can wear down the waterproof seals. If you need to clean the phone after exposure to mud or other contaminants, use a cloth dampened with distilled water or an alcohol-based disinfectant.

While the Galaxy S23 FE is designed to withstand accidental water exposure, it is not waterproof, so it’s best to keep it away from moisture as much as possible. This includes avoiding heavy rainstorms and investing in a water-resistant case if you frequently use your phone in wet or outdoor environments.

Keep in mind that the water resistance of the Galaxy S23 FE can deteriorate over time, and any water damage is not covered by Samsung’s warranty. So, it’s essential to take precautions to protect your phone from direct exposure to water.

October 17, 2023
Google Pixel 8 Pro vs Galaxy S23 Ultra: Which is best for you?

The Google Pixel 8 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra are two highly-anticipated smartphones. Both have unique features and capabilities that make them stand out. In this comparison, we will look at various aspects of these phones to help you decide which one is the right choice for you.

Design and Size

The Google Pixel 8 Pro doesn’t introduce significant design changes compared to its predecessor, the Pixel 7 Pro. It maintains a similar aesthetic but adds a more prominent rear camera strip and slightly curved corners. The device is available in three color options: Bay, Porcelain, and Obsidian.

In terms of size, the Pixel 8 Pro remains almost the same as its predecessor, with dimensions of 163.3 x 78 x 8.9 mm and a weight of 213 grams. It features an aluminum and glass build.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, on the other hand, doesn’t skimp on design either. Its design emphasizes raw performance and is slightly larger. The device is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and offers excellent performance, particularly in graphics-intensive tasks.

Performance

The Pixel 8 Pro features Google’s custom Tensor G3 chip, designed to cater to artificial intelligence and machine learning needs rather than raw performance. It’s a 64-bit chip with nine cores, including a prime Cortex-X3 core running at 3GHz. The GPU and TPU cores are also upgraded, promising better gaming performance and enhanced AI and machine learning capabilities.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, focuses on raw performance. It offers excellent overall performance, particularly in graphics-intensive tasks. The device outperforms the Pixel 8 Pro in terms of raw power, making it suitable for demanding users.

Camera Capabilities

Both phones offer impressive camera capabilities. The Pixel 8 Pro comes with a 50MP main camera with a wider aperture, a 48MP ultra-wide camera, and a 48MP 5.0X optical zoom telephoto lens. These improvements promise better low-light performance and overall image quality. The Pixel 8 Pro also includes various software and AI-powered features to enhance the camera experience.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra boasts a 200MP main camera that combines 16 pixels into one, resulting in detailed 12MP images. It also features a 12MP ultra-wide camera, a 3.0X optical zoom camera, and a 10MP periscope camera with 10X optical zoom. The Galaxy S23 Ultra delivers detailed images with natural-looking colors and improved low-light performance.

While the Pixel 8 Pro provides better dynamics and more natural-looking photos, the Galaxy S23 Ultra tends to slightly overexpose images and oversharpen them. The choice between the two phones depends on your preference for photo aesthetics.

Battery Life

The Pixel 8 Pro is equipped with a 5,050mAh battery, offering a similar battery life to its predecessor, the Pixel 7 Pro. Google expects a 31-hour battery life, and the new chip is designed for efficiency. However, it remains to be seen how it performs in custom battery tests. The Galaxy S23 Ultra also features a 5,000mAh battery and surpasses its predecessor in battery life. It outperforms the Pixel 7 Pro in various tests but may face a challenge from the Pixel 8 Pro in custom battery tests.

October 15, 2023
Samsung Galaxy S23 Fe: A Budget-Friendly Alternative to Flagship Smartphones

In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, Samsung continues to innovate and cater to a wide range of users. With rumors swirling around the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2023 event, tech enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the unveiling of Samsung’s next-generation foldable smartphone. Alongside this, whispers of a more affordable alternative, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Fe, have piqued the interest of those seeking a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality.

While not yet confirmed for the 2023 Galaxy Unpacked event, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Fe could prove to be an attractive choice for consumers looking for a smartphone that offers impressive features at a more accessible price point. In line with Samsung’s philosophy of providing options for various budgets, the Galaxy S23 Fe is rumored to come equipped with a 6.4-inch Full HD Plus AMOLED display, boasting a smooth 120Hz refresh rate that promises an immersive viewing experience.

The camera department is expected to receive a substantial upgrade, featuring a 50-megapixel primary camera to capture stunning photos and videos. This improvement will undoubtedly appeal to photography enthusiasts and social media enthusiasts alike. Additionally, the smartphone will offer both 6 GB and 8 GB RAM variants, allowing users to choose the configuration that best suits their multitasking needs.

One noteworthy aspect of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Fe is the possibility of regional differences, primarily related to its processor. While most internal parts are anticipated to be consistent across all regions, there’s a growing likelihood that the device’s chipset might differ. Rather than the Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, Samsung might opt for its in-house Exynos 2200 processor in some regions. This decision could have performance implications, but the overall user experience is expected to remain excellent.

Gigbench browser listings have shed some light on the chipset situation, revealing a mention of the Snapdragon 8th Gen chipset, which has left enthusiasts curious about Samsung’s ultimate choice. Despite this uncertainty, the Galaxy S23 Fe’s potential to democratize cutting-edge technology and provide a balanced smartphone experience is a prospect that resonates with those seeking value for their money.

While the official announcement of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Fe’s release remains pending, it is speculated that Samsung may communicate this news via a press release, possibly in August or September. Until then, fans of the brand will have to keep a close eye on updates and prepare to embrace the Galaxy S23 Fe’s enticing features and competitive pricing, making it a compelling option for those seeking a high-quality smartphone experience without the flagship price tag.

July 20, 2023