Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Our Verdict: The Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 Ultra launched together: the S23 5G is the standard model and the S23 Ultra 5G the higher-end one. The S23 Ultra 5G leads on camera hardware with a 200MP main sensor to the S23 5G's 50MP, and the S23 Ultra 5G has the bigger battery of the two, 5000mAh against 3900mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use. The S23 Ultra 5G has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.8" against 6.1" and sharper at 500 PPI, and the S23 Ultra 5G goes up to 512GB of storage, where the S23 5G tops out at 256GB. Only pay up for the S23 Ultra 5G if you'll use what it offers; if not, the S23 5G makes more sense.
Over a full contract, the S23 5G works out around £565 all-in, about £180 less than the S23 Ultra 5G.
11 reviews 4.5
10 reviews
Prices updated 11 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy S23
|
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
|
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 11 reviews |
4.5 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.8" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1440 x 3080 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 422 | 500 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 3,900 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 13 |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | Nano SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 167 grams | 233 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts |
£20.99/mo
£39.00 upfront |
£59.00/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £234.99 | £329.95 |
| Prices updated 11 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is cheaper on contract at £565.16 over the life of the deal from £20.99 per month with £39.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the sharper display at 500 pixels per inch versus 422, and both use Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 200 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £234.99.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra use?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is powered by the Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra uses the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the more portable of the two: it's 66g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm, and is slimmer at 7.6mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
Both phones share the same water resistance rating of IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra run?
Both phones run Android 13.