Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Our verdict: When it comes to contract value, the Samsung Galaxy S23 wins — it's £283.84 less than the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra overall. Visuals favour the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra — it's both bigger at 6.8" and sharper at 505 PPI. Photography fans should note the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra packs a 200MP main sensor. Portability goes to the Samsung Galaxy S23 at 167g.
11 reviews 4.4
12 reviews
Samsung Galaxy S23
|
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 11 reviews |
4.4 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.8" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 422 | 505 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 15 |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | nano-SIM and e-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/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm | 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm |
| Weight | 167 grams | 219 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 |
£11.95/mo
£585.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £199.99 | £699.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is cheaper on contract at £557.96 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 S25 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23's 6.1", the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has the sharper display at 505 pixels per inch versus 422, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 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 S25 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £199.99.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra use?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is powered by the Qualcomm SM8550 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra uses the Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the more portable of the two — it's 52g 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 S25 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 S25 Ultra run?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 runs Android 13 and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra runs Android 15. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.