Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Our Verdict: If you've got the Galaxy S23 Plus, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is two years of updates on from it. The S25 Ultra has the better camera on paper, 200MP versus 50MP, and the S25 Ultra has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.8" against 6.6" and sharper at 505 PPI. Storage goes higher on the S25 Ultra, up to 1TB against 512GB, and the S23+ 5G is the lighter phone at 195g against 219g. The S25 Ultra is the better phone; upgrade from the S23+ 5G if you want the newer hardware, or hold on if yours still does the job.
The S23+ 5G is the cheaper one to own: around £725 over a typical contract, £114 less than the S25 Ultra.
10 reviews 4.4
12 reviews
Prices updated 27 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
|
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.2 10 reviews |
4.4 12 reviews |
| Screen | 6.6" | 6.8" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1440 x 3120 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 390 | 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) |
| Battery | 4,700 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB | 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/6 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 with A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm | 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm |
| Weight | 195 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 |
£57.33/mo
£30.00 upfront |
£33.79/mo
£29.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £349.99 | £569.99 |
| Prices updated 27 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is cheaper on contract at £725.46 over the life of the deal from £57.33 per month with £30.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus's 6.6", the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has the sharper display at 505 pixels per inch versus 390, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 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 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 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 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £349.99.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra use?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 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 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is the more portable of the two: it's 24g lighter at 195 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm, and is slimmer at 7.6mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 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 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra run?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 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.