Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S25
Our Verdict: The Galaxy S25 is two years newer than the Galaxy S23 Ultra, and it shows in the specs. The S23 Ultra 5G has the better camera on paper, 200MP versus 50MP, and the S23 Ultra 5G has the bigger battery of the two, 5000mAh against 4000mAh, which usually means longer between charges. The S23 Ultra 5G has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.8" against 6.2" and sharper at 500 PPI, and the S25 is the lighter phone at 162g against 233g. Coming from the S23 Ultra 5G, the S25 is a genuine upgrade rather than a token one.
Over a full contract, the S25 works out around £645 all-in, about £103 less than the S23 Ultra 5G.
10 reviews 4.1
11 reviews
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
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Samsung Galaxy S25
|
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.5 10 reviews |
4.1 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.8" | 6.2" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3080 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 500 | 416 |
| Rear Camera | 200 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 4,000 mAh |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| 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 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm | 146.9 x 70.4 x 7.2 mm |
| Weight | 233 grams | 162 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 |
£59.00/mo
£30.00 upfront |
£10.00/mo
£389.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £319.00 | £409.99 |
| Deals | Deals |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S25 cheaper on contract?
Based on total cost of ownership, the Samsung Galaxy S25 is cheaper on contract at £645.00 over the life of the deal from £10.00 per month with £389.00 upfront.
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S25?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S25's 6.2", the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the sharper display at 500 pixels per inch versus 416, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel while the Samsung Galaxy S25 has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S25?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra features a 200 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 has a 50 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 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S25?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £319.00.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S25?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S25 use?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S25 uses the Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S25?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 is the more portable of the two: it's 71g lighter at 162 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.9 x 70.4 x 7.2 mm, and is slimmer at 7.2mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra or Samsung Galaxy S25?
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 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S25 run?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra runs Android 13 and the Samsung Galaxy S25 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.