In the early days of February 2023, the curtains were lifted on Samsung’s Galaxy S23 series, introducing three new models: the flagship Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, alongside the Galaxy S23+ and Galaxy S23. The spotlight shines on the Galaxy S23 Ultra, positioned at the peak of Samsung’s smartphone offerings. Anyone pondering whether to shift from the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra will find this comparison chart a valuable resource in evaluating the differences between the two Ultra models.
Head-to-Head: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra – The Battle of the Ultras
| Features | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra |
| Display Type | 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED | 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED |
| Screen Resolution | 3088 x 1440 pixels, 501 PPI | 3088 x 1440 pixels, 501 PPI |
| Physical Size | 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9mm | 78.1 x 163.4 x 8.9mm |
| Software Platform | Android 12 with One UI | Android 13 with One UI |
| CPU Performance | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| Main Camera Setup | 108MP Main, 12MP Ultrawide, 10MP 3x and 10x Telephoto | 200MP Main, 12MP Ultrawide, 10MP 3x and 10x Optical Telephoto |
| Selfie Camera | 40 MP | 12 MP |
| Device Mass | 228g | 234g |
| Memory Options | 8GB / 12 GB | 8GB / 12 GB |
| Storage Capacities | 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB non-expandable | 256 GB / 512 GB non-expandable |
| Available Hues | Green, Phantom Black, Burgundy, Phantom White | Phantom Black, Green, Lavender, Cream, Graphite, Lime, Sky Blue, Red |
| Energy and Charging | 5000 mAh battery | 5000mAh battery, 45W wired, 15W wireless |
| Cost Indicator | Starting at $949.99 | Starting at $1199 |
Display Excellence: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra vs. S23 Ultra
The Galaxy S22 Ultra and S23 Ultra both feature a robust 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, offering razor-sharp resolution of 3088 x 1440 pixels. They boast an adjustable refresh rate up to 120Hz and can reach top brightness levels of 1750 nits. The S22 Ultra showcases elegant curved edges, while initial speculations that the S23 Ultra would follow suit have not been realized.
The upgraded Galaxy S23 Ultra maintains the display specifics of its forerunner but enhances the visual experience. Despite having the same peak brightness as the S22 Ultra, it falls short of the iPhone 14 Pro’s benchmark of 2000 nits set in 2022.
Styling and Structure: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra vs. S23 Ultra
Aesthetically, the Galaxy S23 Ultra retains a congruent design to the S22 Ultra, with modestly modified curves to improve the display area. Both models sport a sophisticated build, with back cameras neatly arranged.
Each unit is equipped with a dedicated S Pen, reinforcing their lineage to the Galaxy Note series. They also share the IP68 certification for water and dust resistance.
The S23 Ultra’s dimensions are almost mirror-like to the S22 Ultra, except it is marginally wider and heavier, differences that are trivial for most users. Both models feature a discreet punch-hole front camera and an optical under-display fingerprint scanner. Despite the mostly internal enhancements from one model to the next, the superior craftsmanship of both units is undeniable.
Internal Power and Performance: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra vs. S23 Ultra
The Galaxy S22 Ultra gets its drive from the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, while the S23 Ultra is augmented with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy—an exclusive enhanced version promising higher clock speeds and impressive performance. Yet, the S22 Ultra remains a strong contender.
Memory and storage configurations vary slightly between the two, with the S23 Ultra offering a 256GB base storage—double that of the S22 Ultra. Both devices come with a 5000mAh powerhouse, supporting 45W fast charging and 15W wireless charging, maintaining parity in battery endurance.
Photographic Prowess: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs. S22 Ultra
The Galaxy S22 Ultra’s quad-camera architecture, including its 108-megapixel primary shooter, offers stellar imaging across a spectrum of scenarios. The S23 Ultra raises the stakes with a mighty 200-megapixel main camera. The rest of the setup is consistent, comprising ultra-wide and two telephoto lenses with zoom capabilities paralleling the previous model.
New aspects like 8K video capturing at 30fps, AstroHyperlapse for celestial shots, and ExpertRAW support giving large 50-megapixel RAW files add a layer of sophistication to the S23 Ultra’s camera functionalities. Notably, some of these features will also become accessible to S22 Ultra users.
Evaluating Specs, Pricing, and Accessibility: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra vs. S23 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra enters the market with a steeper price tag, commencing at $1,199. It’s available in a gamut of colors, including four classic shades plus four Samsung Online exclusive versions. Conversely, the Galaxy S22 Ultra, with a slightly more affordable launch price, features four elegant colors without the exclusivity of online-only selections.
Balancing the advantages and similarities laid out in this essentials guide, selecting between the Galaxy Ultra S22 and S23 boils down to individual needs and budget considerations. The Ultra S22, despite being the older model, still presents a cost-effective alternative without significant compromises compared to the newer Galaxy Ultra S23.
