The Galaxy S23+ with 256GB costs $999.99, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra with 256GB is priced at $1199.99 on Samsung’s official store. Now the question is, is the S23 Ultra worth the $200 extra price?
The Galaxy S23 Ultra surely brings a lot to the table compared to the S23+ in various aspects. Let’s take a look at the extras you get to figure out if they are worth considering for you.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra outshines the S23+ in multiple aspects
Much better cameras with longer zoom
The Galaxy S23 Ultra comes with a 200-megapixel main camera, which takes significantly better images than the 50-megapixel one on the S23+.
In addition, the S23 Ultra is also capable of zooming up to 100x, as opposed to the 30x zoom of the Galaxy S23+. This is because the Ultra model houses a separate 10x periscope telephoto lens alongside the 3x optical one, the same as the S23+.
In short, from better low-light performance to getting close up to far away subjects, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is just a lot better in every aspect of the camera.
S23 Ultra lasts longer on battery
The Galaxy S23 Ultra houses a larger 5000mAh battery, as opposed to the 4700mAh battery of the Galaxy S23 Plus. With the display set to the same 1080p resolution as the S23+, the S23 Ultra provides considerably longer battery life than the S23+.
Better thermal management
The S23 Ultra features a larger mid-frame and an expanded vapor chamber for more efficient heat dissipation from the processor. The Ultra model maintains better performance compared to the S23+ during extended sessions of heavy usage, such as playing demanding games or using the camera extensively.
S23 Ultra has bigger display with higher resolution
The Galaxy S23 Ultra houses a 6.8″ QHD+ display, compared to the 6.6″ FHD+ display on the Galaxy S23+. The S23 Ultra offers a higher pixel density of 500 PPI, whereas the S23+ has 393 PPI.
A higher pixel density results in crisper output. Other than that, both phones offer a dynamic AMOLED 2x panel with HDR10+ support and a 120Hz refresh rate.
Galaxy S23 Ultra has one downside
The Galaxy S23 Ultra weighs 234 grams, compared to the much lighter 196 grams of the S23+. To be precise, 234 grams for a smartphone is by no means light and can strain your hands, especially when you are using the phone while lying down with it over your face.
While most people prefer a lighter phone for a better in-hand experience, the weight can be a point to consider when choosing the Galaxy S23+ over the Ultra model if you don’t have any other restrictions to consider, such as the demand for the longest possible battery life or the best available camera on a Galaxy.
Price difference
The Galaxy S23+ is usually priced $200 cheaper than the Ultra model for the same storage option. Here’s a list of the prices for all the different storage options available from Samsung’s official store.
- Galaxy S23+, 256 GB – $999.99
- Galaxy S23 Ultra, 256GB – $1199.99
- Galaxy S23+, 512GB – $1119.99
- Galaxy S23 Ultra, 512GB – $1379.99
- Galaxy S23 Ultra, 1TB – $1619.99
S23 Ultra offers better value despite its higher price
As I discussed earlier, the Ultra model brings much better cameras, better battery life, a higher resolution, a bigger display, and more.
Unlike the Galaxy S23, the Galaxy S23+ is clearly distinguished from the Galaxy S23 Ultra both in terms of internals and features, as well as value for money. The S23+ is not as cheap as the S23 but resembles the base model more than the Ultra one in several aspects.
That being said, if you were considering the Galaxy S23+, it’s recommended to check out the Galaxy S23 to see if it’s compatible with your needs as a replacement for the S23+. We have a detailed discussion on different aspects of the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23+ to help you make an informed decision.
