Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

200MP camera delivers in both well-lit and low-light conditions ; Top-notch performance from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy ; All-day battery life ; Stunningly detailed 6.8in 120Hz display

Very expensive ; Relatively slow 45W charging ; Difficult to use one-handed

The release of the newer S24 Ultra doesn’t detract from the fact that the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra remains a strong all-rounder; it has a stellar display, a top-notch stylus experience, blisteringly fast performance and very good camera performance,...

Incredibly powerful processor Versatile telephoto zoom camera S Pen adds value Water-resistant and durable Long software update commitment Many interesting features to explore Large, bright, detailed screen

Wired charging is complicated, and only 45W Big and heavy

“The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the most complete, most versatile Android smartphone you can buy. It's a big purchase in more ways than one, but it'll last you for years.”

Traditional Note form factor, improved handling, still premium as ever.

Nothing is, in principle, really new or different.

With all of that in mind, the Galaxy S23 Ultra's only verdict can be 'Highly recommended'.

120Hz display ; Next-generation camera ; Fantastic build

Expensive ; Minimal AV updates over last year ; Tough competition

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a solid all-rounder, but it’s outdone in both the sound and picture departments by Apple and Sony

Large, bright display ; Speedy performance ; Excellent cameras ; S Pen integration ; Solid battery life ; Durable hardware ; Strong software update commitment

Expensive ; Big, heavy build

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is large and pricey, but an exceptional mix of features, performance, and quality makes it the best high-end Android phone you can buy.

Bespoke Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset ; More base storage than predecessor ; Functional refinements

Faster charging would have been nice ; Looks identical to predecessor ; Seriously expensive

A tougher build, faster memory and storage, a more efficient battery, a custom-tuned chipset and a new 200MP main camera hidden behind a familiar design; the S23 Ultra is a more substantial upgrade than you might first realize. Provided you're not...

Punchy AMOLED displays ; Refined design on S23 and S23+ ; 200MP camera on S23 Ultra

Substantial price increase ; No obvious upgrades to picture and sound

Samsung appears to be playing it very safe this year, with the S23 seemingly not straying far from the path beaten by the S22 and S21 – but perhaps that won’t be a problem for dedicated Samsung phone fans

Qualcomm's 8 Gen 2 chip is a game-changer ; Excellent battery life ; Impressive 200MP camera ; Bright, vivid display ; Seamless ecosystem between smartphone and Samsung PC ; Editor in Chief

Minimal design changes ; Starts at $1,199

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a revolutionary update in evolutionary clothing. Seemingly iterative changes yield a transformative upgrade for Android's one true flagship phone.