Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra - 1 Year Later. (End of an Era)

Summary

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, despite being a 2023 flagship, remains a top contender in 2024 with its curved screen and 10x optical zoom. Priced at $874 with a trade-in discount, it offers similar features to the upcoming Galaxy S24 series, including a robust camera setup and long-range zoom capabilities. Enhanced by Samsung's AI integration in One UI 6.1, the S23 Ultra continues to impress with its performance, battery life, and camera experience. While it lacks some features like high-res default photos and 4K 60fps lens switching, its overall package and timely software updates make it a compelling choice, even as the S24 Ultra looms with potential improvements.

Takeaways

• 📱 The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is noted as one of the best overall flagship phones of 2023, featuring a curved screen and a 10x optical zoom lens.
• 💰 It's available at a compelling price of $874 due to a special trade-in discount, making it an attractive option even in 2024.
• 🔄 The phone retains the same design and camera hardware as the Galaxy S24 Ultra, offering a competitive edge despite being a year old.
• 📸 It includes a 3x zoom sensor and impressive long-range zoom capabilities, setting it apart from most smartphones on the market.
• 🤖 Samsung is enhancing the S23 Ultra with Galaxy AI features such as browser assist, AI editor, and voice transmission, improving its functionality.
• 🔋 The S23 Ultra has demonstrated excellent battery life and performance, outperforming even the iPhone in certain tests.
• 📸 It may lack some features found in newer models, like higher default camera resolutions and lens switching during 4K video recording, but overall camera performance is still praised.
• 📲 The device is running on One UI 6.1, which brings AI-based improvements and is expected to receive further updates, ensuring longevity.
• 🖥 It sports a 120Hz Quad HD display with LTPO technology and peak brightness of 1750 nits, providing a premium viewing experience.
• 🔩 The S23 Ultra is one of the best-looking phones with a curved screen, which might be a unique selling point as future models may adopt flat screens.
• 🔄 Despite some shortcomings, the S23 Ultra's camera system is versatile and produces high-quality images, especially with the 3x and 10x optical zooms.

Q & A

What is the current price of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra after the special trade-in discount?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is available for just $874 after a special trade-in discount of $325.

Does the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra have a curved screen?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a curved screen, which might be the last feature in the upcoming Samsung flagship phones.

What is the optical zoom capability of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra features a 10x optical zoom lens, which is better than most smartphones on the market.

How does the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra compare to the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S24 series?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is still a strong competitor in 2024, with similar design and camera hardware to the S24 Ultra, but at a lower price point.

What new features will the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra receive with the One UI 6.1 update?

With the One UI 6.1 update, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra will receive some new Galaxy AI features, including browser assist, AI editor, AI voice transmission, and more.

How has the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra performed in terms of battery life and speed tests?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has performed well in battery drain tests and speed tests, even outperforming the iPhone in certain tests.

What are some of the camera limitations of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra compared to newer models?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is limited to 12-megapixel default photos and cannot switch lenses while shooting 4K 60fps video, unlike some newer models.

What is the significance of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip in the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra's performance?

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip has contributed to the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra's great power efficiency and performance, allowing it to compete with newer smartphones.

How does the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra's display compare to the new S24 Ultra?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 120Hz Quad HD panel with LTPO refresh rate technology and peak brightness of 1750 nits, making it one of the best displays for media consumption.

What are the camera strengths of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, especially in zoom capabilities?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a versatile camera with a 3x optical zoom for photos and a 10x optical zoom that surpasses the competition, especially in daylight situations.

What is the user's recommendation for maximizing the camera potential of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?

The user recommends using the Samsung Expert RAW app to take incredible photos and maximize the camera potential of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.