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Samsung Galaxy S23 vs S23 Plus vs S23 Ultra (2023): What’s The Difference?

With an array of advanced features and cutting-edge technology, the Samsung Galaxy S23 promises to deliver a superior user experience. In this article, we will be taking an in-depth look at the Samsung Galaxy S23 and comparing it to its two sister models, the Galaxy S23 Plus and the Galaxy S23 Ultra. By examining the similarities and differences between these devices, we aim to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the Samsung Galaxy S23’s performance and functionality, helping you to make an informed decision on whether this smartphone is the right choice for you.

Samsung Galaxy S23 vs S23 Plus vs S23 Ultra Comparison Chart

ModelSamsung Galaxy S23Samsung Galaxy S23 PlusSamsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
 
PriceCheck Price Check Price Check Price
Build5.76 x 2.79 x 0.30 inches
168 grams
IP68
6.21 x 3 x 0.30 inches
196 grams
IP68
6.43 x 3.07 x 0.35 inches
234 grams
IP68
Display6.1-inches Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+
1750 nits (peak)
1080 x 2340 pixels
Always-on display
6.6-inches Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+
1750 nits (peak)
1080 x 2340 pixels
Always-on display
6.8-inches Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+
1750 nits (peak)
1440 x 3088 pixels
Always-on display
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 2 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 
Storage & RAM128GB 8GB RAM
256GB 8GB RAM
512GB 8GB RAM
256GB 8GB RAM
512GB 8GB RAM
256GB 8GB RAM
256GB 12GB RAM
512GB 12GB RAM
1TB 12GB RAM
Main Camera50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide)
10 MP, f/2.4, 70mm (telephoto)
12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120หš (ultrawide)
50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide)
10 MP, f/2.4, 70mm (telephoto)
12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120หš (ultrawide)
200 MP, f/1.7, 24mm (wide)
10 MP, f/4.9, 230mm (periscope telephoto)
10 MP, f/2.4, 70mm (telephoto)
12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120หš (ultrawide)
Selfie Camera12 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide)12 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide)12 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide)
S PenN/AN/AIncluded
Battery3900 mAh
25W wired
15W wireless
4.5W reverse wireless
4700 mAh
45W wired
15W wireless
4.5W reverse wireless
5000 mAh
45W wired
15W wireless
4.5W reverse wireless

Design

The Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus are almost identical in design, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra has a different look.

samsung galaxy s23 vs s23 plus vs s23 ultra design
The Galaxy S23 (left), Galaxy S23 Plus (center) and Galaxy S23 Ultra (right).

All Galaxy S23 models boast sleek, modern and near bezel-less designs with a punch hole camera located at the top center of the screen. The Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 Plus have flat screens and they are almost identical in looks with rounded edges. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S23 Ultra has a curved screen with sharper edges.

When it comes to size and weight, there are some differences between the three models. The Galaxy S23 measures 5.76 x 2.79 x 0.30 inches and weighs 171 grams, while the Galaxy S23 Plus measures 6.21 x 3 x 0.30 inches and weighs 196 grams. The Galaxy S23 Ultra, on the other hand, is the largest and heaviest of the three, measuring 6.43 x 3.07 x 0.35 inches and weighing 234 grams.

In terms of build quality, all three models have a similar design language, with a glass front and back and an aluminum frame. They are also IP68 rated, meaning that they are dust and water resistant. These phones can be submerged in water 1.5 meters deep up to 30 minutes without suffering damage.

Display

All three models have the same display panel, they only differ in size, resolution and PPI.

samsung galaxy s23 vs s23 plus vs s23 ultra display
The Galaxy S23 (left) has a 6.1-inch screen, the Galaxy S23 Plus (center) has a 6.6-inch screen and the Galaxy S23 Ultra (right) has a curved 6.8-inch screen with S Pen support.

The screens of the Samsung Galaxy S23, S23 Plus, and S23 Ultra are similar in terms of quality. They all feature Dynamic AMOLED panels that deliver deep blacks and vibrant colors. Also, they have a max refresh rate of 120Hz, they support HDR10+ and they have a peak brightness of 1750 nits.

They do, however, differ in size, resolution and PPI (pixels per inch). The Galaxy S23 has a 6.1-inch screen with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, while the Galaxy S23 Plus has a 6.6-inch screen with the same resolution for a lower PPI. The Galaxy S23 Ultra features the largest and most high-resolution screen, with a 6.8-inch 1440 x 3088 display.

The Galaxy S23 has a pixel density of 425 PPI, while the Galaxy S23 Plus has a slightly lower density of 393 PPI. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has the highest pixel density of the three models at 500 PPI. This means that the Galaxy S23 Ultra delivers sharper and more detailed images than the other two models.

Hardware

The Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus have 8GB of RAM while you have a choice between 8GB or 12GB with the Galaxy S23 Ultra.

All Galaxy S23 models have the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset.

The Samsung Galaxy S23, S23 Plus, and S23 Ultra are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, offering fast and efficient performance. The Snapdragon 8 series is one of the most powerful mobile processors on the market, providing seamless performance and advanced graphics capabilities. This ensures that the S23 models are all capable of handling even the most demanding of tasks, including high-end gaming and intensive multitasking.

However, there is a difference in RAM and storage configuration between the models. The Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus both come with 256GB 8GB RAM and 512GB 8GB RAM configurations. There’s also a 128GB 8GB configuration available for the Galaxy S23, but this uses UFS 3.1.

On the other hand, the Galaxy S23 Ultra takes performance to the next level with up to 12GB of RAM, making it the most powerful of the three models. This additional RAM allows for even smoother performance and faster app loading times, as well as enhanced multitasking capabilities. Users who require high levels of performance or who regularly run multiple apps simultaneously may find the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s 12GB of RAM to be a major selling point. You can get the Galaxy S23 Ultra in 256GB 8GB, 256GB 12GB, 512GB 12GB and 1TB 12GB configurations.

While all models of the Samsung Galaxy S23 support Samsung DeX, the S23 Ultra has an additional feature that sets it apart: support for the S Pen. With the S Pen, the S23 Ultra becomes an even more versatile device, catering to a wider range of users and use cases.

Camera

The Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus have the same triple camera setup, while the S23 Ultra has a four camera array.

Following in the footsteps of the S22 Ultra, all Galaxy S23 models ditched the camera housing.

The cameras on the Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus are identical, with a triple-lens setup that includes a 50MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens. These cameras offer impressive image quality and advanced features such as 3x optical zoom and 8K video recording. While the cameras on the S23 and S23 Plus are not as advanced as the S23 Ultra’s, they are still more than capable of delivering stunning photos and videos.

In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra features an upgraded quad-lens camera setup that includes a 200MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and two 10MP telephoto lenses with 3x and 10x optical zoom capabilities. This camera setup offers even more advanced features such as laser autofocus. All models feature a 12MP front-facing camera for high-quality selfies and video calls. Overall, the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s camera is a major selling point for those who require the best possible camera performance from their smartphone.

Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus are great for users that want a powerful everyday-use smartphone while the Galaxy S23 Ultra is best for those that require the best performance.

Samsung Galaxy S23

Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

In summary, the Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus are nearly identical, with the S23 simply featuring a larger display. Both models feature the latest Snapdragon chipset, high-quality cameras, and support for Samsung DeX. These devices are great options for everyday users who want a high-quality, reliable smartphone with advanced features and excellent performance.

On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the definitive flagship of the S23 series, with upgraded features and the latest technology. With its larger display, powerful quad-lens camera setup, S Pen support, and 12GB RAM configurations, the S23 Ultra is a top-of-the-line device that is best suited for power users who require the best possible performance from their smartphone. While it is more expensive than the S23 and S23 Plus, the S23 Ultra’s advanced features and capabilities make it a worthy investment for those who require the very best in smartphone technology.

FAQs

๐Ÿ“Œ What’s the difference between the S23, S23+ and S23 Ultra?

The S23 and S23+ are essentially the same, but with the latter having a bigger screen. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has the biggest screen, has S Pen support and it features a more advanced camera system.

๐Ÿ“Œ Does the S23 Ultra have a headphone jack?

No, it doesn’t.

๐Ÿ“Œ Is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra better than the S23 Plus?

The Galaxy S23 Ultra is better than the S23 Plus when it comes to camera performance, responsiveness due to higher RAM and productivity due to having S Pen support.

๐Ÿ“Œ Does the Galaxy S23 have wireless charging?

Yes, all Galaxy S23 models have wireless charging at 15 watts.

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Carlo Salvador

Senior Editor at Compare Before Buying. Writer and researcher passionate about fitness, gaming and music.