This story is an element of Samsung Event, CNET’s assortment of information, suggestions and recommendation round Samsung’s hottest merchandise.
Samsung clearly desires the Galaxy S23 Ultra to be the last word digital camera for cinematographers and photographers. I’m actually not knowledgeable filmmaker, nor do I take into account myself to be a shutterbug. But after utilizing the Galaxy S23 Ultra for a number of days, it is clear the brand new digital camera upholds the areas during which Samsung already excels — like low-mild images — and pushes these strengths a little bit additional.
The $1,200 (£1,249, AU$1,949) Galaxy S23 Ultra will likely be accessible on Feb. 17 alongside the remainder of Samsung’s new cellphone lineup, which incorporates the $800 Galaxy S23 and $1,000 Galaxy S23 Plus. Like final yr’s Galaxy S22 Ultra, the S23 Ultra’s large display, excessive value and souped-up digital camera could also be an excessive amount of for the common particular person.
The title “Ultra” says all of it; this cellphone is for individuals who desire a cellphone that is excessive. Compared to the Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus, the Ultra presents a better zoom magnification than most individuals will in all probability want, a stylus that shops contained in the cellphone and an enormous 6.8-inch display that is bigger than each these of the iPhone 14 Pro Max and Google Pixel 7 Pro. You may not want all that extra, however after utilizing this cellphone for a couple of days, I would not blame you for wanting them.
Like
- Fast efficiency
- Excellent principal digital camera, particularly in low mild
- Bright display
- Included stylus
- Double the storage within the base mannequin
- Four years of Android OS updates
Don’t Like
- High value
- Photos do not at all times look pure, particularly selfies
- No enhancements to quick charging
Samsung largely achieves its objective of offering a deluxe cellphone with a superb digital camera and large show. But it is not excellent. That excessive value is tough to disregard, and images taken on the Galaxy S23 Ultra do not at all times look as pure as these captured on the iPhone 14 Pro or Pixel 7 Pro.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra digital camera is a step up
If you watched Samsung’s Unpacked presentation, you already know the S23 Ultra’s principal digital camera is its prized attribute. Samsung added a 200-megapixel sensor for the primary time, marking a technical improve from the S22 Ultra’s 108-megapixel principal shooter.
With the S23 Ultra, you might have the choice to shoot images at a 12-megapixel, 50-megapixel or 200-megapixel decision, which you’ll be able to regulate within the settings menu alongside the digital camera’s viewfinder. Samsung’s Expert Raw app is now built-in into the native digital camera app after you obtain it for the primary time. Although I do not usually edit uncooked images myself, the use case actually appears acceptable for a cellphone like this. Shooting in uncooked permits photographers to edit the total, uncompressed model of a picture, giving them extra flexibility and knowledge to work with in phrases of colours and publicity.
Under-the-hood enhancements to paint, dynamic vary, autofocus and low-mild efficiency appear extra significant than the decision bump. Samsung mentioned when asserting the S23 Ultra that its new picture sensor is best at minimizing noise, and that its algorithms have gotten higher at enhancing coloration tones and particulars. Samsung largely positioned these enhancements within the context of video recording and low-mild images, however they appear evident throughout common nonetheless images, too. These modifications are extra noticeable to the bare eye than the elevated decision.
Unless in any other case specified, the images on this article had been taken on the default 12-megapixel decision as a result of the 200-megapixel recordsdata are simply too massive to show right here. You can nonetheless see modifications in how the digital camera processes coloration, pores and skin tone and dynamic vary even at this decrease decision. However, I did seize a number of 200-megapixel images all through the course of my testing.
The greatest variations I seen in these 200-megapixel images in comparison with the 108-megapixel pictures taken on the Galaxy S22 Ultra needed to do with coloration. Flowers had been extra vibrant shades of orange and bushes appeared extra lush. The distinction in decision is barely noticeable whenever you zoom all the way in which in to view the precise dimension of the pixels.
The images under, nevertheless, present how the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s digital camera has modified in comparison with the S22 Ultra’s. Take a take a look at the images of bushes and shrubbery taken at a park. Although you may not discover it within the smaller embedded model under, the leaves within the S23 Ultra’s photograph have a bit extra separation and crispness in comparison with the S22 Ultra’s, and there is additionally higher distinction within the tree bark.
In the images of sweets organized in a baker’s show case under, the S23 Ultra captured extra element on the strawberries within the prime row.
Those who’ve taken images with Samsung telephones earlier than might need seen that colours typically look exaggerated. Samsung has improved this in recent times, however the Pixel 7 Pro and that iPhone 14 Pro nonetheless take images that look extra pure total.
But, pure would not at all times imply higher. There are instances when Samsung’s overstated coloration works effectively, and others when it would not. For images of individuals and pets, for instance, Samsung’s emphasis on coloration may end up in extra flattering pictures. In the images under, my husband most popular the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s photograph over the extra pure-trying picture from the Pixel 7 Pro as a result of it made his beard and eyes look extra vibrant. But he appreciated the iPhone 14 Pro’s photograph greatest as a result of it struck the precise stability of accuracy and daring coloration. The iPhone 14 Pro additionally captured much more element within the cookie-formed bench he is sitting on.
However, Samsung’s telephones do not at all times deal with difficult lighting eventualities very effectively. When snapping a photograph of my husband in entrance of a window at a bakery, each the S23 Ultra and S22 Ultra’s pictures appeared washed out and overexposed, though the S23 Ultra’s did have extra coloration than the S22 Ultra’s. The iPhone 14 Pro’s was the most effective of the bunch on this case, however the Pixel 7 Pro’s was spectacular, too.
Colors in panorama images taken on the Galaxy S23 Ultra can look brighter and exaggerated in comparison with these from the iPhone 14 Pro and Pixel 7 Pro. Take a take a look at how that photograph of the park from earlier compares to related images taken on the iPhone 14 Pro and Pixel 7 Pro, and you may discover the shades of inexperienced look extra pure. The proper aspect of the iPhone 14 Pro’s photograph seems to be blown out, however in any other case would have been a greater shot for the reason that colours are extra correct. Still, Samsung did an excellent job with dynamic vary; you possibly can see the shadows extra clearly in its photograph in comparison with the others.
But Samsung continues to be the king of low-mild images in my ebook. In my testing, the Galaxy S23 Ultra captured higher element and coloration. The Galaxy S23 Ultra was in a position to focus extra sharply than each the Pixel 7 Pro and that iPhone 14 Pro. It was additionally barely higher than the Galaxy S22 Ultra, though it was typically an in depth name.
My favourite instance of that is on this photograph of my cat, Buddy, proven under. Even although the iPhone 14 Pro’s photograph is brighter, I just like the S23 Ultra’s higher as a result of it has extra distinction and element. When taking a look at these images aspect-by-aspect on a big monitor, you possibly can see the stripes in his fur extra clearly. The Galaxy S22 Ultra’s photograph is simply too tender, whereas the Pixel 7 Pro’s appeared prefer it had a bluish filter over it after I seen it on a big display. It’s additionally one other instance of how the S23 Ultra’s emphasis on coloration makes for a extra flattering photograph.
Video recording on the Galaxy S23 Ultra was upgraded to 8K at 30 frames per second, whereas it beforehand topped out at 24fps when capturing at that decision. Samsung additionally elevated the sphere of view when recording 8K video, which could be very noticeable in comparison with the Galaxy S22 Ultra.
Even although Google gives extra pure coloration in nonetheless images, I skilled the alternative in the case of recording video. The Galaxy S23 Ultra typically captured extra practical coloration and sharpness in comparison with the Pixel 7 Pro throughout my testing. The iPhone 14 Pro was an in depth competitor, however Samsung’s footage had a little bit extra element. When testing the video capabilities of every cellphone, I recorded clips on the highest supported decision and body charge. That’s 8K at 30fps for the Galaxy S23 Ultra, 8K at 24fps for the Galaxy S22 Ultra and 4K at 60fps for the iPhone 14 Pro and Google Pixel 7 Pro.
Samsung additionally highlighted the S23 Ultra’s new 12-megapixel selfie digital camera when asserting the cellphone, which it mentioned separates the topic from the background higher for extra readability. Selfies had been sharp and colourful total, and I most popular images taken with the S23 Ultra’s selfie digital camera over the Pixel 7 Pro’s in each check. The Galaxy S22 Ultra’s had been corresponding to the S23 Ultra’s, however the iPhone 14 Pro’s selfies had the most effective total mixture of element and correct coloration. Samsung’s selfies typically appeared unnatural for the reason that coloration in my hair appeared exaggerated.
The solely exception was in very dim lighting, an space the place Samsung reigns supreme. Take a take a look at the selfie I took in a really darkish theater with crimson lighting. The Galaxy S23 Ultra’s photograph has rather more element than the others.
When it involves the remainder of the cameras, you possibly can count on the identical association because the Galaxy S22 Ultra. In addition to the primary digital camera, there’s additionally a 12-megapixel ultrawide digital camera and two 10-megapixel telephoto lenses that permit for a 3x or 10x optical zoom and as much as 100x digital zoom. Photos from the ultrawide digital camera packed lots of coloration and brightness, as proven within the pictures under.
You’ll additionally get extra zoom than you in all probability want on the S23 Ultra, however that is perhaps helpful for individuals who often take images at concert events and sporting occasions. The 100x digital zoom can really feel unwieldy, however Samsung does present the next optical zoom than its opponents. Like the S22 Ultra, the S23 Ultra can zoom optically as much as 10x, whereas the iPhone 14 Pro is at 3x and the Pixel 7 Pro is at 5x.
Check out the photograph samples under to see the distinction in optical zoom ranges.
Overall, I used to be impressed with the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s cameras. They stay the most effective for zoomed-in pictures and low-mild images. The enhancements to paint and dynamic vary are noticeable as effectively, and Samsung followers upgrading from a cellphone that is at the least two years outdated will possible see a serious distinction. Still, the iPhone 14 Pro’s digital camera was higher in most conditions, save for a couple of exceptions.
Check out the gallery under for a better take a look at some images I captured with the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra efficiency
The Galaxy S23 Ultra runs on a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which is not shocking contemplating Samsung usually makes use of the most recent Qualcomm chip for its new telephones. What is shocking, nevertheless, is that Samsung determined to customise this chip greater than standard for the S23 collection. Samsung calls it the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, and it is basically a particular model of the processor that is been optimized for higher efficiency and energy effectivity. An ordinary model of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is being included in rival telephones just like the OnePlus 11 5G.
The S23 Ultra feels quick and snappy, whether or not I’m simply swiping across the working system, enjoying video games whereas on a video name or operating Samsung’s Dex program to make use of my cellphone as a PC. I plugged my S23 Ultra into an exterior monitor, hooked up a keyboard and mouse through Bluetooth and had 5 apps operating, together with Google Docs, to take notes for this assessment. I by no means skilled any lag or overheating throughout any of these duties.
The S23 Ultra also can export movies rapidly, which is perhaps useful for individuals who shoot and edit video initiatives on their cellphone often. In my testing, it exported a 30-second 4K video clip to 1080p three seconds quicker than the S22 Ultra and a full 10 seconds quicker than the Pixel 7 Pro on common. The iPhone 14 Pro, nevertheless, completed the job about three seconds quicker than the S23 Ultra on common. You’ll additionally get double the storage that is within the base mannequin of the Galaxy S23 Ultra (256GB versus 128GB), which supplies you extra space to retailer these video initiatives.
Samsung’s new cellphone additionally scored increased than the Galaxy S22 Ultra, Pixel 7 Pro and OnePlus 11 5G on benchmarks meant to check computing energy in on a regular basis duties and in apps that require brief bursts of excessive efficiency, like cellular video games. The iPhone 14 Pro, nevertheless, scored increased than the S23 Ultra on the final computing benchmark (Geekbench 5) however decrease on the one which measures transient intervals of excessive depth (3DMark Wild Life Extreme).
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra battery life and charging
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 5,000-mAh battery, similar to the Galaxy S22 Ultra, but it surely ought to supply higher energy effectivity, because of its new processor. I must spend extra time with the cellphone to check it to the S22 Ultra, however the outcomes are promising to date. After 12 hours of use, which equates to a full workday after which some, the battery was all the way down to 66%.
I had adaptive movement and adaptive brightness settings turned on, which regulate the display’s refresh charge and brightness based mostly on the scenario. The at all times-on show characteristic was additionally turned on, however I had “tap to show” enabled, that means it would not show the time and date except I touched the display. Battery life will at all times fluctuate relying on how you employ your machine. In this situation, I used the cellphone to take images, report a couple of movies, test e-mail, browse social media and stream music for about quarter-hour.
On a separate day, the Galaxy S23 Ultra nonetheless had roughly three quarters of its battery left by the center of the workday even after capturing 4K video for roughly a half hour. We’re nonetheless conducting extra battery assessments on the S23 Ultra and can replace this assessment accordingly.
I additionally ran a forty five-minute check during which I performed video games, made a ten-minute video name, checked social media and streamed video; over that span the S23 Ultra dropped from 100% to 94%. The Galaxy S22 Ultra dipped to 91% throughout that very same check. The Galaxy S23 Ultra’s outcomes are just like the Pixel 7’s, which additionally hit 94% after that 45-minute problem. (During this check, I saved the brightness at 50%, left the excessive refresh charge setting turned on and switched off the at all times-on show.)
Like final yr’s Galaxy S22 Ultra, the Galaxy S23 Ultra has a prime wired charging pace of 45 watts. You want to make use of the right adapter, which you will need to buy individually when you do not already personal one since Samsung would not bundle one within the field. So far, that 45-watt charging pace has enabled my S23 Ultra to go from 46% to 91% in simply half-hour of charging.
That’s not dangerous, however it could be nice to see Samsung push issues additional now that corporations like OnePlus and Xiaomi are providing upwards of 100-watt quick charging. The Xiaomi 12T Pro, for instance, helps 120-watt quick charging and went from zero to 100% in 19 minutes, in line with my colleague Sareena Dayaram’s Xiaomi 12T Pro assessment.
Galaxy S23 Ultra: Take a Closer Look at Samsung’s Giant New Phone
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Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra design, show and different options
The Galaxy S23 Ultra seems to be virtually similar to the Galaxy S22 Ultra. It has the identical boxy edges that give it a sharper look in comparison with the common Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus. But this yr, the S23 Ultra is offered in cream, inexperienced, black and lavender coloration selections. Like final yr’s machine, it is rated for IP68 water resistance, that means it may be submerged in as much as 1.5 meters of contemporary water for half-hour.
There’s no mistake about it; the Galaxy S23 Ultra is a huge cellphone, similar to its predecessor. It has a 6.8-inch display, making it barely greater than the 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Pro Max and Google Pixel 7 Pro. It’s the sort of cellphone your folks may gawk on the minute you are taking it out of your pocket. That’s not an insult; there are lots of individuals on the market who love massive telephones. It’s simply one other reminder that this cellphone is not for everybody. But when you do rather a lot of studying, gaming, photograph enhancing and TV watching in your cellphone and do not thoughts stretching your fingers for one-handed use, you will possible respect the additional display area.
I’m additionally sure you will by no means battle to see the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s display in direct daylight. It’s tremendous shiny, reaching 1,750 nits, which is brighter than the Pixel 7 Pro’s 1,500-nit peak brightness however not fairly as luminous because the iPhone 14 Pro’s 2,000-nit peak out of doors brightness. Still, it is shiny sufficient to suit most individuals’s wants and circumstances.
You’ll additionally get an S Pen stylus, similar to final yr’s Galaxy S22 Ultra. Samsung’s Ultra lineup has successfully changed the Galaxy Note collection, which was beforehand identified for its massive screens and embedded stylus. Expect the identical acquainted S Pen expertise on this machine; as quickly as you pop the pen out from the underside of the cellphone, you will see a pop-up menu with suitable apps like Samsung Notes and the drawing app PenUp. I do not normally use the S Pen often, however I discovered myself jotting down notes through the course of this assessment greater than I had anticipated.
Samsung additionally as soon as once more commits to 4 generations of Android OS upgrades, which is on par with the OnePlus 11 and surpasses Google’s three-yr promise for the Pixel 7 and seven Pro. Samsung, OnePlus and Google all present 5 years of safety updates for his or her newest units. That means you will not have to fret in regards to the S23 Ultra’s software program feeling outdated anytime quickly because it launches with Android 13 and Samsung’s One UI 5.1 software program.
One additional characteristic you get by going for the Ultra or Plus as a substitute of the common mannequin is ultrawideband help, which makes it simpler to hook up with close by units extra exactly than Bluetooth. UWB is not a necessity, however it may well make sharing recordsdata or utilizing your cellphone as a digital automotive key quicker and simpler. We might see extra providers and equipment that require it sooner or later.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Buy or skip?
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is rather a lot, however in a great way. Its massive display, 200-megapixel digital camera, 100x zoom and S Pen is perhaps greater than most individuals want in a cellphone. But that is precisely who Samsung is concentrating on, and it is finally iterating on a components that is labored prior to now.
This is a cellphone for individuals actively in search of options like massive screens and versatile cameras which might be keen to pay prime greenback for them. If you simply desire a dependable new Android cellphone with an excellent digital camera, the cheaper Pixel 7 Pro, Galaxy S23 or Galaxy S23 Plus will possible do the trick. (However, we have not examined these different new Galaxy telephones, so we won’t advocate them simply but).
The barrier to entry for the Galaxy S23 Ultra is increased than that of the iPhone 14 Pro and Pixel 7 Pro. But you additionally get sure extras just like the S Pen, extra storage on the base stage, a barely bigger display and a greater zoom lens. Those aren’t should-haves for everybody, however this can be a cellphone for individuals who need extras like these.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra’s new digital camera is essentially the most important change in comparison with final yr’s S22 Ultra. But in my expertise, the behind-the-scenes upgrades Samsung made to the way in which the digital camera captures coloration, pores and skin tones and dynamic vary are a extra welcome enchancment than elevated sharpness alone.
Samsung might do extra to push the Galaxy Ultra line ahead in methods past the digital camera. I might have cherished to see quicker charging, for instance. And though the digital camera is spectacular, the iPhone 14 Pro usually outpaced it in my testing.
If you desire a large display, an excellent digital camera and are upgrading from a cellphone that is greater than two years outdated, you will not be disillusioned with the S23 Ultra. Just attempt to snag it at a reduction by way of a commerce-in deal to make that $1,200 value simpler to swallow.
How we check telephones
Every cellphone examined by CNET’s opinions staff was really utilized in the true world. We check a cellphone’s options, play video games and take images. We study the show to see if it is shiny, sharp and vibrant. We analyze the design and construct to see how it’s to carry and whether or not it has an IP-score for water resistance. We push the processor’s efficiency to the extremes utilizing each standardized benchmark instruments like GeekBench and 3DMark, together with our personal anecdotal observations navigating the interface, recording excessive-decision movies and enjoying graphically intense video games at excessive refresh charges.
All the cameras are examined in a spread of situations from shiny daylight to darkish indoor scenes. We check out particular options like evening mode and portrait mode and examine our findings in opposition to equally priced competing telephones. We additionally take a look at the battery life by utilizing it each day in addition to operating a collection of battery drain assessments.
We bear in mind extra options like help for 5G, satellite tv for pc connectivity, fingerprint and face sensors, stylus help, quick charging speeds, foldable shows amongst others that may be helpful. And we of course stability all of this in opposition to the value to provide the verdict on whether or not that cellphone, no matter value it’s, really represents good worth.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra specs vs. Google Pixel 7 Pro, Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
Galaxy S23 Ultra | Google Pixel 7 Pro | iPhone 14 Pro Max | |
---|---|---|---|
Display dimension, tech, decision, refresh charge | 6.8-inch AMOLED; 3,088×1,440 pixels; 120Hz | 6.7-inch OLED LTPO show; 3,120×1,440 pixels; 120Hz | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED show; 2,796×1,290 pixels; 120Hz |
Pixel density | 500 ppi | 512ppi | 460 ppi |
Dimensions (inches) | 6.43 x 3.07 x 0.35 in | 6.14 x 3.02 x 0.35 in | 6.33 x 3.05 x 0.31 in. |
Dimensions (millimeters) | 163.3 x 78 x 8.9 mm | 162.9 x 76.6 x 8.9 mm | 160.7 x 77.6 x 7.85mm |
Weight (ounces, grams) | 234 g (8.25 oz) | 212 g (7.5 oz) | 240 g (8.47 oz) |
Mobile software program | Android 13 | Android 13 | iOS 16 |
Camera | 200-megapixel (principal), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) 10-megapixel (telephoto) 10-megapixel (telephoto) | 50-megapixel (principal), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 48-megapixel (telephoto) | 48-megapixel (vast), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 12-megapixel (telephoto) |
Front-facing digital camera | 12-megapixel | 10.8-megapixel | 12-megapixel |
Video seize | 8K | 4K | 4K |
Processor | Galaxy-optimized Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Google Tensor G2 | Apple A16 Bionic |
RAM/storage | 12GB + 256GB; 12GB + 512GB; 12GB + 1TB | 12GB + 128 GB, 12GB + 256GB, 12GB + 512GB | RAM NA; 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
Expandable storage | None | None | None |
Battery/charging speeds | 5,000 mAh (45W wired charging) | 5,000 mAh (20W wired charging) | Undisclosed; Apple claims 29 hours of video playback (20W wired charging) |
Fingerprint sensor | In-display | In-display | None (Face ID) |
Connector | USB-C | USB-C | Lightning |
Headphone jack | None | None | None |
Special options | 5G (mmw/Sub6), IP68 score, quicker wired charging, wi-fi PowerShare to cost different units, built-in S-Pen, 200x Space Zoom, 10x Optical Zoom, UWB for locating different units | 5G, IP68 score, Face Unblur | Dynamic Island; Always-On show; 5G enabled; MagSafe; water-proof (IP68); wi-fi charging; twin-SIM capabilities (e-SIM) |
US value off-contract | $1,200 (12GB/256GB) | $899 (£849, AU$1,299) | $1,099 (128GB), $1,199 (256GB), $1,399 (512GB), $1,599 (1TB) |
UK value | £1,249 (12GB/256GB) | £849 | £1,199 (128GB) |
Australia value | AU$1,949 (12GB/256GB) | AU$1,299 | AU$1,899 (128GB) |
…. to be continued
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