Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Galaxy S23 Plus – which one should you go for?

If you’re wondering about the difference between the Samsung S23 Ultra vs Galaxy Samsung S23 Plus, then we’ve got you covered right here.

Both these phones, alongside the standard Samsung Galaxy S23, were released on February 17th. The S23 Ultra is the largest and most powerful device in the range. It comes with space for storing the S Pen built into the device itself, as well as increased storage and RAM options.

The S23 Plus meanwhile is the middle child. With its powerful CPU and great-quality camera, it’s sure to stand out against even its best alternatives. This will make it perfect for those who want a powerful and large phone but don’t necessarily need the highest specs available.

These phones are both very similar and very different at the same time. This means that comparing them in more detail will give you a better idea of which one is the best for you. To make it even simpler we’ll be breaking down our comparison into subsections. these are specs, features, designs, and value for money.

So, let’s get cracking. here are the key similarities and differences between the new Samsung galaxy S23 Plus and galaxy S23 Ultra.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Galaxy S23 Plus – Specs

Specs	Galaxy S23 Ultra	Galaxy S23 Plus
Screen size	6.8-inch	6.6-inch
Screen type	AMOLED	AMOLED
Resolution	3,088 x 1,440p	2,340 x 1,080p
CPU	Snapdragon 8 Gen 2	Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
RAM	8GB, 12GB	8GB
Storage	256GB, 512GB, 1TB	256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Rear cameras	200MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto 3x zoom, 10MP telephoto 10x zoom	50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto 3x zoom
Front cameras	12MP	12MP
Battery size	5,000 mAh	4,700 mAh
Charging speed	45W wired	45W wired

As you can see from the table, there is a good amount of difference between these phones, as well as an obvious overlap. We’ll start with the similarities. From a specs perspective, the most important ones are the identical CPU and charging speed.

The latter largely speaks for itself and means both phones will be able to recharge at high speeds. As for CPU both phones have the same high-tech Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chips. This means you can be sure both will have exceptional performance. This latest chip from Qualcomm is easily among the best available, capable of even standing up for itself versus the A16 Bionic.

That said the S23 Ultra does have the option for up to 12GB of RAM which would give it the edge performance-wise.

Both the S23 Ultra and the S23 Plus will also have a storage option of up to a huge 1TB. This could prove pivotal too, as the lack of an SD card slot on either phone makes this storage unexpandable.

As for the display, while both use the same AMOLED panel, the S23 Ultra’s one is higher resolution. Its refresh rate is also more adaptive. Both the S23 Ultra and the S23 Plus have the same maximum refresh rate, 120Hz, but the Ultra is capable of reducing it to as low as 1Hz, while the S23 Plus can only drop to 48Hz. This higher range will improve the battery efficiency of the S23 Ultra.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Galaxy S23 Plus – Features

The biggest difference in terms of features between the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy S23 Plus is the S Pen. The S23 Ultra is not only compatible with the S pen but actually comes with it embedded into its design. This means one comes included when you purchase the phone and it can be stored right inside the device itself.

As a result, for those who want to make use of this stylus, the S23 Ultra is the phone they should be looking at.

While there are no differences in hardware terms between the front cameras of the S23 Ultra and S23 Plus, the Ultra does have a feature with the Plus version lacks. That is Pro Mode which will give you a greater level of control to tweak settings for your selfies.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Galaxy S23 Plus – Design

These two phones look incredibly similar. Unlike the S22 range, where the Ultra had a different camera layout than the Plus, Samsung has decided to keep the design largely consistent across devices this year. This means that both these phones have sleek individual camera cutouts, which sit flush against the rear of the phone.

Similarly, it seems Samsung is offering identical colourways for all S23 phones, whereas previously different phones in the range got different options.

There is of course one glaring difference, however, and that is size. Both phones are large but the S23 Ultra is larger with a 6.8-inch display versus the 6.6 display of the S23 Plus.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Galaxy S23 Plus – Value for money

The S23 Ultra is the more expensive device coming in at $1,199, while the S23 Plus is $999

However, this does not mean that the Plus has better value for money, remember that you are getting a smaller device with weaker performance in certain areas for this lower price.

The truth is that which of these two phones offers the best return on your investment depends on your needs. If you need access to the kind of processing speeds the S23 Ultra is capable of, or need to use an S Pen, then it is well worth the price.

Price Check: Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus

Price Check: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Which one should you go for?

Just like the value for money, unfortunately, there is going to be no clear winner here. This is because these two phones cater to different smartphone users, so which one you should go for hinges on the kind of device you yourself need.

If you want to use your device for graphic design and feel you could benefit from a huge storage capacity, then the S23 Ultra is a great choice for you. Thanks to its embedded S pen you can make sure you are never without it. With the option for 12GB of RAM, it does also have slightly better performance, as well as a superior camera.

However, if you don’t feel you need such a huge amount of RAM but still want an incredibly fast, responsive, and large smartphone, the S23 Plus is sure to be one of the most tempting phones released this year.