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We’re looking at the Xiaomi 13 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S23 to see how these flagship Android phones compare to one another. We recently saw some confirmed information about the design and camera of the soon-to-be-released Xiaomi 13 Ultra. These mixed with some leaks mean we have enough information to start seeing how this brand new high-end device shapes up in comparison to others in the smartphone market.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is another 2023 smartphone that features some similar hardware to what we are expecting from the Xiaomi 13 Ultra. It is also a device that focuses on high camera quality meaning these are apt phones to compare.
Seeing how a new phone fits in with other similar devices is a great way to know if you want to go for it or not. Every device has its own unique selling points – meaning that some will be more suited to your specific needs than others.
To make this comparison as comprehensive as possible, with the limited information we currently have, we have split it into four different sections. We’ll be offering a description of both devices in each of these areas, explaining what is rumoured to be similar and different between the two. Let’s get into it.
Xiaomi 13 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S23 – rumoured specs comparison
| Xiaomi 13 Ultra rumoured specs | Galaxy S23 | |
| Screen size | 6.1in | 6.1in |
| Screen type | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Resolution | 3,200 x 1440p | 2340 x 1080p |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| CPU | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| RAM | 12GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 256GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| Rear cameras | 50MP main, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP 3x telephoto, 50MP 5x telephoto | 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto 3x zoom |
| Front cameras | 30MP | 12MP |
| Battery size | 4,900mAh | 3,900mAh |
| Charging speed | 90W | 25W wired |
As you can see, the rumoured specs for the Xiaomi 13 Ultra are pretty jaw-dropping. While the Galaxy S23 can keep up with it in some areas, overall the Xiaomi 13 Ultra looks set to be the more powerful smartphone.
Some specs are matched. Most significantly both phones carry the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 CPU. This is easily one of the best mobile CPUs we have ever seen and a significant step up vs the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. This makes both devices among the best gaming phones. However, performance-wise, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra is still very likely to out-manoeuvre the Galaxsy S23, thanks to its higher RAM count of 12GB compared to 8GB for the S23.
If the speculation proves true the display size and refresh rate of both devices will be identical. While 120Hz is not the highest we have seen, it is still impressive and smooth enough for most uses, though it would have been nice to see one of these phones make use of adaptable refresh rate technology to improve battery efficiency.
The resolution is also higher on the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, which we would expect from a top-end device. The rumoured specs have the battery life at a slightly bigger, 4,900mAh versus 3,900mAh on the S23, but the battery will likely charge far faster, if the 90W charging speed is confirmed at tomorrow’s launch event.
Xiaomi 13 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S23 – camera
The camera is a main selling point of both these smartphones. The good news is that it’s one of the few areas where Xiaomi confirmed on Weibo exactly what we can expect from their new flagship and it looks set to seriously impress. In fact, the phone’s camera looks so impressive that it is more on a par with the S23 Ultra than the standard S23.
The Xiaomi 13 Ultra will come with four different sensors each of which will be 50MP. That means four different cameras, each capable of capturing seriously high-quality images. This will allow the phone to film in up to 8K resolutions. We will have to wait for the phone’s release to see exactly how these sensors perform, but from specs alone, the camera looks set to be one of the best available.
The S23’s camera is not as impressive compared to the S23 Ultra, but it is still powerful, especially considering the price range it is in. With a 50MP main camera as well as a lens dedicated to both ultrawide and telephoto image capturing, it has the bases well covered. The pictures we’ve seen taken on this phone look great too, with contrast and low-light photos coming out nicely.
Overall, however, it looks very likely that the Xiaomi 13 Ultra will have a significantly superior camera. The company has typically focussed on this area and the confirmed specs are massive.
Xiaomi 13 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S23 – design
Now that we have official images of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, we can see that the phone will come with a unique and striking look.
It’s the rear of the device where things are really exciting. The four high-resolution cameras are placed in a single large circular housing. This is placed on an olive green pigmented back cover made from leather. Uniquely the rear around the camera module is raised with a sloped line transition between it and the lower half of the phone.
The S23 is a more conventional-looking phone. The three rear cameras are in individually raised housings and the edges are smooth, unlike on the S23 Ultra. Like the S23 the Xiaomi 13 Ultra is likely to be sturdily built and come with a high IP water and dust resistance rating. Pair this up with the best screen protector for the Galaxy S23 and the best case and your device will be very well protected.
It looks like you will have more colour options for the S23 which can come in Phantom Black, Cream, Green and Lavender. So far we have only seen confirmation of the Olive Green colourway for the Xiaomi 13 Ultra.
Xiaomi 13 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S23 – rumoured price comparison
Let’s start with the Samsung Galaxy S23. It came out with a price of $799 and that has remained since. Though there is the tantalising prospect of some price cuts on the horizon, nothing has been confirmed yet.
It is very hard to predict an exact price for the Xiaomi 13 Ultra this is because the only information we have is a leaked price in Chinese Yuan. This means that, even if this leak does prove true, we can’t be sure exactly how the company will convert it for the US market. That said, we can say with confidence that it will cost more than the S23. It looks like it will be in the ballpark of around $950 – $1,200, depending on the exact model you go for, though this is speculation.
That is not to say that Xiaomi will offer less value for money, however. Even if the company goes for the higher end of that predicted range, it is still offering a superior camera, battery and display quality than the S23, in return for its larger price tag.
Which one should you go for?
The question of which one you should go for has no clear answer. This is not only because we only have specs and price rumours for the Xiaomi 13 Ultra but also because both devices serve different niches and do so well.
If you’re looking for a high-end device, with an industry-leading camera and some of the highest specs you can realistically expect on a smartphone, then the Xiaomi 13 Ultra looks set to be a hard one to overlook. Provided that the leaks are accurate, it will have a top-end chip, four 50MP cameras and a battery size that is tipped to last an hour on just 1%.
If you’re looking for one of the best mid-range phones, one that is still very capable and powerful but which won’t set you back quite so much cash, the S23 is a brilliant all-round device. It offers a high-quality camera, a slick look and good battery life. While it hasn’t got the blockbuster camera of the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, it does look likely that it will significantly undercut it on price.
Frequently asked questions
Will the Xiaomi 13 Ultra come out in China first?
No, Xiaomi will release the 13 Ultra globally on the 18th of April 2023, though the company is holding the launch event in China.
Will the Samsung S23 go down in price?
Now that the S23 has been out for a while, it is possible we will see a price drop for it, though there is no sign of one yet.
