Samsung’s Galaxy S24 lineup has officially taken over the spotlight, but last year’s Galaxy S23 series still holds strong appeal—especially with recent price drops. If you’re in the market for a flagship phone that offers top-tier features without necessarily chasing the latest release, the S23 models are well worth considering in 2025. The key question now is: should you go for the more compact Galaxy S23 or the powerhouse Galaxy S23 Ultra?
Let’s break down what each phone offers and help you decide which model fits your needs better.
Ultra Size, Ultra Features
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is Samsung’s ultimate smartphone for enthusiasts and power users. With its massive 6.8-inch display, integrated S Pen stylus, and unmatched camera system—including a 200 MP main sensor and 100x Space Zoom—it’s designed for those who want it all. Whether you’re a mobile photographer or a productivity junkie, the Ultra delivers premium features across the board.
However, all that tech comes with trade-offs. The S23 Ultra is larger and heavier, making one-handed use more difficult. It’s also considerably more expensive than the standard S23. Still, it brings in more RAM and storage from the start, with the base model offering 256 GB of storage compared to the S23’s 128 GB. That said, the S23 Ultra’s base RAM is still capped at 8 GB, which might be a letdown for a phone at this price point.
Compact Power
The regular Galaxy S23 might be the smallest of the lineup, but it’s far from underpowered. With a 6.1-inch flat display and the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip as the Ultra, performance remains smooth and snappy for nearly all tasks. In everyday usage, the S23 holds its own remarkably well. You won’t feel shortchanged when scrolling through apps, gaming, or streaming media.
That said, it does have limitations. The 128 GB base model uses slower UFS 3.1 storage and only 8 GB of RAM, and there’s no S Pen support. Its triple camera system lacks the advanced zoom capabilities of the Ultra, but it’s more than adequate for regular photography—especially in well-lit conditions. You’ll get crisp, vibrant images, and reliable portrait and night modes.
Battery life is another area where the S23 performs better than expected. It may not match the Ultra’s endurance, but its smaller screen and optimized software help it go the distance through a typical day. The downside? Charging is capped at 25 W, while the Ultra supports faster 45 W charging.
Design and Display Differences
Design-wise, both models look and feel premium, but there are subtle differences. The Galaxy S23 features a flat display and a compact, lightweight body that’s ideal for one-handed use. Meanwhile, the Ultra has slightly curved screen edges and a larger frame, giving it a more luxurious and expansive look.
Samsung has improved the ergonomics of the Ultra, making it more comfortable to hold than previous generations. Both devices have vivid OLED screens, though the Ultra gets slightly brighter and supports a wider range of display tweaks, which could matter to those who frequently use their phones in various lighting conditions.
Final Thoughts
If you’re all about high-end photography, stylus functionality, and getting the most powerful features Samsung has to offer, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is the clear winner. It’s built for users who want their phone to handle everything from note-taking to professional-grade photo editing.
But if you prefer a more compact device without sacrificing performance or display quality, the Galaxy S23 is a smart pick. It’s pocket-friendly, fast, and capable—and now more affordable than ever. For most users, especially those who don’t need an S Pen or extreme zoom, the S23 offers excellent value for 2025.
