Two years ago, Samsung introduced the Galaxy S23 Ultra. At the time, it was the company’s best smartphone, which is probably one reason you purchased one. Now, a new flagship has arrived: the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Is now the time for you to upgrade? Let’s examine the differences so you can decide.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. Galaxy S25 Plus: specs
| Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2mm (6.41 x 3.05 x 0.33) | 157.7 x 78 x 8.9 mm (3.07 x 6.43 x 0.35 inches) |
| Weight | 218 grams (7.69 ounces) | 234 grams (8.25 ounces) |
| Screen | 6.9 inches LTPO OLED 440 x 3120 pixels 1-120Hz 2,600 nits peak brightness Gorilla Armor 2 | 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X 1440 x 3088 pixels 1-120Hz 1,750 nits peak brightness Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| Operating system | Android 15 with One UI 7 | Android 13 with One UI 5.1 |
| RAM & Storage | 12GB + 256GB 12GB + 512GB 12GB + 1TB | 8GB + 256GB 512GB 12GB + 1TB |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| Camera | Rear: 200-megapixel primary, OIS 50MP ultrawide 10MP telephoto, 3x optical zoom 50MP periscope telephoto, 5x optical zoom Front: 12MP, f/2.2, autofocus | Rear: 200MP primary with Laser Auto Focus 12MP ultrawide 10MP telephoto Front: 12MP |
| Battery & charging | 5,000mAh with 45W wired charging Wireless charging Reverse wireless charging | 5,000mAh with 45W wired charging Wireless Charging Wireless PowerShare |
| Colors | Black, Silver, Green | Phantom Black, Cream, Green, and Lavender |
| Price | Starting from $1,300 | Starting at $1,200 |
| Review | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra |
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. Galaxy S23 Ultra: design and display
In terms of design, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra represents a departure from the boxier appearance of the Galaxy S23 Ultra. The new model features rounded corners and flat sides, reflecting a contemporary design trend in recent smartphones. It is made from premium materials like titanium and Corning Gorilla Glass Armor 2, making it slightly thinner and lighter than the S23 Ultra, which is constructed from Armor Aluminum and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
Regarding the display, both phones boast exceptional AMOLED panels with a 120Hz refresh rate. However, there is a slight difference in the newer model. The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a 6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with a 1440 x 2120 pixels resolution, offering a maximum peak brightness of 2600 nits. In contrast, the Galaxy S23 Ultra features a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1440 x 3088 pixels but with a maximum peak brightness of 1750 nits.
One area where the older phone is better than the newer one is the S Pen. The one supported (and shipped) with the newer phone no longer includes Bluetooth connectivity, affecting features such as Air Commands.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. Galaxy S23 Ultra: design and performance
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and S23 Ultra both deliver impressive performance, but the newer Galaxy S25 Ultra outshines its predecessor in several key areas. At the heart of the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the state-of-the-art Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, which offers significant enhancements over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 found in the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
This two-year generational leap translates into noticeable improvements in processing power, enabling quicker app loading times and smoother multitasking experiences. Users will appreciate the enhanced gaming capabilities, with the S25 Ultra easily handling demanding titles, thanks to its advanced GPU architecture that supports higher frame rates and better graphics rendering.
Another standout feature of the Galaxy S25 Ultra is its innovative cooling solution, which includes a larger vapor chamber designed to optimize heat dissipation. This advanced cooling system prevents overheating during intense gaming or extensive multitasking and ensures that the device can maintain peak performance for prolonged periods without throttling.
Both devices offer generous options in terms of memory and storage; however, the Galaxy S25 Ultra pairs its superior processor and cooling technology with optimizations that improve overall efficiency. This combination makes the Galaxy S25 Ultra the go-to choice for power users or content creators who rely on their devices for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and high-performance gaming.
Moreover, the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s software enhancements, including improved AI-based features and adaptive performance settings, further elevate its usability, making it not just a phone but a versatile tool for work and play alike. While both models stand out in the smartphone market, the Galaxy S25 Ultra distinctly positions itself as the more capable, high-performance device.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. Galaxy S23 Ultra: cameras
The camera systems of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy S25 Ultra represent significant advancements in mobile photography, highlighting Samsung’s commitment to innovating smartphone camera technology.
In 2023, the Galaxy S23 Ultra set the standard in the industry with its impressive 200MP main sensor, capturing exceptional detail and clarity. It has a 12MP ultrawide lens, ideal for expansive landscape shots and group photos. Additionally, it features two telephoto lenses: a 10MP lens with 3x optical zoom for beautifully framed portraits and another 10MP lens offering an impressive 10x optical zoom, allowing users to get close to distant subjects without compromising on quality.
Two years later, the Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts an upgraded 200MP primary sensor that retains the resolution and includes larger pixels designed to capture more light. This enhancement is crucial for improving low-light photography, which is often challenging for mobile devices. Moreover, an advanced ultrawide lens is expected, which could expand its field of view and reduce distortion, resulting in more natural-looking wide-angle shots.
The telephoto capabilities of the Galaxy S25 Ultra have also been enhanced, providing superior optical zoom functionalities and better performance in various lighting conditions. In addition to the hardware upgrades, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is equipped with a more powerful processor, allowing for more sophisticated image processing algorithms. This advancement leads to improved dynamic range, finer details in highlights and shadows, and enhanced low-light performance, enabling photographers to capture vibrant images even in challenging environments.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. Galaxy S23 Ultra: battery and charging
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Galaxy S23 Ultra both come with 5,000mAh batteries, designed to support their advanced hardware. Each model features 45W wired charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. A notable difference is that the Galaxy S25 Ultra is “Qi2 Ready,” while the Galaxy S23 Ultra supports the standard Qi wireless charging (as does the Galaxy S25 Ultra). This means that with a compatible case, you can experience improved wireless charging on the newer model.
In summary, you can expect up to two hours of everyday usage on these phones between charges. Due to its more efficient processor, the Galaxy S25 Ultra may provide a few additional minutes of use, but the difference is minimal.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. Galaxy S23 Ultra: software and support
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra comes with the latest Android operating system and Samsung’s One UI 7, offering a refined user experience with new features and optimizations. It also boasts Samsung’s commitment to long-term software support, with seven years of OS updates and security patches.
In contrast, the Galaxy S23 Ultra, while still a powerful device, will receive fewer future updates as it launched with an earlier Android version and One UI 5.1. While it will still be supported for a while, the Galaxy S25 Ultra provides a longer lifespan in terms of software updates and security patches.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. Galaxy S23 Ultra: price and availability
Samsung’s newest flagship device is now available for shipping in four standard colors: Titanium Silverblue, Titanium Whitesilver, Titanium Gray, and Titanium Black. Additionally, customers can order three extra colors from the Samsung website: Titanium Jadegreen, Titanium Jetblack, and Titanium Pinkgold. The starting price for the 256GB model is $1,300, with 512GB and 1TB models also offered. Prices are significantly reduced for trade-ins.
The previous model was originally available in Phantom Black, Green, Cream, Lavender, Graphite, Sky Blue, and Lime, starting at $1,200 for the 256GB version.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. Galaxy S23 Ultra: should you upgrade
Both of these phones are outstanding in their class. The newer model has improved features, including enhanced performance, slightly better cameras, and a refined design. The Galaxy S25 Ultra also offers seven years of software upgrades and support, ensuring your device remains secure and up-to-date for an extended period.
Are these enough reasons for you to upgrade from the Galaxy S23 Ultra? Especially if you can get a great deal on a trade-in. Still, there’s nothing wrong with keeping your two-year-old phone and waiting to consider the Galaxy S26 Ultra next year.
