The Samsung Galaxy S series has long been a mainstay in the premium Android phone market, and the S23 Ultra was no exception when it launched in 2023. But with the arrival of the S24 lineup, is the S23 Ultra still a good option in mid-2024?
Let’s explore the reasons for and against picking up last year’s flagship. We’ll outline the key reasons why the S23 Ultra might still be a tempting buy and the drawbacks that could steer you towards the Galaxy S24.
1. Reasons to choose the Galaxy S23 Ultra
Hardware That Holds Up
The S23 Ultra features a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which remains competitive in 2024. While it may not match the newer S24’s Gen 3 chip in benchmarks, most users won’t notice a significant difference in everyday tasks. Multitasking, running intensive games, and navigating complex workflows are all smooth experiences here.
The display is another standout feature of the S23 Ultra. Its 6.8-inch AMOLED panel delivers stunning visuals with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Whether you’re streaming videos, browsing the web, or gaming, the screen makes content consumption a delight.
One of the defining features of the S23 Ultra is its integrated S Pen stylus. This pressure-sensitive tool allows precise handwriting recognition, detailed photo editing, and artistic expression. However, its utility is a matter of personal preference. For users who rely heavily on note-taking or digital creation, the S Pen is a valuable asset. For others, it might be a rarely used afterthought, adding bulk to an already large phone.
Camera
The S23 Ultra’s camera system was a major selling point at launch and it is still one of its highlights. The 200MP main sensor captures exceptional detail, especially in well-lit conditions. The 12MP ultrawide and dual 10MP telephoto lenses with 3x and 10x optical zoom offer versatility for various shots. Low-light performance is also impressive, thanks to advanced image processing.
Battery Life
The S23 Ultra packs a 5000mAh battery, which is on par with most flagship phones. However, user experiences vary depending on usage patterns. Power users might find themselves needing a top-up before the end of the day, while moderate users could comfortably stretch to a full day.
The phone supports fast charging, but the included charger is capped at 45W, which is slower than some competitors. Wireless charging is also present, but again, it’s not the absolute fastest available. But these features stay same on the S24 Ultra, so you’re not missing out.
Software
At launch, the S23 Ultra came with Android 13. However, it now runs on Android 14-based One UI 6.1, which includes all the AI features found on the Galaxy S24 phones. This means it still offers much of the functionality of the latest flagship.
The Price Factor
The main reason to consider the S23 Ultra over the newer S24 Ultra is its price. With discounts and price drops, especially during sales like Prime Day, the S23 Ultra becomes a much more affordable option.
Currently, the device is available at a discounted price of around Rs 85,000 in India via Amazon, and with the Prime Day sale ongoing, you might find it even cheaper. This makes it a more attractive choice for buyers who want the best of the specs but don’t want to pay a premium for the latest technology.
2. Reasons to skip the Galaxy S23 Ultra
Frustrating curved edges on the display
Samsung’s curved screen on the Ultra models has always been a bit of a double-edged sword. While undeniably sleek and a hallmark of the premium line, functionality often took a backseat.
Take the S Pen, for example. The curved display meant the pen would slip frustratingly close to the edge. Additionally, finding a screen protector that fully covers the display is another challenge, requiring extra care when handling the device.
Fortunately, Samsung has addressed these issues with the flat screen option on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. This design offers improved S Pen usability and better screen protector compatibility. So if you prefer a flat screen for practical reasons, it might be worth considering the S24 Ultra over the S23 Ultra.
Software
We’ve already praised the Galaxy S23 Ultra for sporting the latest iteration of Samsung’s One UI skin yet. However, Samsung’s announcement about the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s software support might make you reconsider your choice.
The S24 Ultra boasts a staggering seven years of software support, including both platform updates and security patches. The S23 Ultra, on the other hand, is guaranteed four years of Android updates and five years of security fixes. In reality, considering it’s a generation older, it’s currently looking at three years of Android and four years of security.
For many high-end phone buyers, longevity is key. They want a device that will last for years, not something they need to replace every two years. If that sounds like you, the S24 Ultra’s extended software support plan is a major advantage and a strong reason to consider it over the S23 Ultra.
3. Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is still a powerful and versatile smartphone in 2024. Its stunning display, advanced camera system, and S Pen integration make it an attractive choice for power users and creative professionals.
However, be sure to consider the pros and cons carefully. While the newer S24 offers some practical improvements like a flat screen and extended software updates. But if those specific features aren’t dealbreakers for you, the S23 Ultra can still be a fantastic choice – especially if you can snag it at a discount.
