The Galaxy S23 Ultra has been one of the most praised flagship smartphones of 2023, offering cutting-edge features like a 200MP main camera, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, and a solid design built with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
However, with the arrival of the Galaxy S24 Ultra, and the impending launch of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, buying the S23 Ultra now may not be a wise decision for several reasons. Here’s why you should avoid purchasing the Galaxy S23 Ultra in 2025.
1. Outdated Hardware
The Galaxy S23 Ultra was a powerhouse at its release, but the Galaxy S24 Ultra has already outclassed it in performance and features. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, the S24 Ultra offers significantly better processing power, graphics, and AI capabilities compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the S23 Ultra. The improved vapor chamber cooling system (1.9 times larger) in the S24 Ultra also ensures better sustained performance for demanding tasks like gaming.
With the Galaxy S25 Ultra on the horizon, which will feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite built on TSMC’s advanced 3nm process, the S23 Ultra’s hardware feels even more dated. This new chipset promises unprecedented performance gains and efficiency improvements, making the S23 Ultra a less future-proof choice.
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2. Limited Software Support
Samsung’s commitment to software updates has always been commendable. However, the S23 Ultra only offers four years of OS updates and five years of security patches.
In contrast, the Galaxy S24 Ultra and the upcoming Galaxy S25 Ultra come with seven years of Android and security updates. This extended support significantly enhances the longevity of newer models, ensuring that they remain relevant and secure for a much longer time.
Investing in a phone with shorter software support is not a good idea, especially when flagship devices are designed for long-term use.
3. Subpar Camera Experience
While the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s quad-camera setup, including a 200MP main sensor and a 10x periscope zoom lens, remains impressive, the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s camera capabilities have taken a leap forward.
The S24 Ultra introduces a new 50MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom that delivers better dynamic range and reduced noise in most scenarios, along with enhanced stabilization for both photos and videos.
Samsung has also equipped the S24 Ultra with AI-powered editing tools such as Generative Edit, Edit Suggestions, and Instant Slow-Mo, which are also available on the S23 Ultra. However, the improved processing power and better NPU on the S24 Ultra enable these AI features to function more seamlessly, ensuring smooth and reliable performance over time.
4. Battery Life and Charging Improvements
Although both the Galaxy S23 Ultra and S24 Ultra come with a 5,000mAh battery, the S24 Ultra offers significantly better battery life thanks to the efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. It provides hours of additional screen time, as shown in some reviews.
With the Galaxy S25 Ultra expected to introduce even better power management and faster charging speeds, the S23 Ultra’s battery performance feels increasingly outdated.
5. AI and Future-Ready Features
The Galaxy S24 Ultra’s advanced AI features, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s enhanced Neural Processing Unit (NPU), are a game-changer. Features like real-time language translation, AI-driven camera enhancements, and advanced voice transcription make the S24 Ultra far more versatile. These features improve usability and ensure that the phone stays relevant as AI continues to shape smartphone technology.
While the S23 Ultra has received these Galaxy AI features through software updates, it won’t match the capabilities of the S24 Ultra or the upcoming S25 Ultra, both of which are designed with AI integration at their core.
6. Galaxy S25 Ultra Is Just Around the Corner
With the Galaxy S25 Ultra set to launch on January 22, 2025, buying the S23 Ultra now would be a poor investment. The S25 Ultra is expected to bring even more significant upgrades, including a 6.9-inch flat display, a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, enhanced durability, and new AI-powered features. If you’re considering an upgrade, waiting a few weeks for the S25 Ultra would be the smarter move.
7. Final Thoughts
While the Galaxy S23 Ultra was an excellent flagship in its time, it has been overshadowed by the Galaxy S24 Ultra and the soon-to-be-released Galaxy S25 Ultra. With outdated hardware, limited software support, and no significant price advantage, the S23 Ultra is no longer a compelling option in 2025.
If you’re in the market for a new smartphone, the Galaxy S24 Ultra or the Galaxy S25 Ultra are far better choices that offer more value, longevity, and cutting-edge features.
For those seeking budget-friendly flagship options, check out our article on the best affordable flagship smartphones of 2025.
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