If you’re looking for the best smartphone for photography, then chances are you’ll be considering a Samsung. After all, we found that the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra was fantastic and ticked a huge number of boxes. But, it’s hard to get round the fact that it costs a lot of money, and its dimensions also make it tricky to handle.

In which case, perhaps the standard Samsung Galaxy S23 could be the answer. You still get an excellent smartphone, but for a lot less outlay, and for something that will certainly fit in your pocket a lot easier. If you want something that falls in the middle, there’s the S23+ which offers the same camera specifications as the S23, but has a larger screen.

If you do decide against the S23 Ultra, you will be sacrificing a few camera specs, which we’ll go over in detail in due course. But perhaps that could be worth it for the average photographer – let’s see if we can find out.


Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S23: Camera specs

Samsung S23 Ultra vs Samsung S23 camera specs, side by side product shot

Photo credit: Amy Davies.

Both of these models boast a lot of great specifications for photographers. The S23 has a triple-lens set-up, putting it in line with most of the other flagships on the market, while the S23 Ultra goes one better with a fourth lens.

So that means you get a 0.6x, 1x and 3x with the S23, or all of those with the S23 Ultra plus the addition of a 10x lens. Both smartphones offer digital zooming, with the S23 going up to 30x, and the S23 Ultra using “space zoom” to get up to 100x.

The main (1x) lens/sensor combination appears to be one of the biggest differences between these two models. The main sensor for the S23 is a 50MP 1/1.56”sensor, whereas the S23 Ultra’s is 200MP and slightly larger at 1/1.3”. Although both models have very high resolution sensors, the standard output for images is 12MP thanks to pixel binning.

While both offer a 24mm focal length, the S23 Ultra’s has a slightly wider aperture of f/1.7 (compared to f/1.8 for the S23). The S23 Ultra’s main lens also has some better focusing tech, including multi-directional PDAF, laser AF. The S23 has Dual Pixel PDAF. Both the S23 Ultra and S23 have OIS in the main lens.

Sample photo taken with Samsung S23 Ultra with Ultrawide, coastal town with colourful houses in England

Photo credit: Amy Davies. Taken with Samsung S23 Ultra with ultra wide lens. 1/2497 sec., f/2.2, ISO 50.

When it comes to the ultra wide (0.6x) lenses, they appear to be the same between both models. Both are 12 megapixel 1/2.55” sensors, both have a 13mm focal length, and both are f/2.2. Both the 3x lenses have a 70mm focal length, and both are f/2.4, however the cheaper S23 has a slightly smaller 1/3.94” sensor compared to the Ultra’s 1/3.52” sensor. We’ll see whether this very slight variation makes a difference in real-world shooting later.

Finally, the S23 Ultra has a 10x periscope lens. This also has a 1/3.52” sensor, with a 230mm focal length and f/4.9 aperture.

For video, both the phones offer 8K recording at 30fps, or 4K at 60/30fps, as well as a range of Full HD and HD options including slow-motion. Both offer Super Steady (only available when shooting Full HD).

Taken with Samsung S23 ultrawide lens, coastal town with colourful houses in England

Photo credit: Amy Davies. Taken with Samsung S23 with ultra wide lens. 1/2572 sec., f/2.2, ISO 50.

Galaxy S23 · f/2.2 · 1/2572s · 2.2mm · ISO50

A brief mention should be given here to the ’S Pen’ which you get with the S23 Ultra. Primarily this is designed for taking notes on your phone, but you can use it to trigger the shutter in the camera app. This is handy for selfies or anything taken from a distance.

If you look at both of the phones on paper alone, it’s clear that the S23 Ultra offers more. You get a higher pixel count, an extra lens, and slightly better sensors.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S23: Camera apps and modes

Samsung S23 Ultra vs Samsung S23 camera apps and modes, side by side product shot

Photo credit: Amy Davies.

As you would expect with models being Samsung, both share the same native camera app. We’ve always been impressed by the comprehensive nature of Samsung’s native camera apps, and these two are no different.

Both offer more or less the same shooting experience, including a standard Photo mode, as well as the typical smartphone modes we’re used to seeing including Portrait and Night mode. Both also have both a “Pro” mode and an even more advanced “Expert RAW” mode. If you want to shoot at higher resolution than the standard 12 megapixel output, you can select 200MP in Photo Mode for the S23 Ultra, or 50MP for the S23.

Just about the only big difference of note here is that the S23 Ultra offers an automatic macro mode which kicks in when you get close to a subject. This is something that the S23 doesn’t have.

Although the two phones are very similar at this point, not having macro capability is a shame for the smaller device. If you like the idea of being able to shoot detailed close-ups, then you’ll need to invest in the more expensive option.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S23: General image quality

Sample photo taken with Samsung S23. Church interior with wooden chairs and blue cushions

Photo credit: Amy Davies. Taken with Samsung S23 Ultra. 1/50 sec., f/2.2, ISO 250.

Galaxy S23 Ultra · f/2.2 · 1/50s · 2.2mm · ISO250

In our individual reviews of the S23 Ultra and the S23 we found that both are capable of taking excellent images in a range of situations.

Both produce good levels of detail, and both display nicely vibrant colours that aren’t too wild or over-saturated. We also found that colours are well-matched between all the lenses. There’s also very little difference between the two in terms of white balance when shooting under artificial light too.

As such, the biggest difference we can see is between the two sets of lenses. Here we can see that although broadly similar, if you examine closely, there’s slightly more detail in the 1x lens from the S23 Ultra than the S23. The 3x lens is also ever so slightly better when comparing the two side by side. The ultra wide lenses on both models seem to put in roughly the same performance.

Sample photo taken with Samsung S23, church interior with wooden chairs and blue cushions

Photo credit: Amy Davies. Taken with Samsung S23. 1/50 sec., f/2.2, ISO 320.

Galaxy S23 · f/2.2 · 1/50s · 2.2mm · ISO320

As we’d expect the 10x optical lens found in the S23 Ultra does a better job than the digital version that the S23 has to rely on (though that’s not terrible in isolation). Only the S23 Ultra has the 100x “Space Zoom” option, though in fairness it’s not something we’d really recommend using all that often anyway so it probably shouldn’t be a dealbreaker for you.

It’s important to note here that the differences highlighted are minimal and only really obvious if you examine the images closely, take images in the same scenarios and are actively looking for differences. Otherwise, it’s hard to pick the two apart at 0.6x, 1x and 3x. It’s only really if you need (or want) that 10x zoom and upwards that you should really be too bothered.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S23: Low light

Sample photo taken with Samsung S23 Ultra in Night mode, a small park with tall trees and a little brick shed, surrounded by victorian houses

Photo credit: Amy Davies. Taken with Samsung S23 in Night mode, 1x. 1/4 sec., f/1.7, ISO 2500.

We might expect there to be a bigger difference in low light between these two models, but in real-world shooting, it’s hard to spot too much between them.

The 1x lens seems to show a tiny bit more detail, but there’s really not much in it. The ultra wide lenses seem to be more or less exactly the same. The bigger differences come with the zoom options. Both the S23 Ultra and the S23 use a crop of the main 1x sensor when light is extremely low if you select the 3x lens. Here, the S23 Ultra is a little better, especially if you compare the two side by side.

Samsung S23 Ultra night mode sample image, a small park with tall trees and a little brick shed, surrounded by victorian houses

Photo credit: Amy Davies. Taken with Samsung S23 Ultra in Night mode, 1x. 1/4 sec., f/1.7, ISO 2500.

Galaxy S23 Ultra · f/1.7 · 1/4s · 6.3mm · ISO2500

As we’d expect, the 10x option in low light is pretty poor with the S23 – this is a digital crop of the 3x lens. The S23 Ultra’s 10x option in low light is also a crop of the 3x lens, but the results produced seem to be much better.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S23: Macro

Samsung S23 Ultra Macro, various brass coloured carved buttons

Photo credit: Amy Davies. Taken with Samsung S23 Ultra, Macro mode, 1/27 sec., f/2.2, ISO 640.

Galaxy S23 Ultra · f/2.2 · 1/27s · 2.2mm · ISO640

This one is quite a big difference as the S23 doesn’t have a macro mode. As such, we can see that if we try to get close to the subject, it completely fails to get it in focus. Meanwhile, the S23 Ultra’s version produces lots of details.

If you shoot a lot of close-ups, or want to, then the S23 Ultra is the obvious choice here. The best workaround you can try for the S23 is to shoot at 3x from a distance.

Sample photo taken with Samsung S23 Macro mode, various brass coloured carved buttons out of focus

Photo credit: Amy Davies. Taken with Samsung S23, 1/33 sec., f/1.8, ISO 500.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S23: Portrait

Sample photo taken with Samsung S23 Ultra in Portrait Mode, man in sunglasses and red t-shirt

Photo credit: Amy Davies. Taken with Samsung S23 Ultra in Portrait mode, 3x. 1/1441 sec., f/2.4, ISO 50.

Both smartphones have the same portrait mode, offering 1x or 3x portraits depending on how much background you want to include.

It’s almost impossible to tell which was taken with which, with both putting in remarkably similar performances. If we had to pick one, we’d say the S23 Ultra is ever so slightly better, but it’s a very tough call. Certainly if you viewed both in isolation you’d probably conclude they were both great.

Samsung S23 portrait mode, man in sunglasses and red t-shirt

Photo credit: Amy Davies. Taken with Samsung S23 in Portrait mode, 3x. 1/836 sec., f/2.4, ISO 25.

Galaxy S23 · f/2.4 · 1/836s · 7mm · ISO25

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S23: Video

Both the S23 Ultra and the S23 have broadly the same video specifications, with both offering 8K and 4K video options. Obviously there is differences when it comes down to the sensor hardware used to capture video, but, once again, in real life, it’s super hard to pick out obvious differences between the two here.

Perhaps if you like to do a lot of videos taken at 10x zoom then the S23 Ultra is the better device here, but for most people, there’s very little to choose between the two.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S23: Screen and Design

Samsung’s S23 Ultra is only available in one size – which is good news if you like enormous phones, as it comes in at 6.8”. It’s quite unwieldy and certainly difficult to fit in your pocket. On a more positive note, your photos and videos look excellent on its 3088 x 1440 (Edge Quad HD+) display. The physical dimensions are 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9mm.

It’s disappointing that unlike the iPhone 14 Pro, Samsung’s flagship model doesn’t offer a smaller version for those who prefer it. Instead, if you want something more pocket-friendly then you can opt for the lesser-quality S23.

The S23 has a 6.1” screen, with a 2340 x 1080 (Flat FHD+) display. Pictures still look very good, and it’s much easier to use it as an actual phone. Physical dimensions are 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6mm. It’s worth mentioning again here the S23+, which is 6.6” inches and shares the same specifications as the S23. It also has a 2340 x 1080 Flat FHD+ screen, while its physical dimensions are 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6mm.

Samsung S23 Ultra vs Samsung S23 screen and design, side by side product shot

Photo credit: Amy Davies.

All three of the screens offer a 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 1750 nits. All are Dynamic AMOLEDs. All three also offer IP68 waterproofing (meaning it should withstand a dunk of up to 30 minutes in 1 metre depth) and all have Armor Aluminium frames and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, so all are pretty equally tough.

The S23 Ultra arguably has a sleeker design which allows for more of the physical dimensions of the phone to be used for that massive screen. The S23 and S23+ are a bit boxier, and, dare we say it, look like iPhones (or perhaps iPhones look like them – let’s not get into that here). Which you prefer is a matter of taste and opinion.

Choosing a winner for this section is difficult as it all depends very much on what you want. For some, the massive size of the S23 Ultra is hard to tolerate, while others love it.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S23: Battery Life and Capacity

As we’d expect, the larger phone has the biggest physical battery life. The S23 Ultra has a 5000mAh battery, which has a quoted life of 26 hours of video playback. The S23 has a 3900mAh battery, with a quoted battery life of 22 hours video playback. Interestingly, the S23+ has a 4700mAh battery but a quoted battery life of slightly more than the S23 Ultra of 27 hours. This is presumably related to how much power the bigger screen requires.

Those quoted figures relate to video playback, but in real-life use, things may be quite different. In general however, we found that both the S23 Ultra and S23 lasted a full day most of the time. If you record a lot of video and take a lot of pictures (or perhaps do something else intensive such as gaming) then the S23 isn’t going to last as long. All of the phones offer wireless charging and Fast / Super Fast Charging.

In terms of capacity, the S23 Ultra is available in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB options, with relevant increases in price each time. In theory the S23 is available in 128GB, 256GB or 512GB variants, but it’s not always possible to get the 512GB version. The S23+ can be bought in 256GB or 512GB variants.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S23: Price

Samsung S23 Ultra vs Samsung S23, side by side product shot

Photo credit: Amy Davies.

Now here’s the big sticking point for many. The S23 Ultra has the kind of price tag that leaves you thinking, “how much?!”. At its cheapest (256GB) you’ll need to fork out $1199 / £1,249 if you want to buy it outright and unlocked. The 512GB version will set you back even more at $1379 (unless you buy the Green version, which is $1199) / £1399. This goes up to an eye-watering $1,619/£1,599 for the 1TB version. Prices vary for contracts, so you may find the overall price is somewhat different if you opt for one of those.

If that’s the kind of cash you don’t want to part with for a smartphone, then the S23 is a good second choice. Here you’ll find that although prices are still expensive, they’re not quite so excruciatingly high. These are $799/£849 for the 128GB version or $859/£899 for the 256GB version – that extra $50/£50 is probably worth spending to get extra memory. At the time of writing, a 512GB version couldn’t actually be found. Meanwhile, the S23+ can be picked up for $999/£1,049 (256GB) or $999 (black) / $1119 (other colours) /£1,149 (512GB).

Of course, cheapness doesn’t necessarily equate to good value for money. You might consider the extra you get the higher price is worth it for what you get. You might also find that opting for the higher priced version will mean you keep the phone for longer and therefore spend less overall.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S23: Conclusion

On paper it seems pretty obvious that the S23 Ultra is the better option for photographers – especially those with big budgets who want the best of the best.

However, when it comes to real-world usage, it’s not quite as simple as that. Yes, the camera specs are “better” with the S23 Ultra, but ask yourself – do you really need 200MP or a 10x zoom? The answer to those is “no” and “probably not, most of the time”, in case you’re wondering.

The biggest, most obvious difference appears to be macro mode – but the extra money is quite a lot to pay for that, so ask yourself whether you need that too. Perhaps you’re tempted by the S Pen for triggering off that shutter release remotely. That’s quite a neat trick – but, realistically – how often do you think you’re likely to do that with your smartphone?

Then there’s size, handling, design and usability. It’s not for us to decide whether you want a big phone or not – some love them, some don’t. It seems pretty clear that there’s an argument that smaller phones are in fact better, so it’s not necessarily a negative point – and if you do still want a bigger phone but want to save cash, the S23+ is pretty big.

So where does that leave us when it comes to conclusion? I’m afraid it’s another one of those “it depends” answers. If you need (or just want) all the bells and whistles that the S23 Ultra gives you, then absolutely it is better. But, if you can live without them, having a few extra pennies in the bank is probably better for most.


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