The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is supposed to be the top model in the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S23 lineup, and the rumors we’ve heard so far seem to confirm that.
The Galaxy S22 Ultra offered a huge upgrade over previous Galaxy S Ultra phones, combining the range of cameras from previous models with the built-in stylus of the Galaxy Note series. The Galaxy S23 Ultra seems to build on that in a number of ways, including a main camera packed with a rumored 200-megapixel camera and the traditional annual chipset update for more performance and power efficiency.
There are still several months until Samsung’s new flagship phone hits the scene, but below we’ve rounded up all the rumors (and an official statement) about the Galaxy S23 Ultra so far.
Latest Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra News (Updated Oct 3)
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra release date and possible price
To start by stripping the basics, we know the Galaxy S Ultra model will return, as Samsung boss TM Roh said when talking about the end of the Galaxy Note series. Now the only question is when it will appear.
The smart guess would be January or February, the two months that Samsung has unveiled its new Galaxy S phones every year for the past few years. As we have already seen a new Samsung model receive certification in Korea, it looks like Samsung is on that schedule.
It could be sooner than that, as market sources believe Samsung will move its launch date forward a few weeks to mid-January. This would hopefully prevent users from buying new phones from other brands like Apple or Google, Samsung apparently thinks.
As for the cost of this Ultra phone, we expect it to cost at least $1,200 again, as the current S22 Ultra does. We’d be happy to see a price drop, especially since its closest rival, the iPhone 14 Pro Max, starts a bit cheaper at $1,100.
Design and display of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
If the Galaxy S23 Ultra changes as little as the rumors claim, we’ll likely see a nearly identical design to the Galaxy S22 Ultra, with squared corners, a curved screen, and individually integrated cameras on the back. It would also mean another built-in S Pen for your doodling needs, one of the more unique features of the S22 Ultra.
This does not mean that there are no possible changes. We’ve heard that the S23 Ultra may be slightly longer and wider than the S22 Ultra, albeit only by a few hundredths of a millimeter, so you’re unlikely to notice.
Additionally, leaker Ice Universe claimed that there will be a new display for the S23 Ultra. While it’s hard to beat the ultra-bright 6.8-inch QHD AMOLED panel and its fully variable 120Hz LTPO refresh rate, Samsung may have an even brighter or more efficient screen ready to trade in as a welcome update.
Additionally, it’s possible that this model will also suffer from the thicker bezels (but not increased screen size) rumored for the regular S23. This could perhaps explain the slight increase in body size, although since the normal S23 and S23 Plus have flat rather than curved screens, perhaps that won’t apply to the Ultra.
But now the first leaked renders have appeared (along with a corresponding case). OnLeaks, in collaboration with SmartPrix, released a 360 degree video of the Galaxy S23 Ultra in black. Based on leaked CAD designs, the renders are not that different from the Galaxy S22 Ultra.
From all appearances, the Galaxy S23 Ultra will have slightly squarer edges than the Galaxy S22 Ultra. It looks like Samsung might keep the tried and true Galaxy Note design.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Cameras
We should still see four cameras on the back of the S23 Ultra, except with one major change. There will allegedly be a 200MP main camera, (claimed by multiple sources) even higher resolution than the already high-res 108MP main camera on the Galaxy S22 Ultra.
What doesn’t seem to change are the telephoto lenses, which will both have 10MP sensors as before according to a source, and will likely have the same 3x and 10x optical magnification as well.
To top it all off, we expect to see a 40MP selfie camera again, embedded in the top center of the display. While only one of the five cameras in total seems to be getting a major upgrade, we hope Samsung has some new software enhancements or new camera modes to showcase at launch that will help the S23 series. to claim a spot on our best camera phones page.
Galaxy S23 Ultra and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance
Samsung typically powers its Galaxy S phones with Qualcomm chips in the US, but its own Exynos chips elsewhere in the world. That would mean we’ll see what’s believed to be called the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and the Exynos 2300 at the heart of the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Rumors don’t seem to be able to decide what happens though. Some said we’ll see this chip mix continue for now, while others said Qualcomm will supply Snapdragon chips for S23 models worldwide.
We’re hoping for the second scenario, as Snapdragon Galaxy S phones tend to outperform their Exynos-powered siblings, but chances are Samsung won’t want to give up using its own silicon where it can.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: battery and charging
To power the Galaxy S23 Ultra, Samsung is reportedly using the same 5,000mAh battery that we saw in the Galaxy S22 Ultra. While some extra capacity would have been nice, this battery size is on par with larger Android phones, so let’s just hope Samsung can squeeze a little more battery life out of the S23 Ultra. While the S22 Ultra scored decently on our custom battery test, the iPhone 14 Pro Max lasted longer.
Rumors predicted no change in charging speed, at least for the standard S23. This will translate to at least 25W charging for the Galaxy S23 Ultra, and likely up to 45W if you purchase the appropriate charger. The 45W charger was able to power the S22 Ultra to 67% in half an hour, which is again good but not exceptional compared to the 65W and above charging standards used by competitors like OnePlus.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: outlook
The Galaxy S23 series as a whole feels like a year of refinement rather than major developments, but the Galaxy S23 Ultra seems to get a bit more than its smaller siblings. We’re particularly interested in the rumored 200MP camera and how it could shake up the photo quality of Samsung’s most photography-focused phone, but we’ll also be curious how the new chipset will perform and affect things like the battery life.
If Samsung is serious about taking on the iPhone 14 Pro and other flagship smartphones, it needs to squeeze every drop of performance and efficiency out of the Galaxy S23 Ultra, while making sure it justifies the premium Ultra. Stay tuned for more Galaxy S23 rumors and leaks as we get closer to launch.
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