Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the premium flagship option here, boasting a stunning 200MP camera that delivers unmatched photography capabilities. In real-world use, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra's camera excels with its 10x optical zoom, making it perfect for photography enthusiasts. However, the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro shines with its 65W wired charging, getting you back in action quickly after a gaming marathon. What's the better buy? Let's dive into the details. Key specs: Display: 6.8" vs 6.78" and Refresh: 120 Hz vs 165 Hz.
Why compare these? Both the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro are premium flagship smartphones competing in the same market segment. This makes them direct rivals for buyers looking for premium flagship features and performance in 2026. Understanding their differences helps you choose the right one for your specific needs.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Samsung Galaxy | ASUS ROG |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.4★ (1,341 reviews) | ✓4.7★ (63 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Class-leading 200MP main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom | First ROG phone with IP68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens |
| Main Drawback | Slow charging speed (45W) compared to competitors | Software support (2 OS updates) lags behind Samsung/Google flagships |
| Market Position | Flagship | Flagship |
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
Qualcomm Adreno 740
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Android
2 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Adreno 750
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,341)Amazon | ★4.7(63)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates | 2 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650) |
Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno 740 | Adreno 750 |
RAM | 8GB / 12GB LPDDR5X | 16GB LPDDR5X (Pro Edition: 24GB) |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0) | 512GB UFS 4.0 (Pro Edition: 1TB) |
Display Size | 6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.78" |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display | Samsung E6 Flexible AMOLED, LTPO, 1,600 nits (HBM) |
Resolution | 3088 x 1440 pixels (QHD+), 500 ppi | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 1–120Hz (Adaptive) | 1Hz–120Hz (Adaptive); 165Hz (Gaming mode) |
Peak Brightness | 1,750 nits (Peak) | 2,500 nits |
Main Camera | 200MP Wide (f/1.7, 85° FOV), Laser AF, OIS | 50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.9, 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0 |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) | 13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Free-form lens |
Telephoto Camera | 10MP Telephoto (3x optical, f/2.4) + 10MP Periscope (10x optical, f/4.9); OIS | 32MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom (Not periscope) |
Optical Zoom | 3x, 10x Optical Zoom | 3x Optical |
Digital Zoom | Up to 100x Space Zoom | Up to 30x (Hyper Clarity AI up to 10x) |
Video Recording | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps | 8K UHD @ 24fps; 4K UHD @ 30/60fps; HDR10+ |
Front Camera | 12MP Front (f/2.2, 80° FOV), Dual Pixel AF | 32MP RGBW, f/2.5, 90-degree FOV (Bins to 8MP) |
Battery | 5,000 mAh (Typical) | 5,500mAh (Dual-cell) |
Wired Charging | Up to 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0 (Adapter sold separately) | 65W HyperCharge (Adapter included) |
Wireless Charging | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare | 15W Qi 1.3 Wireless Charging |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.4, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 | Side: USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DisplayPort 1.4); Bottom: USB-C 2.0 |
Durability | IP68 (Water resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front) |
Dimensions | 6.43" x 3.07" x 0.35" (163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm) | 6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 in (163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm) |
Weight | 8.25 oz (234 g) | 7.94 oz (225 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Integrated S Pen (2.8ms latency); Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox | AniMe Vision (341 Mini-LEDs on back), AirTrigger buttons, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual USB-C ports |
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Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
Qualcomm Adreno 740
8GB / 12GB LPDDR5X
256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0)
Pros
- Class-leading 200MP main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom
- Custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy provides top-tier performance
Cons
- Slow charging speed (45W) compared to competitors
- Large and heavy (8.25 oz) form factor is difficult for one-handed use
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Android
2 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Adreno 750
16GB LPDDR5X (Pro Edition: 24GB)
512GB UFS 4.0 (Pro Edition: 1TB)
Pros
- First ROG phone with IP68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens
- Incredible performance with advanced thermal management features
Cons
- Software support (2 OS updates) lags behind Samsung/Google flagships
- Battery capacity reduced (5,500mAh) compared to previous generation (6,000mAh)
Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the better buy for most people - its 200MP camera crushes the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro's 50MP option.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra if: you shoot a lot of photos, need a powerful camera for social media, or want a premium design with an S Pen. (6.8" display, 120 Hz refresh)
Choose the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro if: you play games often, want a stunning display for fast-paced action, or need a longer battery life to last through gaming sessions. (6.78" display, 165 Hz refresh)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.7★ vs 4.4★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose ASUS ROG
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 1,341 reviews vs 63
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Class-leading 200MP main Priority
Class-leading 200MP main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
First ROG phone Priority
First ROG phone with IP68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens
→ Choose ASUS ROG
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Bottom line: The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro leads with a 4.7★ rating versus 4.4★. That said, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra could still be the right pick depending on your specific priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra or ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro?
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the better choice if you prioritize class-leading 200mp main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom. ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro wins if you value first rog phone with ip68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens. Both are rated highly (4.4★ vs 4.7★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro?
Key differences: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra offers class-leading 200mp main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom, while ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro stands out with first rog phone with ip68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens. Consider that Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra slow charging speed (45w) compared to competitors. Meanwhile, ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro software support (2 os updates) lags behind samsung/google flagships. Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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