Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Nothing Phone (2)
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the flagship option here, boasting a jaw-dropping 200MP camera that crushes the Nothing Phone (2)'s 50MP. In real-world use, that means stunning photos and versatile zoom capabilities, which are game-changers for photography aficionados. However, the Nothing Phone (2) offers a sleek, unique design with its Glyph Interface, making it stand out without breaking the bank. Key specs: Display: 6.8" vs 6.7" and Battery: 5000 mAh vs 4700 mAh.
Why compare these? The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (premium flagship) and Nothing Phone (2) (high-end) represent different approaches to smartphones. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Samsung Galaxy | Nothing Phone |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.4★ (1,341 reviews) | ✓4.6★ (397 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Class-leading 200MP main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom | Iconic transparent design with functional Glyph Interface lighting |
| Main Drawback | Slow charging speed (45W) compared to competitors | IP54 rating is lower than IP68 found in competitors (Pixel 7/8, Galaxy S23 FE) |
| Market Position | ✓Flagship | Premium |
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
Nothing Phone (2)
Android
3 years of Android OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates (bimonthly)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm)
Adreno 730
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 Nothing Phone (2)
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Nothing Phone (2)
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Nothing Phone (2) |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,341)Amazon | ★4.6(397)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates | 3 years of Android OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates (bimonthly) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) |
Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno 740 | Adreno 730 |
RAM | 8GB / 12GB LPDDR5X | 8GB / 12GB LPDDR5 |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0) | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB UFS 3.1 |
Display Size | 6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.7" |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display | LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz Adaptive, 1,600 nits (Peak Pixel Brightness) |
Resolution | 3088 x 1440 pixels (QHD+), 500 ppi | 2412 x 1080 (FHD+) at 394 ppi |
Refresh Rate | 1–120Hz (Adaptive) | 1Hz - 120Hz (LTPO Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1,750 nits (Peak) | 1,600 nits (HDR Peak); 1,000 nits (Outdoor Full Screen) |
Main Camera | 200MP Wide (f/1.7, 85° FOV), Laser AF, OIS | 50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.88, OIS, EIS, 24mm equivalent |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) | 50MP Samsung JN1, f/2.2, 114-degree FOV, 4cm Macro Mode |
Telephoto Camera | 10MP Telephoto (3x optical, f/2.4) + 10MP Periscope (10x optical, f/4.9); OIS | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 3x, 10x Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 100x Space Zoom | Up to 10x |
Video Recording | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps | 4K @ 60fps (Main & Ultrawide); Live HDR at 4K/30fps |
Front Camera | 12MP Front (f/2.2, 80° FOV), Dual Pixel AF | 32MP Sony IMX615, f/2.45, 1080p @ 60fps |
Battery | 5,000 mAh (Typical) | 4,700mAh |
Wired Charging | Up to 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0 (Adapter sold separately) | 45W PPS (Full charge in 55 mins) |
Wireless Charging | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare | 15W Qi Dual-coil (Full charge in 130 mins); 5W Reverse Wireless |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
Durability | IP68 (Water resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | IP54 (Splash, Water, and Dust Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Front & Back) |
Dimensions | 6.43" x 3.07" x 0.35" (163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm) | 6.38 x 3.01 x 0.34 in (162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6 mm) |
Weight | 8.25 oz (234 g) | 7.09 oz (201.2 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 | Glyph Interface (33 addressable LED zones), Glyph Composer, Essential Notifications, Stereo Speakers |
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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
Nothing Phone (2)
Android
3 years of Android OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates (bimonthly)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm)
Adreno 730
8GB / 12GB LPDDR5
128GB / 256GB / 512GB UFS 3.1
Pros
- Iconic transparent design with functional Glyph Interface lighting
- Excellent performance stability with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
Cons
- IP54 rating is lower than IP68 found in competitors (Pixel 7/8, Galaxy S23 FE)
- Camera system lacks a dedicated telephoto/optical zoom lens
Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the better buy for most people - its 200MP camera crushes the Nothing Phone (2)'s 50MP. That said, grab the Nothing Phone (2) if you prefer a lighter design at 7.09 oz and want to save some cash.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra if: you shoot a lot of photos, need top-tier performance for gaming, or value a longer battery life of up to 34 hours.
Choose the Nothing Phone (2) if: you appreciate unique design features, want a lightweight phone at 7.09 oz, or prefer a bloatware-free software experience.
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.6★ vs 4.4★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Nothing Phone
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 1,341 reviews vs 397
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose Nothing Phone
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Bottom line: The Nothing Phone (2) leads with a 4.6★ 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 Nothing Phone (2)?
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the better choice if you prioritize class-leading 200mp main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom. Nothing Phone (2) wins if you value iconic transparent design with functional glyph interface lighting. Both are rated highly (4.4★ vs 4.6★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and Nothing Phone (2)?
Key differences: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra offers class-leading 200mp main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom, while Nothing Phone (2) stands out with iconic transparent design with functional glyph interface lighting. Consider that Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra slow charging speed (45w) compared to competitors. Meanwhile, Nothing Phone (2) ip54 rating is lower than ip68 found in competitors (pixel 7/8, galaxy s23 fe). 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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