Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the smart buy if you're after a lightweight device with plenty of power. At just 5.93oz, it’s easy to handle with one hand, while its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip ensures top-notch performance in daily tasks. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra packs a bigger punch with its 6.8" display and a 108MP camera that excels in photography, which is worth considering for serious content creators. On the flip side, the S23’s 3900mAh battery still delivers a respectable 22 hours of video playback, but if you need more juice for long trips, the Ultra is the clear choice. Key specs: Display: 6.1" vs 6.8" and Battery: 3900 mAh vs 5000 mAh.
Why compare these? The Samsung Galaxy S23 (mid-range) and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (premium flagship) 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 | Samsung Galaxy |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.4★ (101 reviews) | ✓4.7★ (1,325 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip outperforms standard version | Integrated S Pen with ultra-low latency (2.8ms) |
| Main Drawback | Base 128GB model uses slower UFS 3.1 storage (256GB+ uses UFS 4.0) | Large, heavy, and boxy design can be unwieldy |
| Market Position | Mid-range | ✓Flagship |
Samsung Galaxy S23
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades (Android 14, 15, 16, 17); 5 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2028)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.36GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8GHz A715, 2x2.8GHz A710, 3x2.0GHz A510)
Adreno 740 (719 MHz)
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform
Qualcomm 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.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S23
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S23 | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(101)Best Buy | ★4.7(1,325)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 4 generations of OS upgrades (Android 14, 15, 16, 17); 5 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2028) | 4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.36GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8GHz A715, 2x2.8GHz A710, 3x2.0GHz A510) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform |
Graphics | Adreno 740 (719 MHz) | Qualcomm Adreno 730 |
RAM | 8 GB (LPDDR5X) | 8GB / 12GB LPDDR5 |
Storage | 128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB (UFS 4.0) / 512GB (UFS 4.0) | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1) |
Display Size | 6.1" (6.1" full rectangle; 5.9" accounting for rounded corners) | 6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display |
Resolution | 2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+, 425 ppi) | 3088 x 1440 pixels (QHD+), 500 ppi |
Refresh Rate | Adaptive 48–120 Hz | 1–120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1200 nits (HBM); 1750 nits peak (outdoor) | 1,750 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 50MP Wide (24 mm, f/1.8), Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS | 108MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Laser AF, OIS |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° FOV), Super Steady video | 12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) |
Telephoto Camera | 10MP Telephoto (70 mm, f/2.4), PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom | 10MP Telephoto (3x optical, f/2.4) + 10MP Periscope (10x optical, f/4.9); OIS |
Optical Zoom | 3x optical zoom; 30x Space Zoom | 3x, 10x Optical Zoom |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x | Up to 100x Space Zoom |
Video Recording | 8K video at 24/30 fps; 4K at 30/60 fps; Slow motion 1080p at 240/960 fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps |
Front Camera | 12MP Front (26 mm, f/2.2), Dual Pixel PDAF; 4K video at 30/60 fps | 40MP Front (f/2.2, 80° FOV), PDAF |
Battery | 3900 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 22 hours video playback | 5,000 mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | USB-C; Up to 50% in ~30 minutes with 25W adapter (sold separately) | Up to 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0 (Adapter sold separately) |
Wireless Charging | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (up to 15W); Wireless PowerShare (4.5W) | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.2; NFC; UWB |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (up to 5 Gb/s) | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 |
Durability | IP68 (up to 1.5 m freshwater for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back | IP68 (Water resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus+ |
Dimensions | 5.76" x 2.79" x 0.30" (146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm) | 6.43" x 3.07" x 0.35" (163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm) |
Weight | 5.93 oz (168 g) | 8.08 oz (229 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint (under display); Face recognition | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition |
Extras | Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox; Stereo speakers tuned by AKG; Dual eSIM support (varies by carrier) | Integrated S Pen (2.8ms latency); Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox |
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Samsung Galaxy S23
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades (Android 14, 15, 16, 17); 5 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2028)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.36GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8GHz A715, 2x2.8GHz A710, 3x2.0GHz A510)
Adreno 740 (719 MHz)
8 GB (LPDDR5X)
128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB (UFS 4.0) / 512GB (UFS 4.0)
Pros
- Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip outperforms standard version
- Compact, lightweight design is easy to use with one hand
Cons
- Base 128GB model uses slower UFS 3.1 storage (256GB+ uses UFS 4.0)
- Charging speed is limited to 25W (significantly slower than competitors)
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform
Qualcomm Adreno 730
8GB / 12GB LPDDR5
128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1)
Pros
- Integrated S Pen with ultra-low latency (2.8ms)
- Versatile camera system with dual telephoto lenses (3x and 10x optical)
Cons
- Large, heavy, and boxy design can be unwieldy
- Battery life is average despite 5,000mAh capacity
Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is the better buy for most people - its 108MP camera crushes the S23's 50MP. That said, grab the Samsung Galaxy S23 if you want a lighter device that’s easier to handle – it’slighter.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 if: you want a lightweight phone for one-handed use, you prefer a compact design, or you need a powerful device for gaming. (6.1" display, 3900 mAh battery)
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra if: you shoot a lot of high-resolution photos, you want a larger display for media consumption, or you need extended battery life for long trips. (6.8" display, 5000 mAh battery)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.7★ vs 4.4★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 1,325 reviews vs 101
→ 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 Samsung Galaxy
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 Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra leads with a 4.7★ rating versus 4.4★. That said, Samsung Galaxy S23 could still be the right pick depending on your specific priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Samsung Galaxy S23 or Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra?
Samsung Galaxy S23 is the better choice if you prioritize powerful snapdragon 8 gen 2 for galaxy chip outperforms standard version. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra wins if you value integrated s pen with ultra-low latency (2.8ms). 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 and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra?
Key differences: Samsung Galaxy S23 offers powerful snapdragon 8 gen 2 for galaxy chip outperforms standard version, while Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra stands out with integrated s pen with ultra-low latency (2.8ms). Consider that Samsung Galaxy S23 base 128gb model uses slower ufs 3.1 storage (256gb+ uses ufs 4.0). Meanwhile, Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra large, heavy, and boxy design can be unwieldy. 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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