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Technerd108

macrumors 68040
Oct 24, 2021
3,062
4,313
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the superior model because it has superior hardware over the Galaxy S23. The S23 Ultra's 6.9-inch screen, improved processor, larger battery, and higher-resolution camera set it apart from its predecessor, the S23. The S Pen stylus, which can be used for writing and sketching, has also been upgraded.
Well the ultra is great but some of what you are saying is not correct.

The processor is the same regardless what model of s23 you get. The battery is bigger but so is the screen. The battery is bigger this year on the regular s23 and plus so battery life on all 3 devices is good unlike the s22. The camera system and sPen are exclusive features to the ultra and make it stand out.

But I wouldn't say that the s23 or s23 plus are inferior because they lack some of the features of the s23 ultra. Some people don't like huge phones, and don't care about the s pen or just want to save money.

At least Samsung doesn't use a year old processor in the s23 and s23 plus like Apple is doing with the iPhone 14 and 14 plus vs the Pro models.

I do think for me the s23 ultra is worth the extra cost. It does have more ram in the 512gb and up models, the slightly larger screen with more rectangular shape is much more useful and productive than the models with rounded corners, the s pen can be a life saver in certain situations and the camera system is really great.

Oh and the screen is 6.8" not 6.9".

But let's not have an elitest attitude if you own an ultra. The s23 and s23 plus are also great phones.
 

Bkdodger

macrumors 68040
Jun 6, 2019
3,624
6,055
Anytime I find myself missing the simplicity of an iPhone, I'm reminded that I could never do this.

View attachment 2191826 View attachment 2191827
Amen preach

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7c84ab8d6e03e3a2cae46e651973b4ff.jpg
d5f6c1911559c31e962b6f728e352f0d.jpg
 
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robvalentine

macrumors 6502a
Nov 21, 2014
548
1,220
I got my S23 Ultra a few days ago and been playing with it for hours on end. Tried the Object Identifier and amusingly found out my bare foot is actually a rickshaw and the ceiling light is either a cricket bat or an accordion.
my Ceiling light is a rug....

although to be fair the second row identified the actual lightshade...
 
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Technerd108

macrumors 68040
Oct 24, 2021
3,062
4,313
Now that I have had my s23 ultra I can give some thoughts on it that are more nuanced and after the initial excitement has worn off.

Samsung has made I think one of the best smartphones on the market in multiple respects. That being said it still has some familiar Samsung related annoyances.

For some reason only on Samsung devices running Android watching Max or HBO max and South Park I get an annoying glitch in playback. It is random but stubborn. It is like watching the show in slow motion. It doesn't happen with other content on the app or on Apple or Pixel devices?

Wifi is still an issue with WiFi 6 enabled wireless routers. Sometimes I will get a random disconnect. Don't know why. It doesn't happen often but it happens enough to notice and annoy me.

Those are my gripes. Other than those issues this phone has been flawless. Battery life is phenomenal. Performance is fast and smooth. The speakers sound loud and rich for a phone. The screen is so nice and impressive, although I wish they would raise the frequency of the PWM. 240 is too low. At least double that rate for a phone like the ultra.

The s pen is a great tool when you need it. When you need it, it can save you tons of time and help in emergency situations. It can be a drawing tool, help you take notes, it can be a camera shutter and so much more. It is always there and ready.

Reception seems really good on this phone as well. Call quality is excellent. Call screening works pretty well. All of the customization is a lot of fun.

Beyond some software glitches that Samsung will hopefully address at some point there is really nothing bad to say.

I like the hardware design and even the curved screen is subtle although I really hope they put a flat screen on these soon.

Having a Pixel 7 Pro I get a good device to compare the s23 ultra too. I think so far this year the Pixel 7 Pro and the s23 ultra are the two best Android phones that you could have.

The Pixel for it's cost is arguably the best bang for buck phone out there. I do waver between preferring Pixel UI and Samsung One UI. Both are excellent in there own way. In some ways I feel like Pixel is more polished and in some ways I feel one UI is more polished. For me to even put OneUI close to Pixel UI is a pretty amazing accomplishment for Samsung because I have always been a big fan of vanilla Android and rather hated Samsung take on Android. I have to give credit where it is due and Samsung has really done a lot to improve it's software and I really appreciate the longer Software support. I still feel like Samsung could do better and give us 5 years of OS upgrades and 7 years of security patches and then I would feel they have pretty much reached parity with iOS support.

And if you have a s23 or s23 plus most of what I have said holds true for those devices too. They may lack a few features but overall the entire s23 line up is decent. I would like Samsung to make the plus model better. My one gripe with the line is the s23 plus should have a quad hd screen and same camera system as the ultra. It wouldn't take away from the ultra but I think it would bring more sales to the plus and really make the extra cost of the plus worth it.
 

mjschabow

macrumors 601
Dec 25, 2013
4,924
6,239
Now that I have had my s23 ultra I can give some thoughts on it that are more nuanced and after the initial excitement has worn off.

Samsung has made I think one of the best smartphones on the market in multiple respects. That being said it still has some familiar Samsung related annoyances.

For some reason only on Samsung devices running Android watching Max or HBO max and South Park I get an annoying glitch in playback. It is random but stubborn. It is like watching the show in slow motion. It doesn't happen with other content on the app or on Apple or Pixel devices?

Wifi is still an issue with WiFi 6 enabled wireless routers. Sometimes I will get a random disconnect. Don't know why. It doesn't happen often but it happens enough to notice and annoy me.

Those are my gripes. Other than those issues this phone has been flawless. Battery life is phenomenal. Performance is fast and smooth. The speakers sound loud and rich for a phone. The screen is so nice and impressive, although I wish they would raise the frequency of the PWM. 240 is too low. At least double that rate for a phone like the ultra.

The s pen is a great tool when you need it. When you need it, it can save you tons of time and help in emergency situations. It can be a drawing tool, help you take notes, it can be a camera shutter and so much more. It is always there and ready.

Reception seems really good on this phone as well. Call quality is excellent. Call screening works pretty well. All of the customization is a lot of fun.

Beyond some software glitches that Samsung will hopefully address at some point there is really nothing bad to say.

I like the hardware design and even the curved screen is subtle although I really hope they put a flat screen on these soon.

Having a Pixel 7 Pro I get a good device to compare the s23 ultra too. I think so far this year the Pixel 7 Pro and the s23 ultra are the two best Android phones that you could have.

The Pixel for it's cost is arguably the best bang for buck phone out there. I do waver between preferring Pixel UI and Samsung One UI. Both are excellent in there own way. In some ways I feel like Pixel is more polished and in some ways I feel one UI is more polished. For me to even put OneUI close to Pixel UI is a pretty amazing accomplishment for Samsung because I have always been a big fan of vanilla Android and rather hated Samsung take on Android. I have to give credit where it is due and Samsung has really done a lot to improve it's software and I really appreciate the longer Software support. I still feel like Samsung could do better and give us 5 years of OS upgrades and 7 years of security patches and then I would feel they have pretty much reached parity with iOS support.

And if you have a s23 or s23 plus most of what I have said holds true for those devices too. They may lack a few features but overall the entire s23 line up is decent. I would like Samsung to make the plus model better. My one gripe with the line is the s23 plus should have a quad hd screen and same camera system as the ultra. It wouldn't take away from the ultra but I think it would bring more sales to the plus and really make the extra cost of the plus worth it.
That's really weird. I just checked it and the same thing happened when playing South Park!
 
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Technerd108

macrumors 68040
Oct 24, 2021
3,062
4,313
That's really weird. I just checked it and the same thing happened when playing South Park!
I know it is probably a glitch with the app but it only happens on Samsung devices. My Apple iPad air has no issues. My Pixel 7 Pro has no issues but my Tab S8, my s23 and my s22 plus that I used to have all do this. I love South Park and it is so frustrating. 😂 Lol.

Hopefully one day there will be a fix.
 

mjschabow

macrumors 601
Dec 25, 2013
4,924
6,239
Now that I have had my s23 ultra I can give some thoughts on it that are more nuanced and after the initial excitement has worn off.

Samsung has made I think one of the best smartphones on the market in multiple respects. That being said it still has some familiar Samsung related annoyances.

For some reason only on Samsung devices running Android watching Max or HBO max and South Park I get an annoying glitch in playback. It is random but stubborn. It is like watching the show in slow motion. It doesn't happen with other content on the app or on Apple or Pixel devices?

Wifi is still an issue with WiFi 6 enabled wireless routers. Sometimes I will get a random disconnect. Don't know why. It doesn't happen often but it happens enough to notice and annoy me.

Those are my gripes. Other than those issues this phone has been flawless. Battery life is phenomenal. Performance is fast and smooth. The speakers sound loud and rich for a phone. The screen is so nice and impressive, although I wish they would raise the frequency of the PWM. 240 is too low. At least double that rate for a phone like the ultra.

The s pen is a great tool when you need it. When you need it, it can save you tons of time and help in emergency situations. It can be a drawing tool, help you take notes, it can be a camera shutter and so much more. It is always there and ready.

Reception seems really good on this phone as well. Call quality is excellent. Call screening works pretty well. All of the customization is a lot of fun.

Beyond some software glitches that Samsung will hopefully address at some point there is really nothing bad to say.

I like the hardware design and even the curved screen is subtle although I really hope they put a flat screen on these soon.

Having a Pixel 7 Pro I get a good device to compare the s23 ultra too. I think so far this year the Pixel 7 Pro and the s23 ultra are the two best Android phones that you could have.

The Pixel for it's cost is arguably the best bang for buck phone out there. I do waver between preferring Pixel UI and Samsung One UI. Both are excellent in there own way. In some ways I feel like Pixel is more polished and in some ways I feel one UI is more polished. For me to even put OneUI close to Pixel UI is a pretty amazing accomplishment for Samsung because I have always been a big fan of vanilla Android and rather hated Samsung take on Android. I have to give credit where it is due and Samsung has really done a lot to improve it's software and I really appreciate the longer Software support. I still feel like Samsung could do better and give us 5 years of OS upgrades and 7 years of security patches and then I would feel they have pretty much reached parity with iOS support.

And if you have a s23 or s23 plus most of what I have said holds true for those devices too. They may lack a few features but overall the entire s23 line up is decent. I would like Samsung to make the plus model better. My one gripe with the line is the s23 plus should have a quad hd screen and same camera system as the ultra. It wouldn't take away from the ultra but I think it would bring more sales to the plus and really make the extra cost of the plus worth it.
Definitely wish you could just combine those two phones. Or be able to get Pixel software with the S23 Ultra hardware. Imagine that!

I'm with you. Love this phone but I still do waver here and there, but my wavering is with Apple because I was on iOS for so long. Thankfully every time I start to consider switching back, this phone does something amazing to keep me interested.
 

keithop

macrumors 6502a
Jul 22, 2002
691
914
Definitely wish you could just combine those two phones. Or be able to get Pixel software with the S23 Ultra hardware. Imagine that!

I'm with you. Love this phone but I still do waver here and there, but my wavering is with Apple because I was on iOS for so long. Thankfully every time I start to consider switching back, this phone does something amazing to keep me interested.

yep same here, agree with all of those comments including the feeling I should just pick up the Apple and then the camera app on the s23u makes me smile, or the customisation or the spen etc....
 
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BaErv

macrumors member
Dec 14, 2022
65
61
my Ceiling light is a rug....

although to be fair the second row identified the actual lightshade...
I think the app may be a little bit off on accuracy. BTW, my front door and cat are a swinging chair and a rotary tool...I love this phone.
 

Bkdodger

macrumors 68040
Jun 6, 2019
3,624
6,055
I come from the days of rooting them Google phones and customizing to the tilt ...now Sammy has every option possible and I can't run a Pixel stock with any tweaks ..why why I say lol ...
 

danb1979

macrumors 65816
Feb 5, 2015
1,126
1,679
Preston, Lancs - UK
Nooooo...

I will say that this year, I've seen a lot less of these posts. 2 years ago when I tried the S21 Ultra, it seemed like there were several of these.

Well I've got my A53 5G business mobile and still have my immaculate/as new and trust Pixel 4XL, which still takes superb pictures..

Via postageimages.org so probably compressed:





But I'm missing the iPhone and TBH; prefer it to the S23U, so sold it yesterday and iPhone is due to land tomorrow hopefully... Gone for silver this time around

As good as the S23U is, IMO it doesn't feel as premium as the iPhone and I prefer the weight of the iPhone too...

I do this for 'fun':

So the weight of the iPhone isn't an issue for me 😂
 

Bkdodger

macrumors 68040
Jun 6, 2019
3,624
6,055
Well I've got my A53 5G business mobile and still have my immaculate/as new and trust Pixel 4XL, which still takes superb pictures..

Via postageimages.org so probably compressed:





But I'm missing the iPhone and TBH; prefer it to the S23U, so sold it yesterday and iPhone is due to land tomorrow hopefully... Gone for silver this time around

As good as the S23U is, IMO it doesn't feel as premium as the iPhone and I prefer the weight of the iPhone too...

I do this for 'fun':

So the weight of the iPhone isn't an issue for me
Excellent photos ...and ya gotta go with what you feel is best for your daily usage ...you can't go wrong with either phone ...I'm looking forward to iPhone 15 and hopefully upgrade
 
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danb1979

macrumors 65816
Feb 5, 2015
1,126
1,679
Preston, Lancs - UK
Excellent photos ...and ya gotta go with what you feel is best for your daily usage ...you can't go wrong with either phone ...I'm looking forward to iPhone 15 and hopefully upgrade

Yup; the Pixel 4XL still really impresses me and I love using it TBH; I never reset it, so just stick my SIM in it and away I go haha

Agree; the 15, hopefully; will be a solid upgrade and I really hope they go for USB C/Thunderbolt and get away from lightning etc
 
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