Samsung galaxy S23 and S23 ultra

[Tig Bitties]

Just went to Best Buy for 10 minutes. Played with the S23 Ultra. But didn't like how it was in display mode. Someone definitely messed with the settings. Couldn't figure out how to get the jesters to work. They had the nav keys at the bottom.

Thought the screen and all that look beautiful. It was a very nice looking device.

And then since I was there I went to the Apple part of the store and looked at a 14 Pro Max. And even though I'm not an iOS fan, damn that's just a nice phone. I really like the rounded shape of it and how the screen goes all the way to the bottom if that makes sense.

14PM is just a very smooth fluid device.

 

[Technerd108]

Just went to Best Buy for 10 minutes. Played with the S23 Ultra. But didn't like how it was in display mode. Someone definitely messed with the settings. Couldn't figure out how to get the jesters to work. They had the nav keys at the bottom.

Thought the screen and all that look beautiful. It was a very nice looking device.

And then since I was there I went to the Apple part of the store and looked at a 14 Pro Max. And even though I'm not an iOS fan, damn that's just a nice phone. I really like the rounded shape of it and how the screen goes all the way to the bottom if that makes sense.

14PM is just a very smooth fluid device.

Say what you will about iOS, Apple doesn't make garbage hardware. If you open up the phone the parts have labels. The inside is almost as pretty as the outside.

The iPhone is a marvel of industrial design. People may not like iPhone but it is hard to hold one in your hand and not admire the look and feel of one.

You should try an iPhone at some point.

 

[Tig Bitties]

I have to say that iPhone 14 Pro Max impressed me, I liked the big flat screen, and it's extremely fluid smooth. Plus if I recall, iOS does allow font size change per individual app settings? Also idjt the 14PM known for great battery life?

But the rest of iOS, I'm a diehard Nexus / Pixel guy that loves vanilla Android.

I need a second look at the S23 Ultra again, without it being in display mode at the store.

 

[Vegastouch]

Having had Samsung phones from the TouchWiz days and Nexus and now Pixel phones I think I can answer your question.

As someone who generally prefers a lean and mean OS Pixel UI or vanilla Android is more to my liking than a heavily skinned version of Android.

That being said I have to give Props to Samsung from taking TouchWiz and turning it into something I actually enjoy using. I used to install custom ROM during the TouchWiz days because the UI was so bad.

Now is OneUI 5 perfect and free from all the previous Samsung meddling? No. It still has a sh*t ton of duplicate apps, it has a ton of extra settings. But it is so much better optimized than before. No lag, animation stutters anymore. Everything is super smooth and responsive. You can now put apps in sleep or deep sleep so the apps you can't disable or uninstall you can put to sleep.

Compared to my Pixel the s23 ultra still feels faster. But not by a wide margin. Battery life is much better on the s23. The screen is much more efficient and gets a lot brighter. Did I mention the battery life?

Personally I would say this. OneUI has gotten to the point that I don't hate it anymore (which is huge) and there are some things I actually prefer. BUT if I could only use one and had to rate it just off software I would pick the Pixel. There is just something about Pixel UI. I really like it. And I know what you are talking about on Samsung where you get an odd glitch. Go to the Pixel and no glitch. I still get them but it is not a big deal.

I would wait until the Pixel 8 series comes out. If it solves a couple of the nagging issues with the 7 then I would just stay on Pixel. Of course if you find a great deal on a s23 ultra I would take it. It is so far in my opinion the best phone of 2023. I think the Pixel 8 Pro might just come in second or possibly overtake the s23 ultra?

Heck if you put Nova Launcher on the s23u you will have a closer to Pixel feel?

That's what I did. I would use TouchWiz very rarely and used Nova 95% of the time and it worked very well.
My last Samsung the S9.

On my last 2 Pixels, I don't even use the Pixel launcher. Not a fan of it so I have used Nova but most of the time I use the Microsoft launcher.

 

[danb1979]

Just to recap my thoughts, and sorry to bore you all again;

I currently have the Pixel 7 Pro, bought at launch, previous phone to that was the Pixel 6 Pro, then the Pixel 4 XL, then 3 XL, then 2 XL, and last Samsung phone I owned was the Galaxy S8.

Reason thinking if switching to the S23 Ultra over the 7 Pro are a few points;

-Battery life on my 7 Pro is mediocre at best.
-Screen brightness is just ok outdoors.
-Bluetooth seems to sort of suck for Android Auto in both our cars that have wireless AndroidAuto, I always need to restart my phone to get it to connect like 75% of the time.
-Modem seems just ok, not the best connection at all times, but that could be a T-Mobile network issue as well.

But the reason I really love the Pixel phones, is for the smooth fluid no lag experience, they always feel fast and never lag or have any jankiness. The last few Samsung phones I owned, for sure were Lagwizz with hiccups and weird things, but that was the Galaxy S8, many years ago.

In all honesty serious question, has Samsung closed the gap to have their high end Ultra phones on par smoothness wise as a Pixel Pro? But if there still a little bit janky or laggy, then I'll pass and just stick with Pixel.

Similar to me; still have & use my 4XL; still a superb camera and handset...

I bought the S23U; lasted 2 weeks and went back to my 14PM; now back with a P7P and it's the right phone for me...

I don't use Android Auto; so that's N/A for me. Outside usage is fine, I've zero issues with the screen, then again I'm not a hardcore user; my phone is either tucked up in my breast pocket wallet or put away somewhere

Zero connectivity issues; never heard of any issues here in the UK

The build quality of the S23U is ahead of the P7P; it absolutely feels more expensive in the hand, but that's just it...

It's not as smooth IMO, it's not Vanilla Android, it has too much bloat and apps that are never used and it's bloody expensive compared to the P7P, but you're not getting that much more for your money

Picture quality is superb on both phones, I couldn't really tell any difference between the S23U and my 14PM, but I preferred the end quality of my 14PM pictures, they just seemed to be that bit more better coloured and detailed.

The P7P is the in-between; really sharp pictures and fantastic zoom qualities if needed, better than the 14PM, IMO

I personally wouldn't be paying the more money for the S23U over the P7P; I'd be holding out for the Pixel 8 range, but that's my personal opinion

 

[danb1979]

I have to say that iPhone 14 Pro Max impressed me, I liked the big flat screen, and it's extremely fluid smooth. Plus if I recall, iOS does allow font size change per individual app settings? Also idjt the 14PM known for great battery life?

But the rest of iOS, I'm a diehard Nexus / Pixel guy that loves vanilla Android.

I need a second look at the S23 Ultra again, without it being in display mode at the store.

The iPhone screens remind me a lot of the Google Nexus 6 / 6P, wide & flat, which IMO, is perfect. Samsung's screens are too curved for my preferences; the P7P for me, is the happy medium...

I'd love to go back to the Nexus 6 style screens, 6'5" but wide/flat (ie a bigger version of the Pixel Fold front screen)

I've shovel like hands, so narrower screens & I don't get on well; hence the major dislike for the Z Fold 4 etc

 

[unclejamaal]

OK. A mini review of my experience of the S23 ultra so far:

- I'm coming from an iPhone 11 Pro Max (last 3 years). Very briefly about two weeks of Pixel 7 Pro.

- Really fast smooth phone.
- screen display is amazing
- camera probably the best out there - possibly a tie with the Pixel 7 Pro
- battery really good.

But here's the thing - ITS NOT AN IPHONE!

Having become SO used to how an iPhone works, this is what I use on my iphone daily:

- face unlock for Apple Pay : it just works and Apple Pay accepts all my cards, where as Google Pay accepts most, but not all of my cards. If I have the iPhone with me I don't take my wallet or cards when I go out as I know I can use Apple Pay anywhere I need to use it.

- face ID for banking apps. Quick and easy. On the S23 the face unlock is useless and doesnt work 99% of the time. Fingerprint ID works, but again, 95% of the time and can sometimes be fiddly. Yes I have changed settings and re registered finger print as I have screen protector.

- Printing a document with the iPhone - just finds the printer no problem. After some faffing around with the samsung yesterday I eventually found out I had to download another app called Epson iPrint. Yes, works now on S23, but needless faffing.

Notifications are a LOT better on Google / S23, but for daily usage, you can't go wrong with an iPhone.

I really do want to try out alternatives - i wouldnt have tried a P7P and then spent a fortune on buying the S23 Ultra if I didnt!. But Apple are really good at pinning you down theres no doubt that iOS generally works MOST of the time.

As it stands, I will be selling the S23 U in a few days time.

 

[danb1979]

OK. A mini review of my experience of the S23 ultra so far:

- I'm coming from an iPhone 11 Pro Max (last 3 years). Very briefly about two weeks of Pixel 7 Pro.

- Really fast smooth phone.
- screen display is amazing
- camera probably the best out there - possibly a tie with the Pixel 7 Pro
- battery really good.

But here's the thing - ITS NOT AN IPHONE!

Having become SO used to how an iPhone works, this is what I use on my iphone daily:

- face unlock for Apple Pay : it just works and Apple Pay accepts all my cards, where as Google Pay accepts most, but not all of my cards. If I have the iPhone with me I don't take my wallet or cards when I go out as I know I can use Apple Pay anywhere I need to use it.

- face ID for banking apps. Quick and easy. On the S23 the face unlock is useless and doesnt work 99% of the time. Fingerprint ID works, but again, 95% of the time and can sometimes be fiddly. Yes I have changed settings and re registered finger print as I have screen protector.

- Printing a document with the iPhone - just finds the printer no problem. After some faffing around with the samsung yesterday I eventually found out I had to download another app called Epson iPrint. Yes, works now on S23, but needless faffing.

Notifications are a LOT better on Google / S23, but for daily usage, you can't go wrong with an iPhone.

I really do want to try out alternatives - i wouldnt have tried a P7P and then spent a fortune on buying the S23 Ultra if I didnt!. But Apple are really good at pinning you down theres no doubt that iOS generally works MOST of the time.

As it stands, I will be selling the S23 U in a few days time.

Feel your pain and where you're coming from

For me, the best phones out there are the iPhone 14PM and Pixel 7 Pro; the S23U is superb, but it's not as slick as either of those

And also agree re Apple Pay; it just works and is very smooth. However; I've had zero issues with Google Wallet on my P7P, Samsung Pay however, is a PITA

 

[Tig Bitties]

Similar to me; still have & use my 4XL; still a superb camera and handset...

I bought the S23U; lasted 2 weeks and went back to my 14PM; now back with a P7P and it's the right phone for me...

I don't use Android Auto; so that's N/A for me. Outside usage is fine, I've zero issues with the screen, then again I'm not a hardcore user; my phone is either tucked up in my breast pocket wallet or put away somewhere

Zero connectivity issues; never heard of any issues here in the UK

The build quality of the S23U is ahead of the P7P; it absolutely feels more expensive in the hand, but that's just it...

It's not as smooth IMO, it's not Vanilla Android, it has too much bloat and apps that are never used and it's bloody expensive compared to the P7P, but you're not getting that much more for your money

Picture quality is superb on both phones, I couldn't really tell any difference between the S23U and my 14PM, but I preferred the end quality of my 14PM pictures, they just seemed to be that bit more better coloured and detailed.

The P7P is the in-between; really sharp pictures and fantastic zoom qualities if needed, better than the 14PM, IMO

I personally wouldn't be paying the more money for the S23U over the P7P; I'd be holding out for the Pixel 8 range, but that's my personal opinion

Ugh that's what I'm afraid of, the S23U not being as smooth and silky as the P7P. Probaly best to hold off, see what the 8 Pro is like. But also just playing with that 14PM yesterday was exciting it's a nice feeling and smoother operating phone. But iOS not cool.

 

[mjschabow]

I don't know, while I go through my iOS withdrawals all the time, the one complaint I DON'T have is how smooth the phone is.

 

[Tig Bitties]

I don't know, while I go through my iOS withdrawals all the time, the one complaint I DON'T have is how smooth the phone is.

So your saying the S23U is ultra smooth, or your iPhone is?

 

[mjschabow]

So your saying the S23U is ultra smooth, or your iPhone is?

S23 Ultra. I don't have the iPhone 14 Pro Max anymore but when I switched I had zero complaints or drop offs of smoothness.

 

[Tig Bitties]

S23 Ultra. I don't have the iPhone 14 Pro Max anymore but when I switched I had zero complaints or drop offs of smoothness.

K thanks

 

[danb1979]

Ugh that's what I'm afraid of, the S23U not being as smooth and silky as the P7P. Probaly best to hold off, see what the 8 Pro is like. But also just playing with that 14PM yesterday was exciting it's a nice feeling and smoother operating phone. But iOS not cool.

The 14PM for me was as slick as they come... Very smooth to use, great functionality and usability. Much, much better than the S23U, IMO

The Pixel 7 Pro is just as good; but the comparisons of Google Wallet vs Apple Pay etc will always be there, for me, Apple Pay is just spot on/much easier to use and that, added with FaceID; beats the P7P hands down and wipes the floor with the S23U

I do think for me, the next iPhone will be as much of interest to me (maybe more) than the Pixel 8... But as for Samsung, they're just not up there any more...

The last decent Samsung I had was the Note 20 Ultra 5G; that was a superb phone

 

[Tig Bitties]

I don't worry about wallet issues on my smartphone. I don't have any banking credit card info whatsoever on any smartphone of mine

I build PCs for fun and I've got a fourth computer and the house dedicated just for banking and financial stuff that's completely locked down. Barely ever sees the internet except for transactions and stuff. Different router set up to it. It's like a CIA computer LOL

So yeah, Apple Pay or Google wallet never used them never will.

I'm old school. I still use ca$h out in public mostly.

 

[francoismatronis]

I don't worry about wallet issues on my smartphone. I don't have any banking credit card info whatsoever on any smartphone of mine

I build PCs for fun and I've got a fourth computer and the house dedicated just for banking and financial stuff that's completely locked down. Barely ever sees the internet except for transactions and stuff. Different router set up to it. It's like a CIA computer LOL

So yeah, Apple Pay or Google wallet never used them never will.

I'm old school. I still use ca$h out in public mostly.

I love Tig Bitties.

 

[unclejamaal]

I love Tig Bitties.

Me too

Especially when someone replies to him and mistakes him/her for Big Titties

 

[jamezr]

I have to say that iPhone 14 Pro Max impressed me, I liked the big flat screen, and it's extremely fluid smooth. Plus if I recall, iOS does allow font size change per individual app settings? Also idjt the 14PM known for great battery life?

But the rest of iOS, I'm a diehard Nexus / Pixel guy that loves vanilla Android.

I need a second look at the S23 Ultra again, without it being in display mode at the store.

Hey TB.....we have both been on around this forum for a few years. I have seen and argued with you about your disdain for Samsung and their phones. We have all read how much you love the Pixel lineup going back to the Nexus days.
We know you prefer vanilla Android over OneUI Android skin that Samsing phones run.
I think you should stick to the Pixel 7 Pro or wait for the Pixel 8 Pro

I don't see any foray to a Samsung device going well for you based on past experinces and preferences you have stated here.....

 

[Tig Bitties]

I love Tig Bitties.

Me too 34k's LOL wrong forum

 

[Tig Bitties]

Hey TB.....we have both been on around this forum for a few years. I have seen and argued with you about your disdain for Samsung and their phones. We have all read how much you love the Pixel lineup going back to the Nexus days.
We know you prefer vanilla Android over OneUI Android skin that Samsing phones run.
I think you should stick to the Pixel 7 Pro or wait for the Pixel 8 Pro

I don't see any foray to a Samsung device going well for you based on past experinces and preferences you have stated here.....

Hi, you always offer the smart advice, and it's appreciated.

I think I'm just bored with stock / vanilla Android lately, I do wish there was more customization like custom ROM's used to offer, back in the heyday of XDA like 7 to 10 years ago. But I haven't ROM'd a smartphone in many years, it's a dead scene today. But back then I loved tweaking my phone with cool dark themes, with more options than just standard "dark mode" gives. And other things to make my phone look a bit more unique.

But with the Google Pixel it's a very minimalist UI, and on one hand I do like and appreciate that, but on the other hand, it's a bit too stripped down, a bit too minimal with almsot zero customizing options, which I find boring.

Going back to the iPhone, yeah playing with that iPhone 14 Pro Max at best Buy was nice, it's a beautiful phone, and very snappy very smooth. But iOS just isn't for me, if I get one, and start using daily, the frustrations pop up of how it operates overall, and I find it extremely limiting, and almost maddening to use coming from Android.

 

[jamezr]

Hi, you always offer the smart advice, and it's appreciated.

I think I'm just bored with stock / vanilla Android lately, I do wish there was more customization like custom ROM's used to offer, back in the heyday of XDA like 7 to 10 years ago. But I haven't ROM'd a smartphone in many years, it's a dead scene today. But back then I loved tweaking my phone with cool dark themes, with more options than just standard "dark mode" gives. And other things to make my phone look a bit more unique.

But with the Google Pixel it's a very minimalist UI, and on one hand I do like and appreciate that, but on the other hand, it's a bit too stripped down, a bit too minimal with almsot zero customizing options, which I find boring.

Going back to the iPhone, yeah playing with that iPhone 14 Pro Max at best Buy was nice, it's a beautiful phone, and very snappy very smooth. But iOS just isn't for me, if I get one, and start using daily, the frustrations pop up of how it operates overall, and I find it extremely limiting, and almost maddening to use coming from Android.

Have you looked at some of the OnePlus phones? i know they run their own Android skin that is close to stock yet has a lot of features.
Then the Nothing phone 2 looks quite nice as well

 

[Tig Bitties]

Have you looked at some of the OnePlus phones? i know they run their own Android skin that is close to stock yet has a lot of features.
Then the Nothing phone 2 looks quite nice as well

It does actually, the Nothing Phone 2 almost looks like an iPhone Pro Max phone running stock Android that's tweakable.

 

[Bkdodger]

I'd also consider OnePlus 11 phone looks pretty good and it's currently running Amazon prime sale... Nothing 2 looks like a good choice too even though I think it came in a little bit higher than a lot of people expected...

OnePlus 11 5G | 16GB RAM+256GB | Dual-SIM | Titan Black | US Factory Unlocked Android Smartphone | 5000 mAh battery | 80W Fast charging | Hasselblad Camera | 120Hz Fluid Display | 4nm Processor

The OnePlus 11 5G is our most capable device yet! An upgraded Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset delivers improved gaming performance, energy efficiency, and image processing capabilities - with up to 16BG of RAM. Battery Health Engine improves health and longevity, while still delivering ultra-fast char...

www.amazon.com

OnePlus 11 5G | 8GB RAM+128GB | Dual-SIM | Titan Black | US Factory Unlocked Android Smartphone | 5000 mAh battery | 80W Fast charging | Hasselblad Camera | 120Hz Fluid Display | 4nm Processor

The OnePlus 11 5G is our most capable device yet! An upgraded Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset delivers improved gaming performance, energy efficiency, and image processing capabilities - with up to 16BG of RAM. Battery Health Engine improves health and longevity, while still delivering ultra-fast char...

www.amazon.com

 

[Ludatyk]

Nothing 2 looks like a good choice too even though I think it came in a little bit higher than a lot of people expected...

I think eventually Nothing brand/company will venture into the flagship territory, its inevitable. And I think with the Nothing 2 is a step in that direction.

 

[5105973]

I'm torn.... I am hearing about things being labeled as hate speech and being removed on threads which is disappointing compared to the absolute astounding amount of lies, misinformation and actual hate speech that is allowed to exits on twitter. Can't we have a happy middle ground?

I just follow tech news so I don’t really see much of anything else on Twitter. And I log in only once or twice a month. I didn’t realize it was so bad. ☹️