Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review

11 February 2023


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SD Card, 10 May 2023Why people so obessed with the slow SDcards. You have UFS 4... more1. If the phone broke the sdcard will still survive and all tons of GBs of your photos and videos will saved.
2. Adding sd slot had nothing to do with UFS, it's not like it will slowing down the UFS storage speed.
3. Think sd slot like your second hardisk slot from your desktop computer. SSD disk will be your main disk like UFS to install O.S, games, important apps, etc while your second normal hardisk(think of it as SD card) will be the one where you store important documents for works, some movies, photos, etc. If your computer O.S somehow messed up(bluescreen of death, etc) you had no choice but to format and reinstall O.S but the second hardisk(sdcard) have saved your important documents and other stuff.

So there is no harm adding sd slot if you are against it it's like telling people please dont add mayonnaise on that burger we already have a cheese lol xD

    • S
    • S23U user
    • mX@
    • 15 May 2023

    SD Card, 10 May 2023Why people so obessed with the slow SDcards. You have UFS 4... moreI've had this device siince Feb 14th, & all I'm saying is that if there's room they should fit it.
    I've long argued the merits of the microSD card & the 3.5mm jack for years on this site, but I don't have the time right now, but I'm sure I couldn't have said it any better than 'Slajovic' did on the Sony Xperia 1 V review comments page:

    Slavojic on 13 May 2023:

    There are always discussions about headphone jacks and microSD slots. Can we please finally stop this absolutely unnecessary and nonsensical discussion?
    As I have experienced both headphone jacks and microSD slots and then losing such features here's what I have objectively inquired.

    Starting with the headphone jack first:
    1. As we see, this Sony has a 3.5 mm jack. It can be used for wired audio accessories, such as wired earphones, headphones and microphones. On top of the Bluetooth audio accessories, such as wireless earphones, headphones, microphones. That gives the device some versatility.
    2. There are additional accessories for a 3.5 mm jack that are not audio accessories, such as an IR blaster. That gives the device even more versatility and compatibility.
    3. There are no software roadblocks that some companies have introduced with Bluetooth. If the device and headphones have 3.5 mm jack, the headphones WILL work at 100% of their intended functionality.
    4. Headphone jack doesn't interfere with ingress protection. This phone is rated with IP65/IP68, the same as most Samsungs and iPhones which don't have the jack.
    5. The phones with a headphone jack don't have to be bigger in size. This Sony uses a tad less space than an S23+, both of which have almost same size display, and the 10 V is only a tad bigger than the S23.
    6. Wired 3.5mm accessories don't have batteries, as such, there's no batteries that need charging (and replacing!). Wired accessories sip only a small amount of the phone's battery when in use (and phones nowadays have big, sometimes HUGE batteries, so this is nothing to worry about), moreover, you only need to have the phone charged in order to use them. Also, there are lots of people who have first generation Buds or AirPods which batteries have pretty much died and there's no easy way to replace them. So they need to chuck them into the bin, losing the hundred or more dollars that they paid. [Personal inquiry: I bought Buds+ which were around 120 euro in late 2020 and got 2 years of warrranty (EU). In the 1.5 years of obtaining this device, I sent it to repair (got them new every time, to be exact) THREE times. There was always something with audio being quieter in one ear. When I got the 4th new pair, after around 9 months I saw that the battery couldn't keep up anymore. They always held around for 8hrs of continuous listening, now it's only around 5hrs, furthermore, at the moment BOTH ears became a lot quieter, I always have to listen at max volume. And no, I don't require hearing aids or something. Such things have never happened with my wired sets, even though I have used super cheap pairs of earphones and I am using HyperX Cloud Alphas for 4 years now.]
    7. Microphones are MILES ahead of Bluetooth ones. Even cheap earphones with a mic at a local Walmart sound better than my Buds+ or friends' AirPods Pro. It's not an elegant option, but I see why teens on TikTok use such mics for their challenges and such. Also, the Bluetooth sound quality penalty when in calls. Makes a night and day difference.
    For the record, I am not saying that wired options are always better. There are also objective reasons for why the wireless is the way, i.e. the obvious that there are no cables in the way, that they are fashionable and elegant, that they can be used with almost every device out there, ANC and ambient sound passthrough etc., however, for those, who are getting into fights of wired vs wireless, you must reconsider your mindset in order to not get lost in this always changing world. Giving us, the users, choice is never a bad thing and always a good thing.

    For the microSD slot:
    1. As we see, this Sony has a microSD card slot. This physical, external storage solution can provide the user with more storage to store files, such as videos, audio, photos, applications, etc. On top of the additional options, such as USB flash storage and cloud storage, etc. That gives the device some versatility.
    2. There are no software roadblocks or limitations that some companies have introduced with removing the microSD card. If the device has support for a microSD card, you can write literally anything onto it. Android games, Windows games (if someone did not know about this, people play full fledged AAA titles on their microSD cards, if they have a Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, ROG Ally!), full fledged Windows OS, 4K videos, 8K videos, etc. Some cloud solutions give you the ability to mount your cloud drive in software as a disk in Finder or Windows Explorer, however, not many have such ability or require workarounds.
    3. MicroSD slot doesn't interfere with ingress protection. This phone is rated with IP65/IP68, the same as most Samsungs and iPhones which don't have the slot.
    4. The phones with a microSD slot don't have to be bigger in size. This Sony uses a tad less space than an S23+, both of which have almost same size display, and the 10 V is only a tad bigger than the S23.
    5. MicroSD slots are built-in into the phone and are away from external view, it means that it doesn't interfere with usability that other solutions may introduce. MicroSD cards don't obstruct the USB port, like USB flash drives, which means you can charge the phone and be happy with the always existing additional storage. The data in microSD cards can always be accessed, no matter the network you have, unlike cloud solutions, which rely on you having (good) internet connection and speed.
    6. Futureproofing. The microSD slot gives you the ability to cheaply and effortlessly upgrade your phone's storage in the future, if you ever have a need for it. It's better to shell out 50 greens for gigs that you need, unlike soldering new storage chips on the mainboard or buying a new phone altogether, just to get extra storage.
    7. MicroSD slot doesn't introduce privacy and security problems that other solutions introduce. Cloud solutions can be very insecure, depending on if and what is being used for data encryption and storage, how secure is the login to the cloud process, etc. They can also change policies however they like, i.e Apple's (thank god!) unsuccessful process of files stored in iCloud scanning for some illegal stuff. Yes, you may lose the microSD card, but you can always encrypt the card in a way that is almost bulletproof.
    For the record, I am not saying that microSD cards are always better. They also have their objective cons. And there are objective pros for cloud storage and other solutions, i.e. ability to access the same files from any internet connection and any computer system, cheaper cost (may depend on the deals you may get and on the prices advertised, etc). However, for those, who are getting into fights of microSD vs cloud or microSD vs no microSD, you must reconsider your mindset in order to not get lost in this always changing world. Giving us, the users, choice is never a bad thing and always a good thing.

      • S
      • SD Card
      • Yen
      • 10 May 2023

      Why people so obessed with the slow SDcards. You have UFS 4.0 delivered still asking for dead slow cards. I hope one day you buy this kinda phone and understand what I mean...

        Looking at 50mp and 200mp shots again, against other 50mp's, it's really better. No bluriness of detail - something looking like upscale, with 200mp adding more detail and sharpness here and there making it look more like quality 50mp. That's how I would use it.
        The rest of low res cameras make me wait for their 200mp upgrade tho. Someone will do it, anyway, some day.
        Meanwhile the processing can get even better, tho it also depends on hw and algorithm of each brand.
        200mp is the nxt lvl to look forward to.

          MIRCO SD FUN, 30 Apr 2023I hope samsung will bring back mirco sd card slot on Samsu... morethis way if the phone explodes or broken we can still have our important files on the sd card..removing sd slot is like removing all hdd slot on motherboard and leave it only a single slot..

            • ?
            • Anonymous
            • xYG
            • 05 May 2023

            MIRCO SD FUN, 30 Apr 2023I hope samsung will bring back mirco sd card slot on Samsu... moretotaly agree

              • M
              • MIRCO SD FUN
              • 7Xs
              • 30 Apr 2023

              I hope samsung will bring back mirco sd card slot on
              Samsung S24 ULTRA.. people will have an option if they will use it or not i believe there's still people who love micro sd card on there phone..

                • S
                • Superman
                • 05E
                • 21 Apr 2023

                I'm keeping my s22 ultra instead of switching to a s23 ultra. The phone is fast, great camera, good processor.. all I need. I can easily play games on a great dynamic amoled screen. Curved screen is cool to look at. The screen can go very bright. That's great for sunny summerdays.

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                  • Chasteven
                  • m5N
                  • 17 Apr 2023

                  I am on my second S23Ultra. It has the same problem as the first,random stuttering on 4K HDR 10+30fps,/60fps recordings,particularly bad on panning
                  The Samsung Experience Store see no point in replacing for a third since it must be a software issue.
                  Notified Samsung but had no response.
                  A quick Internet search reveals that I am not the only person affected.
                  Any other users had this experience, and,if so had any response from Samsung?

                    AnonD-1093372, 09 Apr 2023I have the S20 ultra and decided that I don't want a S... moreThe square corners/Note look and s-pen are two of the main selling points for this phone, lol. So if you don't like them, it's probably best to look for something else. Personally, I LOVE the square corners and overall look of the phone... it's much better for watching movies on too.

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                      • AnonD-1093372
                      • am6
                      • 09 Apr 2023

                      I have the S20 ultra and decided that I don't want a S23 ultra (Note) for 1. I will not use the pen 2 . I don't like square corners and the look of the phone ( Note) 3. I do not want a note ....so I've looked at all phones out now and coming soon and have decided to get the Honor 5 magic pro when I can pre order it in a few weeks from the UK from April 19th in black 🙂 you also get a case , charger and a screen protector on the phone in the box and the phone will be cheaper than the S23 ultra also got a buyer for my S20 Ultra £250 with charger and a few official cases to go with it ...that's £250 towards the Honor 5 magic pro (£1095 12gb ram + 512gb memory ) and I can buy the phone though the company I work for GWR Trains ( First Xclusives 8% off honor products for an extra £84 off ) 🙂 so I should pick up the phone for around £661 that includes the £100 off phone voucher for the Honor Magic 5 pro from Honor for registering my interest for pre ordering , £250 for my S20 Ultra and an extra 8% ( £84 ) off with First Xclusives and some free Gifts too watch or wireless earphones from Honor hopefully both 🙂

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                        • Classic Master
                        • NwI
                        • 09 Apr 2023

                        Former iPhone User, 04 Apr 2023It's true, this year the Samsung S23 Ultra is so good ... moreI agree with you 2023 is for Samsung galaxy s23 ultra!!

                          Former iPhone User, 04 Apr 2023It's true, this year the Samsung S23 Ultra is so good ... moreAs much as I respect your opinion, calling all Chinese phones as a category of phones is biased and in many cases ignorant

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                            • Former iPhone User
                            • 0p}
                            • 04 Apr 2023

                            It's true, this year the Samsung S23 Ultra is so good it's mind blowing as it's superior to the 14 PM in basically everything and they've made a miracle as the S23U battery performance over the S22U is extreme to the point while it's even slightly better than the i14 PM battery and it charges from 0 to 100% in 55 minutes while 14 PM needs almost 2 hours.

                            I have had a 512GB iPhone 14 Pro Max before I bought a 1TB Samsung S23 Ultra and I have had all Samsung S/Note Ultra and all iPhone Pro Max every year, always keeping the iPhones because of their much better battery life except for the Note 10+ which had almost the same SoT as iPhone 11 Pro Max so I kept the Note 10+ yet it was a better phone.

                            But not in 2020 2021 2022 as I'm from Europe and Exynos had so bad battery and even Snapdragon 888 and 8 Gen 1 were bad too. I'm not any brand fanboy and I switch gadgets on a yearly basis thanks to a good exchange program my company has, I am more an Apple user than a Android one, well in Android only Samsung better said as I won't ever buy any chinese brand as they all suck in my opinion.

                            I even have an iPad and AirPods yet I'm switching to Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra and Galaxy Buds 2 Pro as both are better than their Apple counterparts, both Tab S8 Ultra and S23 Ultra are without any doubt the best tablet and phone available right now. We'll meet again next year as if things change I'll switch back to iPhone but 2023 is undoubtely for Samsung and I know many colleagues who also switched to Samsung this year. One of them didn't have a Samsung since Note 3 lol.

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                              • Toe Biter
                              • FX8
                              • 03 Apr 2023

                              Ryan47, 20 Feb 2023I’m not biased either way,I love my iPhone 13 Pro Max and I... moreVery nice

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                                • apodexse
                                • 6y6
                                • 29 Mar 2023

                                typhlosion57, 28 Mar 2023How much more of an upgrade is the S23 Ultra over the S21 U... moreIt's not a massive massive difference, but decently different. The phone will look different, if that matters to you. You also get the S-Pen, improved cameras, faster charging, a brighter and more accurate display, and a much improved processor. The S23 Ultra scores anywhere from 50% faster in some tasks all the way to double the performance in gaming. Night photography is also improved, and the colors are better, especially on the zoom cameras. The speakers are also much improved. Battery life is also significantly better, especially in web browsing and gaming. There are other things that haven't changed much. The fingerprint scanner is pretty much the same, the haptics are still just okay, and the base model actually only has 8 GB RAM instead of 12 GB on the S21 Ultra.

                                Basically, everything is moderately improved, and if those features really matter to you, then it might be worth it. Samsung currently has a deal where you get increased trade in value, your S21 Ultra is currently worth $550 instead of ~$250 normally. If you want to upgrade, I would either do it right now, or wait until summer because there are sometimes discounts throughout June for Father's Day.

                                  • t
                                  • typhlosion57
                                  • kx$
                                  • 28 Mar 2023

                                  How much more of an upgrade is the S23 Ultra over the S21 Ultra considering they said its not much of an upgrade over the S22 Ultra

                                    • ?
                                    • Anonymous
                                    • q8Q
                                    • 24 Mar 2023

                                    CasualPerson, 23 Mar 2023I don't trust GSMArena. I don't trust megapixe... moreThey are one of the most reputable

                                      AnonD-1082559, 21 Mar 2023Still, s23 has both upgrades and downgrades, For example,... moreI don't trust GSMArena.

                                      I don't trust megapixel count either.

                                      The 12MP Camera Performs as well as The 32MP Camera

                                      it is a downgrade, but only in Megapixel Count.

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                                        • AnonD-1082559
                                        • X$7
                                        • 21 Mar 2023

                                        Anonymous, 12 Feb 2023"Unbiased"Still, s23 has both upgrades and downgrades,
                                        For example, 108MP Vs 200MP main camera are Huge upgrade, but 40MP vs 12MP selfie camera are a Huge downgrade. Also, AnTuTu are saying fools with s23 score are 30% bigger. So, gsmarena are trusted site for mobile spec, even when you googling "Mobile spec", Gsmarena will be in the first place.

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