introduction
Samsung was the first major player to create the Ultra segment. Since the beginning of 2020, the Galaxy S20 Ultra has established that Ultra means more than Pro (or Pro Max): it means ultra-sized display and battery, an ultra-high pixel count main camera, an ultra-high versatile and ultra performance.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the embodiment of the Ultra phone and is easily the most popular Samsung phone on the market. While some may think the design is a little dated at this point, it’s definitely a case of form follows function. The rectangular body is ideal for carrying a large island with four cameras, a powerful chipset with related cooling, a large 5,000 mAh battery and a stylus. Not to mention the largest display you’ll find on a phone that doesn’t fold.
Now in its fourth generation, the Galaxy Ultra has embraced its identity as the bearer of the S Pen, consolidating another feature that only the Galaxy Ultra possesses. Samsung has made sure that the Galaxy S23 Ultra has another ultra-worthy feature added in the form of the new 200MP camera.
But let’s get back to the word “stale”. Looking at the Galaxy S23 Ultra, very little has changed compared to its predecessor. While the Galaxy S22 Ultra was somewhat of a paradigm shift from the S21 Ultra, the S23 Ultra represents a subtle evolution. The S Pen is no longer new, the rest of the cameras, display and battery are pretty much the same, as is the design and build, for the most part. The biggest changes are the move to Qualcomm silicon and the new 200MP imager, changes that probably haven’t motivated most S22 Ultra users to upgrade.
Ultimately, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is a safe space for Galaxy Ultra (and old Galaxy Note) loyalists who want a big, family-friendly all-rounder from Samsung. It’s an important device for Samsung, and the company remains scrupulously true to its roots. It’s a situation not dissimilar to the iPhone Pro Max: people want this package year after year.
So, now that the Galaxy S23 Ultra has dutifully been the best smartphone money can buy for about 8 months, it’s time to see how it fares and what, if any, has changed.
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