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Samsung Galaxy S23 vs. S23+ vs. S23 Ultra

This feature-packed Samsung lineup makes it hard to choose between all the amazing devices. But don't fret! We'll help you narrow down the best fit for you with this deep dive into the S23, S23+ and S23 Ultra.
Three Samsung Galaxy S23 Series phones side-by-side. Starting from left-to-right, a cream colored Galaxy S23, a green colored Galaxy S23 Ultra with a stylus, and a lavender colored Galaxy S23+.
T-Mobile

Samsung’s S23 Series is turning a lot of heads. From an aesthetic standpoint, the amazing designs and stunning colors are enough to make anyone swoon. But beauty is only skin deep. What about the processors, displays, batteries, storage, cameras, and other key specs? We’ll uncover key similarities and differences between these exciting phones so you can find the best device for you.

Let's start with the similarities.

Galaxy S23 vs. S23+ vs. S23 Ultra

Shared Features

Each device comes in your choice of Lavender, Cream, Phantom Black, Creme, Lime or Graphite (Although, the S23 Ultra offers two additional exclusive colors: Red and Sky Blue) and each boasts a super-sleek Armor Aluminum Frame, Water Resistant IP68 rating, and heavy-duty Gorilla Glass Victus 2—so these phones are ready to take on just about any adventure in style.

All three devices boast Samsung’s exclusive Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform, custom made for Samsung Galaxy phones, as well as improved cooling systems and up to 30% faster speeds over the previous generations. Plus, each utilizes Wi-Fi 6E technology, which promises to reduce interference for better and faster connectivity.

In addition, S23, S23+ and the S23 Ultra users are the first to sample Samsung’s newest Android-14 software experience (One UI 6 w/ Android 14), which includes updated widgets, enhanced aesthetics, and higher levels of personalization. Now, let’s take a closer look at all three phones to discover what’s different.

The front and back of a cream colored Samsung Galaxy S23.

Samsung Galaxy S23

Key Features

  • 6.1" FHD+ Flat Screen Dynamic AMOLED 2x Display
  • Quad Camera with 50MP Main Lens
  • Optical Zoom at 3x, Digital Zoom up to 30x
  • 3900 mAh Battery
  • Up to 256GB Storage
  • Up to 8GB RAM
  • Up to 6 Color Options

Who will love the S23 the most?

The S23 is the most entry-level of the pack, with a smaller screen than the S23+ and a much smaller screen than the S23 Ultra. But it's perfect for those who want a smaller device that doesn't take up a lot of space. If you don't need a ton of extra storage and your phone generally makes it through the day without the need for constant charging, the storage and battery power may be plenty for you. While the camera is the same as the S23+, it's not quite as impressive as the one on the S23 Ultra—but again—if you're not a serious photographer or social media mogul, this one will do the trick. Absolutely need a stylus? This one's not for you, as only the Ultra has the SPen on board. But if you can live without that and a few other bells and whistles, it's still packed with impressive features, and it's the least pricey of the three!

The front and back of a black colored Samsung Galaxy S23+.

Samsung Galaxy S23+

Key Features

  • 6.6” Dynamic FHD AMOLED 2X Infinity Flat Screen
  • Quad Camera with 50MP Main Lens
  • Optical Zoom at 3x, Digital Zoom up to 30x
  • 4700 mAh Battery
  • Up to 512GB Storage
  • 8GB RAM
  • Up to 6 Color Options

Who will love the S23+ the most?

The S23+ is a pretty amazing phone packed with features that are more than enough for even the most avid device junkies. Think of this as the "Goldie Locks" of the S23 series... while the display is bigger than the S23, it's smaller than the S23 Ultra, so it may be "just right". You also get a boost in battery power and storage over the S23, but not quite as much as the Ultra—putting it right in the middle again. The 50MP camera is the same as the one on the S23, so it's not as impressive as the Ultra's, but it will be more-than sufficient for most people. As mentioned earlier, the Ultra is the only one with the SPen, so if that's something you absolutely must have, this next phone is for you.

The front and back of a black colored Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Key Features

  • 6.8" WQHD+ (New Edge) Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity Display
  • Embedded SPen
  • Quad Camera with 200MP Main Lens
  • Optical Zoom at 3x and 10x, Digital Zoom up to 100x
  • 5000 mAh Battery
  • Up to 1TB Storage
  • Up to 12GB RAM
  • Up to 8 Color Options

Who will love the S23 Ultra the most?

The Ultra has the most of everything: color options, camera capabilities, size, storage, battery power, and so on. Whether you're a serious photographer, gamer, content creator, or you just want the best of the best, you will gravitate toward the Galaxy S23 Ultra for its bigger, bolder display and amazing 200MP camera that delivers clear, vivid pictures, even from far away. And thanks to the stunning Night Mode feature, those big moments will be clear as a bell, even in less-than-ideal lighting. This phone has the most storage and battery power of the three. But the coolest feature? The on-board SPen. If you crave the pen-to-paper feeling that only a super-advanced stylus can offer—the S23 Ultra is for you. As you probably gathered, the Ultra will cost more than both the S23 and S23+, which will be more than worth it if you feel the SPen and all the extra bells and whistles are non-negotiable.

Below is a quick and easy breakdown of which phone may be a better fit based on your needs:

The Galaxy S23 Ultra is a great fit if you:

  • Love the pen-to-paper feeling and capabilities that only the Ultra's exclusive SPen can deliver.
  • Need the most powerful, feature-packed camera available.
  • Tend to blow through a lot of storage and battery power.
  • Have a bigger budget and don't mind paying more for premium features.
  • Crave an ultra-big display (6.8") and want more color choices.

The Galaxy S23+ is a great fit if you:

  • Don't really want an SPen.
  • Are okay with a little less-sophisticated camera capabilities than a professional photographer or content creator would need.
  • Love a big display (6.6"), but not too big, and don't mind choosing from fewer color options (up to 6).
  • Can get by with a max of 512GB of storage and 8GB of RAM.
  • Want a step-up from the entry-level model, but don’t need a ton of extras.

The Galaxy S23 is a great fit if you:

  • Prefer a smaller phone and display (6.1").
  • Are generally okay with less storage (256GB) and RAM (8GB).
  • Usually get through the day without burning through battery power.
  • Love taking pictures but aren't a pro.
  • Are on a budget.

Ready to pick your new Samsung phone? Be sure to take advantage of the latest deals and offers. Still undecided?

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