Galaxy S23 Ultra review (2025): powerhouse or past its prime?

Why customers can trust this guide  

Back Market is one of the top online sources for electronics that have been refurbished. There are well-trained technicians in charge of inspecting every device before it gets to the customer, making sure it’s performing optimally. The platform has created a renowned reputation thanks to the fair prices and quality control of its products. Back Market has used years of experience to understand what buyers are looking for and provides it to them through trusted electronics. 

The solid standing Back Market has built as a trusted supplier of electronics is thanks to the company’s certified professionals and strict testing methods. Quality testing makes sure you receive the best product possible, and the refurbished nature of the products means you’re taking the more sustainable route, adding to a greener planet. Back Market stands true because of their commitment to sustainable practices and their fairness and reliability when it comes to their products. 

“This is the first time buying a refurbished phone so I was a little worried. I brought a phone in 'good' condition and have to say I'm so impressed. It's in near perfect condition and is working as if it was brand new. I paid extra for the faster delivery and it was delivered the next day. Will definitely be using this company again.” - Lois S. 

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra specs  

• Display: 6.8-inch Edge QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2x display with a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate (1~120 Hz). Resolution of 3088 x 1440 pixels. HDR10+ certified.    

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy. Octa-core CPU with one core at 3.36 GHz, two at 2.8 GHz and three at 2.0 GHz. Adreno 740 GPU. 

• RAM: 8 GB or 12 GB. 

• Storage: 256 GB, 512 GB or 1 TB UFS 4.0 internal storage. No microSD card slot for expansion. 

• Rear camera: Quad camera system: 

• Main: 200MP wide-angle sensor, f/1.7 aperture, 24mm, 1/1.3" sensor, 0.6µm pixels, multi-directional PDAF, Laser AF, OIS. 

• Ultrawide: 12MP sensor, f/2.2 aperture, 13mm, 120˚ field of view, 1/2.55" sensor, 1.4µm pixels, Dual Pixel PDAF, Super Steady video.    

• Telephoto 1: 10MP sensor, f/2.4 aperture, 70mm, 1/3.52" sensor, 1.12µm pixels, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom.    

• Telephoto 2 (Periscope): 10MP sensor, f/4.9 aperture, 230mm, 1/3.52" sensor, 1.12µm pixels, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS, 10x optical zoom. 

• Features include LED flash, auto-HDR, panorama, up to 100x Space Zoom (digital zoom). 

• Front camera: 12MP wide sensor, f/2.2 aperture, 26mm, 1/3.2" sensor, 1.12µm pixels, Dual Pixel PDAF. Supports HDR and HDR10+ video. 

• Video recording: Up to 8K (7680 x 4320) at 24/30fps, 4K at 30/60fps, 1080p at 30/60/120/240fps, 720p at 960fps, HDR10+, stereo sound recording, gyro-EIS. 

• Battery: 5,000 mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery. 

• Charging: 45W wired charging (up to 65% in 30 minutes), USB Power Delivery 3.0. 15W wireless charging (Qi/PMA). 4.5W reverse wireless charging. 

• Operating system: Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 5.1 (at launch). Expected to receive up to four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates. May receive Android 15 (One UI 7) in late April 2025. 

• Connectivity: 

• Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct.    

• Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE. 

• GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS. 

• NFC. 

• USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1, OTG.    

• UWB (Ultra-Wideband) support. 

• SIM: Nano-SIM and eSIM. Dual SIM capability. 

• Sensors: Ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, barometer, gyro sensor, geomagnetic sensor, hall sensor, light sensor, proximity sensor.    

• Water and dust resistance: IP68 rating (water-resistant up to 1.5 metres for 30 minutes, dust-tight).    

• S Pen: Integrated S Pen with Bluetooth integration, accelerometer and gyro. 

• Dimensions: 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm.    

• Weight: 233-234 grams. 

• Build: Glass front and back (Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminium frame (armour aluminium). 

• Audio: Stereo speakers tuned by AKG, 32-bit/384 kHz audio. No 3.5mm headphone jack. 

Pros and cons of the Galaxy S23 Ultra 

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra gives you an incredible machine in the palm of your hand, with some of the fastest processing speeds around and sensational audio and video quality. 

Benefits and features of the Galaxy S23 Ultra 

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a powerhouse engineered for users who demand top-tier performance. At its core is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor for improved efficiency and speed. The device features a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x display with a 1440 x 3088 resolution, 120 Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support, so you're guaranteed vibrant visuals and smooth scrolling. Photography is one of the biggest draw factors, with a 200MP main sensor, 10MP periscope telephoto lens offering 10x optical zoom and a 12MP ultra-wide lens, enabling detailed shots across a wide range of conditions.  

Battery life is powerful, thanks to a 5,000 mAh cell that supports 45W wired and 15W wireless charging, giving you extended use and very quick recharging. The S Pen stylus is easily integrated and gives users precise input for creative tasks and note-taking. 

Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and an armour aluminium frame give users resistance to drops and scratches and add to the longevity of the device. The S23 Ultra handles multitasking and storage needs effortlessly, thanks to storage options of up to 1 TB and 12 GB RAM. It offers a user-friendly interface with long-term software support because it runs on Android 13 with One UI 5.1.  

Overall, the Galaxy S23 Ultra combines cutting-edge technology and design to create a formidable choice for those who want a premium smartphone experience.​ 

Check out this comparison between the S23 Ultra and the S24 Ultra, with the S23 holding its own. 

“One of the most well-rounded, great specced Android flagships out there that will go down in history as one of the best of 2023.” - Reddit user 

Shopping tips 

Looking for a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra? If buying new, compare prices from major retailers like Samsung, Argos and Currys PC World. Check for promotions or bundled deals that might include accessories or discounts. Consider your storage needs (256 GB, 512 GB or 1 TB), as this will impact the price. 

Back Market offers refurbished S23 Ultra models at lower prices. These phones are tested and graded to make sure they work perfectly. You can save money and contribute to reducing electronic waste. Back Market provides a warranty and a return policy, offering peace of mind similar to buying new. Check the phone's condition grade ("Excellent", "Good") to understand its cosmetic appearance before purchasing. Back Market is a cost-effective and sustainable way to own an S23 Ultra. 

Benefits of buying a refurbished Galaxy S23 Ultra from Back Market 

Choosing a refurbished Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra from Back Market has some clear wins. First, the price is usually lower than buying a brand-new one. Refurbishers check these used phones carefully to make sure they work as expected. They also tell you how the phone looks with a rating of “Good”, “Excellent”, etc, so you know what you're getting. 

Another big plus is helping the environment. Buying a used phone means fewer new devices need to be made. The United Nations says that "E-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream in the world". When you buy a refurbished phone, you're helping to cut down on this waste. 

Back Market also gives you a 1-year warranty, just like you’d get with a new phone. This means if something goes wrong, you're covered. They even let you return the phone if you're not happy with it. So, you save money, get a good phone and help the planet, all with the security of Back Market's guarantees. 

Trade in your electronics 

Back Market offers a straightforward trade-in program for your old electronics, including phones, tablets and more. You can get an estimated value for your device by answering a few questions about its model and condition. If you accept the offer from a professional refurbisher, Back Market provides a free and insured shipping label. Once the refurbisher receives and verifies your device, you'll get paid directly into your bank account, typically within a few business days. This program provides a convenient way to earn money for your old tech while also supporting a sustainable cycle by giving devices a second life. You can find more information on the Trade-in section of the website. 

Here’s a trade-in price comparison   

Final thoughts 

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is still a really good phone to consider in April 2025. It has a great camera, works quickly and comes with the special S Pen. Even though newer phones like the S24 Ultra are out, the S23 Ultra still gives you a top-quality experience and likely for less money. 

Choosing a used S23 Ultra from websites like Back Market is often the best choice. You’ll save quite a bit of money, and these phones are checked to make sure they work exactly as intended, especially considering the grading system implemented. They also come with a guarantee and let you return them if you’re unsatisfied. This is a sensible way to get a high-end phone that's also better for the environment. Even though newer phones are available, the S23 Ultra is still excellent and offers most people everything they need without paying the highest price.