Galaxy S23 Ultra Vs Oppo Find X5

Galaxy S23 Ultra
Galaxy S23 Ultra
Starting at

Refurbished price:£299.00

Versus £1,599.00 new

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Oppo Find X5
Oppo Find X5
Starting at

Refurbished price:£296.00

Versus £816.65 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, released in February 2023, and the Oppo Find X5, launched in February 2022, represent distinct approaches to high-end Android smartphones. While both offer premium experiences, the Galaxy S23 Ultra distinguishes itself with a more advanced camera system and a larger, higher-resolution display, alongside its integrated S Pen. The Oppo Find X5, released a year prior, focuses on a balanced performance with a strong emphasis on its camera capabilities and a sleek design.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical resilience.

  • Release Timeline and Software Support: The Galaxy S23 Ultra, being a more recent device, benefits from a longer expected software support period. Samsung typically provides four years of Android operating system updates and five years of security updates for its flagship devices. The Oppo Find X5, released a year earlier, generally receives three years of OS updates and four years of security updates, meaning its software support will conclude sooner than the S23 Ultra's.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy S23 Ultra has shown improvements in repairability, with some assessments noting features like battery pull tabs that simplify component replacement. One review gave it a repairability score of 9 out of 10, while another, with stricter criteria, rated it 4 out of 10, acknowledging positive steps towards easier disassembly. The Oppo Find X5's repairability is generally considered moderate, with standard internal construction.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy S23 Ultra features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both its front and back, coupled with an Armor Aluminum frame, and boasts an IP68 rating for significant water and dust resistance. The Oppo Find X5 uses Gorilla Glass Victus for its front display and a glass back with an aluminum frame, offering an IP54 rating, which provides protection against dust and splashing water but not full submersion.

Year of Release

2023

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The core processing power and overall system responsiveness are key differentiators between these two smartphones, impacting how they handle demanding applications and daily tasks.

  • Processing Capabilities: The Galaxy S23 Ultra is equipped with a newer generation processor, specifically optimized for its ecosystem, which translates to enhanced performance for intensive tasks like high-fidelity gaming, complex video editing, and running multiple applications simultaneously. The Oppo Find X5 utilizes a previous generation high-end processor, which still delivers smooth performance for most everyday applications and moderately demanding games, but may show a difference in raw power compared to the S23 Ultra.
  • Multitasking and Storage: Both devices offer ample RAM configurations, typically 8GB or 12GB, allowing for efficient multitasking and smooth transitions between apps. The Galaxy S23 Ultra provides more storage options, extending up to 1TB, while the Oppo Find X5 is available with up to 256GB of internal storage. Neither device supports expandable storage via a microSD card.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 Ultra houses a 5000 mAh battery, generally providing extended usage times, often lasting a full day even for heavy users. The Oppo Find X5 features a 4800 mAh battery, which typically offers reliable all-day power for average usage, though very demanding tasks might require more frequent charging.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience is a significant aspect of any smartphone, and both the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Oppo Find X5 offer high-quality displays with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy S23 Ultra features a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a QHD+ resolution of 3088 x 1440 pixels, resulting in a very sharp and detailed image. The Oppo Find X5 comes with a 6.55-inch AMOLED display offering an FHD+ resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels, which provides clear visuals for most content.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The S23 Ultra's display can reach a peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions. It also features an adaptive refresh rate of 1-120Hz for smooth scrolling and power efficiency. The Oppo Find X5 offers a peak brightness of up to 1000 nits and an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, providing a fluid viewing experience in most environments.
  • Viewing Experience: The larger screen size and higher resolution of the Galaxy S23 Ultra provide a more expansive and immersive viewing experience, particularly for media consumption and detailed work. The Oppo Find X5's slightly smaller screen and lower resolution still offer a vibrant and responsive display suitable for everyday use and entertainment.

Resolution

1440 x 3088

1080 x 2400

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

AMOLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones place a strong emphasis on their camera systems, offering versatile tools for photography and videography, though with different strengths and configurations.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S23 Ultra boasts a quad-camera setup, highlighted by a 200 MP main sensor, a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and two 10 MP telephoto lenses offering 3x and 10x optical zoom capabilities, respectively. This allows for exceptional detail and significant zoom range. The Oppo Find X5 features a triple-camera system with a 50 MP main sensor, a 50 MP ultrawide sensor, and a 13 MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom.
  • Photography Performance: The S23 Ultra excels in capturing highly detailed images, especially with its 200 MP sensor, and offers advanced low-light performance and improved nightography features. The Oppo Find X5 also delivers strong photographic results, particularly with its dual 50 MP sensors for wide and ultrawide shots, and is noted for its color calibration and good low-light performance.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The Galaxy S23 Ultra supports video recording up to 8K at 30 frames per second and features a 12 MP front camera. The Oppo Find X5 records video up to 4K at 60 frames per second and includes a 32 MP front camera, which can capture detailed selfies.

Main camera

200 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

32 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and differentiate these two devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Galaxy S23 Ultra features Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, along with a USB-C 3.2 port for faster data transfer. The Oppo Find X5 includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, with a USB-C 3.1 port.
  • Sensors and Unique Features: The Galaxy S23 Ultra integrates an S Pen stylus, offering enhanced productivity for note-taking and drawing. Both phones feature in-display fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking. The S23 Ultra also includes advanced haptic feedback and stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support. The Oppo Find X5 also provides stereo speakers for media consumption.
  • Build Materials and Handling: The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a larger form factor, measuring 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm and weighing 234g, giving it a substantial feel. The Oppo Find X5 is slightly more compact and lighter at 160.3 x 72.6 x 8.7 mm and 196g, which may appeal to users preferring a less bulky device. Both utilize premium glass and aluminum in their construction.

Weight

234 g

196 g

Screen size (in)

6.8

6.55

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and the Oppo Find X5 cater to users with varying priorities, each offering a compelling smartphone experience. User feedback for the Galaxy S23 Ultra often praises its versatile and powerful camera system, particularly the extensive zoom capabilities and high-resolution main sensor, as well as its vibrant display and integrated S Pen for productivity. Some users appreciate its robust build and long-term software support. Criticisms sometimes point to its larger size and weight, which might not suit all hand sizes.

The Oppo Find X5 is frequently lauded for its sleek design, balanced performance for everyday tasks, and its capable camera system, especially its ultrawide lens and color science. Users generally find its display bright and smooth. Some common concerns include its slightly shorter software update commitment compared to newer flagships and its IP54 rating, which offers less water resistance than some competitors.

Users prioritizing an expansive, high-resolution display, a highly versatile camera with significant zoom, and integrated stylus functionality for productivity will find the Galaxy S23 Ultra well-suited to their needs. Its longer software support also appeals to those seeking maximum device longevity. Conversely, users who prefer a slightly more compact and lighter device with a strong, balanced camera system for general photography and a smooth daily experience may lean towards the Oppo Find X5. Both devices represent excellent choices, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new.

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