Galaxy S23+ Vs Galaxy S25 Ultra

Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:£257.00

Versus £1,199.99 new

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Galaxy S25 Ultra
Galaxy S25 Ultra
Starting at

Refurbished price:£654.00

Versus £1,249.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, released in February 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, launched in February 2025, represent different tiers and generations within Samsung's flagship smartphone offerings. While both devices deliver a premium Android experience, the S25 Ultra, as a newer and higher-end model, introduces significant advancements in camera technology, display quality, and overall performance, catering to users seeking the most advanced features available. The S23 Plus, on the other hand, continues to offer a robust and capable experience for everyday use.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, their respective release dates and software support policies are key factors.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S23 Plus was released in February 2023, while the Galaxy S25 Ultra followed in February 2025. This two-year difference means the S25 Ultra benefits from a longer period of guaranteed software updates.
  • OS Support Duration: The Galaxy S23 Plus is expected to receive four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates, extending its support until around 2028. In contrast, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is guaranteed seven years of Android OS upgrades and security updates, meaning it will receive updates up to Android 22 and security patches through 2032.
  • Build Materials: Both devices feature robust construction with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the S23 Plus and Gorilla Glass Armor 2 on the S25 Ultra, along with IP68 water and dust resistance, contributing to their physical durability. The S25 Ultra also incorporates a titanium frame, which can offer enhanced resilience.

Year of Release

2023

2025

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance capabilities of these two Galaxy smartphones reflect their generational difference and intended market segments.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 Plus is equipped with a powerful processor that handles daily applications and multitasking smoothly. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, featuring a newer generation processor, offers a noticeable uplift in performance, resulting in quicker app launches, more fluid multitasking, and enhanced capabilities for demanding tasks like intensive gaming and advanced AI features.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: While the S23 Plus provides a responsive user experience, the S25 Ultra's increased processing power and potentially higher RAM configurations contribute to a more seamless and efficient experience, especially when running multiple applications simultaneously or engaging in graphically intensive activities.
  • Storage Options: The S23 Plus is available with 256GB or 512GB of internal storage. The S25 Ultra offers more expansive storage options, including 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, catering to users with larger storage needs.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both devices is premium, though the S25 Ultra offers advancements in display technology.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. The Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts a larger 6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display, providing a more expansive viewing area.
  • Resolution and Clarity: The S23 Plus offers a Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels). The S25 Ultra steps up to a Quad HD+ resolution (1440 x 3120 pixels), delivering sharper images and finer detail.
  • Brightness and Smoothness: Both phones feature a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The S25 Ultra offers a higher peak brightness of up to 2600 nits, compared to the S23 Plus's 1750 nits, enhancing outdoor visibility and HDR content viewing. The S25 Ultra also benefits from an anti-reflective coating on its display, further improving outdoor usability.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440x3120

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both devices are capable, with the S25 Ultra offering a more versatile and higher-resolution setup.

  • Main Camera: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a 50MP main sensor. The Galaxy S25 Ultra significantly upgrades this to a 200MP main sensor, capable of capturing exceptional detail.
  • Telephoto and Ultrawide: The S23 Plus includes a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The S25 Ultra enhances its telephoto capabilities with a 10MP 3x optical zoom lens and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom, alongside a 50MP ultrawide camera. This provides greater flexibility for zooming and wider shots.
  • Photography Performance: While the S23 Plus delivers good quality photos in various conditions, the S25 Ultra generally offers sharper details, better dynamic range, and improved low-light performance, especially when utilizing its advanced zoom capabilities.

Front camera

12 megapixels

12

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements differentiate these two Samsung Galaxy models.

  • Connectivity: Both devices support 5G connectivity. The S23 Plus features Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. The S25 Ultra steps up to Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, offering faster and more stable wireless connections.
  • Physical Design and Handling: The S23 Plus has dimensions of 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm and weighs 195g. The S25 Ultra is slightly larger and heavier, measuring 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm and weighing 218g, which can impact one-handed use. The S25 Ultra also integrates an S Pen stylus, offering additional functionality for note-taking and creative tasks.
  • Biometric Security: Both phones utilize an under-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking.

Weight

196 g

233 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.9

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus and Galaxy S25 Ultra cater to distinct user needs, with user sentiment often reflecting these differences. Users frequently praise the S23 Plus for its balanced performance, reliable camera system, and solid battery life, making it a dependable choice for everyday tasks and general smartphone use. Its design is often noted for being comfortable to hold, and its display, while not the highest resolution, is still considered vibrant and clear.

Conversely, the Galaxy S25 Ultra garners acclaim for its cutting-edge display, with users highlighting its brightness, sharpness, and anti-glare properties as particularly impressive. Its advanced camera system, especially the high-resolution main sensor and versatile zoom capabilities, is a significant draw for photography enthusiasts. Performance is consistently described as fluid and powerful, capable of handling the most demanding applications and multitasking with ease. Some users, however, note that the S25 Ultra's larger size and weight might make it less comfortable for prolonged one-handed use.

Users prioritizing a long-lasting device with the latest software support and a top-tier camera system for detailed photography and versatile zoom will find the Galaxy S25 Ultra well-suited to their needs. Its expansive display and powerful processing also make it ideal for media consumption and intensive productivity. For those who value a slightly more compact form factor, a still-excellent camera, and robust performance for daily tasks, the Galaxy S23 Plus remains a highly capable option. Both devices offer a premium Android experience, and choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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