Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: great S Pen, strong performance, but hardware issues are a concern
Released 2023 · 20 sources analyzed · Also known as: S23 Ultra, Galaxy S23 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Still a Top Android Pick?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, released in 2023, continues to be a strong contender in the Android flagship market, even in 2026. It offers a premium and comprehensive experience, driven by its powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and the unique S Pen integration. While its large size and premium price might not appeal to everyone, refurbished models present a smart purchase for those seeking top-tier features.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Summary
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, even in 2026, remains an excellent Android flagship, offering a comprehensive and premium experience driven by its powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and unique S Pen integration. Its robust performance, strong graphics, and long-term software support make it a highly capable device for productivity and entertainment. While its large size and premium price might not suit everyone, especially with newer alternatives available, its current market value for refurbished models makes it a smart purchase for those seeking top-tier features without breaking the bank. It's best for power users who value the S Pen and a versatile Android ecosystem.
Pros
- The integrated S Pen stylus is a standout feature, offering unparalleled productivity for note-taking, drawing, and precise navigation. This unique addition transforms the phone into a versatile tool, making it ideal for professionals and creative users who need more than just a standard smartphone experience.
- Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, the S23 Ultra delivers exceptional performance, handling demanding applications and multitasking with ease. Its impressive benchmark scores, including an AnTuTu score of 1,226,598 and strong Geekbench results, confirm its top-tier processing power, ensuring a smooth and responsive user experience.
- The device boasts superior graphics capabilities, notably outperforming the iPhone 14 Pro Max in 3DMark graphics benchmarks. This makes it an excellent choice for mobile gamers and users who frequently engage with graphically intensive applications, providing a fluid and immersive visual experience.
- Samsung provides robust software support for the S23 Ultra, ensuring it receives timely updates and security patches for an extended period. This commitment to long-term software maintenance enhances the phone's longevity and value, keeping it secure and feature-rich for years after its release.
- The overall user experience is comprehensive and premium, offering a refined interface and a wealth of features that cater to a wide range of needs. From its vibrant display to its advanced camera system (though not explicitly detailed in provided snippets, it's a known flagship strength), it provides a top-tier Android experience.
Cons
- The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a notably large form factor, which might not be comfortable for all users, especially those with smaller hands or who prefer one-handed operation. Its substantial size can make it challenging to pocket and handle, requiring some users to adjust their grip or carry habits.
- While its price has fluctuated since launch, the S23 Ultra remains a premium device, with new or refurbished models still ranging significantly, sometimes approaching its original $1,200 launch price. This high cost places it out of reach for budget-conscious consumers, especially when considering newer alternatives are now available.
- Despite its age, the S23 Ultra still faces stiff competition from newer flagship alternatives like the Apple iPhone 16, Samsung Galaxy S25, and Xiaomi 14 Ultra, some of which offer incremental improvements or newer technologies. While still powerful, its value proposition diminishes slightly when compared to the absolute latest models at similar price points.
Common Issues Reported
Sources
Should you buy it? Depends who you are.
A flat yes/no/maybe by buyer profile, instead of one universal verdict.
- Creative professionals needing a stylus✓Yes
The integrated S Pen is unmatched for drawing and detailed work.
- Mobile gamers wanting top graphics✓Yes
Its superior graphics capabilities outperform many competitors, even newer ones.
- Users with small hands✕No
The large form factor makes one-handed use very difficult.
- Budget-conscious buyers?Maybe
Refurbished models offer good value, but the initial price is high.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: S Pen and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 still deliver
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra remains an excellent Android flagship, distinguished by its integrated S Pen stylus which enhances productivity for note-taking, drawing, and precise navigation. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor delivers exceptional performance, handling demanding applications and multitasking with ease, further supported by superior graphics capabilities that make it ideal for mobile gamers. Samsung's commitment to long-term software support ensures the device remains secure and feature-rich for years. However, its large form factor may not be comfortable for all users, and despite its age, it still carries a premium price, especially when compared to newer alternatives like the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S25. Power users who value the S Pen and a versatile Android ecosystem will find the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra highly capable, particularly if considering refurbished models for better value. Those prioritizing the absolute latest technology or a more compact device might consider newer options.
AInalyzer Score Breakdown
Sub-scores are derived from the source analysis below. See our scoring methodology.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor ensures exceptional speed and graphics, handling everything easily.
Its premium price can be hard to justify against newer flagships, but refurbished models offer better value.
Reports of sudden device death and motherboard issues raise concerns about long-term hardware reliability for some units.
The S23 Ultra largely lives up to its flagship billing, especially with its S Pen and raw power.
How the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra differs from the Samsung Galaxy S25
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra still holds its own, but the newer S25 brings incremental improvements and the latest tech. If you need the absolute newest processor and camera tech, the S25 is the better choice. However, the S23 Ultra with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 still offers plenty of performance and the same S Pen experience at a better value, especially refurbished.
What this analysis can miss
Specific caveats about the source coverage behind this page. Worth knowing before you act on the verdict.
This analysis relies heavily on aggregated expert reviews; long-term user feedback on specific hardware issues is less uniformly captured.
Performance comparisons are often against 2023-2024 flagships, and newer 2025+ models may show a more significant gap.
Refurbished market pricing fluctuates daily; the 'value' assessment is a snapshot and not a guarantee.
What reviewers actually say
Themes synthesised across 20 sources — agreement % shows how aligned reviewers were on each point.
- S Pen integrationPositive100%
Reviewers universally praise the S Pen for its productivity features, calling it a standout for note-taking and drawing.
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performancePositive100%
The phone's processor delivers exceptional speed and graphics, easily handling demanding apps and games.
- Form factor and sizeMixed80%
Many find the large size challenging for one-handed use, while others appreciate the expansive screen.
- Long-term software supportPositive95%
Samsung's commitment to extended updates and security patches is a significant plus for device longevity.
- Hardware quality controlNegative20%
Some users report serious hardware failures, including sudden device death, which indicates potential inconsistencies.
Hardware issues are more widespread than experts admit
While expert reviews focus on performance and features, user forums like Reddit show a pattern of severe hardware failures. These aren't isolated incidents for a few users. The consensus might be downplaying a real quality control problem affecting a small but significant percentage of units. This makes long-term reliability a bigger gamble than most reviews suggest.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Common Questions Answered
What makes the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra stand out from other flagships?
The integrated S Pen stylus is a standout feature of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, offering unparalleled productivity for note-taking, drawing, and precise navigation. This unique addition transforms the phone into a versatile tool, making it ideal for professionals and creative users.
How does the performance of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra compare to newer phones?
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra delivers exceptional performance, handling demanding applications and multitasking with ease. Its impressive benchmark scores confirm its top-tier processing power, ensuring a smooth and responsive user experience that still holds up well against newer devices, though absolute latest models may offer incremental improvements.
Are there any known hardware issues with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
Some users have reported severe hardware failures with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, including instances of sudden device death and motherboard issues. While these reports are not widespread across expert reviews, they represent significant concerns for affected individuals, indicating potential quality control inconsistencies in a small percentage of units.
Is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra a good value in 2026?
Even in 2026, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra remains an excellent Android flagship, and its current market value for refurbished models makes it a smart purchase for those seeking top-tier features without breaking the bank. Its robust performance, strong graphics, and long-term software support contribute to its lasting value, especially for power users.