Galaxy S23 Ultra • Unlocked vs Galaxy S25+ • Unlocked

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

• Release and Software Support: The Galaxy S23 Ultra, released in February 2023, launched with Android 13 and is guaranteed four generations of OS upgrades, extending its support up to Android 17, along with five years of security updates until February 2028. In contrast, the newer Galaxy S25 Plus, released in February 2025 with Android 15, benefits from Samsung's extended policy, promising seven generations of OS upgrades (up to Android 22) and seven years of security updates, ensuring support until February 2032.
• Expected Lifespan: Users prioritizing the longest possible software longevity and access to the latest Android features will find the Galaxy S25 Plus offers a significantly extended practical lifespan due to its newer release and updated support policy. Both devices receive regular security updates, with both currently receiving the March 2026 security patch.
• Repairability: Both models feature a robust build with Gorilla Glass protection and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, suggesting similar levels of physical durability.

Both smartphones deliver robust performance suitable for demanding applications and multitasking, though the newer model incorporates a more recent generation of internal processing.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 Ultra is equipped with a powerful processor designed for high-performance tasks, enabling smooth operation across various applications, from intensive gaming to complex productivity tools. The Galaxy S25 Plus features a newer generation processor, which provides enhanced efficiency and responsiveness, particularly noticeable in demanding applications and advanced AI features.
• Multitasking and Storage: The S23 Ultra offers configurations with 8GB or 12GB of RAM, alongside storage options up to 1TB, catering to users with extensive storage needs. The S25 Plus standardizes its RAM at 12GB across all versions, which supports seamless multitasking, and offers storage options up to 512GB.
• Battery Behavior: The S23 Ultra houses a 5000 mAh battery, which users report can comfortably last through a full day of heavy use, and often longer for moderate usage. The S25 Plus, with a 4900 mAh battery, also provides reliable all-day power, benefiting from the improved efficiency of its newer internal components.

Both devices offer high-quality displays, but the newer model introduces advancements in brightness and overall visual experience.

• Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy S23 Ultra features a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a QHD+ resolution (3088 x 1440 pixels), providing sharp images and vibrant colors. The Galaxy S25 Plus comes with a slightly smaller 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, also with a QHD+ resolution, ensuring excellent clarity.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The S23 Ultra's display can reach a peak brightness of 1750 nits, offering good visibility in various lighting conditions, and features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. The S25 Plus elevates this with a peak brightness of 2600 nits, significantly improving outdoor visibility, while maintaining the adaptive 120Hz refresh rate for a fluid user experience.
• Viewing Experience: The S23 Ultra's larger screen size provides an expansive canvas for media consumption and productivity, while the S25 Plus offers a slightly more compact form factor without compromising on display quality.

The camera systems on these devices offer distinct strengths, with the S23 Ultra providing a more versatile setup for advanced photography, and the S25 Plus delivering reliable performance for everyday use.

• Main Camera Capabilities: The Galaxy S23 Ultra features a 200MP main wide-angle camera, complemented by a 12MP ultrawide lens and two 10MP telephoto lenses, offering 3x and 10x optical zoom respectively. This setup allows for exceptional detail and versatile zoom options. The Galaxy S25 Plus includes a 50MP main wide-angle camera, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, providing a capable system for a variety of photographic situations.
• Photography and Video Performance: Users praise the S23 Ultra for its detailed images, strong low-light performance, and superior zoom capabilities, making it well-suited for capturing distant subjects and intricate scenes. It also supports 8K video recording at 30 frames per second. The S25 Plus offers well-rounded camera performance, producing clear and detailed photos with good color reproduction, particularly in well-lit conditions, and also supports 8K video recording.
• Audio Experience: Both devices provide a quality audio experience for media consumption and calls, with clear speaker output and capable microphones for recording and communication.

Beyond core performance, several practical elements differentiate these two Samsung smartphones.

• Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy S23 Ultra and S25 Plus support 5G connectivity, ensuring fast mobile data speeds. The S25 Plus incorporates newer Wi-Fi standards and Bluetooth 5.4, offering potentially faster and more stable wireless connections compared to the S23 Ultra's Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
• Biometric Security: For secure unlocking, both models feature an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor and face recognition technology, providing convenient and reliable access.
• Design and Handling: The S23 Ultra has a distinctive design with slightly curved edges and an integrated S Pen stylus, contributing to its larger and heavier feel (8.25 ounces or 233 grams). The S25 Plus features a more uniform design with flat sides and rounded corners, and a slightly lighter build (190 grams), which may offer a different in-hand feel for users. The S Pen is exclusive to the Ultra model, offering unique productivity features.