Galaxy S23 Ultra • Unlocked vs OnePlus 12 • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, released in February 2023, and the OnePlus 12, launched globally in January 2024, are both high-end Android smartphones. While both devices offer premium experiences, they differentiate themselves through their camera systems, software approaches, and overall design philosophies. Both run on the Android operating system, with Samsung utilizing its One UI overlay and OnePlus featuring OxygenOS.

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including software support, physical durability, and ease of repair.

• Software Longevity: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra was released with Android 13 and is promised four years of Android updates and five years of security patches, extending its support until at least Android 17 and security updates into 2028. The OnePlus 12 launched with Android 14 and is expected to receive four years of Android updates and five years of security patches, meaning it should be updated until at least Android 18.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for screen protection. The Galaxy S23 Ultra boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for 30 minutes. The OnePlus 12 has an IP65 rating, indicating protection against dust and water jets, but not full submersion.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S23 Ultra received an iFixit repairability score of 4 out of 10, with some improvements noted for easier battery replacement compared to its predecessor. The OnePlus 12's repairability is considered moderate, with some components like the screen and battery being accessible, though strong adhesive is used for the back cover and battery.

Both the Galaxy S23 Ultra and the OnePlus 12 are equipped with powerful internal components designed for demanding tasks, though they feature different generations of processing technology.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 Ultra is powered by a specialized version of a previous-generation processor, optimized for Samsung devices, which delivers strong performance for gaming and intensive applications. The OnePlus 12 features a newer generation processor, offering enhanced CPU and GPU speeds and improved power efficiency.
• Multitasking and Storage: Both phones offer ample RAM configurations, with the Galaxy S23 Ultra available with 8GB or 12GB of RAM and storage options up to 1TB. The OnePlus 12 comes with 12GB or 16GB of RAM globally, and up to 512GB of storage, with some regions offering higher configurations. Both utilize fast storage technologies for quick app loading and data transfer.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 Ultra houses a 5,000 mAh battery, known for providing extended usage, with users reporting it can last through a full day of heavy use and potentially up to two days with moderate usage. The OnePlus 12 features a larger 5,400 mAh battery, which, combined with its efficient processor, also delivers excellent battery life, often lasting for two days of normal usage.

Both smartphones offer high-quality displays, providing vibrant visuals and smooth interactions, though with some differences in peak brightness and design.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both devices feature large LTPO AMOLED displays with QHD+ resolutions, ensuring sharp images and vibrant colors. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 3088 x 1440 pixels. The OnePlus 12 features a 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a resolution of 3168 x 1440 pixels.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both screens offer adaptive refresh rates from 1Hz to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and power efficiency. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a peak brightness of 1,750 nits. The OnePlus 12 boasts a higher peak brightness of 4,500 nits, making it exceptionally bright for outdoor visibility.
• Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S23 Ultra features a slightly curved display, while the OnePlus 12 also has a curved edge display. Users generally praise both for their immersive viewing experiences, with the OnePlus 12's ProXDR technology enhancing HDR content.

Both devices offer advanced camera systems, but they approach photography with different strengths and sensor configurations.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S23 Ultra features a versatile quad-camera setup, highlighted by a 200MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and two 10MP telephoto lenses offering 3x and 10x optical zoom. The OnePlus 12 comes with a triple-camera system tuned by Hasselblad, including a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide, and a 64MP periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: The S23 Ultra is noted for its exceptional detail capture, strong low-light performance, and impressive zoom capabilities, including up to 100x digital zoom. The OnePlus 12's main camera produces good images in various lighting conditions, with its telephoto lens performing well for up to 6x zoom. However, some reviews suggest the OnePlus 12's ultrawide and low-light performance can be inconsistent compared to top rivals.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both phones support 8K video recording. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 12MP front-facing camera, which, despite a lower megapixel count than its predecessor, offers improved portrait quality. The OnePlus 12 features a 32MP front camera capable of 4K video recording.