The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra was heralded as a trailblazing flagship when it launched in January 2021. Known for its stunning display, versatile cameras, and powerful performance, it set the benchmark for what a premium Android device could be. Fast forward to February 2023, and Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S23 Ultra, a device that not only improves on its predecessor but redefines what smartphones are capable of in the modern era. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the most significant improvements the S23 Ultra brings over the S21 Ultra and help you decide if an upgrade is worth considering.
Design and Build
At first glance, both smartphones boast a premium design with a glass-and-metal build. However, the S23 Ultra introduces some subtle yet meaningful changes:
- Flatter Edges: The S23 Ultra ditches the curved sides of the S21 Ultra for flatter edges, offering a more professional look and better grip.
- Integrated S Pen: Unlike the S21 Ultra, which only supported the S Pen as an optional accessory, the S23 Ultra integrates the S Pen right into its chassis, mirroring the Galaxy Note’s legacy.
- Enhanced Durability: With Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both front and back and an upgraded aluminum frame, the S23 Ultra is better suited to withstand drops and scratches.
These design enhancements make the S23 Ultra not just more durable but also more functional in everyday use.
Display Technology
One of Samsung’s strengths has always been its display, and both phones boast a stunning 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen. Still, the S23 Ultra makes some key refinements:
- Improved Brightness: While the S21 Ultra featured an impressive 1500 nits of peak brightness, the S23 Ultra ramps it up to about 1750 nits, making outdoor visibility even better.
- More Efficient Display: The newer display panel is more power-efficient, extending battery life despite offering better luminance.
- Color Calibration: The S23 Ultra has slightly more accurate color calibration, which is particularly noticeable in HDR content consumption.
The changes aren’t revolutionary, but for those who spend a lot of time watching videos or editing photos on their phones, the differences are certainly appreciated.
Performance and Hardware
The leap in processing power is one of the most substantial differences between the two devices. The Galaxy S21 Ultra came equipped with the Exynos 2100 (in global markets) or Snapdragon 888 (in the US), whereas the S23 Ultra is powered by the specially optimized Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy worldwide.
- Performance Gains: The Gen 2 chip offers up to 35% better CPU performance and 40% better GPU performance compared to the hardware in the S21 Ultra.
- Thermal Efficiency: Thanks to a redesigned vapor chamber cooling system, the S23 Ultra remains cooler during intensive tasks like gaming and video editing.
- UFS 4.0 Storage: The S23 Ultra uses faster UFS 4.0 storage compared to UFS 3.1 in the S21 Ultra, leading to snappier app launches and better multitasking responsiveness.
If you’re a power user or a mobile gamer, the performance improvements alone might justify making the upgrade.
Camera Modules: A Generational Leap
One of the biggest selling points of the S23 Ultra is its revamped camera system. While the S21 Ultra already came equipped with impressive lenses, the S23 Ultra takes mobile photography to an entirely new level.
- 200MP Primary Sensor: Perhaps the most headline-grabbing change is the jump from a 108MP sensor in the S21 Ultra to a massive 200MP sensor in the S23 Ultra. This allows for significantly more detail, better low-light performance, and improved dynamic range.
- Improved Night Mode: Low-light photography is considerably better on the S23 Ultra, with better processing algorithms and a larger sensor capturing more light.
- Enhanced Video Capabilities: The S23 Ultra can record in 8K at 30fps, whereas the S21 Ultra was limited to 24fps. Stabilization has also been improved, making video capture smoother and more professional-looking.
- Periscope Zoom: Both models feature a 10x periscope zoom, but the image clarity and stabilization on the S23 Ultra have visibly improved for long-range photography.
These upgrades make the S23 Ultra a formidable companion for amateur and even semi-professional photographers.
Battery Life and Charging
While both devices are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, the S23 Ultra offers better battery life, thanks to its more efficient processor and display.
- Software Optimization: One UI enhancements intelligently manage power consumption, enabling the S23 Ultra to last noticeably longer—especially during standby and video playback.
- No Upgrade to Charging Speed: While Samsung has made strides in other departments, both the S21 Ultra and S23 Ultra are still capped at 45W wired charging and 15W wireless charging.
Despite not having a charging speed advantage, the improved battery longevity makes the S23 Ultra a better choice for heavy users looking for more screen time per charge.
Software Experience and Longevity
Both devices run Samsung’s One UI, but the S23 Ultra comes with One UI 5.1 out of the box, offering smoother animations, improved widget functionality, and the latest Android 13 features. Although the S21 Ultra has received updates to keep it current, there are a few key perks that make the S23 Ultra more future-proof:
- Extended Software Support: The S23 Ultra is expected to receive four years of major OS updates and five years of security patches, whereas the S21 Ultra is nearing the middle of its update cycle.
- Enhanced AI Features: From real-time transcription to better photo suggestion tools, the S23 Ultra leverages AI in more intelligent ways.
For users who want the longest life out of their device, the S23 Ultra clearly has a distinct advantage.
Audio, Connectivity, and Extras
While both phones offer stereo speakers tuned by AKG and under-display fingerprint sensors, the S23 Ultra shines in a few niche areas:
- Bluetooth 5.3: Offers better efficiency and stronger audio signal over Bluetooth compared to the 5.2 version on the S21 Ultra.
- Improved haptics: The S23 Ultra uses a new haptics engine, delivering crisper, more satisfying feedback during interaction.
- Adaptive Connectivity: With Wi-Fi 6E compatibility, the S23 Ultra is more future-ready for next-gen wireless networks.
Conclusion: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
The Galaxy S21 Ultra still holds its ground as a powerful device in 2024, offering a superb display, reliable performance, and versatile cameras. However, the S23 Ultra makes key upgrades in almost every department—most notably in camera technology, processing power, ergonomics, and software support.
Who should upgrade?
- Mobile photography enthusiasts who want cutting-edge camera hardware will find the S23 Ultra to be game-changing.
- Power users and gamers who need top-tier performance and better thermal management will notice the difference immediately.
- Galaxy Note loyalists will appreciate the integrated S Pen and flatter screen design of the S23 Ultra.
In short, if you’re coming from an S21 Ultra and demand the best of the best, the S23 Ultra is more than just an iterative upgrade—it’s a strategic evolution that represents the finest in Samsung’s mobile engineering to date.
