Looking for an honest Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comparison in 2026? We scored both smartphones on the same six-dimension framework — performance, battery, display, camera, design and value — using identical methodology, so the numbers below are directly comparable. In our overall scoring the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G comes out ahead 78/100 to 66/100 — a 12-point gap. The widest gap is in performance, where the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G pulls noticeably ahead. On price the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra undercuts the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G by 44% ($899 vs $1,299), which materially changes the value calculus for budget-conscious buyers.

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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G edges out the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra in the smartphones category, especially in performance (benchmark 220 vs 150), scoring 78 vs 66. If you want the better overall smartphones, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G is the recommended choice.
Picking Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G over Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra means trading these off.
Samsung
$1299
Scores are relative within the smartphonescategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5GW | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.9"✓ | 6.8" |
| Display Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | — | 3088 x 1440 pixels |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness | — | 1750nits |
| HDR | — | HDR10+ |
| Protection | — | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| CPU | — | Octa-core (3.36 GHz + 2.80 GHz + 2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | — | Xclipse 920 / Adreno 740 |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB |
| Storage | 256GB | 256GB |
| Storage Options | — | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Main Camera | 200MP | 200MP |
| Aperture | — | f/1.8 |
| OIS | — | Yes |
| Zoom | — | 10x optical |
| Video | — | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Battery | 5000mAh | 5000mAh |
| Charging | 45W | 45W |
| Wireless Charging | — | 15W |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 13 |
| Wi-Fi | — | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) |
| Bluetooth | — | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| NFC | — | Yes |
| USB | — | USB Type-C 3.2 |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Biometrics | — | Under-display fingerprint |
| Dimensions | — | 162.3 x 78 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 218g✓ | 234g |
| Colors | — | Phantom Black, Phantom White, Phantom Green, Phantom Burgundy |
| Price | 1299$ | 899$ |
Buy Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G if…
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Buy Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra if…
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G edges out the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra in the smartphones category, especially in performance (benchmark 220 vs 150), scoring 78 vs 66. If you want the better overall smartphones, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G is the recommended choice.
Yes, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G scores higher overall (78 vs 66).
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is cheaper at $899 vs $1299 for the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G.
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
Both have the same 5000mAh battery.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G has the larger display (6.9" vs 6.8").
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 5G is lighter at 218g vs 234g.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
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