Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G deals

Features and specs

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the most powerful Samsung phone ever and, as such, one of the best smartphones money can buy. That’s thanks to a truly phenomenal spec sheet including a rapid Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, Android 13 right out of the box (plus the promise of five years’ worth of updates to come too) with Samsung’s own One UI on top, and a body made of Gorilla Glass Victus 2 to prevent any nasty bumps and scrapes.

Storage-wise you can get 256GB, 512GB and 1TB models. You can choose between 8GB and 12GB of RAM for the 256GB edition, while those handsets with more storage come with 12GB as standard.

Where the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra really stands out is its camera. The main quad lens system is a world beater, while the vast, 6.8-inch screen and bundled S Pen mean it’s a joy to use for gaming, streaming and work.

Availability and price

When it launched in February 2023, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra was available SIM-free for £1,249 for a 256GB model, rising to £1,399 for 512GB and £1,599 for 1TB. The latter model is not always possible to get on contract, however.

You can now find the device for a more affordable SIM-free price, while it can also be snapped up on good value long term contracts with all major networks. Those who do opt for a SIM-free device can pair the Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G with a SIM-only deal in order to keep monthly costs down.

How good is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra’s design and display?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra features a broadly similar design to the previous Galaxy S22 Ultra, with an aluminium frame and toughened glass screen and rear. There’s space for a Samsung S Pen, which gives the device a lift when it comes to productivity.

The vast, 6.8-inch screen packs a resolution of 1440 x 3088 pixels, with a small hole punch for the front facing camera. With a screen that size backed up by such impressive internal components, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is inevitably a gaming and video streaming powerhouse.

With Dynamic AMOLED 2X smarts, Adreno graphics, and a refresh rate that goes up to 120Hz, gamers in particular are going to love this phone.

How good is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra’s camera?

If the Galaxy S22 Ultra had a great camera, then the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a truly spectacular one. The main wide camera clocks in at an astonishing 200MP and is backed up by a 12MP ultrawide effort and two 10MP telephoto cameras, one with 10x optical zoom and the other with 3x optical zoom.

The Nightography skills on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra have been given a boost, with the processing smarts of the Qualcomm chipset ensuring improved low light performance. Optical image stabilisation on videos shot at night also ensures greater clarity and detail.

Samsung is also bigging up its new Astrophotography skills, which can use Hyperlapse to capture tricky-to-shoot night skies and create moving images of the stars. There’s also an Expert RAW mode for digging in deep and creating professional quality images.

The front facing selfie camera can shoot 12MP images, while the main camera can record 8K and 4K video, ideal for social media mavens.

How good is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra’s battery life?

Samsung has included a massive 5,000mAh battery inside the Galaxy S23 Ultra. That’s the same as the S22 Ultra, but it’s claimed that software updates mean it’s 20% more efficient. That means it will last upwards of a day on a single charge. There’s support for 45W fast charging and it also works with wireless chargers.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra full review

The S23 Ultra looks great on paper. But how does it stack up under rigorous testing? Read our full Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G review to find out and see whether you should part with your hard earned cash.

What are the key differences between the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra and the S22 Ultra?

What we like:

• Camera takes things up a notch with 200MP main lens
• Chipset is faster
• Screen promises to be one of the best in the business

What we don’t like:

• Design is largely the same as the S22 Ultra

How does the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra compare to other flagship handsets in the UK market?

Only Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro Max can match the Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G when it comes to screen size, camera skills and overall performance. The smaller iPhone 14 Pro has similar internal smarts but in a slightly smaller package.

Samsung’s own Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 Plus offer many of the same specs, including the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, although the cameras don’t come close to beating the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s prowess.

MoneySuperMarket’s expert rating: Five out of five

With its astonishing 200MP camera, amazing screen and top end internal specs, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is as good as it gets. If you want a phone that can do it all and one that will keep ticking at the top level for years to come, look no further than Samsung’s flagship.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra contract options

Can I get a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra with no upfront cost?

Yes, there’s a good chance you can get the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G with no upfront cost, as many networks offer these types of deals. Read about our mobile deals with no upfront fees to find out more.

Can I get a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra with unlimited data?

You can get the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra with unlimited data on numerous contracts. All of these plans offer 5G data as standard too, so you can access the UK’s fastest mobile internet.

What’s the cheapest way to get a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?

This depends on how much cash you have to hand. Often it’s cheapest to buy the Galaxy S23 Ultra SIM free and pair it with a cheap SIM-only deal, meaning you pay far less for data. However, this requires a large initial outlay.

If you don’t have lots of ready cash to hand, then there are lots of great value contracts that let you pay a small amount up front and spread the cost over 24 months, with overall prices about the same as if you bought the device outright.

Can I get a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra with poor credit?

Buying a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra with bad credit can be challenging if you want one on contract, as networks always run credit checks.

If you want a Galaxy S23 Ultra and have bad credit, the most reliable way is to buy one SIM free and then use a SIM-only deal that doesn’t require a credit check. VOXI, Smarty and Lebara all offer deals for those with a poor or non-existent rating.

Is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra worth buying in 2023?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is definitely worth buying in 2023. It is one of the best smartphones ever made and, while expensive, has the promise of long term software updates as well as features that will keep it future proofed for years to come.

Is now a good time to buy the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?

Absolutely. Now is a great time to get the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. It can be picked up for less than its original SIM free price and is also available on some competitively priced contracts.

Will the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra drop in price?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra will likely drop further in price around the launch of successor flagship devices, usually some time in the spring – often February or March.

Should I upgrade or wait for the next model?

If you have a Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, you may want to go for the 2024 model – the S23 Ultra is really only an iterative upgrade. But if you have an older phone and are looking to upgrade, then you’ll really see the difference if you invest in a Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G specs