Here’s a quick overview of the some of the best Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra alternatives you can buy right now…
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a killer phone, arguably one of the best Android phones on the market right now, so this post isn’t designed to slight it in any way – we’re huge fans of the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
But there are plenty of alternatives to the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra that are either A) just as good, B) better in other ways, and C) cheaper to buy, so if any of those things stand out to you, read on for a quick overview of the best Galaxy S23 Ultra alternatives right now.
Best Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Alternative
iPhone 15 Pro Max
If you’re considering an alternative to the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, look no further than the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, the iPhone 15 Pro Max emerges not just as an update but as a revolutionary leap forward. Apple, once again, demonstrates its prowess in blending cutting-edge technology with sophisticated design.
While the iPhone 15 Pro Max may not be the absolute picture of perfection due to a few minor drawbacks, it stands as a testament to Apple’s commitment to excellence and innovation.
Key Features and Highlights:
- Revolutionary Design Upgrade: The iPhone 15 Pro Max introduces a stunning, subtle redesign. This refresh isn’t just about looks; it’s about enhancing the user experience with a focus on both style and functionality.
- Photography Excellence: Apple takes its camera game to new heights. The iPhone 15 Pro Max features some of the best smartphone cameras on the market, offering exceptional photo quality that appeals to both amateur shutterbugs and professional photographers.
- Unmatched Performance: Under the hood, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is a powerhouse. Its advanced chipset ensures fantastic performance, making it a dream device for gamers and power users alike.
- Incremental Price Increase: Reflecting its upgraded features, the iPhone 15 Pro Max comes with a slightly higher price tag compared to its predecessor. However, this increase is somewhat mitigated by the inclusion of more storage space as standard.
- Zoom Capabilities: While Apple continues to promote its 5x optical zoom technology, users looking for more advanced zoom features might find this aspect lacking compared to some competitors.
- Charging Speed: One area where Apple could improve is in charging technology. The iPhone 15 Pro Max falls short of offering true fast charging, a feature that’s becoming standard in the high-end smartphone market.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is an exceptional choice, particularly for those in pursuit of a premium smartphone experience. Its gorgeous redesign, superior camera capabilities, and robust performance make it a formidable contender against rivals like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.
While it might have a higher price tag, lack some zoom capabilities, and could benefit from faster charging, these are minor trade-offs in an otherwise outstanding device.
OnePlus 11
The OnePlus 11 marks a return to a more value-focused approach, starting at $699. It offers impressive specs and a beautiful design, making it an attractive option among Android flagships. However, some features have been sacrificed to achieve this price point.
Key Features:
- Display: 6.55-inch AMOLED, 1080 x 2400 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
- RAM: 8GB / 12GB
- Storage: 128GB / 256GB
- Rear Camera: 50MP primary, 16MP ultra-wide, 2MP depth
- Front Camera: 16MP
- Battery: 5000mAh with 80W fast charge
- Benchmark Scores: AnTuTu (v9): 1140661, GeekBench (v5.1): 4899
The OnePlus 11 is slim and lightweight, with a 6.55-inch AMOLED display and a 120Hz refresh rate. It offers facial recognition and an in-display fingerprint scanner for biometric security.
While the OnePlus 11’s camera is an improvement over the OnePlus 10 Pro, it falls short compared to the iPhone 14, Pixel 7, and Galaxy S23. The camera quality is primarily held back by software optimization.
The 5000mAh battery provides a full day of usage, but the standout feature is the 80W fast charging (100W outside the US), which can add 18 hours of battery life in just 10 minutes which wipes the floor with the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s charging speeds.
Oh, and the OnePlus 11 will get four years’ worth of Android updates. Not too shabby, right?
Google Pixel 8
The Pixel 8, Google’s 2023 flagship device, is already creating a buzz with its advanced imaging capabilities, positioning it as a strong contender against the Galaxy S24 Ultra for users who prioritize camera performance and features.
The highlight of the Pixel 8 is its camera system, which introduces a cutting-edge 52MP telephoto lens alongside the 55MP main and 14MP ultra-wide lenses, delivering an impressive overall package.
Pixel 8 Camera Specs:
- Primary: 55MP sensor with OIS, PDAF, and Laser-AF
- Ultra-wide: 14MP sensor with PDAF
- Telephoto: 52MP sensor with OIS and PDAF
- Video: 4K at 30/60fps, 1080p at 30/60fps
The Pixel 8’s zoom capabilities are exceptional, offering a seamless zoom range from 0.5x to 30x, thanks to the innovative Super Res Zoom algorithm. This intelligent software leverages machine learning to capture multiple frames and produce detailed, noise-free images when zoomed in.
Pixel 8’s zoom techniques include:
- 2x: Cropping into the 55MP primary sensor, enhanced by HDR+ algorithm
- Beyond 2x: ML fusion combining data from the main sensor and telephoto lens
- Up to 5x: Optical zoom and pixel binning for improved low-light performance and dynamic range
- Beyond 5x to 10x: Software-led zoom with machine learning algorithms
- 20x to 30x: Super Res Zoom algorithm combined with the new ML upscaling component of the Tensor G3 CPU
In comparison to the Pixel 7 Pro, the Pixel 8 has made substantial enhancements, primarily driven by software updates, such as the fusion algorithm that enhances texture rendering in zoomed-in images. This algorithm utilizes data from the telephoto and main cameras to produce smoother, more natural-looking images at any zoom level.
Furthermore, the Pixel 8 introduces a new macro mode that activates automatically when approaching a subject, utilizing the ultra-wide lens to deliver excellent results across various lighting conditions. Users also have the option to disable the automatic activation of macro mode with a simple on-screen tap.
Notable Mentions
- Samsung Galaxy A53 5G – the Galaxy A53 5G is basically a Galaxy S23 Lite phone. It has many of the Galaxy S23’s features and design queues but it lacks some of its more advanced features and specifications. Get the full picture inside our Samsung Galaxy A53 5G review.
- Samsung Galaxy S23 FE – this phone is a brilliant, cheaper alternative to the S23 Ultra. It lacks quite a lot of the Ultra’s more high-end features and specs but it does pack in a hell of a lot of hardware and performance for quite a bit less money.
- Pixel 7 – the Pixel 7 is an inexpensive, beautifully designed phone that runs exceptional software and it comes with an unbeatable price tag. If you’re a fan of value for money, outstanding camera performance, and you don’t like waiting for Android updates, the Pixel 7 is well worth a look.
- Nothing Phone 1 – the Nothing Phone 1 has plenty of design flare and lots of features that make it stand out from the pack. Priced extremely aggressively, this mid-range/budget Android phone punches well outside its weight class and is great option for the budget conscious in 2023. Check out our full Nothing Phone 1 review for more details.
Editor’s Choice: How/Why We Picked These Phones
If you’re after a phone that can match – and in some respects, surpass – the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, our #1 pick right now would be the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
It is a powerhouse of a phone that packs in one of the best camera modules on the market. Its chipset is extremely potent, offering up more performance than anyone could humanly use, and it will get iOS updates for well into the early-2030s.
The battery life is stellar, Dynamic Island is brilliant, and the phone is a joy to own and use. Yes, it is pricey, but it is Apple’s flagship and when you unbox one and use it, you’ll know exactly where all that extra cash went – it is essentially flawless.
If the thought of moving from Android to iPhone gives you the chills, the next best option would be either the Pixel 8 or the OnePlus 11. Here’s what you need to know about why we chose these phones:
Buy The OnePlus 11 If…
- You’re A Budget-Conscious Tech Enthusiast: If you want high-end specs without a hefty price tag, the OnePlus 11, starting at $699, strikes the perfect balance between performance and affordability.
- You Appreciate Sleek Design: Choose the OnePlus 11 if you’re drawn to slim, lightweight phones. It’s not just about the looks; its ergonomic design makes it comfortable for daily use.
- You’re a Display Aficionado: If a high-quality display is important to you, the OnePlus 11’s 6.55-inch AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate offers a visually stunning experience.
- You Need Reliable Performance: Ideal for users who need a robust phone for gaming or multitasking, thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and up to 12GB RAM.
- You’re a Casual Photographer: The OnePlus 11’s camera setup, including a 50MP primary sensor, is perfect for everyday photography and social media enthusiasts.
- You Prioritize Fast Charging: If you hate waiting for your phone to charge, the OnePlus 11’s 5000mAh battery with 80W fast charge (100W outside the US) is a game-changer, offering rapid power-up times.
Buy The Google Pixel 8 If…
- You’re A Camera Connoisseur: The Pixel 8 is a dream for those who prioritize camera performance, with its advanced 52MP telephoto lens and superior zoom capabilities.
- You Love Cutting-Edge Technology: Choose the Pixel 8 if you’re excited about the latest in smartphone innovation, especially in imaging and processing.
- You Demand Exceptional Zoom: If you often use zoom for photography, the Pixel 8’s seamless zoom range from 0.5x to 30x, powered by Super Res Zoom and machine learning, is unparalleled.
- You Value Software-Enhanced Photography: Perfect for users who want the combined power of hardware and advanced software for texture rendering and low-light performance.
- You’re a Macro Photography Fan: The Pixel 8’s new macro mode is a standout feature for capturing stunning close-up shots with incredible detail.
- You Want Long-Term Software Support: Ideal for users looking for a device that will receive continuous software updates, enhancing the user experience over time.
