Samsung’s back with an iterative update of its premium, regular flagship. And we got to spend a few hours with the new Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.
If you want to check out what our experience was with the phone, you can watch our video on YouTube!
What’s new?
We dive deeper into what you can expect with the new Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra in the video. But if you want a quick summary, the new S23 Ultra gets new colors in Phantom Black, Green, Cream, and Lavender. It gets a tougher glass and frame, complete with new recycled components.
The Ultra and the rest of the Galaxy S23 series run on the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip, which gets a slight boost over the regular processor. Samsung didn’t increase the battery capacity on the Ultra, but improved efficiency from the processor and larger vapor chamber should help improve battery life.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra gets improved camera features, especially when it comes to its night photo and video features. The S Pen makes a comeback with this phone, too. And in case you needed the reminder, it works as a shutter for the camera.
Samsung introduces a new 200-megapixel sensor on the Ultra, which helps make its photo and video magic possible. It pixel bins by default, meaning you get 12-megapixel pictures. But you can shoot in that full 200-megapixel resolution. The Galaxy S23 Ultra has the same zoom capabilities as its predecessor, offering an optical zoom at 3x or 10x magnification and up to a 100x digital zoom. But it can now record 8K video at 30 frames per second.
Samsung introduces its more fun OneUI 5.1 features into this new series, so you get to play around with turning your photos into stickers, adding videos to your lock screen, and more.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Price and availability
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is available at PHP 81,990 / USD 1,199 and PHP 89,990 / USD 1,299 for the 256GB and 512GB variants, respectively. A Samsung.com-exclusive 1TB Galaxy S23 Ultra is also available at PHP 103,990 / USD 1,399.
In the Philippines, those who pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S23 series until February 23, 2023, through samsung.com will enjoy discounts of up to PHP 76,000 (around USD 1,390). That includes a free memory upgrade worth up to PHP 8,000 (~USD 145). You will instantly get the higher memory variant for the price of the lower variant within the same model lineup.
Those who will trade in their old devices can also enjoy savings of up to PHP 13,000 (~USD 240) on top of their old phone’s residual value. In addition, you will get an e-voucher worth up to PHP 5,000 (~USD 90), a 50% discount on the Galaxy Buds2 Pro, and 30% off on the Galaxy Watch5 Series. On top of this, you will also get a free 1-year Samsung Care+ coverage worth PHP 5,999 (~USD 110) and earn double Samsung Rewards points.
As an exclusive Samsung.com offer, the Galaxy S23 Ultra 1TB will be offered as part of a limited-edition Samsung Galaxy VIP bundle with total savings of PHP 38,000 (~USD 695). The VIP bundle includes the 1TB Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy Watch5 Pro 46mm, Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, Super Fast Wireless Duo Charger, Galaxy S23 Ultra Leather Cover, and 1-year Samsung Care+ coverage all for a discounted price of PHP 119,378 (~USD 2,185).
The Galaxy S23 series is also available for pre-order through Samsung Experience Stores, Authorized Samsung Stores, Lazada, Shopee, Abenson.com, and MemoXpress Online. If you pre-order through these channels from February 2 to 23, 2023, you will enjoy as much as PHP 65,000 (~USD 1,190) worth of discounts. This includes the free memory upgrade, additional savings for traded-in devices, 50% off on the Galaxy Buds2 Pro, and 30% off on the Galaxy Watch5 series.
What do you think of the new Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra? It’s easily the Cool Tech of the week! Are you planning on picking one up? Let us know!