Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Review: Conditional Buy Verdict
A recurring theme across platforms is that the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G Unlocked (Renewed, Phantom Black) delivers exceptional camera performance and processing speed, but not without quirks that some users find frustrating. On balance, it earns an 8.7/10 from aggregated feedback — a high score driven by its display quality, battery endurance for most users, and productivity features like the S Pen, tempered by occasional software glitches and inconsistent face unlock reliability.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Outstanding 200MP camera with impressive zoom | Face unlock and fingerprint sensor can be unreliable |
| Bright, color-accurate AMOLED display | Heavy weight and bulky feel for some users |
| Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 delivers smooth performance | Charging speed lags behind some competitors |
| S Pen integration boosts productivity | Occasional app glitches and notification issues |
| Solid battery life for moderate use | No expandable storage |
| Excellent build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | High price point even for renewed models |
Claims vs Reality
Samsung’s marketing touts “epic nightography” and “smooth video capture,” and Reddit user elvin_elmo backed this up, saying: “It takes incredible shots, whether it be food, scenery, or anything else… detail visible even when zoomed in.” However, some ProductReview.com.au users noted video quality didn’t always match expectations, with one reporting “video recording is wobbly” due to a hardware rattle in their unit.
Another claim is “battery that powers your day,” with official specs listing a 5,000 mAh cell and adaptive refresh rate to reduce drain. While Reddit user malko2 reported “9 hours of SOT every single day,” others like so_frostyyy were perplexed: “I’m trying to figure out… yet you have to charge yours multiple times to get through a day.” This suggests usage patterns significantly impact real-world endurance.
Samsung positions the S Pen as a creative and practical tool. While some, like Best Buy customers, praised “the sketching feature” and “signing online documents” convenience, others admitted it’s underused. Reddit user elvin_elmo said, “The stylus is a nice feature, but it is still pointless to me,” showing that its value depends heavily on the owner’s workflow.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Best Buy, Reddit, and ProductReview.com.au, the camera is the headline act. A Best Buy reviewer raved: “The clarity, sharpness, and range of features make it a photography enthusiast’s dream.” Travel and astrophotography enthusiasts especially benefit, with one Reddit appreciation post noting: “I can take spectacular images of the moon… star trails with time lapses is class.” This performance extends to zoom — ProductReview.com.au’s jarrod_d highlighted “30x zooms are as clear as anything” and praised 8K video options.
The display earns near-universal praise. Best Buy customers rated it 4.9/5, calling it “stunning” and “vivid.” Reddit user trades46 emphasized “Samsung has always been a frontrunner in displays… YouTube and gaming are both far more enjoyable on a bigger and more smooth display.” For media consumers, the 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with adaptive 120Hz refresh is a standout, balancing brightness for outdoor use and dimming for night viewing.
Performance is another strong point. Reddit user jj_stutt said: “Switching between apps is silky smooth. Finally Europeans can experience a Snapdragon chip used by all.” Best Buy reviewers repeatedly cited “lightning-fast” multitasking, and gamers benefit from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s efficiency — even in power-saving mode, august_amoeba found it “still so fast… can barely tell the difference in refresh rate.”
Common Complaints
Face unlock and fingerprint reliability are recurring frustrations. Best Buy’s refurbished buyers mentioned “sometimes… doesn’t want to work,” and Reddit user elvin_elmo agreed: “The fingerprint reader can be slow to match, and the face unlock doesn’t always work.”
Charging speed draws criticism compared to rivals. Despite 45W support, some users found real-world times slower; leithy27 disputed claims of 90-minute charges, insisting “phone charges from 0 to 100 in less than an hour,” while others reported longer.
Software glitches affect certain owners. A Samsung Community post detailed disappearing WhatsApp messages when attaching photos, and missing audio notifications for critical apps. These are not universal — some had stable experiences — but for those relying on medical or security alerts, it’s significant.
The weight and squared edges divide opinion. ProductReview.com.au’s hayley_s noted “weight is relatively high compared to other models,” and Reddit’s elvin_elmo found edges uncomfortable without a case. This impacts pocketability and comfort in prolonged handheld use.
Divisive Features
Battery life splits the crowd. Light users boast multi-day spans — a Best Buy reviewer claimed “over 4 days of use per charge” — while heavy users, especially with constant data and hotspotting, need midday top-ups. This variance suggests that while the hardware is capable, background processes and screen time are decisive factors.
The S Pen polarizes. For some, it’s indispensable: Best Buy buyers use it for “note-taking, drawing, or navigating,” and Reddit’s appreciation post author logs calendar entries and notes. For others, it’s unused, living in its slot as a novelty.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and ProductReview.com.au data reveal occasional quality control lapses with renewed units — one customer received a “completely unresponsive” phone, another faced missing components. While returns were honored, communication was sometimes “transactional — non-apologetic.”
Long-term durability stories are more positive. Reddit’s appreciation post author has used the S23 Ultra for nearly two years “with no major issues… still plenty fast and well nigh indestructible.” Gorilla Glass Victus 2 earns praise for resisting scratches, but drop damage is severe — ProductReview.com.au’s charlotte cracked her screen twice despite cases and protectors.
Alternatives
Several Redditors compared the S23 Ultra to the iPhone 14 Pro/Pro Max, noting similar speeds in app launches but Samsung’s edge in zoom and display vibrancy. ProductReview.com.au’s pure_nsw wished for the S22 Ultra’s higher-res front camera but preferred the S23 Ultra’s overall package. Oppo’s Find X series was cited by one dissatisfied user as a potential future switch due to video performance preferences.
Price & Value
Renewed Phantom Black models on eBay list around $759.95–$845 depending on storage, a steep discount from the original $1,379.99 MSRP. Community advice stresses buying during sales or promos — Best Buy and Samsung bundle storage upgrades or accessories. Resale value remains strong due to demand, but lack of expandable storage may deter some power users.
FAQ
Q: Is the battery life truly multi-day?
A: For light-to-moderate users, yes — some report up to four days per charge. Heavy gamers or hotspot users may need daily charging.
Q: How good is the camera zoom?
A: Optical zoom at 3x and 10x is sharp, with digital zoom up to 100x impressing many photographers. Low-light performance also earns praise.
Q: Does the renewed model come with all accessories?
A: Not always. Some buyers received bubble wrap packaging without a SIM ejector or original box; check seller details.
Q: Is the S Pen worth using?
A: For note-taking, signing documents, or creative work, it’s a productivity booster. Casual users may rarely use it.
Q: Are software glitches common?
A: Not for everyone, but certain apps have shown notification or text retention issues. Clearing cache or app updates often resolve them.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a power user, mobile photographer, or productivity-focused professional who’ll use the S Pen and camera to their fullest. Avoid if you need flawless biometric unlocks or demand the absolute fastest charging. Pro tip from the community: invest in a quality case with rounded edges to improve comfort and protect against the S23 Ultra’s drop vulnerability.
