Explore Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Display, Camera, 5G & Deals in Australia

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, launched globally on 17 February 2023, pushes flagship performance with a stunning design, cutting-edge features, and premium pricing. With its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, integrated S Pen, and top-tier camera, it’s aimed squarely at power users and content creators. Let’s unpack what makes it stand out in 2025. New, unlocked S23 Ultra devices start around A$2,049 for the 256 GB version on Samsung’s official site and major retailers like JB Hi‑Fi. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra price—512 GB models are about A$2,249, while the 1 TB variant reaches around A$2,649 . For more budget‑conscious buyers, refurbished units offer significant savings: Back Market Australia lists S23 Ultra models from A$746, depending on storage and cosmetic condition.

Display: A Visual Powerhouse

At its core is a 6.8‑inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display offering QHD+ resolution (3,088 × 1,440 pixels, ~500 ppi) and silky-smooth 1–120 Hz adaptive refresh rate—ensuring sharp visuals and fluid animations. Peak brightness hits a blistering 1,750 nits, with a typical HDR brightness of 1,200 nits—ideal for outdoor viewing . The ultra-durable Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back, along with an armor-grade aluminum frame, give it serious resilience. An always-on display makes glanceable notifications seamless, and the reduced edge curvature compared to previous models improves handling without sacrificing immersion.

Build & Ergonomics

Measuring 163.4 × 78.1 × 8.9 mm and weighing around 233–234 g, the S23 Ultra feels hefty but balanced. The flat-ish screen edges enhance grip, addressing past usability concerns. It carries IP68 dust/water resistance (up to 1.5 m for 30 min) and includes Ultra Wideband (UWB), NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, and Wi‑Fi 6E for seamless connectivity.

Performance: Power & Efficiency

Heart of the phone is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 “for Galaxy”, a globally consistent chipset delivering high performance and energy efficiency. Paired with 8 or 12 GB RAM, and up to 1 TB storage (UFS 4.0), it’s built for intense multitasking, gaming, creative content processing, and AI tasks—Samsung even enables GenAI features on-device.

Camera System: Ultra Clarity & Versatility

The S23 Ultra’s quad camera setup is its headline feature:

• 200 MP main sensor, f/1.7, PDAF, Laser AF, and OIS. Combines pixel-binning for 12 MP images with mega-detail 200 MP shots in good light.

• 10 MP periscope telephoto offering 10× optical zoom, complimented by OIS.

• 10 MP telephoto with 3× optical zoom.

• 12 MP ultrawide, 120°, dual-pixel PDAF and great for macro-style shots.

Video captures at 8K/30, 4K/60, and up to 1080p/960 fps, with HDR10+ and gyro-EIS stabilization. Samsung’s improved Nightography uses AI-powered ISP to reduce noise and enhance low-light clarity . The front 12 MP selfie cam also adds Super‑HDR and fast autofocus at 60 fps.

Battery & Battery Life

Inside is a 5,000 mAh battery; real-world use sees over 52 hours between charges with moderate 5G usage. Fast charging is supported at 45 W wired (65% in 30 minutes), along with 15 W wireless and 4.5 W reverse wireless charging, giving it excellent charging versatility.

Software & Longevity

Ships with Android 13 and Samsung’s One UI 5.1, with upgradeable options to Android 14 and evolving GenAI tools. Samsung commits to four major Android version upgrades and five years of security updates, providing long-term usability. The S Pen stylus supports productivity features like handwriting-to-text, drawing, and remote control.

Connectivity & Extras

Connectivity includes 5G (Sub‑6 SA/NSA worldwide, mmWave in some regions), Wi‑Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, IP68, and Samsung DeX desktop mode. It also integrates Ultra Wideband (UWB) for spatial awareness, 32‑bit AKG‑tuned stereo speakers, and an in‑display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.

Design & Color Options

Available colors include Phantom Black, Green, Cream, Lavender, with additional limited colours like Graphite, Sky Blue, Lime, Red, and even a BMW M Edition in some markets. The design is premium and minimal, with a polished camera-bar and refined symmetry.

Australian Pricing

Retail and online Wise Market pricing in Australia varies by configuration and store:

• Typical entry-level (256 GB, 8–12 GB RAM) sells between ~A$1,152–1,264, depending on deals and channels.

• Optus pricing lists 512 GB selected on a plan, or A$1,299 outright at some retailers.

As of early 2025, expect new prices to range A$1,150–1,600 for 256 GB, and A$1,800–1,960 for 512 GB and 1 TB models . Prices can shift slightly depending on seller promotions and stock availability.

Conclusion

The Galaxy S23 Ultra is a flagship powerhouse built for those who demand the best: a stunning, durable display, class-leading camera, powerhouse performance, and long-term software support. In Australia, upfront prices start around A$1,150, with carrier plans offering full-device bundles for A$3,100–3,800 over 24 months. While compactness, cost, and value to casual users remain notable caveats, this phone remains a top-tier choice for enthusiasts and professionals alike.