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, its aimed squarely at power users and content creators. Lets unpack what makes it stand out in 2025. New, unlocked S23?Ultra devices start around A$2,049 for the 256?GB version on Samsungs official site and major retailers like JB?Hi?Fi.Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultraprice512?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 1120?Hz adaptive refresh rateensuring sharp visuals and fluid animations. Peak brightness hits a blistering 1,750?nits, with a typical HDR brightness of 1,200?nitsideal 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 233234?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), its built for intense multitasking, gaming, creative content processing, and AI tasksSamsung even enables GenAI features on-device.
Camera System: Ultra Clarity & Versatility
The S23?Ultras quad camera setup is its headline feature:
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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.
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10?MP periscope telephoto offering 10 optical zoom, complimented by OIS.
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10?MP telephoto with 3 optical zoom.
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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. Samsungs 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 Samsungs 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:
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Typical entry-level (256?GB, 812?GB RAM) sells between ~A$1,1521,264, depending on deals and channels.
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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$1,1501,600 for 256?GB, and A$1,8001,960 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$3,1003,800 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.