What does your high-end mobile phone look like? I believe that different people will give other answers. In my opinion, a high-end mobile phone must have no shortcomings in performance and excellent advantages in the image, screen, texture, and innovative functions to become an actual top flagship phone. The Samsung Galaxy S series has always been known as the “Android King,” Each generation of models can bring us a unique experience. Last year, the release of the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra incorporated the square shape and the essence of the Note series. The special S Pen pressure-sensitive stylus allowed us to experience the exclusive functions and unique feel of the Note series in the S series for the first time. As soon as he appeared on the stage, he attracted much attention. This year, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra inherited the mantle of the S22 Ultra, retaining the S Pen and the square appearance.
1. The high-frequency version of Snapdragon 8Gen2 exclusively customized by Samsung
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra exclusively launched the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor, the 3.36GHz high-frequency version of the Snapdragon 8Gen2, which has a 0.17GHz increase from the 3.19GHz standard version.
Not only that, but Samsung’s customized version of Snapdragon 8Gen2 also has a specific upgrade on the GPU, and the frequency has been increased from 680MHz to 719MHz, which theoretically means a better performance release.
2. New generation memory and flash memory
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra uses a new LPDDR5X and UFS 4.0 flash memory generation. The response speed of the memory is 1.3 times faster than the previous generation, and relying on the advanced 14nm process, the energy efficiency has been improved by nearly 20%.
The new-generation UFS 4.0 flash memory uses powerful 176-layer 7th-generation V-NAND to achieve a maximum read speed of 4200Mbps.
The combination of brand-new and flash memory makes the response speed of mobile phone background application switching and the improvement of software installation speed apparent.
3. The first 200 Megapixel new CMOS
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra debuted its 200-megapixel S5KHP2 CMOS, with a single pixel size of 0.6 microns, a 1/1.3-inch photosensitive unit, and supports 16-in-1 pixel technology.
The HP2 can transform the sensor into a 1.2µm 50MP or 2.4µm 12.5MP image sensor in low-light environments by combining 4 to 16 adjacent pixels.
At the same time, based on Samsung’s latest D-VTG (Double Vertical Transfer Gate) technology, the HP2 can transfer electrons from the pixels to the logic layer, thereby reducing the problem of overexposure of photos in bright light environments.
Design
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen on the front. The local peak brightness can reach 1750nit, supporting an adaptive refresh rate of 1-120Hz. The surface of the screen is covered with Corning Victus2 Gorilla Glass. There is a 12-megapixel front-facing camera in the center of the front of the fuselage and the micro-slit earpiece on the top; you can’t notice it if you don’t look carefully; it’s too hidden.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra adopts the COP packaging process, and the right angle and highly narrow frame are unique. On the phone’s right side are the power and volume buttons. The frame is made of armored aluminum, resistant to bumps and scratches. Unlike the previous generation, the structure of this generation has been profiled with a smoother surface and a more comfortable grip. Feel. The back of the fuselage uses the same Corning Victus2 Gorilla Glass as the screen, and with the AG matte frosting process, the whole machine feels exceptionally smooth.
The rear four lenses and a laser focusing module are in the left position, and the protrusion is not severe. Overall, the layout of the S22 Ultra has not changed much. The top of the phone is clean and neat, with only one noise-canceling microphone and one antenna strip.
The left side of the bottom of the fuselage integrates the S Pen, and the right side is the speaker opening, Type-C headphone two-in-one interface, dual microphones, and SIM card slot. The S Pen with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra supports 4096 levels of pressure-sensitive touch. Writing on the screen is as smooth as paper. Combined with the middle button, it can realize multi-functional operations.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a TSMC 4nm high-frequency version of the Snapdragon 8Gen2 mobile platform. The main frequency of the Cortex-X3 large core is increased to 3.36GHz, higher than the 3.2GHz standard version. The GPU frequency is 719MHz, which is higher than the standard version. 680MHz.
Samsung calls it the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy, the Snapdragon 8Gen2 Samsung customized version. Compared with other mobile phones, the single-core and multi-core performance and graphics rendering capabilities have been improved to a certain extent.
1. Antutu
First, we conducted AnTuTu’s comprehensive performance test, scoring nearly 1.29 million points. Since there is no performance mode, the score is relatively conservative. Compared with the previous generation S22 Ultra equipped with the Snapdragon 8 mobile platform, the comprehensive CPU capability has increased by about 32.7%. The overall capability of the GPU has risen by about 41.1%.
2. GeekBench5
CPU single test, GeekBench5 single-core score of 1572, a multi-core score of 5248, both of which are the highest scores ever, the upgraded version of the second-generation Snapdragon 8 is about 24.4% and 55.7% higher than that of Samsung S22 Ultra.
3. GFXBench
In the GPU test, we used GFXBench to conduct six 1080P routine tests on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. The initial Aztec ruins OpenGL scored 155FPS, nearly 66.67% higher than the S22 Ultra. Later, the fuselage became hot Relatively high; we directly look at the last Tyrannosaurus rex off-screen test; the score of 484FPS has increased by nearly 77.9% year-on-year.
4. Flash memory test
Next is the single test of flash memory. With the blessing of UFS 4.0, the sequential reading speed reaches 3.49GB/s, and the sequential writing speed reaches 3.07GB/s.
Regarding random reading and writing, the reading speed reaches 450.46MB/s, and the writing speed reaches 432.9MB/s, which meets the UFS4.0 standard flash memory rate.
Gaming Performance
Running points can only represent theoretical performance, and actual performance can explain everything.
Therefore, we used the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra for game testing and selected three representative mainstream mobile game masterpieces with low, medium, and high loads, namely “Glory of the King,” “Peace Elite,” and “Yuan Shen.” In an office environment with an indoor temperature of 20 degrees Celsius, the frame rate is prioritized for testing, and the mobile phone’s frame rate, power consumption, and heating performance are recorded.
1. Glory of Kings
The mobile game Glory of Kings is tested with a high frame rate under extreme image quality + ultra-high resolution. The rate variance is only 0.2FPS, which works perfectly.
The average power consumption is only about 2.645W, and the frame energy consumption is 44.1mW.
The highest temperature on the front of the fuselage is 36.8 degrees Celsius, and the back is 35.8 degrees Celsius, which is very good for low-load game temperatures.
2. Peace Elite
The Peace Elite mobile game started the HDR high-definition picture quality + extreme frame rate and ran the game for nearly 16 minutes. During this period, there was only a slight frame drop. The overall frame rate was stable at 59.8FPS, and the variance was only 0.8FPS. The game process was callous.
3.53W average power consumption, 59.1mW frame energy consumption.
In terms of temperature, the front of the fuselage is 39.3 degrees Celsius, and the back of the fuselage is 38.3 degrees Celsius. The high-temperature area is located on the camera’s right side and will not feel boiling when holding it with both hands.
3. Original God
In Yuanshen mobile game, in the highest image quality +60 mode, conduct a 15-minute running map + monster killing test.
In the whole game, the frame rate is almost stable on a straight line, with only slight fluctuations during the period, the average frame rate variance is maintained at 2.3, and the average frame rate reaches 58.8FPS. The game process is relatively stable, and the whole process shows that 864P has no Lower resolution.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra’s CPU scheduling is relatively aggressive during the game. The 3.36GHz Cortex-X3 large core can be turned on to total frequency, but it lasts only about 1 second, and the average core frequency is 1.41GHz.
In terms of GPU scheduling, the average frequency is 308.2MHz.
Since the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is relatively conservative in-game hardware scheduling, the power consumption is less than 5W, which is not much different from the standard Snapdragon 8Gen2.
Regarding temperature, the front of the fuselage is up to 42 degrees Celsius, and the back of the fuselage is up to 40.5 degrees Celsius. Holding the phone with both hands will feel a little hot, but it will not affect the smooth playing of the game.
Performance
The S Pen pressure-sensitive stylus built into the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra can be pressed inward to pop up. When the screen is turned on, remove the S Pen to pop up the bright shortcut bar, create notes, take multiple screenshots, and translate. These are standard functions; you can also add the needed parts. When you take out the S Pen, you can quickly Enter.
After taking out the S Pen in the off-screen state, it will enter the off-screen quick writing mode. We use the S Pen to record essential matters on the screen and automatically save them in the notes.
This generation of S Pen has lower latency and brings us a smoother and smoother writing experience.
When we write inappropriate content, the button in the middle of the S Pen instantly turns into an eraser, and the wrong content can be erased by long pressing the touch screen.
In addition, the S Pen’s most potent and excellent function is supporting gestures in the air. It also supports powerful gestures in the air, which further enriches the application scenarios of the S Pen.
Under the music player, click the button in the middle of the S Pen to switch to the previous music, and double-click to change to the next. The operation logic is elementary and can be used quickly for the first time.
Of course, these operation logics can be customized. The prompts on the air-space operation interface are not limited to single-click and double-click operations. The gyroscope and gravity sensor integrated into the S Pen can detect the real-time status of the stylus in real-time. Corresponding sliding functions can complete various manipulation commands.
Cameras
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has four rear cameras. The primary camera uses its new CMOS, Samsung S5KHP2. This lens has a 1/1.3-inch photosensitive unit and can output up to 200 Megapixels. 12 Megapixels, and can also output four-in-one 50 million pixels at the same time; the single pixel reaches 0.6μm (20MP), 1.2μm (50MP), 2.4μm (12.5MP), users can switch according to the actual scene.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra uses two telephoto lenses like the previous generation. The 10-megapixel Sony IMX754 CMOS is the same as the previous generation, 1/3.52 inches, full-pixel dual-core focusing, and supports 3X and 10X optical zoom, respectively.
The ultra-wide-angle uses a 12-megapixel Sony IMX564, 1/2.55 inches, supports full-pixel dual-core focusing, and has a 120° field of view.
Main camera
Thanks to the advantages of large pixels, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra can restore the actual color in the daytime scene. On cloudy days, it does not have a gloomy feeling but gives people a transparent, Bright picture, and the sky behind the building is incredibly pure.
Using the night scene mode is recommended for taking pictures at night. In the night scene mode, the samples of the Samsung S23 Ultra show more vivid colors, and the atmosphere of the lights and the texture of the light board materials are also better.
Telephoto
The 3x telephoto lens, the focal length of 69mm, and the flexible framing range can highlight the subject. Although the photosensitive area of the telephoto lens is not large, Samsung has always paid great attention to the adjustment of the image. The high-speed performance is very satisfactory, allowing users to take a good photo with just one shot.
The 3x telephoto also supports night scene mode, the color reproduction is more realistic, and the subject is centered and prominent, which can avoid the interference of surrounding debris.
Periscope Telephoto
The 10x periscope telephoto lens with a focal length of 230mm is very suitable for bird hunting. Even after cropping, the sharpening of the picture is quite a in place. We can see the forks of the branches very clearly.
Next, let’s experience the zoom process of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra from 1x primary camera to 100x periscope telephoto, thus showing the powerful zoom capability of the phone:
The Samsung S23 Ultra’s ultra-wide-angle lens has excellent imaging quality, and the imaging effect is very close to the primary camera, whether day or night. In addition, this lens also can shoot macro.
Battery
For the battery life, we use a professional battery life test tool – the battery dog produced by Kuai Technology.
In terms of test items, we chose the limit battery life test and checked all the test items, including CPU high voltage, CPU multi-threading, AI recognition, picture browsing, video playback, and web browsing, to simulate user usage scenarios and restore the whole load to the greatest extent. Infinitely close to the actual power consumption.
We adjusted the resolution of the mobile phone to the highest (2K+), the highest refresh rate of 120Hz, changed the screen’s brightness to 50% and turned off the automatic brightness, and tested the power from 100% to 1%. It took a total of 7 hours and 12 minutes. The 5000mAh battery is satisfactory with such a result and can also meet the user’s daily use time. If you want a longer battery life, you can appropriately reduce screen resolution and refresh rate.
Read Also: DxOMark Announces Galaxy S23 Ultra Camera Results: 10th out of 140
Verdict
As Samsung’s annual flagship model, the Samsung S23 Ultra again interprets the “Android King” title by its strength.
The iron triangle of uncompromising performance, the multi-focus periscope quad camera that lives up to expectations, and the smooth writing experience brought by the unique Samsung S Pen have achieved the highest level in almost every aspect.
1. There is not much difference between the high-frequency version of Snapdragon 8Gen2 and the standard version for daily use
Although the 3.36GHz high-frequency version of the Snapdragon 8Gen2 has more robust theoretical performance, Samsung pays more attention to the experience, and in the process of the game, the performance scheduling is relatively conservative, which is not much different from the standard version of the 3.19GHz Snapdragon 8Gen2 Therefore, when we use mobile phones in daily life, the improvement perception brought by the high-frequency version of Snapdragon 8Gen2 is not apparent.
Secondly, the processor is a memory that supports a maximum rate of LPDDR5X 8400Mbps, but the memory on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is only LPDDR5X 7372Mbps, which is probably a compromise to reduce power consumption.
2. The top four-camera module has a brand new 200-megapixel primary camera
It is also expected that the S5KHP2 sensor released by Samsung this year will be placed in the S23 Ultra. After all, this CMOS also represents Samsung’s latest imaging technology and scientific research achievements.
In the experience, this brand-new CMOS is supported by the more robust ISP performance of Snapdragon Gen2, and the post-processing effect of the picture is perfect. The light board taken under low light is pure and noise-free, and the zoom-in is still evident.
The 10x periscope telephoto lens also makes the zoom capability of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra reach the top level.
3. Inheriting the classic S Pen, the convenience of remote operation will ultimately conquer you
In the past, in the absence of the S Pen, I always thought that having a pen in a capacitive screen phone was superfluous. I realized how naive my thoughts were when I experienced the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.
This Pen can be used as an accurate stylus; you can quickly take notes when you pick it up in a hurry; it can be used as a shutter button, you can press the shutter when you hold the phone with one hand when you are ready for POSS, and it can be used as a PPT remote control pen. Remote control when projecting screen to explain work, more functions are waiting for you to discover, and when you get used to its convenience, you will be conquered entirely and never return.
If you are a photography enthusiast, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is your favorite smartphone.
If you are a white-collar worker, you will never be able to return after using the off-screen shorthand function of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.
If you are a digital enthusiast, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the most powerful hardware, and you can experience the latest technologies on your mobile phone. The next-generation Android king in 2023, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, is none other than it.
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