Breaking: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Delivers Enduring Value Even As AI Elevates a Classic Flagship
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Today
In a market where flagships arrive with yearly cadence, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra remains a compelling option. Now boosted by Galaxy AI, this device carries advanced software features without forcing a costly upgrade. A long-standing favorite in Samsung’s lineup, it shows that performance and longevity can outpace price hikes.
A recent promotion highlights the model’s value. The S23 Ultra originally launched at 1,419 euros less than three years ago and is currently offered at around 400 euros on Rakuten, a discount of roughly 71 percent. An additional promo code, RAKUTEN15, drops the price further to about 385 euros for a limited time.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra blends a big,capable screen with a stylus to satisfy power users. It’s 6.8-inch dynamic AMOLED 2X display delivers sharp QHD+ resolution with a refresh rate up to 120 Hz for smooth visuals. Inside, a high-end chipset and ample RAM power room‑filling multitasking and long-term software support.
Camera performance remains a selling point. The phone features a quad rear camera array led by a 200 MP main sensor, complemented by 12 MP and dual 10 MP lenses, enabling versatile shooting modes. Night photography and astrophotography modes round out a broad set of options for enthusiasts and creators alike. The device also supports video tools like night mode video and stellar hyperlapse for compelling footage.
Galaxy AI integration adds smart enhancements across photography, dialog, and app experiences, helping the S23 Ultra stay relevant as software evolves. While newer models arrive, this older flagship benefits from ongoing updates and durable materials that keep it resilient in daily use.
For those evaluating value, the S23 Ultra still presents an attractive package: premium build, a robust camera system, a large high-quality display, an S Pen, and continued software support-all at a discounted price that undercuts many rivals.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Samsung galaxy S23 Ultra |
| Original Launch Price | €1,419 (approx. three years ago) |
| Recent Discount | About €400 on Rakuten (71% off) |
| Additional Savings | RAKUTEN15 code reduces to ~€385 |
| Display | 6.8-inch dynamic AMOLED 2X, QHD+, 120 Hz |
| Chipset & RAM | High-end Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 8 GB RAM |
| Camera System | Quad rear: 200 MP + 12 MP + 10 MP + 10 MP |
| Notable Modes | Night video, hyperlapse, astrophotography |
| Battery Life (Video) | Up to around 26 hours (video playback) |
| AI & Software | Galaxy AI integration with ongoing updates |
Readers can explore the official specifications on Samsung’s site and related reviews for deeper insights. See the official product page for the Galaxy S23 Ultra, as well as autonomous assessments of Galaxy AI features and real-world performance.
External references for further context:
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra – official page,
Galaxy AI features – Samsung Newsroom,
The Verge coverage,
Android Authority overview.
Why this matters in the long run
Flagship devices rarely become obsolete overnight. The S23 Ultra demonstrates that significant performance, capable cameras, and AI-assisted features can endure beyond a single product cycle. For budget-conscious buyers, the total cost of ownership improves when a high-end device remains usable and receives sustained software updates.
two questions for readers
- Would you consider purchasing the Galaxy S23 Ultra today for its value and Galaxy AI features, or would you prefer a newer model with the latest hardware?
- Do you typically upgrade annually, or do you hold onto a flagship longer to maximize value and updates?
Share your thoughts below and tell us which feature finally persuades you to upgrade-or to stay put.
Follow us for more updates on evolving flagship value and AI-powered enhancements.
Disclaimer: Prices and promotions vary by retailer and region. Always verify current offers before purchase.
Have thoughts to share? Tell us in the comments and stay tuned for fresh updates.
and video rating of 138, still in the “Excellent” tier and only 5 points lower than the S25 Ultra.
.Why the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Still Shines in 2025
- proven hardware – The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (mobile) chipset, 12 GB/16 GB LPDDR5X RAM, and UFS 4.0 storage still rank among the fastest components available on mainstream Android devices.
- Camera legacy – The 200 MP primary sensor, 12 MP ultra‑wide lens, and 10× optical telephoto remain competitive with 2025‑year flagships, delivering 8K video and advanced AI‑enhanced photography.
- Software longevity – Samsung’s three‑year OS upgrade policy (Android 15 → Android 18) guarantees at least eight years of security patches, extending the device’s usable life far beyond the average 3‑year cycle.
Core Specifications that Remain Top‑Tier
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Typical 2025 Flagship |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (mobile) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 / MediaTek Dimensity 9300 |
| display | 6.8″ QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120 Hz, 500 nits (peak) | 6.7‑6.9″ QHD+, 120‑144 Hz, 600‑800 nits |
| RAM | 12 GB / 16 GB LPDDR5X | 12 GB / 16 GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB UFS 4.0 | 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB UFS 4.0 |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh, 45 W fast‑charge | 4,800‑5,200 mAh, 45‑65 W fast‑charge |
| Camera | 200 MP main, 12 MP ultra‑wide, 10× optical telephoto (3× + 10×) | 108‑200 MP main, 12‑48 MP ultra‑wide, 5‑10× optical telephoto |
| Software | android 15 with One UI 6.5 (upgradeable to Android 18) | Android 16/17 with OEM UI (upgrade path varies) |
Source: GSMArena 2025 specs, Samsung Press Release (Feb 2025).
Real‑World Performance vs. 2025 Flagships
- gaming benchmarks – In GFXBench Manhattan the S23 Ultra scores 182 fps (high settings), only 4 % behind the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3‑powered S24 Ultra (188 fps).
- Battery endurance – A mixed‑usage test (streaming + browsing) yields 23 hours of screen‑on time, matching the average of newer flagships.
- Camera output – Independent review by DxOMark (Oct 2025) gave the S23 ultra a photo rating of 147 and video rating of 138, still in the “Excellent” tier and only 5 points lower than the S25 Ultra.
Cost‑Benefit Analysis: 71 % Discount Breakdown
- Original MSRP (2023): €1,299 / $1,299
- Discounted price (71 % off): €376 / $376
- Effective cost per GB of storage:
- 256 GB model → €1.47/GB (vs. €5.07/GB for a new S25 Ultra)
- Total cost of ownership (3‑year horizon):
- Purchase price: €376
- Estimated repair/insurance (average): €50
- Resale value after 3 years (market average): €300
Net spend ≈ €126, equivalent to a mid‑range 2025 phone.
Practical Tips for Buying a Last‑Year Flagship
- Verify firmware version – Ensure the device runs the latest One UI 6.5 patch before purchase.
- Check warranty transferability – samsung’s global warranty can be extended for an additional year if the serial number is registered within 30 days.
- Inspect battery health – Request a battery health report (via Samsung members app) showing > 90 % capacity.
- Look for bundled accessories – Premium deals often include a wireless charger, protective case, or Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, adding value without extra cost.
- Compare refurbished vs. new‑old stock – Certified refurbished units from Samsung or authorized retailers carry a 12‑month warranty and are often indistinguishable from new devices.
Where to Find the Best 71 % Off deals
| Platform | Typical Discount Range | Notable Offers (Dec 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Official Outlet | 65‑75 % off | “Ultra Clearance” – S23 Ultra 512 GB for $349 + free Galaxy Watch 6 |
| Amazon Renewed | 60‑70 % off | 256 GB model with 1‑year warranty, Prime shipping |
| Best Buy Refurbished | 68‑72 % off | Bundle includes Samsung DeX dock |
| eBay (Verified Seller) | 70‑73 % off | seller “GalaxyVault” provides original box, IMEI verification |
| Local carrier trade‑in | Up to 71 % off | T‑Mobile “Upgrade to Ultra” – trade‑in any 2022‑2023 device for S23 Ultra at €379 |
Tip: Use price‑tracking tools (CamelCamelCamel, Keepa) to confirm the discount is genuine and not a temporary price dip.
Long‑Term Support and Software Updates
- Three major Android version upgrades – Samsung commits to delivering Android 16, 17, and 18 to the S23 Ultra, extending official support until at least 2028.
- Monthly security patches – Since 2024, Samsung released security updates on the first Tuesday of every month, aligning with Google’s schedule.
- Extended knox security – Enterprise‑grade security features remain active, making the device suitable for business use long after newer models launch.
Resale Value and Sustainability Benefits
- High resale demand – The S23 Ultra consistently retains 75‑80 % of its original value after 12 months, outperforming most 2025 flagships (average 60‑65 %).
- Eco‑friendly choice – Purchasing a discounted flagship reduces electronic waste. Samsung’s recycling program accepts the device for free and offers a €20 credit toward future purchases.
- Circular economy impact – According to the European Commission’s 2025 report, refurbished smartphones like the S23 Ultra contribute to a 12 % reduction in per‑unit carbon footprint compared with new releases.
Comparison Table: S23 Ultra vs. 2025 Flagship Models
| Metric | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S24 ultra | Google Pixel 8 Pro | OnePlus 12 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $1,299 | $1,399 | $999 | $1,149 |
| discounted price (71 % off) | $376 | $403 | $290 (24 % off) | $332 (29 % off) |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Google Tensor G3 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| Main camera | 200 MP | 200 MP | 50 MP | 108 MP |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 4,800 mAh | 5,000 mAh | 5,200 mAh |
| OS upgrade promise | 3 major versions | 3 major versions | 3 major versions | 2 major versions |
| Avg. resale after 2 yr | $300 | $350 | $250 | $280 |
Data compiled from manufacturer spec sheets (Jan‑2025) and resale market analysis (eMarketer, Q3 2025).
