Samsung Galaxy S23+ vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AnTuTu v10 score | 1,557,516 | 2,800,202 | -44.4% |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 8 Elite | — |
| Display | 6.6" 120 Hz | 6.9" 120 Hz | — |
| Battery (mAh) | 4,700 | 5,000 | -6.0% |
| Rear cameras | 50+10+12 MP | 200+50+50+12 MP | — |
| Front camera (MP) | 12 | 12 | — |
| RAM / storage (base) | 8 GB / 256 GB | 12 GB / 256 GB | — |
| Max configuration | 8 GB / 512 GB | 16 GB / 1024 GB | — |
| Weight (g) | 196 | 219 | -10.5% |
| Connectivity / unlock | 5G · Under-display | 5G · Under-display | — |
| Launch price (USD) | $999–$1,099 | $1,299–$1,649 | -23.1% |
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra leads on raw performance by about 44% on AnTuTu v10 (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 vs Snapdragon 8 Elite).
- Samsung Galaxy S23+ is the cheaper option at launch pricing, though these phones launched 2 years apart — street prices will differ from launch MSRPs.
Verdict: Galaxy S23+ or Galaxy S25 Ultra?
Samsung Galaxy S23+ advantages
- Lightness (+11%)
- Affordability (+23%)
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra advantages
- Raw performance (+44%)
- Battery capacity (+6%)
- Camera resolution (+75%)
- Memory (+33%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23+ if you want a lighter phone for one-handed use.
- Choose the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra if you game or want the most headroom for years of updates.
- Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23+ if you want the best value for money.
Value for money
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Samsung Galaxy S23+ vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: which should you choose?
Samsung Galaxy S23+ — Samsung Android 13 smartphone (2023) with a 6.6-inch 120 Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 4700 mAh battery and 50MP main camera, scoring about 1,557,516 on AnTuTu v10; launched at $999.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra — Samsung Android 15 smartphone (2025) with a 6.9-inch 120 Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X, Snapdragon 8 Elite, 5000 mAh battery and 200MP main camera, scoring about 2,800,202 on AnTuTu v10; launched at $1,299.
Samsung Galaxy S23+ vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the faster phone. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra leads on raw performance by about 44% on AnTuTu v10 (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 vs Snapdragon 8 Elite). Samsung Galaxy S23+ is the cheaper option at launch pricing, though these phones launched 2 years apart — street prices will differ from launch MSRPs.
Performance and everyday use
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the faster device on raw benchmarks (2,800,202 vs 1,557,516 on AnTuTu v10), running the Snapdragon 8 Elite against the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. For messaging, browsing and social apps both feel instant — the gap matters most for gaming and long-term headroom.
Display and battery
Samsung Galaxy S23+ carries a 6.6-inch 120 Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X against a 6.9-inch 120 Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Batteries are 4,700 and 5,000 mAh — though software tuning and chipset efficiency shape real-world endurance as much as capacity.
Cameras, storage and price
Rear arrays are 50+10+12 MP versus 200+50+50+12 MP, with 12 MP and 12 MP front cameras. Base configurations start at 8 GB / 256 GB and 12 GB / 256 GB. The Samsung Galaxy S23+ is the more affordable at about $999 launch price, which may matter more than a small spec gap.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the smartphone comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Samsung Galaxy S23+ better than the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra takes the overall edge, though Samsung Galaxy S23+ wins in specific areas worth weighing. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra leads on raw performance by about 44% on AnTuTu v10 (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 vs Snapdragon 8 Elite).
What is the main difference between the Samsung Galaxy S23+ and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra leads on raw performance by about 44% on AnTuTu v10 (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 vs Snapdragon 8 Elite). Samsung Galaxy S23+ is the cheaper option at launch pricing, though these phones launched 2 years apart — street prices will differ from launch MSRPs.
Which is better value?
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23+ if you want a lighter phone for one-handed use. Choose the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra if you game or want the most headroom for years of updates.
Methodology
Smartphones are compared on AnTuTu v10 benchmark scores, chipset, display size and refresh rate, battery capacity, rear and front camera resolution, RAM and storage across launch variants, weight, and launch pricing (USD). Each model shows its base variant with the top-spec configuration noted where multiple variants exist. Benchmark scores reflect the listed chipset variant; real-world battery life and camera quality depend on software tuning, not just hardware numbers.