Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Black 1024GB

The S23 Ultra is a camera monster and productivity machine with an S Pen that makes it one of a kind. At $900 for 1TB, it's one of the best value buys in the entire phone market right now.

What surprised us most is how this Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip just refuses to feel old. In our database, it sits in the 97th percentile for performance, and that translates to real-world use that's buttery smooth. Apps open instantly, and the 12GB of RAM keeps everything in memory. The 5000mAh battery is a standout too, landing in the 97th percentile. It easily powers through a full day of heavy use, though the 45W charging feels a bit pedestrian compared to some newer phones that can fully charge in half the time.

Stacked against the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, the S23 Ultra wins on raw zoom capability and that S Pen functionality, but you'll give up the tighter Apple ecosystem integration and slightly more polished video. The OnePlus 15 is its closest Android rival, offering faster charging and a newer chip, but it can't touch the Samsung's camera versatility or stylus support. The Motorola razr ultra 2025 is a completely different beast, a flip phone for style-conscious users, not a spec-chasing productivity machine like this.

At $900, this phone is a steal for the 1TB model. You're getting a former flagship that still outguns most mid-range phones released a year later. The camera alone is worth the price of admission for photography nerds. If you can find it at this price, it's a no-brainer over a new $800 mid-ranger.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is still an absolute beast, even if it's not the newest kid on the block. The one thing to know is that you're getting a top-tier camera system and the built-in S Pen in a package that feels incredibly premium. It's a powerhouse for anyone who wants a phone that can genuinely replace a notepad and a point-and-shoot camera, all while chewing through anything you throw at it. The 200MP sensor isn't just a marketing number; it delivers detail that still embarrasses most of the current competition.

If you're looking for a compact, one-handed phone, this isn't it. Go get a standard Pixel 10a or a Galaxy S23 instead. The sharp corners and massive size make it a two-handed device, and it's a heavy lump in your pocket. If you prioritize a light and pocketable design over raw power and zoom, you'll hate this thing.

Buy it. If you want a phone that does everything well and has a camera that can genuinely reach out and touch something 10x away, this is it. The S Pen turns it from a great phone into a unique tool. Unless you absolutely need the latest processor for bragging rights, the S23 Ultra is a smarter buy than many newer, more expensive flagships.