S23 Ultra in 2025

[gray2018]

I recently picked up this device for around 600 bucks from Samsung re-newed to give it another go. I had purchased one previously about six months ago, at a much higher price, and wasn't feeling it. This time, I opted for the 256GB version in Phantom Black. Before I purchased the green colored one, which really didn't match well with a black colored case.

I've been using the S21 Ultra for nearly three years now, and I feel like due to some recent issues, and a bit of FOMO, it's time to move on from it. I'm still keeping it around, though. The S23 Ultra seemed like a more than capable device without being too ridiculously expensive. Keep in mind that personally, when I buy a Samsung device, I only buy it from Samsung either new or from their re-newed line. I prefer my device factory unlocked, and the only way to do that is to purchase through Samsung, Best Buy or other various vendors that carry them.

I kind of wanted to try out an S24 Utra, but I really didn't feel like spending nearly an extra 200 dollars. I was fairly certain the S23 ultra has 99% of the same features I could get on the S24 ultra, but obviously, the S24 is better in terms of specs on paper and improvements. I'm given to understand that the S23 line up will probably get updates until early 2028? I don't really care honestly about software updates. Having only "one or two" software updates isn't a big deal to me. It's security patches I'm concerned about.

So far, it seems to be pretty good. Camera good. Battery life really good. Display seems to be pretty good.

Anyone else loving their S23 Ultra in 2025?

 

[remak123]

I my S23U 1TB

 

[gray2018]

Nice! That must have cost a pretty penny!

This was pretty amazing IMO. So I got up around 4:10AM for work, hopped in the shower, turned on Youtube to listen to music. Listened to music and all that for quite a period of time, even while arriving at work and walking to my station, which was around the time I snapped this screen shot. My battery only dipped 3%. That's actually awesome considering I was using the device for an hour at this point. My S21U would have dropped significantly more. My screen wasn't on full brightness, but still. That's pretty good.

 

[nitewulf]

I really like my S23 Ultra. I have the S25 Ultra, but it now sits on a shelf and I'm back using my S23 Ultra. I might even buy another one.

 

[Laura Knotek]

I really like my S23 Ultra. I have the S25 Ultra, but it now sits on a shelf and I'm back using my S23 Ultra. I might even buy another one.

What do you like better with the S23 Ultra versus the S25 Ultra?

 

[nitewulf]

I like the camera better for one. I think it takes better pictures. People tell me the S25 Ultra sounds garbled over Bluetooth and no such issues with the S23 Ultra, so it's not my car's Bluetooth or mike. S25 Ultra is slow to connect over Bluetooth, but S23 Ultra connects immediately. Yes, my car's system is up to date. I thought the S25 Ultra would be equal to or better than the S23 Ultra and I was disappointed. There is no comparison with indoor shots of pets taken with the S23 Ultra. The S25's pictures are a smudgy mess. There are many threads out there on the S25 Ultra's camera. Thinking I had a defect so I sent it to Samsung. They couldn't find anything wrong.

 

[Bkdodger1]

I have one sitting in the house unfortunately I can't use it bought one from swappa used it for 6 months then it got locked out. I occasionally turn it on to see if there's a way I can bypass the Samsung locked screen.

 

[Arkidelik]

Still using my S23 Ultra today. I preordered a Pixel 10 Pro XL, but I'll keep the Ultra as my backup / gaming phone.

 

[gray2018]

I have one sitting in the house unfortunately I can't use it bought one from swappa used it for 6 months then it got locked out. I occasionally turn it on to see if there's a way I can bypass the Samsung locked screen.

What, why? Did the person who sent it to you not do a factory reset on the device?
Or was it simply a Mobile plan thing, like they owed money on the device from their carrier still, so you got locked out of the service?

People should not be selling devices on Swappa that aren't factory reset. This is another reason why I don't use Swappa and other similar things. If this is the case, you should have sent it back for a refund.

 

[monsieurms]

I have one sitting in the house unfortunately I can't use it bought one from swappa used it for 6 months then it got locked out. I occasionally turn it on to see if there's a way I can bypass the Samsung locked screen.

Okay I am increasingly confused. The prior poster suggested this was a swappa issue, or feared it was. But you said you used it for 6 months. So it is not a question of receiving it locked.

Is it possible to do a hard reset?

 

[Bkdodger1]

Okay I am increasingly confused. The prior poster suggested this was a swappa issue, or feared it was. But you said you used it for 6 months. So it is not a question of receiving it locked.

Is it possible to do a hard reset?

What, why? Did the person who sent it to you not do a factory reset on the device?
Or was it simply a Mobile plan thing, like they owed money on the device from their carrier still, so you got locked out of the service?

People should not be selling devices on Swappa that aren't factory reset. This is another reason why I don't use Swappa and other similar things. If this is the case, you should have sent it back for a refund.

The person that sold me the phone on Swappa bought it from FB marketplace new in box unlocked, I found this out after the issue. I think I use the phone three or four months. I can’t remember now, but anyway, I got locked out because the person who sold originally owed Samsung and stop making payments. Samsung locked the phone and after review back with Swappa and PayPal dispute I received my refund.

 

[mustang7757]

The person that sold me the phone on Swappa bought it from FB marketplace new in box unlocked, I found this out after the issue. I think I use the phone three or four months. I can’t remember now, but anyway, I got locked out because the person who sold originally owed Samsung and stop making payments. Samsung locked the phone and after review back with Swappa and PayPal dispute I received my refund.

what a scam

 

[gray2018]

Ah, okay. This makes much more sense now.

 

[Bkdodger1]

what a scam

Yup it's a pain but quickly resolved, NOw if I could find a way to bypass lock screen wipe that would be good but no luck LMAO