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The Galaxy S23 Ultra is the better fit if you want a sharper, larger display, dedicated 10x optical zoom, and an S Pen built into the phone. The newer Galaxy S25 FE offers Samsung’s stated seven-year software-support commitment and has lower dated US list-price references—but those figures do not establish which phone costs less today.
How these phones differ in age and product tier
The Galaxy S23 Ultra launched as Samsung’s flagship in 2023; Samsung announced the S25 FE on September 4, 2025, as a newer Fan Edition model. Their specifications reflect different priorities, not a simple old-versus-new upgrade. The comparison below uses Samsung-published specifications and price references, not independent testing.
Galaxy S23 Ultra vs S25 FE specifications
| Specification | Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G | Galaxy S25 FE 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.8-inch QHD+ Edge Dynamic AMOLED 2X; 1–120Hz | 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X; 60/120Hz |
| Rear cameras | 200MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP 3x optical telephoto, 10MP 10x optical telephoto | 50MP OIS wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 8MP OIS 3x optical telephoto |
| Front camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy | Exynos 2400 (4nm) |
| Memory and storage | US launch configurations: 8GB/256GB, 12GB/512GB, 12GB/1TB | 8GB with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB; availability varies by carrier and region |
| Battery | 5,000mAh typical; rated minimum 4,855mAh | 4,900mAh |
| Wired charging | 45W; Samsung said around 65% in about 30 minutes with a 45W adapter and 5A USB-C cable | 45W |
| Wireless charging | Not listed in the cited comparison specifications | Up to 15W on Samsung UK’s specifications page |
| Included pen | Embedded S Pen | Samsung’s cited specification sheet does not identify an S Pen |
| Software support commitment | A directly comparable remaining update horizon was not established | Seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates, per Samsung |
Samsung’s specifications are available in its S25 FE announcement, S23 series announcement, and S25 FE UK specifications. Configurations and features may vary by market.
Which phone has the better display?
The S23 Ultra has the larger, higher-resolution panel on paper: 6.8 inches at QHD+, compared with the S25 FE’s 6.7-inch FHD+ screen. Both support refresh rates up to 120Hz. The difference is resolution and size, not whether either phone offers a high-refresh-rate display.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Which phone has the better camera zoom?
The S23 Ultra has the more versatile long-range camera hardware. Alongside its 200MP main camera, it includes separate 3x and 10x optical telephoto cameras. The S25 FE has a 50MP main camera and one 3x optical telephoto camera.
Samsung describes the S23 Ultra’s 100x Space Zoom as a combination of 10x optical and digital zoom with AI Super Resolution, and cautions that image quality may deteriorate beyond 10x. The zoom specifications do not prove which phone takes better photos overall: megapixel counts and lens reach alone are not image-quality tests.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Battery, charging, and performance
The listed battery capacities are close: 5,000mAh typical for the S23 Ultra and 4,900mAh for the S25 FE. Samsung specifies 45W wired charging for both. For the S23 Ultra, Samsung’s launch claim of about 65% charge in around 30 minutes depends on using a 45W adapter and 5A USB-C cable. These specifications do not establish real-world battery life, and the two phones’ processor names do not establish which is faster in everyday use. No comparative benchmark or endurance test is available here.
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Choose the S23 Ultra for an integrated S Pen
The S23 Ultra has an S Pen housed in the phone, making it the clear choice between these two if you want a built-in stylus for writing or drawing. Samsung identifies S Pen support specifically for the S23 Ultra among the S23 series.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Choose the S25 FE for its stated update commitment
Samsung promises the S25 FE seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates. That is a documented commitment for the S25 FE; it should not be read as a direct comparison with the S23 Ultra’s remaining support period, which is not established by the cited material.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is the price difference?
A current price difference cannot be stated from the available figures. Samsung’s US launch starting price for the S23 Ultra was $1,199.99 in February 2023. Samsung’s US MSRP list effective March 2026 gives the S25 FE at $649.99 for unlocked 128GB and $709.99 for unlocked 256GB, and says prices may change without notice. These are dated references from different points in time—not live offers, nor a like-for-like comparison. The S23 Ultra launch price is not a current quote.
Rank #4
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- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
For context, Samsung’s February 2023 launch announcement gives the S23 Ultra’s starting price, while its May 2024 US MSRP list marks the unlocked 256GB S23 Ultra SKU EOL at $1,199.99. The March 2026 US MSRP list contains the cited S25 FE prices. None should be treated as a current street price.
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Check current offers in your country on the same date. Match storage capacity, unlocked or carrier-locked status, device condition, seller, warranty, and included accessories. In particular, comparing a used S23 Ultra with a new S25 FE does not reveal a clean price difference between equivalent purchases. Samsung’s March 2026 US list provides prices for the S25 FE’s unlocked 128GB and 256GB variants; it does not establish a US price for the 512GB model.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Which one should you choose?
- Pick the S23 Ultra if a QHD+ display, dedicated 10x optical telephoto camera, or embedded S Pen is central to your decision.
- Pick the S25 FE if you prefer the newer model and value Samsung’s stated seven-generation OS-upgrade and seven-year security-update commitment.
- Compare live prices before deciding on value. The dated US price references do not settle which phone is less expensive now, and the cited specifications do not establish photo quality, performance, or battery endurance.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
