The Galaxy S23 Ultra remains to be the very best general telephone in order for you a tool with probably the most variety of options. The telephone has a elegant 120Hz AMOLED display that’s among the many finest on Android, the {hardware} is best than simply about another telephone I’ve used this 12 months, and I just like the minimalist design. Sure, it does not look too completely different to the S22 Ultra, however the small tweaks that Samsung made to the design make an enormous distinction in each day use, and I do not discover it to be as cumbersome to carry and use as its predecessor. Then there’s the cameras; with a brand new 200MP lens on the again and versatile auxiliary cameras, the S23 Ultra is a powerhouse on this space.
ForOne of the very best AMOLED screens obtainable todayFastest inside {hardware} of any Android phoneGorgeous design with usability-focused tweaksCameras take gorgeous photographs and videosAll the extras you needFour assured Android OS updatesAgainstLarge and heavySlower charging than Xiaomi 13 ProNo charger within the field
I’m not exaggerating after I say that the 13 Pro is Xiaomi’s finest effort by a protracted margin. The ceramic design is harking back to the Mi 11 Ultra, and the telephone feels fabulous to carry and use — I undoubtedly want the in-hand really feel to the S23 Ultra although it weighs almost the identical. Xiaomi additionally did a superb job with the cameras this 12 months, and the trio of 50MP cameras on the again together with Leica collaboration permits the 13 Pro to take wonderful photographs and movies in any state of affairs. MIUI 14 feels a little bit extra fluid, however you aren’t getting fairly as many options as Samsung, and the 13 Pro will get one fewer Android OS replace. The most irritating factor concerning the 13 Pro is that it’s not offered in North America, however if you happen to’re in a rustic the place it’s formally obtainable, it’s a viable different to what Samsung is providing this 12 months.
ForExcellent camerasStriking design with wonderful in-hand really feelVibrant AMOLED display with loads of customizabilityStandout {hardware} with IP68 water resistanceFast 120W wired and 50W wi-fi chargingAgainstWon’t get as many software program updates as S23 UltraNot offered in North AmericaWay more inexpensive in India/China than different world markets
What are your choices if you wish to purchase the very best Android telephone? Samsung is all the time wager, and the Galaxy S23 Ultra has a beautiful design and options one of many strongest {hardware} packages together with versatile cameras that take phenomenal photographs. Xiaomi additionally has a robust displaying this 12 months within the Xiaomi 13 Pro, providing three 50MP cameras and a brand new design that is extra in keeping with Ultra variants of years previous. With the Xiaomi 13 Pro now obtainable in India, the U.Okay., and choose world markets, let’s discover out if it has what it takes to go up in opposition to the S23 Ultra, or if you happen to ought to simply purchase Samsung’s flagship.Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs. Xiaomi 13 Pro: Design(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)I like Samsung’s design aesthetic with the Galaxy S23 Ultra; not a lot has modified from final 12 months, however there are delicate tweaks that make holding and utilizing the telephone a little bit extra snug. That’s all the way down to the diminished curvature of the display and the again, and the flatter design means there’s extra alongside the mid-frame to carry on to. Samsung additionally did an important job with the digital camera housing, and the minimalist housing with the rings across the three digital camera modules seems elegant.(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)As for Xiaomi, I by no means fairly know what the model goes to do subsequent. I used all of its flagships over the past 9 years, and there has by no means been design consistency between generations — Xiaomi is perennially altering the design on a yearly foundation, and that is no completely different on the Xiaomi 13 Pro. The telephone encompasses a ceramic again — much like the Mi 11 Ultra — and has a squarish digital camera island on the again that dominates consideration.(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)The approach the island merges with the design is harking back to the Find X5 Pro, however the impact is not as seamless, and the massive housing with sq. traces does not fairly line up with the sleek flowing curves that you’re going to discover in all places else on the telephone. Of course, the bigger island means you aren’t getting any wobble when utilizing the 13 Pro on a flat floor — this is not the case on Samsung’s telephone.(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)Now, as a lot as I just like the design of the S23 Ultra, this factor is an absolute unit, and is massive and considerably unwieldy. By distinction, the Xiaomi 13 Pro is way more manageable, and at 229g, it’s 5g lighter. On that word, Xiaomi went with aggressive curves at the back and front, so if you happen to’re not a fan of telephones with a dual-curved display, you will not just like the 13 Pro. There remains to be sufficient room on the mid-frame to carry the gadget, but it surely is not a lot; in fact, a case solves this downside.Image 1 of 3(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)The again of the S23 Ultra has a frosted glass end that feels nice in-hand, and whereas I additionally just like the ceramic design of the 13 Pro, it’s a smudge magnet, and I discovered myself having to continually clear it to make sure it seems pristine. Elsewhere, you get dual-SIM connectivity and eSIM as customary on each units, and the 13 Pro has an IR blaster. Both units additionally supply IP68 ingress safety as customary, and with Xiaomi ignoring this characteristic prior to now, it is nice to see the model make amends with the 13 Pro.Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs. Xiaomi 13 Pro: Screen(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)Both Samsung and Xiaomi are recognized for providing vibrant AMOLED panels on their telephones, and the S23 Ultra and 13 Pro have two of the very best screens you may discover immediately. The S23 Ultra has a bigger 6.8-inch panel, however the 13 Pro is not far behind with a 6.73-inch display.Using each units side-by-side, I’ll have to offer a slender edge to the Galaxy S23 Ultra; its display will get marginally brighter outside. That stated, the variations between the 2 are minute, and no matter no matter gadget you get, you are assured to love the panel on supply right here.Image 1 of 3(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)You get an exhaustive suite of customization choices on each telephones, together with always-on mode, tweaking the colour stability, and adjusting the display refresh. Xiaomi continues to be obstinate and limits the display refresh to 60Hz out of the field, and it’s the solely Android model to take action — each different model that has a 120Hz panel has that setting as default out of the field. But on the 13 Pro, you may want to enter the settings to modify to the 120Hz mode.Both units even have stereo sound, and whereas Xiaomi does not have equivalent drivers like earlier years, the 13 Pro nonetheless manages to supply stellar sound, and it will get loud and detailed with no distortion at increased volumes. In the same vein, the S23 Ultra’s stereo configuration is greater than ample for streaming movies and enjoying video games, and whereas it does not get fairly as loud, it’s detailed.Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs. Xiaomi 13 Pro: Hardware(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)This has been 12 months for Android {hardware}, and plenty of that’s all the way down to Qualcomm’s efforts with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. The platform has tangible positive factors over final 12 months — each by way of sustained efficiency and thermal throttling — and is a real powerhouse. As a end result, the S23 Ultra and Xiaomi 13 Pro are two of the quickest telephones you may discover immediately.Once once more, the S23 Ultra will get a slight edge as Samsung is utilizing a custom-made model of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for its units that sees a slight overclock for the Cortex X3 core, bringing it to 3.36GHz — the usual 8 Gen 2 on the Xiaomi 13 Pro and different Android flagships goes as much as 3.2GHz. Of course, this doesn’t suggest the S23 Ultra is noticeably sooner than the Xiaomi 13 Pro; we’re taking a look at infinitesimal modifications right here, they usually do not translate to any real-world distinction.That stated, Samsung will get to say that it’s utilizing probably the most highly effective model of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, and it’s the solely producer doing so in the intervening time. Other than that, the S23 Ultra comes with 12GB of RAM as customary, and it begins out with 256GB of storage and goes as much as 1TB, with all storage modules based mostly on the most recent UFS 4.0 customary.Swipe to scroll horizontallyCategorySamsung Galaxy S23 UltraXiaomi 13 ProOSOne UI 5.1 based mostly on Android 13MIUI 14 based mostly on Android 13Display6.8-inch 120Hz QHD+ (3088 x 1440) LTPO AMOLED, Gorilla Glass Victus 2, HDR10+ 6.73-inch 120Hz QHD+ (3200×1440) LTPO AMOLED, Gorilla Glass Victus, Dolby Vision ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, 1 x 3.36GHz Cortex X3, 2 x 2.8GHz Cortex A715, 2 x 2.8GHz Cortex A710, 3 x 2.0GHz Cortex A510, Adreno 740, 4nmQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 1 x 3.2GHz Cortex X3, 2 x 2.8GHz Cortex A715, 2 x 2.8GHz Cortex A710, 3 x 2.0GHz Cortex A510, Adreno 740, 4nmRAM12GB LPDDR5X8GB/12GB LPDDR5XStorage256GB/512/1TBGB UFS 4.0128GB UFS 3.1, 256GB/512GB UFS 4.0Rear digital camera 1200MP 1/1.3-inch f/1.7, 0.6um pixels. OIS, 8K at 24fps, 4K at 60fps50MP 1-inch f/1.9 Sony IMX989, 1.6um pixels, OIS, 8K at 24fps, 4K at 60fps, Dolby VisionRear digital camera 210MP f/4.9, telephoto lens, OIS, 10x optical zoom, 100x digital zoom50MP f/2.0, telephoto lens, OIS, 3.2x optical zoomRear digital camera 310MP f/2.4, telephoto lens, OIS, 3x optical zoom50MP f/2.2 wide-angle lens, 115-degree discipline of viewRear digital camera 412MP f/2.2 wide-angle lens, 120-degree FoVNoneFront digital camera12MP autofocus32MP fastened focusIngress protectionIP68 mud and water resistanceIP68 mud and water resistanceConnectivityGlobal Sub-6 5G bands (mmWave in NA), Wi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, UWBGlobal Sub-6 5G bands, Wi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5.3, NFCSecurityIn-screen ultrasonic fingerprint module, face unlockIn-screen optical fingerprint module, face unlockAudioStereo sound, USB-C, 24-bit/192kHz audioStereo sound, USB-C, 24-bit/192kHz audioBattery5000mAh, 45W wired charging, 15W wi-fi charging, 4.5W reverse wi-fi charging4820mAh, 120W wired charging, 50W wi-fi charging, 10W reverse wi-fi chargingDimensions163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9mm, 234g162.9 x 74.6 x 8.4mm, 229gColorsGreen, Lime, Phantom Black, Cream, Lavender,Ceramic Black, Ceramic White, Ceramic Green, Mountain Blue (leather-based)Xiaomi, in the meantime, has a 128GB base variant in China that makes use of UFS 3.1, however the world mannequin has 256GB of storage, and there is additionally a 512GB version, with each of those that includes UFS 4.0. While Xiaomi’s base variant has 8GB of RAM, the worldwide fashions supply 12GB of RAM as customary. Elsewhere, you may discover the most recent connectivity requirements, with each units providing Sub-6 5G connectivity with world 5G bands, and Samsung has native variants in North America that embrace mmWave 5G as nicely.There’s Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, all of the radios for numerous GPS requirements in use globally, and high-res audio codecs. I’d wish to level out that each telephones have a big vibration motor that delivers wonderful suggestions in each day use; whether or not that is generally navigation or utilizing the keyboard. I’ll give the sting to Xiaomi right here because the x-axis motor it makes use of is pleasant in each day use, and you’ll tweak the suggestions to a higher extent.Where Samsung takes an edge is with its cell funds service, Samsung Pay, and UWB connectivity. Samsung Pay continues to be a superb selection for cell funds on the go, and whereas I’m miffed about the truth that there is not any MST, it nonetheless works over NFC. While it is good to have these added options, I nonetheless do not just like the in-screen fingerprint sensor on the S23 Ultra; the ultrasonic module takes a little bit longer to authenticate than the optical choice on the 13 Pro.As for battery life, each units handle to final over a day with ease. This is one other key advantage of Qualcomm’s newest silicon, and having used each the S23 Ultra and 13 Pro extensively over the course of the final two months, I can confidently say that there is not any battery anxiousness in any way on both gadget — no matter utilization.But in relation to charging tech, Xiaomi has the clear edge; with 120W wired and 50W wi-fi charging, it simply outmatches the 45W wired and 15W wi-fi charging on supply with Samsung’s telephone. Then there’s the truth that Xiaomi bundles a 120W charger within the field that can be utilized with different units as nicely — it really works over the USB PD 3.0 protocol — and you may want to purchase a charging accent with the S23 Ultra; the one factor included within the field is the telephone itself and a person guide.Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs. Xiaomi 13 Pro: Cameras(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)Samsung continues to ship a robust digital camera package deal with the S23 Ultra, and this 12 months, the spotlight is the inclusion of a 200MP module that is phenomenal in each day use. The primary digital camera has OIS and is joined by a 12MP wide-angle lens, and twin 10MP telephoto lenses with OIS that go as much as 10x optical zoom. Samsung has a number of software-assisted options that allow you to take usable photographs at as much as 30x zoom, and there is additionally 100x zoom — a characteristic that debuted two years in the past.Xiaomi is doing plenty of fascinating issues on this space as nicely. The 13 Pro is the primary world telephone from Xiaomi that leverages Leica optics, and it comes with three 50MP cameras on the again, with the primary digital camera that includes a big 1-inch lens. Xiaomi helps you to shoot 10-bit Dolby Vision HDR movies from the gadget itself, and it has 8K video at 24fps, with all cameras in a position to shoot 4K video at 60fps. For its half, Samsung additionally has 8K at 24fps, and its 4 cameras shoot 4K video at 60fps.When it involves picture high quality, each the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Xiaomi 13 Pro do an excellent job in all conditions. That’s a given contemplating the caliber of {hardware} on supply and the tuning efforts undertaken by each manufacturers in recent times. That stated, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is ready to dial in on a topic a smidgen sooner than the 13 Pro, and its photographs have higher vibrancy. The oversaturated look is attribute of Samsung’s telephones, and the resultant photographs look nice whereas sharing on social media.Xiaomi does a superb job as nicely, and the addition of Leica modes means the pictures tackle a definite tone that wasn’t current in earlier variations of its flagships. You get to decide on between Authentic and Vibrant modes, and I went with the latter. This mode gives saturated colours and a delicate vignette that highlights the general picture a little bit higher, and the gadget is on par with the S23 Ultra in relation to minimized noise ranges and shade accuracy in conditions with little to no ambient mild.Both telephones even have stellar wide-angle lenses, and whereas I like the truth that Xiaomi is doing extra with a zoom lens, the S23 Ultra fares higher when capturing at as much as 10x and past. What’s notably fascinating is the strides each manufacturers made by way of video; the S23 Ultra and Xiaomi 13 Pro have the flexibility to shoot clean footage with out the necessity for a gimbal, and the built-in stabilization works extremely nicely.Overall, these are two of the very best digital camera packages you may discover on Android, and it comes all the way down to versatility. I nonetheless suppose Samsung has the sting right here, however Xiaomi is not far behind.Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs. Xiaomi 13 Pro: Software(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)Samsung and Xiaomi did plenty of work over the past three years to refine their interfaces, and that is evident when utilizing the S23 Ultra and 13 Pro. Let’s begin with Samsung; the S23 Ultra runs One UI 5.1 based mostly on Android 13 out of the field, and it has a contemporary design that feels polished.Samsung did an important job integrating all of the options Google launched in Android 13, and there is plenty of customizability out of the field. Of course, you additionally get customized utilities like Good Lock that considerably prolong the customization choices obtainable, and if you wish to tweak nearly each aspect of the interface, I extremely advocate giving it a strive.As for Xiaomi, I just like the course the model is taking with MIUI. The Xiaomi 13 Pro runs MIUI 14 based mostly on Android 13 out of the field, and whereas the model made plenty of under-the-hood tweaks to make the interface runs smoother — it feels extra fluid than earlier generations — it does not fairly have any main user-facing modifications, and the interface wants a recent coat of paint.(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)To its credit score although, Xiaomi is doing an important job making certain it does not embrace as many pre-installed apps on its telephones, and no matter you may discover on the 13 Pro, you’ll be able to simply uninstall. This is the place Samsung is on the backfoot; the S23 Ultra has a boatload of bloatware, and when you can disable or uninstall most of those companies, it is annoying to see on such a high-end telephone.When it involves updates, Samsung continues to set the tone for Android as an entire. My S23 Ultra has obtained month-to-month safety updates on time — Samsung sends it out on the identical time and even sooner than Google for its Pixels — and the telephone will get 4 assured Android OS updates.Xiaomi hasn’t carried out a lot on this space within the final two years, and the 13 Pro will get three platform updates. I’m not assured in Xiaomi’s potential to ship these updates on time both; my 12 Pro was the final of the key flagships to modify to Android 13. And as for safety updates, Xiaomi ensures quarterly updates, and that simply is not sufficient for a flagship — I need to see month-to-month updates like Google and Samsung.Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs. Xiaomi 13 Pro: What’s the very best telephone for you?(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)The Xiaomi 13 Pro is likely one of the finest telephones Xiaomi has rolled out so far, and the cameras alone are well worth the worth of admission. That stated, the S23 Ultra additionally has terrific cameras, and Samsung gives extra software program updates and a cleaner interface with extra options.Ultimately, my suggestion varies based mostly on the area. Considering Xiaomi has no intention to launch its telephones in North America, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is the default selection in that area. As for different international locations, the Xiaomi 13 Pro is obtainable for ₹79,999 ($976) for the 12GB/256GB mannequin in India, and you may have to shell out ₹1,24,999 ($1,526) to get your palms on the S23 Ultra within the nation. Yes, the S23 Ultra is sweet, but it surely is not ₹45,000 ($550) higher than what Xiaomi is providing, and for my cash, I’d simply get the Xiaomi 13 Pro.Now, the state of affairs modifications in European markets. In the U.Okay., the Xiaomi 13 Pro is promoting at £1,099 ($1,372) for the 12GB/256GB model, and the S23 Ultra might be had for £1,249 ($1,559). Similarly, the Xiaomi 13 Pro prices €1,299 ($1,435) in Germany, and the S23 Ultra is €1,399 ($1,546). With a distinction of underneath $200, you are higher off with the S23 Ultra; simply the truth that you get yet another software program replace makes Samsung’s flagship that rather more engaging.It’s clear that Xiaomi is being aggressive in India and China — two of its largest markets — and in these international locations, the Xiaomi 13 Pro is an absolute steal. But in all places else, it is best to think about the Galaxy S23 Ultra as an alternative — it’s my favourite all-round telephone of 2023.
If you need the telephone with probably the most variety of options, the Galaxy S23 Ultra remains to be the very best general selection. With a beautiful design, elegant display, the very best {hardware} at present obtainable, and versatile cameras that ship excellent photographs, the S23 Ultra is the plain selection for many customers.
Xiaomi did a powerful job with the 13 Pro, and the cameras specifically are markedly higher than earlier years. The proven fact that the telephone is offered for significantly decrease than the S23 Ultra in choose world markets makes this a terrific discount.