If you prioritize photography, especially zoom capabilities, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a more advanced camera system, including a powerful telephoto lens with significant optical zoom. However, its premium price is higher than the OnePlus 12, which also has a good camera setup but less impressive telephoto features. The OnePlus 12 has a higher battery capacity and longer battery life, which could be beneficial for extended use without charging. Both devices offer large, high-quality OLED displays, with the OnePlus 12 slightly larger screen. Overall, if budget is crucial, and camera zoom is not a priority, OnePlus 12 is a strong contender. Conversely, if camera quality, particularly zoom, is your focus, and you don't mind the higher cost, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra may be the better choice. Both phones run on Android and come with ample storage. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the OnePlus 12
Best in class performance
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Best in class for taking photos
Very good for recording videos
Best in class battery life
Key differences
Overall Camera Quality
7.8/10
9.2/10
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has excellent overall camera quality, while the OnePlus 12 has good overall camera quality.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a camera system rated as excellent due to higher performance in photos software experience, dynamic range, low light capability, camera versatility, and significantly better selfie quality compared to the OnePlus 12, which has a camera system considered good but not on par with the S23 Ultra in these aspects.
Photo Quality
7.8/10
9.5/10
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra takes best in class photos, while the OnePlus 12 takes good photos.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra takes excellent photos due to its higher camera versatility, especially with telephoto capabilities for varied shot types, and better performance in low light conditions, with improved dynamic range in photos, compared to the OnePlus 12. Additionally, the Galaxy S23 Ultra offers a superior selfie experience with better quality selfies, whereas the OnePlus 12's selfie capabilities are not as highly regarded.
Video Quality
7.0/10
8.0/10
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra takes very good videos, while the OnePlus 12 takes good videos.
The OnePlus 12 delivers poorer video capture performance due to lower video resolution/framerate capabilities, inferior video software experience, less robust video stabilization, narrowed dynamic range, weaker low light performance, and lesser microphone quality. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra excels in video recording with higher resolution/fps for sharper, smoother footage, enhanced software for better user experience, superior stabilization for steadier shots, expanded dynamic range for more detail in various lighting, advanced low light prowess for clearer night videos, and higher mic quality for clearer audio.
Battery
8.2 Hours
10.4 Hours
The OnePlus 12 has 8.2 hours of battery life. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has 10.4 hours of battery life.
Cost
$800
$1,050
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The OnePlus 12 has a price of $800 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra costs $1,050.
"The Galaxy S23 Ultra doesn’t just want a place at the top right now; it expects to stay there. Samsung’s excellent update commitment and connectivity standards will keep its flagship feeling fresh for years to come, and the high-end materials will put up with more than their share of wear and tear. It might be more than most users need in terms of size, power, and cost, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a glaring weakness."
Get a great deal on the OnePlus 12 or the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
About OnePlus
OnePlus, established in 2013, is a smartphone brand that first became known for providing flagship-like devices, at a fraction of the cost compared to more expensive Android competitors. OnePlus focuses on creating smartphones with powerful hardware at reasonable prices. They also bring hardware features normally not seen in other Android phones sold in the US, such as their ultra-fast “Warp Charge” and the beloved “Alert Slider”.
About Samsung
Samsung is one of the most recognizable names in the smartphone industry, standing as the undisputed best-selling brand of Android smartphones in the United States for many years now. Samsung is known for offering a variety of smartphones in all available price points, as well as for implementing cutting-edge technology and innovative features in their flagship devices, ones that often shape the market going forward. The company offers its own unique spin on Android, called One UI, which focuses on offering a multitude of features and is heavily customizable, according to user preference.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec phones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest phone information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
68
Phones evaluated
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Phones stats compiled
8
Proprietary Phones ratings developed
121,500
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68,850
Consumer hours saved
About the phone team
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Phones Expert
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