So, you’re thinking about upgrading your phone and you’ve heard the buzz about the Galaxy S23 Ultra. But wait—is it really better than your trusty S21 Ultra when it comes to video quality? Good question! Let’s break it down, piece by piece, and see who wears the crown in the world of video recording.
The Basics
Both the S21 Ultra and the S23 Ultra come loaded with powerful cameras. They can shoot in 8K, offer fancy features like Super Steady mode, and even perform magic in low light. But the tech has had two years to improve. And yes, a lot can happen in two years!
Resolution: 8K Level Up
- S21 Ultra: Shoots 8K at 24fps
- S23 Ultra: Shoots 8K at 30fps
That may look like a small change. But that jump from 24 frames per second to 30 fps actually makes a big difference. Videos on the S23 Ultra look smoother and more natural.
Also, 8K on the S23 Ultra uses a wider angle. That means you can capture more of the scene without stepping back. Handy, right?
Low Light: Night Owl Powers
This is where the S23 Ultra really starts to shine—literally.
S21 Ultra:
Not bad at all. It handles evening scenes decently, but you’ll notice some grainy textures and flickering if you’re filming at night.
S23 Ultra:
This guy is a night wizard. Thanks to its 200MP main sensor and improved image processing, nighttime videos look brighter, sharper, and way less noisy.
It’s all because of something Samsung calls Nightography. Fancy term, but it works. Scenes stay vivid even in near darkness.
Stabilization: No More Shaky Cam
No one likes shaky footage. And with these phones, you won’t have to worry much.
- S21 Ultra: Comes with great optical and electronic stabilization.
- S23 Ultra: Steps it up with better sensors and AI-powered stabilization.
Turn on Super Steady mode, and the S23 feels like it’s using a tiny gimbal inside. Even if your hands are not.
Zoom In, Zoom Out
Both phones have 4 camera lenses, including two telephoto lenses for zoom power. But how does that play into video?
Very well, actually!
- S21 Ultra: Can record at 3x and 10x zoom. Still looks decent.
- S23 Ultra: Zooms with less loss in quality. Its video at high zoom looks sharper.
Whether you’re filming a concert from the back row or your cat from afar, the S23 Ultra gives better results with zoomed videos.
Colors, Contrast, and Dynamic Range
Video is not just about resolution. It’s also about how vibrant and true to life the picture looks.
The S21 Ultra already did a fine job with colors. But the S23 Ultra takes it further.
- Better HDR video.
- More accurate tonal range.
- Smoother transitions between light and dark areas.
That means if you’re filming a sunset or a concert with changing stage lights, the S23 handles it like a champ.
Audio Capture: Hear It Right
Let’s not forget sound! Great video isn’t just about the image—it’s the audio too.
- S21 Ultra: Records decent stereo sound.
- S23 Ultra: Captures cleaner, crisper audio with less background noise.
The S23 Ultra also has better wind noise reduction. So if you’re filming outdoors, it’ll sound way better.
Pro Mode and Manual Controls
Are you the kind of person who likes to tweak every setting? Then you’ll love this.
Both phones offer Pro Video mode, letting you adjust ISO, shutter, focus, and more.
But on the S23 Ultra, it’s even smoother. It’s easier to access, more responsive, and feels more professional.
Plus, you can shoot in 10-bit HDR10+ for extra creamy highlights and rich shadows. That's filmmaker-level stuff!
Front Camera Upgrades
Selfie video, anyone?
- S21 Ultra: 40MP front cam, up to 4K video.
- S23 Ultra: 12MP front cam (yep, fewer pixels!) but smarter tech under the hood.
How does that work? The newer sensor handles color, skin tone, and exposure better. So even though the number is lower, the video looks better overall.
Battery and Heat Handling
Recording video eats battery. And makes phones hot!
- S21 Ultra: Heats up during long 8K sessions.
- S23 Ultra: Manages heat better and lasts longer during filming.
That means you’ll get fewer slowdowns and less chance of the phone stopping your video recording if it gets too warm.
Quick Recap
Let’s sum it up super quickly:
- 8K Upgrade: Smoother frame rate on the S23 Ultra
- Night Mode: Big improvement in low light
- Stability: S23 Ultra handles bumps like a pro
- Zoom: Better clarity at high zoom levels
- HDR & Colors: S23 Ultra brings cleaner, more dynamic visuals
- Sound: Clearer audio capture
- Pro Controls: Improved for manual video lovers
Final Verdict
If you already have an S21 Ultra, you’re holding a powerful video machine. But if you’re serious about content creation or just enjoy capturing every little detail, the S23 Ultra is worth the jump.
From sharper night shots to smoother 8K and better zoomed video, it’s one of the best phones out there for video.
So whether you’re filming vacations, skate tricks, or starting a vlog, the S23 Ultra is your new pocket-sized production studio.
Lights, phone, action!