12 4G vs Galaxy S23 Ultra

Phone 1

Phone 2

Winner

Realme 12 4G

Lifespan decides this one: the 12 4G is supported until Jul 2028 at $7.16 per month of safe use, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra runs out in Feb 2028 ($16.94/month). On a which-lasts-longer question, that's not a tie — it's the whole answer.

Value Score: 12 4G 63 · Galaxy S23 Ultra 76 — methodology

The lifespan decider

When specs are close, support length decides it — this is what each phone costs per month of safe use.

Realme 12 4G $175

Buy with care$7.16/mo

2024◆ Buy-by Jul 20262028

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra $339

Buy with care$16.94/mo

2023◆ Buy-by Feb 20262028

Category by category

Display

12 4G 70Galaxy S23 Ultra 90

The Galaxy S23 Ultra's screen is the better one — 6.8-inch dynamic amoled 2x, qhd+, ltpo 1–120hz, 1750 nits peak.

Performance

12 4G 36Galaxy S23 Ultra 85

The Galaxy S23 Ultra's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy is simply the faster chip.

Camera

12 4G 55Galaxy S23 Ultra 96

The Galaxy S23 Ultra has the stronger camera system (4 real rear lenses vs 1).

Battery

12 4G 80Galaxy S23 Ultra 80

Battery capacities are close enough not to decide this.

Software longevity

12 4G 29Galaxy S23 Ultra 24

The 12 4G is supported until Jul 2028 — 4 months longer than the Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Value

12 4G 63Galaxy S23 Ultra 76

Overall value goes to the Galaxy S23 Ultra at $16.94 per month of safe use.

Full spec table

Spec	12 4G	Galaxy S23 Ultra
Price (street)	$175	$339
Display	6.67-inch AMOLED, FHD+, 120Hz, up to 2000 nits peak	6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, QHD+, LTPO 1–120Hz, 1750 nits peak
Chipset	Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 (6nm)	Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
RAM	8GB	8GB/12GB
Storage	128GB/256GB	256GB/512GB/1TB
Battery	5,000 mAh	5,000 mAh
Charging	67W wired SUPERVOOC	45W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless
Rear cameras	50MP main, 2MP depth	200MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto 3x, 10MP periscope 10x
Dimensions	163 × 75.5 × 7.9 mm	163.4 × 78.1 × 8.9 mm
Weight	187 g	234 g
Water resistance	IP54	IP68
Supported until	Jul 2028	Feb 2028

12 4G full verdict →Galaxy S23 Ultra full verdict →Longevity master board →

Scores and verdicts are computed from our verified database — see exactly how. Specs from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers.