PhoneLifespan

Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Galaxy Z Flip5

vs

Winner

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

The Galaxy S23 Ultra wins this one, taking camera and battery decisively. Against the Galaxy Z Flip5 it's also the sounder buy at $16.98 per month of safe use.

Value Score: Galaxy S23 Ultra 76 · Galaxy Z Flip5 60 methodology

The lifespan decider

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

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra $339
Buy with care$16.98/mo
2023◆ Buy-by Feb 20262028
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 $400
Buy with care$15.54/mo
2023◆ Buy-by Aug 20262028

Category by category

Display
Galaxy S23 Ultra 90Galaxy Z Flip5 70

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

Performance
Galaxy S23 Ultra 85Galaxy Z Flip5 85

Performance is a wash — same chip tier.

Camera
Galaxy S23 Ultra 96Galaxy Z Flip5 52

The Galaxy S23 Ultra has the stronger camera system (4 real rear lenses vs 2).

Battery
Galaxy S23 Ultra 80Galaxy Z Flip5 54

5,000mAh vs 3,700mAh — the Galaxy S23 Ultra lasts longer between charges.

Software longevity
Galaxy S23 Ultra 24Galaxy Z Flip5 31

The Galaxy Z Flip5 is supported until Aug 2028 — 6 months longer than the Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Value
Galaxy S23 Ultra 76Galaxy Z Flip5 60

Overall value goes to the Galaxy S23 Ultra at $16.98 per month of safe use.

Full spec table
SpecGalaxy S23 UltraGalaxy Z Flip5
Price (street)$339$400
Display6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, QHD+, LTPO 1–120Hz, 1750 nits peak6.7-inch foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 1080x2640, 120Hz + 3.4-inch cover Super AMOLED Flex Window, 720x748, 60Hz
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 2 for GalaxySnapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
RAM8GB/12GB8GB
Storage256GB/512GB/1TB256GB/512GB
Battery5,000 mAh3,700 mAh
Charging45W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless25W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless
Rear cameras200MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto 3x, 10MP periscope 10x12MP main, 12MP ultra-wide
Dimensions163.4 × 78.1 × 8.9 mm85.1 × 71.9 × 15.1 mm folded / 165.1 × 71.9 × 6.9 mm unfolded
Weight234 g187 g
Water resistanceIP68IPX8
Supported untilFeb 2028Aug 2028

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