Why The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Is The Best Student Smartphone For 2024

From note taking to recording high quality video, keeping in touch with friends and family to watching your favourite shows, there’s no getting away from the fact that a quality smartphone is an absolute must for student life in 2023. 

With the availability and selection of smartphones expanding more and more every year, it can sometimes feel overwhelming trying to pick out the right phone for your needs, but this is where we’re going to make it easy for you! 

Released this February, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra represents everything you want and more in your new smartphone. 

From a fantastic camera to incredible battery life and great customisation options, we’ve picked out some key points below for you to consider when making a decision on your new phone, and highlighted why we think the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra ticks all those boxes.

We even sent one out to our content creator Sophie to try it out herself for a weekend of activities and provide her feedback on its key features for use in your everyday life. 

You can check out Sophie's videos below and also find out what she had to say about the new Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra...

How much does the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra cost? 

Prices start at £1,249.00 for 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. You can upgrade to 512GB of storage and 12GB of RAM for £1,399.00 and 1TB storage, 12GB RAM for £1,599.00 direct from Samsung online. 

However, Samsung is currently offering up to £450 off the new Galaxy S23 Ultra when you trade in your old mobile - which can obviously bring the price down a LOT. 

It doesn’t have to be a Samsung either, according to the website they’ll also accept most brands of smartphone including Apple, Huawei, Google and Motorola. 

Can you get student discount on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?

TOTUM says: TOTUM members can currently get 10% off the Samsung Galaxy S23 series AND receive a free pair of Galaxy Buds2 worth £139! 

You can find the discount here.

Sophie says: “If you’re loving this phone and you’re a student, you can join TOTUM to get some amazing discounts on the Samsung Galaxy S23 range.”

How good is the camera on the Galaxy S23 Ultra?

Samsung says: The Galaxy S23 Ultra’s Pro-grade Camera is ideal for grabbing vibrant photos and video, dusk to dawn. The Live Adaptive Pixel Sensor adapts to low light while the camera lens tones down flare for clearer captures.

The resolution on the Wide-angle Camera has almost doubled from the Galaxy S22 Ultra, delivering strikingly clear photos. Zoom and crop your shots for a whole new view - or leave it intact for brilliant detail, corner to corner.

Sophie says: “I adore the Samsung cameras! There’s so many different options - I’m in love! I filmed one of my regular outfit videos using the camera and the quality is fantastic!

"The zoom on the camera means I can see Otis (my sausage dog) even from far away and as it was getting dark we wanted to try out the Nightography and there was so much detail and it looked so bright even when it was dark out.”

How sustainable is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?

To achieve the 'most sustainable phones yet' status for the Galaxy S23 series, Samsung has incorporated recycled materials in more device components than in any previous Galaxy phone. 

The Galaxy S23 Ultra is the first flagship device to use pre-consumer recycled aluminium in the side key, volume controls, and Sim tray.

Samsung says: Ultra's striking symmetrical design returns with one major difference: recycled materials.

How long does the battery last on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?

Samsung says: Boasting an intelligent 5000mAh (typical) the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s battery saves power for when you use it most, so you can keep gaming and streaming late into the night.

Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy optimises and streamlines your device for silky smooth games and more efficient battery usage and 120Hz technology intelligently optimises the refresh rate to smooth out action and save on battery.

Sophie says: “With the long-lasting battery on this phone, I could use maps to get to our destination without worrying about draining the battery - and on the way home from our day out I was even still able to stream some YouTube!”

What other features does the Galaxy S23 Ultra come with?

Samsung says: Note’s signature tool comes built in. The built-in S Pen keeps the legacy of Note alive. Plus, it helps you ditch the dependency on notebooks, making sketches and jotting notes effortless.

Sophie says: "The S pen was so useful. At mini golf we kept note of our scores using it - and just to let you know, I did win!”

Can I customise the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?

Samsung says: Your Galaxy, the way you like it. One UI maximises customisation, allowing you to control the details, from lock screens and themes to widgets and notifications.

Sophie says: “I loved seeing all the different features on this phone - you can fully customise your lock screen to make it fit you and your style.”

So there you have it - if you’re on the lookout for a new phone that’ll be perfect for both your academic and personal needs, look no further than the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra - and of course don’t forget to take advantage of your TOTUM discount to save yourself some money in the process!

NOTE: This article is part of a paid promotion for Samsung UK and contains affiliate links, which will earn the site a commission if the product is purchased. 

Join TOTUM Digital for FREE to access hundreds of student discounts on big-name brands like ASOS, Apple, Myprotein, boohoo, Samsung, and more!

Sign up for FREE, download our amazing app, and enjoy the latest offers, vouchers, coupons and more at your fingertips. Find out more here or download the app for Apple or Android to get started today.