Does the S23 Ultra's display handle low-light conditions better than its predecessor

Display Performance in Low Light

Minimum Brightness
One of the significant advancements in the S23 Ultra is its ability to reach a record-low minimum brightness of just 0.8 nits, which is substantially lower than the typical minimum of around 2 nits found in most OLED phones, including the S22 Ultra. This lower luminance allows for a more comfortable viewing experience in dark environments without the need for additional filters, enhancing usability during nighttime reading or browsing[1].

Brightness Levels
While the overall brightness performance remains similar to the S22 Ultra, with maximum brightness levels reaching up to 1,150 nits outdoors and 750 nits manually, the S23 Ultra offers an "Extra Brightness" mode that can boost brightness even further. This mode allows users to achieve up to 1,050 nits, which can enhance visibility in various lighting conditions, although it does not significantly outperform the S22 Ultra in terms of readability under moderate indoor lighting[3][6].

Low-Light Photography

Camera Enhancements
In terms of camera performance, the S23 Ultra features improved low-light capabilities. It employs an Auto Night Shot feature that enhances detail and color accuracy in dim lighting. Users have noted that while both devices perform well, the S23 Ultra captures images with better detail and less noise compared to the S22 Ultra. It has also been reported to maintain color fidelity even in challenging lighting conditions, providing a more realistic representation of scenes[5][8].

Dynamic Range and Detail
The S23 Ultra shows a slight improvement in dynamic range and detail retention during low-light photography. It outperforms the S22 Ultra by producing better exposure and maintaining detail in both highlights and shadows. This is particularly evident when comparing photos taken in similar low-light scenarios[2][6].

Conclusion

Overall, while both devices offer excellent performance in low-light conditions, the Galaxy S23 Ultra provides enhancements that make it more adept at handling such environments compared to its predecessor. The combination of lower minimum brightness, improved camera features, and better detail retention contributes to a superior user experience in low-light situations.