Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra 2023

Basic Information

• Model: Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra.
• Version: 2023 model.
• Release Date: Announced February 1, 2023; available for purchase starting February 22, 2023.
• Minimum Requirements: Operates on Windows 11, adhering to its system requirements.
• Supported Operating Systems: Windows 11 Home.
• Latest Stable Version: Refers to the operating system, Windows 11.
• End of Support Date: Tied to the Windows 11 lifecycle.
• End of Life Date: Not specified, tied to the Windows 11 lifecycle.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not specified, tied to the Windows 11 lifecycle.
• License Type: Standard Windows 11 Home license.
• Deployment Model: Consumer-grade laptop, typically sold through retail channels.

Technical Specifications

• Processor: 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700H or Intel Core i9-13900H.
• RAM: 16GB or 32GB LPDDR5. The Core i7 model typically comes with 16GB, while the Core i9 model features 32GB. RAM is not user-upgradeable.
• Storage: 512GB or 1TB PCIe SSD. An additional unoccupied M.2 slot allows for storage expansion.
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU with 6GB GDDR6 VRAM (paired with Core i7) or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU with 8GB GDDR6 VRAM (paired with Core i9).
• Display: 16-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 2880 x 1800 (3K) resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio, and an adaptive refresh rate of 48-120Hz. It offers 400 nits typical brightness and 500 nits peak brightness for HDR content. The display is VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certified and SGS Eye Care Display certified, covering 120% of the DCI-P3 color gamut.
• Ports: Two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, one USB 3.2 Type-A port, one HDMI 2.0 port, one microSD card slot, and one 3.5mm combo audio jack.
• Operating System: Windows 11 Home.
• Dimensions: 355.4 x 250.4 x 16.5 mm (13.99 x 9.86 x 0.65 inches).
• Weight: 1.79 kg (3.95 pounds).
• Battery: 76 Whr.
• Power Adapter: 100W USB-C charger.
• Webcam: 1080p Full HD webcam.
• Audio: Quad-speaker system (two 5W woofers and two 2W tweeters) tuned by AKG with Dolby Atmos support, and dual microphones.
• Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.1.

The Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra offers a premium and powerful hardware configuration, featuring Intel's 13th Gen H-series processors and NVIDIA's RTX 40-series discrete graphics. The AMOLED display is a standout feature, providing high resolution, vibrant colors, and a smooth adaptive refresh rate, making it suitable for creative tasks and media consumption. Connectivity is robust for a thin laptop, including modern Thunderbolt 4 ports and legacy USB-A and HDMI. The design prioritizes portability and aesthetics, though the RAM is not upgradeable, which is a consideration for long-term use. The inclusion of an additional SSD slot is a significant advantage for storage expansion.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: Runs Windows 11 Home.
• OS Support: Fully supports Windows 11.
• End of Support Date: Dependent on the Windows 11 lifecycle.
• Localization: Available in various international markets, including the US, UK, Europe, India, and South Korea, with regional configurations and pricing.
• Available Drivers: Samsung provides necessary drivers and software updates for Windows 11.

The Galaxy Book3 Ultra boasts strong compatibility and integration within the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem. Features like Samsung Multi Control, Second Screen, Link to Windows/Microsoft Phone Link, Quick Share, Expert RAW, and Samsung Pass enhance seamless connectivity and workflow across Samsung smartphones, tablets, and the laptop. This ecosystem integration is a key selling point, offering a cohesive experience for users with multiple Samsung devices. The laptop comes with a standard one-year warranty.

Security Status

• Security Features: Includes a fingerprint reader integrated into the power button for secure login. The 1080p webcam features Studio Mode, offering lighting correction, auto-framing, eye contact correction, and smooth background effects. The device meets Microsoft's Secured-core PC requirements.
• Known Vulnerabilities: No specific widespread known vulnerabilities are highlighted in public reviews.
• Blacklist Status: No known blacklist status.
• Certifications: Bluetooth SIG certified, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certified, and SGS Eye Care Display certified.
• Encryption Support: Supports Windows 11's native encryption capabilities, such as BitLocker.
• Authentication Methods: Primarily uses the integrated fingerprint reader and Windows Hello (though the webcam lacks IR for facial recognition).

The overall security rating for the Galaxy Book3 Ultra is robust for a consumer laptop, featuring essential biometric authentication and adherence to Microsoft's Secured-core PC standards. The integrated fingerprint reader provides a convenient and secure login method. While the webcam lacks IR for Windows Hello facial recognition, its Studio Mode enhances video call quality and privacy. General recommendations include keeping the operating system and drivers updated to mitigate potential security risks.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores:
  • Geekbench 5: Single-core scores around 1,768; Multi-core scores range from 12,212 to 12,310.
  • Cinebench R23 Multi-core: Approximately 14,093 points.
  • 3DMark: Night Raid: 25,584; Fire Strike: 13,479 - 14,307; Time Spy: 6,228.
  • PCMark 10 (Home Test): 6,762 points.
  • Handbrake (4K to 1080p video transcoding): Completes in approximately 6 minutes and 6 seconds.
• Real-world Performance: The laptop handles daily productivity tasks, content creation (photo and video editing), and light gaming effectively. It maintains smooth performance even with multiple applications running and integrated Galaxy devices.
• Power Consumption: Battery life varies depending on usage, ranging from about 9 hours for web browsing and streaming to around 4-6 hours for more demanding productivity or movie playback. It supports fast charging.
• Carbon Footprint: Specific carbon footprint data is not readily available in public specifications.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: The Galaxy Book3 Ultra competes with high-end laptops like the MacBook Pro 16-inch, Dell XPS 15, and Gigabyte Aero 16. While it performs strongly among Windows peers, the MacBook Pro often leads in battery life and some multi-core CPU benchmarks. The NVIDIA RTX 4050/4070 GPUs offer significant performance gains over previous generations but may not match dedicated gaming laptops in raw power. The RTX 4070 is noted to be faster than the M2 Max's GPU in some tests.

The overall performance status of the Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra is excellent for its class, positioning it as a strong contender for professionals and creators. Its combination of a powerful Intel CPU and NVIDIA discrete GPU delivers robust performance for demanding applications and creative workflows. While battery life is decent for a Windows machine with a discrete GPU, it does not reach the endurance of some ARM-based competitors. The thermal management generally keeps the device cool under load.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews consistently praise the Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra for its stunning 16-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which is highlighted for its sharpness, brightness, vibrant colors, and accuracy, making it ideal for creative work and media consumption. The premium aluminum unibody design is frequently noted for its sleek, thin, and lightweight profile, especially for a 16-inch laptop. The large and responsive touchpad, along with a comfortable keyboard that includes a numpad, also receives positive feedback. Users appreciate the comprehensive port selection, including Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, HDMI, and a microSD slot, which is often missing in other thin laptops. The seamless integration with the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem is a significant strength, enhancing productivity for users with multiple Samsung devices. The audio quality from the quad-speaker system and the decent 1080p webcam are also well-regarded.

Common weaknesses cited include its high price point, which can be a barrier for some users. While powerful, some reviewers suggest its performance, particularly the GPU, might not fully match dedicated gaming laptops or some competitors in all scenarios. The webcam, despite its 1080p resolution, can struggle in bright lighting conditions, though Samsung's Studio Mode helps. The HDMI 2.0 port is seen as a minor limitation, supporting 4K displays only at 30Hz. Battery life, while competitive among Windows laptops with discrete GPUs, is not exceptional for heavy workloads. Some users also note the presence of pre-installed Samsung software, which can be considered bloatware by those outside the Samsung ecosystem.

Recommended use cases for the Galaxy Book3 Ultra include professionals, content creators (especially those involved in photo and video editing), and power users who require a blend of performance and portability. It is particularly recommended for individuals already invested in the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem due to its strong multi-device integration.

Summary

The Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra 2023 stands as a premium and highly capable laptop designed for power users, content creators, and professionals seeking a blend of performance, portability, and an exceptional visual experience. Its core strengths lie in its stunning 16-inch 3K Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a smooth 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, making it ideal for detailed visual work and media consumption. The laptop is powered by 13th Gen Intel Core i7 or i9 processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 or 4070 GPUs, providing robust performance for demanding applications, creative tasks, and light gaming. Its sleek, thin, and lightweight aluminum chassis contributes to its premium feel and portability.

Key advantages include a generous port selection, a large and responsive touchpad, a comfortable keyboard with a numpad, and excellent integration within the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem, facilitating seamless multi-device workflows. Security features like a fingerprint reader and Microsoft Secured-core PC compliance add to its appeal.

However, the Galaxy Book3 Ultra comes with a high price tag. While powerful, its performance, particularly the GPU, may not fully satisfy users seeking a dedicated gaming machine. Battery life, while respectable for its class, is not industry-leading, especially under heavy load. The HDMI 2.0 port is a minor limitation for high-refresh-rate 4K external displays.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra is an impressive machine, particularly for those within the Samsung ecosystem or users prioritizing a top-tier display and strong all-around performance in a portable form factor. It is a compelling choice for creative professionals and power users who value design, screen quality, and a cohesive multi-device experience.

Information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.