The Galaxy S23 Ultra is two generations old, which on Vodacom usually makes it the cheapest way onto the Ultra line. Same built-in S Pen as newer Ultras, and the generation that introduced Samsung’s 200-megapixel main camera.
It also keeps 10x optical zoom, which the S24 and S25 Ultra both gave up in favour of 5x. For distance photography the older model reaches further — an unusual case of an older flagship winning on a headline spec.
The trade is the curved display and a shorter remaining update window.
Compare options
| What to compare | Why it matters on Vodacom |
|---|---|
| Which plan tier | The advertised price assumes one — confirm which |
| Monthly instalment | Handset and plan priced together |
| Data allocation | Check the anytime portion, not the headline figure |
| Storage size | Not expandable on Galaxy S flagships |
| S Pen | Ultra models only — the standard S-series does not support it |
| New vs upgrade | Upgrade pricing can differ from new-contract pricing |
| Trade-in value | Substantial on recent Samsung flagships |
| Contract-end position | What the plan costs once the handset is paid off |
Pricing, bundles and stock change regularly. Confirm the current deal and the total contract cost with Vodacom before applying.
Compare by network, brand or budget
Against other networks. See Samsung S23 Ultra MTN contract deals and Samsung S23 Ultra Telkom contract deals.
Against newer Ultras on Vodacom. See Samsung S24 Ultra Vodacom contract deals and Samsung S25 Ultra Vodacom contract deals.
Against a standard S-series. Much cheaper without the S Pen. See Samsung S23 Vodacom contract deals.
Best-fit use cases
Use-case considerations
You use the S Pen. Built into the handset, and the reason to choose an Ultra.
You photograph at distance. The 10x optical reach exceeds both newer Ultras.
You want the cheapest Ultra on Vodacom. Two generations back usually means the lowest instalment.
You are due an upgrade. Older flagships can carry better upgrade pricing than current models.
You dislike curved displays. This is the last curved Ultra; the S24 Ultra moved to flat.
You will not use the S Pen. A standard S-series handset saves considerably.
Related parent and child options
Related child pages
- Vodacom deals — Vodacom’s full contract range.
- Samsung S23 Ultra contract deals — the model across all networks.
- Samsung S24 Ultra Vodacom contract deals — the next generation on the same network.
- Samsung S23 Vodacom contract deals — the compact standard model.
- Samsung contract deals — the full range.
What to check before applying
- Total contract cost — monthly instalment × 24, plus any upfront amount.
- Which plan tier the advertised price assumes.
- Storage capacity on the specific listing.
- Data allocation, and what happens when it runs out — out-of-bundle rates or a hard stop.
- Handset condition — new or certified pre-owned — and the warranty.
- Early cancellation terms, including the outstanding handset balance.
- What the plan reverts to at the end of the term.
- Insurance, since the outstanding balance stays payable if the handset is lost or stolen.
- Vodacom coverage at your home and work addresses.
Vodacom contract applications are subject to Vodacom’s own checks — identification, proof of address, banking details, RICA registration, and generally a credit and affordability assessment. Requirements can change. Approval is not guaranteed.
FAQs
Does the S23 Ultra have better zoom than newer Ultras?
It has longer optical reach — 10x against the 5x on the S24 and S25 Ultra. Newer models process images better overall, but for distant subjects the older reach can be the advantage.
Is the curved display a problem with the S Pen?
Some users find curved edges cause stray inputs when writing near the sides. Samsung moved to a flat display on the S24 Ultra partly for that reason.
Is the S Pen replaceable if lost?
Yes. Replacement styluses are sold separately and are inexpensive relative to the handset.
Can I expand the storage?
No. Galaxy S flagships do not support microSD cards.
What plan tier does the advertised price assume?
Ask explicitly — it changes both the data and the monthly figure.
What happens at the end of the contract?
The handset is paid off and becomes yours, but the plan commonly continues month-to-month at the same price unless you act. Diarise the end date and either move to SIM-only or upgrade — continuing means paying a handset-inclusive rate for service alone.
Can I keep my number if I switch to Vodacom?
Number portability applies between South African providers, so you can bring your existing number. Confirm the porting process and timing before switching, and do not cancel your old plan until the port has completed.
Is it still worth taking a two-generation-old flagship on a 24-month contract?
That is the question to weigh. You will reach the end of the contract with a handset roughly four years past launch. If the lower instalment matters more than resale value at the end, it works.
Will it get the current Samsung software?
Samsung committed to several years of updates for this generation, but part of that window has already elapsed. Check the remaining term on Samsung’s support pages before committing.
Compare your options: browse the full Vodacom range, or see contract deals South Africa.
Last updated: August 2026 — pricing, stock and availability can change.