Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has built-in video calling through multiple apps

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra supports video calls through several methods. You can make video calls using Google Meet (which comes pre-installed on most S23 Ultra phones), WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Zoom, or Samsung's own native calling app if both people have compatible Samsung devices. The phone's hardware—a high-quality front and rear camera, strong processor, and reliable connectivity—handles video calls smoothly on both WiFi and mobile data.

Which app you use depends on who you're calling. If you want to reach someone on a different platform, Google Meet and WhatsApp work across Android and iPhone. If you're calling another Samsung user and want the simplest experience, you can use the built-in Phone app. Most people use WhatsApp or Google Meet because these apps work regardless of what phone the other person owns.

Key Takeaways

  • Google Meet comes pre-installed on the S23 Ultra and works for video calls with anyone who has the app, on any phone type.
  • WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Zoom all support video calls on the S23 Ultra and work across different phone brands.
  • The S23 Ultra's front camera and processor are designed to handle video calls without lag or freezing.
  • You need an active internet connection (WiFi or mobile data) to make any video call, not just a phone signal.

Using Google Meet for video calls

Google Meet is the fastest way to start a video call on your S23 Ultra because it's already installed. Open the Phone app, tap the icon that looks like a video camera at the bottom, and you'll see the option to start a Meet call. You can also open the Google Meet app directly from your home screen or app drawer. Tap "New meeting" to create a call link, then share that link with the person you want to call—they can join from any device with a web browser or the Meet app.

To call someone directly in Google Meet, tap the "+" icon and search for their name or phone number if they're in your contacts. The call will ring on their device if they have Google Meet installed. If they don't have the app, you can still send them a link and they can join through a browser. Video quality is usually clear on WiFi; on mobile data, it depends on your signal strength.

Making video calls through WhatsApp

WhatsApp is installed on most S23 Ultra phones and works reliably for video calls. Open WhatsApp, find the contact you want to call, tap their name to open the chat, then tap the video camera icon at the top right. The call will ring on their phone. If they have WhatsApp installed, they can answer when ready. WhatsApp video calls are encrypted, meaning the call is private between you and the other person.

WhatsApp video calls work on both WiFi and mobile data, though WiFi gives better quality. If the person you're calling doesn't answer within a minute or so, the call will stop ringing and you can try again later. You can also start a group video call with up to 8 people in WhatsApp by tapping the video camera icon from a group chat.

Video calling with other apps

Facebook Messenger, Zoom, and Skype all work on the S23 Ultra. Open the app, find the person you want to call, and look for a video camera or phone icon. Tap it to start the call. These apps work the same way as WhatsApp and Google Meet—the other person needs the app installed to receive your call, though some apps let you send a link if they don't have it yet.

Zoom is useful if you're joining a scheduled meeting rather than calling one person. Skype works well if you're calling someone who uses a computer or older phone. Facebook Messenger is built into the Facebook app and works if both people have Facebook accounts. All of these apps require an internet connection and work best on WiFi.

What you need for video calls to work

Your S23 Ultra needs an active internet connection—either WiFi or mobile data. A phone signal alone is not enough. Make sure WiFi or mobile data is turned on before you try to make a video call. The S23 Ultra has a strong front-facing camera and a fast processor, so the phone itself handles video calls without problems.

The other person also needs an internet connection and the same app installed (or a web browser link if you're using Google Meet). If a video call keeps freezing or dropping, the problem is usually the internet connection, not the phone. Try moving closer to your WiFi router or waiting until you have a stronger mobile signal. Closing other apps that use data can also help.

Checking your camera and microphone before calling

Before you make an important video call, test your camera and microphone. Open the Camera app and switch to the front-facing camera (tap the icon with two arrows) to see what the other person will see. The image should be clear and well-lit. If it's dark or blurry, move to a brighter room or clean the camera lens with a soft cloth.

To test your microphone, open any voice recording app, record a few seconds of yourself speaking, and play it back. You should hear yourself clearly without background noise. If the sound is muffled or very quiet, make sure nothing is blocking the microphone hole at the bottom of the phone. If you're in a noisy room, move to a quieter space before calling.

Troubleshooting video call problems

If a video call won't start, first check that both people have the same app installed and an internet connection. Restart the app and try again. If the call keeps dropping, switch from mobile data to WiFi or move closer to your router. Close other apps that might be using data in the background.

If the video is frozen but audio works, the connection is weak. Ask the other person to do the same—close apps, move to a better WiFi spot, or switch to a stronger network. If the camera won't turn on, restart your phone. If that doesn't work, go to Settings, tap Apps, find the app you're using, tap Permissions, and make sure Camera and Microphone are turned on. You may need to uninstall and reinstall the app if permissions are stuck.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a video call on the S23 Ultra without WiFi?

Yes, you can use mobile data instead of WiFi. Video calls work on 4G and 5G networks, though WiFi usually gives better quality and uses less of your monthly data. If you're on a limited data plan, WiFi is the better choice for longer calls.

Do both people need the same app to video call?

Yes, both people need the same app installed, or one person needs to send a link (Google Meet allows this). WhatsApp to WhatsApp, Zoom to Zoom, and so on. The exception is Google Meet, which lets you send a browser link to someone who doesn't have the app.

Why is my video call so blurry?

Blurry video usually means a weak internet connection. Move closer to your WiFi router or switch from mobile data to WiFi. Poor lighting can also make video look grainy—try calling from a brighter room. Clean your camera lens with a soft cloth in case dust is blocking it.

Can I video call someone on an iPhone from my S23 Ultra?

Yes, as long as you both have the same app. WhatsApp, Google Meet, Zoom, Facebook Messenger, and Skype all work between Android and iPhone. The phone brand doesn't matter—only the app matters.

What should I do if the other person can't hear me?

Check that your microphone is not muted during the call—look for a microphone icon with a line through it and tap it to unmute. Make sure the app has permission to use your microphone in Settings. If that doesn't work, restart the app and try calling again. If the problem continues, restart your phone.