Galaxy S23 Ultra Owners Face Permanent AOD Wallpaper Lockout

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra owners will never receive the popular Always on Display (AOD) wallpaper feature. This limitation is now confirmed. The hardware on the 2023 flagship cannot support the functionality. This creates a clear divide between the S23 series and newer models.

According to SamMobile, the displays lack the necessary LTPO backplane technology. This hardware component is essential for the full-screen AOD experience. The feature debuted with the Galaxy S24 series and remains exclusive to newer devices.

Hardware Barrier Defines Feature Divide

The Galaxy S23 Ultra’s screen hardware presents an insurmountable obstacle. Its display cannot handle the power demands of a full wallpaper always being visible. This is a permanent limitation that software updates cannot fix.

LTPO technology allows for more granular control over individual pixels. This enables the display to show the wallpaper while consuming minimal power. Without it, the battery drain would be too significant for a practical user experience.

The feature has become a key differentiator for post-2023 Galaxy flagships. Users who upgrade notice the visual enhancement immediately. It transforms the AOD from a simple information panel into a more integrated part of the phone’s aesthetic.

Is An Upgrade Worth Considering?

For most S23 Ultra owners, upgrading solely for this feature is unnecessary. The device remains a powerful and capable smartphone in 2025. It continues to receive major Android and One UI updates from Samsung.

The AOD wallpaper is a nice-to-have visual upgrade. It is not a critical functionality that impacts core phone operations. Many users disable AOD entirely to conserve battery life.

Newer models like the S24 Ultra and S25 Ultra offer other tangible improvements. These include significantly higher peak brightness and advanced anti-reflective glass. These features provide more substantial benefits for outdoor visibility and overall user experience.

The anti-reflective Gorilla Armor glass on newer models reduces glare by up to 75%. This makes screen content easier to read in direct sunlight. It also minimizes fingerprints and improves durability.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra remains an excellent device despite this one missing feature. Its performance and camera capabilities still compete strongly in the current market. Owners should consider their overall needs before deciding on an upgrade primarily for the AOD wallpaper feature.

Info at your fingertips

Why can’t the Galaxy S23 Ultra get AOD wallpaper?

The phone’s display hardware lacks an LTPO backplane. This technology is necessary for power-efficient always-on wallpaper display. Software updates cannot overcome this physical limitation.

Which Samsung phones have AOD wallpaper?

The feature started with the Galaxy S24 series and continues on newer models. This includes the S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, and all subsequent flagship devices. It also appears on some newer mid-range phones.

Does AOD wallpaper drain battery quickly?

Modern LTPO displays minimize the battery impact significantly. The power consumption increase is generally minimal on supported devices. Most users report less than 5% additional drain over a full day.

What are better reasons to upgrade from an S23 Ultra?

Superior outdoor visibility and reduced screen glare are compelling reasons. Newer models offer brighter displays and anti-reflective glass. Camera improvements and longer software support also justify upgrades.

Can custom ROMs or mods enable this feature?

Third-party solutions cannot overcome the hardware limitation. Attempting to force the feature would cause severe battery drain. The display simply isn’t designed to handle this functionality efficiently.

Trusted Sources

SamMobile