Full Review of Samsung Galaxy s23:
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the latest compact flagship smartphone offering from the tech giant. Released in February 2023, the Galaxy S23 packs impressive upgrades over its predecessor while retaining a pocket-friendly size. In this detailed review, we will take a look at the design, display, performance, camera, battery life and other key features of the Samsung Galaxy S23.
Introduction to the Samsung Galaxy S23 and its features
As the successor to the popular Samsung Galaxy S22 from 2022, the Samsung Galaxy S23 features an upgraded Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, which replaces the Exynos processors used in previous Galaxy S series models. This is paired with 8GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage. The Galaxy S23 sports a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and 50MP primary rear camera supported by two 12MP and 10MP lenses. Other highlights include an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, 25W wired charging, and support for wireless charging.
Pros of the Galaxy S23:
- Compact and pocketable design
- Vibrant 6.1” Dynamic AMOLED display
- Flagship-level Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor
- Excellent camera image quality in daylight
- Long battery life, 25W fast charging
- Supports 5G and WiFi 6E connectivity
- Customizable One UI 5.1 software
Cons of the Galaxy S23:
- No microSD card slot
- Only 25W charging is less powerful than rivals
- Last year’s design feels slightly dated now
- It is quite expensive for 128GB base storage
Design and Build Quality
The Samsung Galaxy S23 retains the same compact form factor as the S22, with a height of 146mm and width of 70.6mm. Weight just 168 grams, the phone feels lightweight yet solidly constructed. Rear panel has a matte glass finish, which provides a premium in-hand feel while resisting fingerprints. The metal frame is flat with rounded corners, and the front is covered by smooth Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
Available in four sophisticated color options – Phantom Black, Cream, Green, and Lavender – the Galaxy S23 is a stylish device. It carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance up to 1.5 meters deep for 30 minutes. Overall, the S23 is a thoughtfully designed phone which is comfortable to hold and use even with one hand.
Display and Screen
The Samsung Galaxy S23 sports a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution. This produces sharp visuals with vibrant colors and inky blacks. With a max brightness of 1,750 nits, outdoor visibility is excellent. The display supports HDR10+ for richer contrast when viewing HDR content.
A key feature of the S23’s screen is the adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which can scale down to 48Hz to preserve battery life when viewing static content. Scrolling and animations appear smooth thanks to the high refresh rate. The Centered hole-punch cutout houses a 12MP selfie camera. With slim bezels all around, the S23 provides an immersive viewing experience despite the compact size.
Performance and Processing Power
A significant upgrade on the Samsung Galaxy S23 is the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, compared to the Exynos processors used on past Galaxy S models. Combined with 8GB of RAM, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 delivers fast performance whether gaming, multitasking, or using demanding apps.
Gaming is a breeze on the S23 thanks to the powerful processor and Adreno 740 GPU. Graphics appear smooth, while frame rate stability is excellent even at maxed-out settings. The phone does not overheat despite prolonged gaming sessions.
With super-fast 5G connectivity and Wi-Fi 6E support, web browsing and streaming are seamless on the Galaxy S23. Multitasking is handled with ease by the capable chipset and ample RAM. Overall, performance is flagship-grade and a noticeable upgrade over the S22.
Camera Capabilities
For photography, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is equipped with a triple camera array:
- 50MP wide camera with OIS
- 12MP ultrawide camera
- 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom
The 50MP primary has a 23 percent larger sensor compared to the S22 for better low light photos. Image quality in daylight is excellent, with crisp details, accurate colors, and minimal noise. The larger sensor captures more light for improved low light shots. Portrait mode provides a pleasing background blur.
The 12MP ultrawide lens helps fit more into each frame, while the 10MP telephoto lens delivers clear 3x zoom shots. A 30x ‘Space Zoom’ is also offered through a combination of optical and digital zoom. Video can be recorded in up to 8K resolution at 30fps. OIS results in steady videos while moving about.
Battery Life and Charging
While the 3,900mAh battery capacity is slightly larger than the S22’s, but the new Snapdragon chip brings significant battery life improvements. With around 6 hours of screen time, the Galaxy S23 reliably lasts a whole day, even with heavy use. Typical users can expect 1.5-2 days of runtime on a full charge.
Fast charging is supported with the included 25W USB-C adapter, while 15W wireless charging is also offered. The battery charges from 0 to 50% in just 30 minutes when using the wired charger. Despite the compact size, the Galaxy S23 delivers excellent battery life.
Software and UI
The Samsung Galaxy S23 runs the latest One UI 5.1 skin over Android 13. One UI 5 brings added personalization options, improved privacy controls, expanded Bixby Routines for
automation, better accessibility features, and deeper Samsung ecosystem integration. Smooth performance and thoughtful customizations make using the S23 a pleasant experience.
Useful additions include handy side panels for quick access to apps, the Edge panel for alerts and shortcuts, an easy one-handed mode, and the Samsung keyboard with AI-powered accurate text predictions. For security, an in-display fingerprint reader and face unlock are provided.
Connectivity and Networking
With support for both Sub-6 and mmWave 5G connectivity, the Samsung Galaxy S23 delivers super-fast speeds on 5G networks where available. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 are included as well. Bluetooth reliably handles quick pairing and streaming audio to wireless earbuds or headphones.
Location services benefit from dual-band GPS. NFC allows tap-and-pay mobile payments through Samsung Pay. Wired connectivity is handled by the USB-C 3.2 port, which also supports video output to external displays. Overall, the Galaxy S23 is well-equipped for connectivity and networking needs.
Storage and Expandability
The Samsung Galaxy S23 offers 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB internal UFS 3.1 storage options. As there is no microSD card slot for expansion, picking an adequate storage size from the outset is recommended. The ample built-in storage should suffice for most regular users.
Pricing and Availability
The Samsung Galaxy S23 costs $799 in the USA for the 128GB model. The 256GB and 512GB variants are priced at $849 and $999 respectively.
In the UK, pricing is set at £769, £819, and £969 based on storage configuration. The Samsung Galaxy S23 is available to order through Samsung’s website and at most major carriers and retailers globally.
Conclusion
With powerful performance, versatile cameras, reliable battery life, and an appealing compact form factor, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is among the best Android flagships you can buy right now. The switch to the latest Snapdragon processor brings transformative speed and efficiency improvements. While the low light camera performance could be improved, the S23 is otherwise an excellent device for photography.
For those who prefer using smaller phones, the S23 delivers flagship capabilities and user experience in a manageable size. The premium build quality and water resistance bolster the phone’s durability and peace of mind as well.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is a highly recommended compact flagship smartphone that balances most buyers’ productivity and entertainment needs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How good is the Samsung Galaxy S23’s camera?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 has an excellent triple camera setup that takes fantastic photos and videos in daylight conditions. The 50MP main camera captures highly detailed shots with accurate colors. Low light photo quality is improved over the S22 but still trails top camera phones.
What colors does the Samsung Galaxy S23 come in?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 has four color options: Phantom Black, Cream, Green, and Lavender. All finishes have a glossy glass back.
Does the Samsung Galaxy S23 support wireless charging?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is compatible with Qi-certified 15W wireless charging pads. It also supports wireless power sharing to charge other devices wirelessly by placing them on the S23’s back.
Does the Galaxy S23 have good battery life?
More efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, the Samsung Galaxy S23 delivers significantly better battery life compared to its predecessor. It can easily last a full day of heavy use with over 6 hours of screen time. Fast charging helps recharge quickly as well.
Is the Galaxy S23 waterproof?
The Galaxy S23 carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. This means it can withstand being submerged in 1.5 meters of water for up to 30 minutes without damage. The phone can be used safely in the rain.
