The Galaxy S23s are finally here. On the occasion of its first Unpacked conference of 2023, Samsung has just renewed its series of high-end smartphones with three new models.
That’s it, after months of rumors and leaks of all kinds, Samsung has finally officially launched its new high-end smartphones of 2023, the Galaxy S23. This year, the devices are not not really a revolution compared to previous generations, but still provide some targeted improvements that correct certain defects of this series.
We will focus here on the Galaxy S23 and S23+, but you can also consult our article dedicated to the Galaxy S23 Ultra to learn more about it.
The Galaxy S23 and S23+ are entitled to more power
The biggest new feature of the Galaxy S23 and S23+ this year is the adoption ofa latest generation Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip. Samsung preferred to partner with Qualcomm rather than opting for its own Exynos SoCs, which had been strongly criticized in the past years. On the program, always more power, especially at the level of the GPU.
Moreover, the Galaxy S23 have the particularity of being equipped with a modified “for Galaxy” version of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, with higher frequencies compared to the chips of other Android smartphones. The main improvement will probably be in energy efficiency, with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 being much more efficient than the Exynos chips. We therefore expect a slightly better autonomy.
The processor is supported by LPDDR5X RAM as well as new generation UFS 4.0 storage memory, except on the S23 with 128 GB of storage, which must be satisfied with the older, slower UFS 3.1 standard. In terms of connectivity, smartphones are obviously compatible with 5G, and Wi-Fi 6E. No Wi-Fi 7 for these modelsbut we have the right to Bluetooth 5.3.
The battery increases, and the autonomy too?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 shouldn’t be solely responsible for the increased battery life. This year, Samsung has increased the battery capacity of the Galaxy S23 and S23+. The smallest model can this time rely on 3900 mAh, up from 3700 mAh previouslywhile the Plus version takes advantage of 4700 mAh, up 200 mAh as well. Batteries are wired fast charging compatible 25W for the S23 and 45W for the S23+but wireless fast charging has been scaled down to only 10W.
Samsung has chosen to keep 120Hz FHD+ AMOLED screens (2340 x 1080 pixels)of 6.1 inches on the Galaxy S23 and of 6.6 inches on the Galaxy S23+. Still no LTPO technology, this being reserved for the Galaxy S23 Ultra. However, the screens will be brighter than the previous generation, with up to 1750 nits of brightness. We also get Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which promises increased drop resistance, including drops on very rough surfaces like concrete, from up to 1 m (hip height) or up to 2 m ( head height) if the smartphone falls on the asphalt.
At the photo level, not many changes either. We always find the same cameras, a 50 MP main sensor, a 12 MP ultra wide-angle sensor as well as a 10 MP telephoto lens offering 3X optical zoom. The selfie part is provided by a 12 MP camera placed in a punch in the center of the screen.
Finally, note that the smartphones will be delivered with the new One UI 5.1 overlay, based on Android 13. The Samsung Galaxy S23 will measure 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm for 167 grams, while the Galaxy S23+ will measure 157. 8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm for 195 grams. The weight remains the samebut the dimensions differ very slightly.
Prices and availability
If Samsung has not increased its prices in the United States, smartphones are seeing their prices increase in France, and the increase is rather significant. The cheapest Galaxy S23 is now 100 euros more expensive than the Galaxy S22 of the previous year. The starting price set at 959 euros for the configuration with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. The Galaxy S23 + starts with 256 GB of storage, but its price also increases to 1219 euros. Six colors are available: Green, Cream, Phantom, Lavender, Light Blue and Light Green. However, the latter two are only offered on the official Samsung website.
In terms of availability, smartphones will hit the market on February 17. For these two weeks of pre-orders, we remind you that Samsung will offer you a free upgrade to the higher variant with more storage. In other words, you will only need to buy the Galaxy S23 with 128 GB of storage for €959 to receive the Galaxy S23 with 256 GB (worth €1019).
Students (Unidays), MACIF members and Ulys (Obiz) subscribers will also benefit from a 15% reduction, one year of Samsung Care+, a charger and a cover offered.
Here is a summary of all the prices:
- Galaxy S23 (8GB RAM/128GB Storage): 959 €
- Galaxy S23 (8GB RAM/256GB Storage): 1019 €
- Galaxy S23+ (8GB RAM/256GB Storage): 1219 €
- Galaxy S23+ (8GB RAM/512GB Storage): 1339 €