Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23+: discreet changes, but not so trivial

In addition to its new Galaxy Book and its highly anticipated Galaxy S23 Ultra, Samsung is now formalizing the two slightly more affordable smartphones in its series: the Galaxy S23 and S23+. Like the Ultra model, these devices are in line with the Galaxy S22 released last year.

Overall similar to their predecessors, the Galaxy S23 and S23+ nevertheless adopt a unified design with the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Understand that their photo modules, hitherto included in a separate block of the back shell of smartphones, are now directly integrated into said shell. The effect is minimalist and, associated with becoming colors (black, cream, green and lavender), all in all successful. The IP68 certification remains in place, and the two terminals are entitled to two slots for SIM cards, in addition to e-SIM compatibility.

The dimensions of the smartphones are practically identical to those of their elders: 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm for 167 g for the S23 (146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm for the S22), and 157, 8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm for 195 g for the S23+ (157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm for the S22+), with an unchanged weight. The grip is just as pleasant.

The adoption of Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

Their screen is also identical, 6.1 and 6.6 inches (1080 x 2340 pixels), and still adopts Dynamic Amoled 2X technology, but without the LTPO reserved for the Ultra model. Their refresh rate therefore varies from 48 to 120 Hz. On the other hand, we note an evolution in terms of maximum brightness, which goes, as on the Ultra, to 1750 nits.

In the same vein as the S23 Ultra, the Galaxy S23 and S23+ are equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip optimized by Qualcomm for Samsung. It therefore replaces the usual Exynos, not really popular on the S22 series. It is flanked by 8 GB of RAM, regardless of the version of the devices. As such, we note that the S23 is offered from 128 GB, while the minimum configuration of the S23 + includes 256 GB of storage. Also note that to ensure increased autonomy, Samsung is equipping its S23 with a 3900 mAh battery, succeeding the 3700 mAh capacity of the S22, and the S23+ with a 4700 mAh battery (4500 mAh for the S22+ ). The charging speed remains limited to 25 W for the first and 45 W for the second, still with wireless charging at 10 W.

An unchanged photo block

What about the photo section? The Galaxy S23 Ultra is entitled to a new 200 megapixel sensor, but the S23 and S23+ retain a photo unit comprising a 50 megapixel main sensor with wide-angle optics (f / 1.8), another 12 megapixel with an ultra wide-angle (f / 2.2) and a last of 10 Mpx, reserved for the telephoto lens (equivalent 69 mm, zoom x3, f / 2.4). Their selfie camera goes from 10 to 12 MP.

Slightly different in terms of design, potentially more powerful and benefiting from more advanced photo processing, the Galaxy S23 and S23+ will be released under Android 13 with One UI 5.1. They will be marketed from February 17, after a pre-order period starting on February 1. On the price side, count an increase of a few tens of euros, since the Galaxy S23 is announced at 959 € (128 GB) or 1019 € (256 GB), and that the S23 + is displayed at 1219 € (256 GB) or 1339 € (512 GB).