Samsung Galaxy S23

From the front, the Galaxy S23 and S23+ look virtually the same as their predecessors. That does not apply to the back. There, Samsung applies a new look, particularly in the camera. The individual cameras are no longer grouped but are now positioned separately on the back.

Samsung is giving the main camera of the S23 and S23+ an upgrade. The resolution remains 50 megapixels, but the light sensitivity goes up. That should result in better photos in the dark. The other cameras are a 3x telephoto and an ultra-wide angle, just like last year.

Extra fast charging only for S23+

Both the S23 and S23 Plus get a larger battery of 3900 and 4600 mAh, respectively, with the former gaining the most. That does not apply to fast charging. That remains stuck at just 25 watts for the S23. Remarkably low for a flagship. The S23+ can handle more; 45W.

Price and availability

Samsung delivers the Galaxy S23 and the Galaxy S23+ in four colors; black, white/cream, green and purple. There is also a choice with the amount of storage memory. The S23 comes out in 128 and 256GB of storage, with the S23+ being 256 and 512 GB. In all cases, you get 8GB of RAM with it.

Prices start at 949 euros for the S23 with 128GB of storage and 1119 euros for the S23+ with 256GB. This is more expensive than in previous years. You can order the phone right away; shipments start today.

Tele2 has since removed the pages. So we do not know precisely how long they have been online. However, Google indexed them, so we suspect a while. In addition to a general pre-order announcement, the main features of the S23, S23+ and S23 Ultra online.

We deduce the following from the above images. For example, the main features of the Galaxy S23;

• 6.1-inch screen
• AMOLED display
• 4 cameras
• 50 MP main camera
• Battery: 3900 mAh< /li>
• Storage: 128 GB, 256 GB
• Memory: 8 GB
• Chip: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

The main features of the S23 Plus do not differ much;

• 6.6-inch screen
• AMOLED display
• 4 cameras
• 50 MP main camera
• Battery: 4700 mAh
• Storage: 256 GB, 512 GB
• Working memory: 8 GB
• Chip: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

And finally, the most premium device of the series, the S23 Ultra. Its main functions are;

• 6.8-inch screen
• AMOLED display
• 5 cameras
• 200 MP main camera
• Battery: 5000 mAh
• Storage: 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB
• Working memory: 8 GB, 12 GB
• Chip: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

Heart under the belt for Tele2

The Tele2 employee who put the page online too early need not feel guilty. The S23 series is no longer a secret. Quite a bit of the new flagship series has now leaked, something in which we also have a share. Samsung has struggled in recent years to keep the device secret until its launch. We are not allowed to go until February 1, then Samsung will officially announce them. Then we will also hear the official prices.

Samsung Colombia briefly mentioned the date on its website, so this news does not come as a surprise. The event starts at 19:00 Central European Time and can be viewed on Samsung's website. The press is also invited to attend the event. This is the first in-person event from Samsung since the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Galaxy event is given the description "Epic nights are coming." Samsung also writes, "Make your life epic & share it with the world. That's what you'll experience with the latest innovations in our most advanced Samsung Galaxy ever. Be amazed at what this smartphone can do".

Previous Galaxy Unpacked

Samsung also announced the Galaxy S22 in February but a week later than the S23. In contrast, the S21 was announced again in January. But generally, Samsung announces the latest generation of Galaxy S phones in the first quarter.

Expected specifications

Of the S23 and S23+, we know that it will get an updated design at the back that is more in line with other Galaxy phones. Up front, the differences are minimal, with slightly smaller screen bezels. The S23 Ultra remains somewhat more angular than its smaller brothers and is expected to be the first Galaxy device with a 200MP camera.

Preorder starts now

Samsung has started taking preorders right away in some countries. You will receive a discount and a higher trade-in allowance for your current smartphone by reserving one.

The case shown below was discovered by @_SnoopyTech_ on ebay. The cases shown are meant for the S23, as well as the S23+ and S23 Ultra in the colors Camel Brown, Black, and a barely distinguishable Green.

Cases for the S23 Ultra also popped up. These are also made of leather and available in the same brown Camel color and a black version. The green version was not spotted, but whether that also means it does not exist, we do not know.

The above cases clearly show the outline of the S23 series' new camera layout. Samsung no longer groups the cameras in the corner but places each separately.

Larger cameras

Comparing the layout of the S23 Ultra with that of the S22 Ultra, one notices that the cameras are slightly larger. Whether that also means Samsung is applying larger sensors and lenses is still unclear. Those rumors are out there, but they won't be official until Samsung announces the devices.

The accompanying text from @_snoopytech_ is a bit sparse, but we presumably see the back of the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy S23. As far as we know, these are the first official renders of Samsung's new flagship series.

While images of both the S23 Ultra and S23 have surfaced before, these were still recreated renders based on blueprints. The above color options were also previously mentioned, but it was unclear exactly what shade and name they had at that time. All those questions are answered with these images.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra renders

The source seems to have obtained the images from a retailer. This may be why the color names mentioned are definitive. They are Cotton Flower, Misty Lilac, Botanic Green, and Phantom Black. The last one Samsung used more often, the others did not.

Cotton Flower is the new name for Cream, but it looks grayer now. Misty Lilac is reminiscent of Misty Lavender, a name Samsung used before, but the latter is harsher in color. This year Samsung is opting for some softer colors.

The end of Contour Cut

The renders further make it clear that Samsung is moving away from the Contour Cut layout for the camera. Instead, the cameras lay separate on the back. A style Samsung is now adopting almost across its entire lineup. This should make Galaxy phones look more alike. Distinctions are mainly by opting for different materials. We expect those of the S23 series to be very premium.

It is generally believed that Samsung will announce the S23 series sometime in February 2023. The series will consist of the entry-level S23, the larger S23+ and the high-end S23 Ultra. Prices will be in line with the S22 series from a year ago.

Those looking to buy a Galaxy S22 have to choose. Do you want 128 or do you want 256GB of storage? With the Galaxy S23, you may not get that choice. Then you always get 256GB of storage. In most cases, that's enough for everyone.

But keep in mind that since the Galaxy S21, it is no longer possible to expand storage by placing a memory card. So if you do need more storage, then you will have to get the S23 Ultra. This is available in 512GB and even a more extensive 1TB version.

Galaxy S memory options over the years

The standard storage memory of Samsung's Galaxy S series has not changed often over the years. It started with 16GB with the first Galaxy S and was only increased to 32GB beginning from the Galaxy S6 onwards. The Galaxy S8 doubled that to 64GB, followed by another doubling two years later for the Galaxy S10.

Ultra offers even more

Ahmed further expects Samsung to deliver both the S23 and the S23+ with 8GB of RAM memory. Again, if you demand more, you should head over to the S23 Ultra. There, RAM starts at a very comfortable 12GB. Whether this turns out true becomes clear sometime around February. Samsung is expected to announce the S23 series then officially.

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The answer to the question of what colors the S23 and S23+ will soon be released in is given by known leaker Ahmed Qwaider. Via a tweet, he is bringing us the news. And to start with the bad news, he's not expecting a pink, gold, burgundy, or white version.

Four colors for the S23/S23+

He predicts that we will soon be able to get the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 Plus in these three color options:

• Phantom Black
• Green
• Lavender
• Cream

Of the above list, Phantom Black sounds the most familiar. The S22 is also available in this black color, as well as the Green color option. Lavender will be the namesake of the purple variant, a color that Samsung is also currently using frequently. The cream color will presumably replace the white version and be slightly softer on the eyes than the brighter white variant. All in all, then, little change for 2023.

Exclusive colors

Whether this will all turn out remains to be seen, Samsung usually sells some color options exclusively through its channels. For example, gray, blue, and yellow versions of the S22 can only be found at samsung.com.

At least that's what @UniverseIce claims in a tweet. This new option sits between having maximum performance and saving maximum energy.

Users of the S23 will soon be able to opt for the Light profile in which the battery's performance is slightly turned down but not nearly as extreme as the Power Saving Mode. The device won't be noticeably slower but will last visibly longer. At least, that's the idea behind it. Games, however, will not suffer from reduced performance if you have the Game Booster settings enabled.

Also a larger battery

The option is not new. The Light Performance Mode can already be found on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4. With this, Samsung hopes to further improve the battery life of the upcoming Galaxy S23. What will also help with this is the larger battery of 3900 mAh if earlier reports are correct.

With the upcoming S23, Samsung is saying goodbye to the Contour Cut Camera. This is the elevated corner on which the cameras of the S21 and S22 are placed. A recently released render showed the Galaxy S23 with the three cameras placed separately on the back.

A case that has now appeared confirms the disappearance of the Contour Cut style, but it is still unclear whether the cameras are placed separately or are grouped on a pill-shape just like the Fold4. If earlier rumors are accurate, we expect a 50+12+10MP camera setup.

Bora Purple

The source does not mention whether we are looking at an official case from Samsung. If true, at least a purple version of the Galaxy S23 seems to be in the cards. The S22 was also available in purple. This Bora Purple version was announced six months after the introduction of the S22.

Should existing S22 owners like this new case know that it will not fit because of the new camera layout. That gives accessory makers a chance to market new products.

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The render below came from @onleaks who is publishing his material via Digit. As for the images of the S23 and S23+, they look very similar to the existing S22 and S22+. This goes especially regarding the front side.

Things get different when we look at the back. Gone is the elevation in the corner where the cameras sit. Samsung introduced this Contour Cut Camera style with the S21 and it returned with the S22. It gave the smartphone series their distinctive look but also added weight.

Perhaps this was why Samsung did not apply the Contour Cut Camera to the Ultra. By now placing the individual sensors separately on the back, the S23, S23+ and S23 Ultra look more uniform.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus render

Pictures of the S23+ sold @onleaks to Smartprix. These are not much different from those of the Galaxy S23. The source expects this is still a 6.6-inch device with three cameras on the back.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra render

Renders of the Smartprix also appeared via Galaxy S23 Ultra. Here, the differences are even more marginal. For example, the screen bezels are slightly smaller, and the cameras are slightly larger. The source notes that the device has slightly less rounded corners than its predecessor.

The S23 series is not one with significant changes. Most specifications will be the same, except for a new Qualcomm processor. Therefore, we are curious to see what arguments Samsung gives to sell its latest smartphones. We will probably hear that around February 2023, but rumors are also swirling that the series will be announced earlier than expected.

On Twitter, @IceUniverse has long been complaining about the upcoming Galaxy S23, S23+ and S23 Ultra. As an insider, he often sees phones before they hit the market. Yet he thinks he has seen the S23 family before. Indeed, it differs little from the current S22 series.

Especially with the S23 and S23 Plus, @IceUniverse thinks Samsung is cutting corners. There, only a processor swap seems to be in the offing. The S23 Ultra comes off better though it remains marginal. In addition to a new chipset, a slightly different screen and main camera are also expected.

Focus on foldables?

The reason why Samsung seems to opt for a minor update is unknown. We saw this strategy many times in previous years with Samsung's biggest competitor: Apple. The latter does not always put much effort into designing new models. For example, the iPhone SE 2022 did not differ from its predecessor except for the processor.

It's unknown what Samsungs reasons are. The fact is that since Huawei has disappeared as a competitor, there is also little reason for Samsung to innovate vigorously. Xiaomi's growth appears to be stalling and BBK brands Oppo and Vivo are not yet big enough outside of China for Samsung to see as a threat.

Of course, it could also be that Samsung sees more in its foldable line and is betting on that. That's where Samsung has an edge that seems difficult for competitors to catch up with.

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Because according to reports by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, all versions of the upcoming Galaxy S23 are equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. Particalar customers in Europe received the version with Exynos chip, that's proven to be less powerful than its Snapdragon counterpart in benchmarks.

However, it is unclear if that is the real reason for the strategy change. Perhaps there is more than meets the eye. For example, it is known that Samsung produces the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1-chip for Qualcomm. But as it turned out, that chip is prone to overheat, which is why Qualcomm switched from Samsung to TSMC. The chip was renamed Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and turned out to perform better, despite both being based on 4nm.

Outsource to Qualcomm

Samsung is less likely to outsource its Exynos chip production, so it appears to be opting for Qualcomm for the upcoming Galaxy phones. This may upset some Exynos chip developers, but the performance gain of future Snapdragon series is too significant.

Whether this means the end of the Exynos processors remains to be seen. Until recently, Samsung was still working on an Exynos 2300, but it is unclear what the current status of that project is.