Samsung Galaxy S23

The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the new entry-level model in the S23 series, announced in early 2023. The device has a unique design, more powerful performance, and an improved camera. But does that mean it should replace your current phone? Let's find out.

Finally the power it deserves

Somehow, we have mixed feelings about this S23, especially when we look at the device through European glasses. We realize what Samsung has denied us for years. Indeed, in previous years, Samsung applied two versions of the Galaxy S flagship model. One with a Qualcomm processor sold in Asia and the US and one with its own Exynos processor for the rest of the world. And the latter still turned out to be substantially weaker than the Qualcomm variant. That difference is being rectified with the arrival of the S23; now, every model gets the latest and most powerful Qualcomm processor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy. And it shows. The device feels significantly faster than before. We, therefore, get the feeling that this should have been done years ago.

New camera, improved night mode

But enough about the past; it's time for the now. The Galaxy S23 gets an updated look that is particularly noticeable on the back. Gone is the distinctive camera corner. The cameras are now loose on the back. There are still three different cameras: a 50MP primary camera with f/1.8 wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera with extra-wide 120° viewing angle, and a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. Up front, we find a fourth camera for selfies: a 12MP camera with an 80° viewing angle, a bright f/2.2 lens, and autofocus. In particular, the night mode of the primary camera has been improved thanks to the application of a new type of sensor. That catches more light, which results in more explicit photos in the dark.

Main Samsung Galaxy S23 specifications

• Handheld 6.1-inch FHD+ screen with smooth 120Hz display
• 50+12+10MP camera system with 3x optical zoom and 120° viewing angle
• 12MP selfie camera with Dual Pixel technology for sharper selfies in the dark
• Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxyprocessor from Qualcomm
• Available with 128 or 256GB of built-in storage
• Larger 3900 mAh battery with faster 25W fast charging
• Ships with Android 13 and One UI 5.1, promised update to Android 17

Modest update, year late

We already briefly touched on the updated design, but it's not limited to the back. We also get new colors, including Lavender, Cream, Phantom Black and Green. Samsung itself also has some exclusive colors available, including Lime and Graphite. Samsung made the S23 partly from recycled glass and PET bottles; the box it comes in is made of recycled paper. Unfortunately, the battery is also slightly larger, 3900 mAh, and so is the recommended retail price. Ultimately, the S23 is a modest update that should have come years ago.