
Samsung Galaxy S23 Review
Display
The Samsung Galaxy S23 has a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels. It has a pixel density of 422ppi, which is considered to be very high. The display is also protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+, which is one of the strongest glasses available.
The display is very bright, with a peak brightness of 1,750 nits. This means that it can be easily seen in direct sunlight. The display also has a wide color gamut, covering 100% of the DCI-P3 color space. This means that colors are displayed accurately and vibrantly.
The display also has a 120Hz refresh rate, which means that it can refresh 120 times per second. This makes the display very smooth and fluid, especially when scrolling through webpages or playing games.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S23 has a very good display. It is bright, colorful, and smooth. It is one of the best displays on the market.
Here are some of the pros and cons of the Samsung Galaxy S23 display:
Pros:
- Very bright
- Wide color gamut
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+
Cons:
- No HDR10+ support
- No notch or hole-punch display
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S23 has a very good display. It is bright, colorful, and smooth. It is one of the best displays on the market. However, it does not support HDR10+ and it does not have a notch or hole-punch display. These are minor omissions, but they may be important to some users.
Operating System
The Samsung Galaxy S23 runs on Android 13 with Samsung’s One UI 5.1 skin. One UI is a highly customizable Android skin that offers a lot of features and customization options. It is also one of the most stable and polished Android skins available.
Some of the features of One UI 5.1 include:
- A new widget system that makes it easier to add widgets to your home screen
- A new video lock screen option that lets you watch videos on your lock screen
- A new privacy dashboard that gives you more control over your privacy settings
- A new Game Booster mode that optimizes your phone for gaming
- A new DeX mode that lets you use your phone as a desktop computer
Overall, the OS on the Samsung Galaxy S23 is very good. It is fast, stable, and offers a lot of features and customization options. If you are looking for a phone with a great OS, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is a good option.
Here are some pros and cons of the OS on the Samsung Galaxy S23:
Pros:
- Fast and stable
- Lots of features and customization options
- Highly customizable
- One of the most polished Android skins available
Cons:
- Can be a bit overwhelming for first-time users
- Some features may not be available in all regions
- Not as many customization options as some other Android skins
Overall, the OS on the Samsung Galaxy S23 is a good choice for users who want a fast, stable, and feature-rich experience. However, it may not be the best choice for users who are looking for the most customization options.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, which is one of the most powerful mobile processors available. It is coupled with 8GB of RAM, which ensures that the phone can handle even the most demanding tasks with ease.
In benchmarks, the Samsung Galaxy S23 consistently outperforms its competitors. In Geekbench 5, it scored 1,944 points in the single-core test and 5,008 points in the multi-core test. These scores are comparable to the iPhone 14 Pro and the Google Pixel 7 Pro.
In real-world use, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is incredibly fast and responsive. It can handle multiple apps running at once without any lag or slowdown. It is also great for gaming, as it can handle even the most demanding titles without any problems.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 also has a long-lasting battery. It is rated to last up to 24 hours of video playback on a single charge. This is thanks to the combination of the efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and the large 4,000mAh battery.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is a very powerful phone with a great performance. It is perfect for users who want a phone that can handle anything they throw at it.
Here are some pros and cons of the Samsung Galaxy S23’s performance:
Pros:
- Very fast and responsive
- Can handle multiple apps running at once
- Great for gaming
- Long-lasting battery
Cons:
- No expandable storage
- No headphone jack
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is a great phone with a powerful performance. It is perfect for users who want a phone that can handle anything they throw at it.
Camera
The Samsung Galaxy S23 has a triple-lens rear camera system consisting of a 50MP wide-angle lens, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens. The front-facing camera is a 10MP sensor.
The main camera takes great photos in most lighting conditions. The images are sharp and detailed, with accurate colors. The dynamic range is also good, with the camera able to capture both the highlights and shadows in a scene.
The ultra-wide-angle lens is also good, capturing a wider field of view. The images are not as sharp as the main camera, but they are still good enough for most users.
The telephoto lens is a bit of a mixed bag. It can take good photos at 3x zoom, but the quality deteriorates at higher zoom levels.
The front-facing camera is also good, taking sharp and detailed selfies.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S23 has a good camera system. It takes great photos in most lighting conditions, and the front-facing camera is also good. However, the telephoto lens is a bit disappointing.
Here are some of the pros and cons of the Samsung Galaxy S23 camera:
Pros:
- Sharp and detailed photos in most lighting conditions
- Good dynamic range
- Wide field of view with ultra-wide-angle lens
- Good front-facing camera
Cons:
- Telephoto lens not as good as main camera
- Quality deteriorates at higher zoom levels
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S23 has a good camera system. It is a good choice for users who want a phone that takes great photos.
Design and Form factor
The Samsung Galaxy S23 has a sleek and stylish design that is both modern and timeless. It is made from high-quality materials, including a glass front and back and a metal frame. The phone is available in a variety of colors, including black, white, green, and pink.
The Galaxy S23 is a compact phone, with a 6.1-inch display. This makes it easy to use one-handed and fits comfortably in your pocket. The phone is also thin and light, weighing just 168 grams.
The display is one of the best features of the Galaxy S23. It is a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This means that the display is very smooth and responsive, making it great for gaming and scrolling through social media. The display also has a high resolution, so images and videos look sharp and clear.
The Galaxy S23 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, which is one of the most powerful mobile processors available. This means that the phone is fast and responsive, even when running demanding apps and games. The phone also has 8GB of RAM, which ensures that it can multitask smoothly.
The Galaxy S23 has a triple-lens rear camera system, consisting of a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, and a 10MP telephoto sensor. The camera system takes great photos in a variety of conditions, and it also supports 8K video recording. The front-facing camera is 10MP and takes great selfies.
The Galaxy S23 has a 3,700mAh battery, which is slightly smaller than the battery in the Galaxy S22. However, the phone is more efficient, so it should still last a full day on a single charge. The phone also supports 25W fast charging.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is a great phone with a sleek design, powerful performance, and great camera system. It is a good choice for anyone looking for a high-end Android phone.
Here are some of the pros and cons of the Samsung Galaxy S23:
Pros:
- Sleek and stylish design
- High-quality materials
- Compact size
- Powerful performance
- Great camera system
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Smaller battery than the Galaxy S22
- No expandable storage
- No headphone jack
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is a great phone with a lot to offer. If you are looking for a compact and powerful Android phone with a great camera system, then the Galaxy S23 is a good choice.
Battery
The Samsung Galaxy S23 has a 3900mAh battery, which is slightly larger than the battery in the Galaxy S22. This is a good thing, as the Galaxy S22 was criticized for its sub-par battery life.
In our testing, the Galaxy S23 was able to last for 10 hours and 27 minutes on a single charge with adaptive refresh rate enabled. This is a significant improvement over the Galaxy S22, which lasted for 8 hours and 42 minutes.
The Galaxy S23 also supports 25W fast charging, which is the same as the Galaxy S22. However, the Galaxy S23 does not come with a charger in the box, so you will need to purchase one separately.
Overall, the battery life on the Samsung Galaxy S23 is a significant improvement over the Galaxy S22. If you are looking for a phone with long-lasting battery life, the Galaxy S23 is a good option.
Here are some of the factors that contribute to the good battery life of the Galaxy S23:
- The larger battery capacity
- The more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip
- The adaptive refresh rate, which can adjust the screen refresh rate based on the content you are viewing
However, there are some things that can affect the battery life of the Galaxy S23, such as:
- The brightness of the screen
- The number of apps that are running in the background
- The amount of time you spend using the phone
If you want to maximize the battery life of your Galaxy S23, you can try the following tips:
- Turn down the brightness of the screen
- Close apps that you are not using
- Put the phone in power saving mode when you are not using it
Connectivity
The Samsung Galaxy S23 has a variety of connectivity options, including:
- 5G: The Galaxy S23 supports 5G connectivity, so you can take advantage of faster data speeds and lower latency.
- Wi-Fi: The Galaxy S23 supports Wi-Fi 6E, the latest Wi-Fi standard. This means you can get faster speeds and better performance on Wi-Fi networks.
- Bluetooth: The Galaxy S23 supports Bluetooth 5.3, the latest Bluetooth standard. This means you can connect to Bluetooth devices more easily and with better performance.
- NFC: The Galaxy S23 supports NFC, so you can use it for contactless payments and other NFC-enabled applications.
- USB: The Galaxy S23 has a USB-C port, which is the latest standard for connecting devices to your phone.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S23 has excellent connectivity options. It supports the latest standards for 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC, so you can be sure that you’re always connected to the fastest and most reliable networks.
Here are some additional details about the connectivity options on the Samsung Galaxy S23:
- 5G: The Galaxy S23 supports both sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G networks. This means you can get fast data speeds no matter where you are.
- Wi-Fi 6E: Wi-Fi 6E is the latest Wi-Fi standard, and it offers a number of improvements over previous Wi-Fi standards. These improvements include faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded areas.
- Bluetooth 5.3: Bluetooth 5.3 is the latest Bluetooth standard, and it offers a number of improvements over previous Bluetooth standards. These improvements include longer range, faster speeds, and better performance with multiple devices.
- NFC: NFC is a short-range wireless technology that can be used for contactless payments and other NFC-enabled applications. The Galaxy S23 supports NFC, so you can use it to make payments at compatible merchants or share files with other NFC-enabled devices.
- USB: The Galaxy S23 has a USB-C port, which is the latest standard for connecting devices to your phone. USB-C ports are reversible, so you can plug them in either way. They also offer faster data transfer speeds than previous USB standards.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S23 has excellent connectivity options. It supports the latest standards for 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC, so you can be sure that you’re always connected to the fastest and most reliable networks.
Special Features
The Samsung Galaxy S23 has a number of special features, including:
- 50MP main camera: The Galaxy S23 has a 50MP main camera with a 1/1.8-inch sensor and dual-pixel autofocus. This camera is capable of taking stunning photos in a variety of conditions, even in low light.
- 10MP ultrawide camera: The Galaxy S23 also has a 10MP ultrawide camera with a 120° field of view. This camera is great for taking landscape photos or capturing large groups of people.
- 10MP telephoto camera: The Galaxy S23 has a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. This camera is perfect for taking close-up photos or zooming in on distant objects.
- 1080p at 240fps slow motion video: The Galaxy S23 can record 1080p slow motion video at 240fps. This is great for capturing fast-moving objects or creating dramatic effects.
- IP68 water and dust resistance: The Galaxy S23 is IP68 water and dust resistant, so you don’t have to worry about using it in wet or dusty conditions.
- Long-lasting battery: The Galaxy S23 has a 3900mAh battery that is said to last all day on a single charge.
- Fast charging: The Galaxy S23 supports 25W fast charging, so you can quickly top up the battery when you need to.
These are just a few of the special features of the Samsung Galaxy S23. Overall, it is a powerful and versatile smartphone that is sure to impress.
Here are some additional details about each of the special features mentioned above:
- The 50MP main camera uses a larger sensor than the 12MP main camera on the Galaxy S23. This means that it can capture more light, resulting in brighter and more detailed photos. The dual-pixel autofocus also helps to ensure that photos are sharp and in focus.
- The 10MP ultrawide camera is great for taking landscape photos or capturing large groups of people. It has a wider field of view than the main camera, which allows you to fit more into the frame.
- The 10MP telephoto camera has 3x optical zoom, which means that you can zoom in on distant objects without losing quality. This is great for taking photos of wildlife or capturing details from afar.
- The 1080p at 240fps slow motion video allows you to capture smooth, fluid footage of fast-moving objects. This is great for capturing sports, action, or even just everyday moments.
- The IP68 water and dust resistance means that the Galaxy S23 can withstand being submerged in water up to 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes. This makes it a great choice for people who are active or who live in wet or humid climates.
- The long-lasting battery means that you can use the Galaxy S23 all day without having to worry about running out of power. This is thanks to the large 3900mAh battery and the power-efficient processor.
- Fast charging allows you to quickly top up the Galaxy S23’s battery when you need to. This is thanks to the support for 25W fast charging.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is a powerful and versatile smartphone with a variety of special features. It is sure to impress users who are looking for a great camera, a long-lasting battery, and a durable design.
User Experience
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is a premium smartphone that offers a great user experience. It has a sleek and stylish design, a powerful processor, and a versatile camera system.
One of the best things about the Galaxy S23 is its user interface. One UI 5.1 is based on Android 13 and it is one of the most user-friendly interfaces on the market. It is clean and easy to use, and it offers a lot of customization options.
The Galaxy S23 is also very powerful. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, which is one of the fastest mobile processors available. This means that the phone can handle even the most demanding tasks with ease.
The Galaxy S23 also has a great camera system. It has a triple-lens rear camera system with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, and a 10MP telephoto sensor. The camera system takes great photos in a variety of conditions, and it also offers a lot of features, such as Night mode and Portrait mode.
The Galaxy S23 also has a long-lasting battery. It has a 3900mAh battery that can easily last a full day on a single charge.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is a great smartphone that offers a great user experience. It is stylish, powerful, and has a great camera system.
Here are some of the specific user experience features of the Samsung Galaxy S23:
- One UI 5.1: One UI 5.1 is a user interface that is designed to be simple and easy to use. It offers a lot of customization options, so you can make the phone look and feel the way you want it to.
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip is one of the fastest mobile processors available. This means that the phone can handle even the most demanding tasks with ease.
- Triple-lens rear camera system: The Galaxy S23 has a triple-lens rear camera system with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, and a 10MP telephoto sensor. The camera system takes great photos in a variety of conditions, and it also offers a lot of features, such as Night mode and Portrait mode.
- Long-lasting battery: The Galaxy S23 has a 3900mAh battery that can easily last a full day on a single charge.
If you are looking for a premium smartphone that offers a great user experience, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is a great option.
Brand and Ecosystem
Brand
Samsung is one of the most popular smartphone brands in the world. It is known for its innovative products, high-quality displays, and long-lasting batteries. The company also has a strong ecosystem of products and services, including wearables, tablets, and TVs.
Ecosystem
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is part of the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem. This means that it can work seamlessly with other Samsung products, such as the Galaxy Watch4, Galaxy Buds Pro, and Galaxy Tab S8. This can be a major advantage for users who want a truly integrated mobile experience.
Pros
- Powerful processor
- High-quality display
- Long-lasting battery
- Wide range of features
- Strong ecosystem
Cons
- Expensive
- No headphone jack
- No expandable storage
Overall
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is a great choice for users who want a powerful and feature-rich smartphone. It has a beautiful display, a long-lasting battery, and a wide range of features. However, it is also expensive and lacks a headphone jack and expandable storage.
If you are looking for a more affordable option, the Samsung Galaxy S22 is a good choice. It has many of the same features as the Galaxy S23, but it is less expensive. If you are looking for a phone with a headphone jack and expandable storage, the Samsung Galaxy S22+ is a good option.
Ultimately, the best phone for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.
Here are some additional thoughts on the Samsung Galaxy S23 ecosystem:
- The Galaxy Watch4 is a great smartwatch that can track your fitness, sleep, and health data. It can also be used to control your phone’s music, make payments, and more.
- The Galaxy Buds Pro are a great pair of wireless earbuds that offer active noise cancellation and a comfortable fit. They can also be used to control your phone’s music and make calls.
- The Galaxy Tab S8 is a great tablet that can be used for work, entertainment, and more. It has a large display, a powerful processor, and a long-lasting battery.
If you are looking for a truly integrated mobile experience, the Samsung Galaxy S23 ecosystem is a great option. The phones, watches, earbuds, and tablets all work seamlessly together, so you can easily switch between devices.
Potential Comparators
- iPhone 14: The iPhone 14 is the latest flagship smartphone from Apple. It has a similar price tag to the Samsung Galaxy S23 and offers a similar set of features, including a powerful processor, a great camera system, and a long-lasting battery.
- Google Pixel 7: The Google Pixel 7 is a more affordable option than the Samsung Galaxy S23. It still offers a great camera system and a long-lasting battery, but it has a less powerful processor and a smaller display.
- OnePlus 10 Pro: The OnePlus 10 Pro is another great option for those looking for an affordable flagship smartphone. It has a powerful processor, a great camera system, and a fast charging battery.
- Sony Xperia 1 IV: The Sony Xperia 1 IV is a more high-end option than the Samsung Galaxy S23. It has a unique design, a powerful processor, and a great camera system. However, it is also more expensive than the Samsung Galaxy S23.
- Huawei P50 Pro: The Huawei P50 Pro is a great option for those looking for a phone with a unique camera system. It has a triple-lens rear camera system with a periscope telephoto lens. However, it is not available in all countries due to US sanctions on Huawei.
Ultimately, the best phone for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. If you are looking for the best possible camera, the Sony Xperia 1 IV or the Huawei P50 Pro are good choices. If you are looking for the best value for money, the Google Pixel 7 or the OnePlus 10 Pro are good options. And if you are looking for the best overall experience, the iPhone 14 or the Samsung Galaxy S23 are great choices.
Here is a table comparing the Samsung Galaxy S23 to some of its potential competitors:
Feature | Samsung Galaxy S23 | iPhone 14 | Google Pixel 7 | OnePlus 10 Pro |
---|---|---|---|---|
Display | 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with adaptive refresh rate (10-120Hz) | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology (up to 120Hz refresh rate) | 6.3-inch OLED display with 90Hz refresh rate | 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate |
Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip | A16 Bionic chip | Google Tensor G2 chip | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip |
Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB |
RAM | 8GB | 6GB | 8GB | 12GB |
Rear cameras | 50MP Wide (f/1.8 aperture, 23mm focal length), 12MP Ultra Wide (f/2.2 aperture, 120° field of view), 10MP Telephoto (f/2.4 aperture, 70mm focal length) | 48MP Wide (f/1.78 aperture, 26mm focal length), 12MP Ultra Wide (f/2.2 aperture, 120° field of view), 12MP 2x Telephoto (f/1.78 aperture, 77mm focal length) | 50MP Wide (f/1.8 aperture, 26mm focal length), 12MP Ultra Wide (f/2.2 aperture, 114° field of view), 48MP Telephoto (f/3.5 aperture, 48mm focal length) | 48MP Wide (f/1.8 aperture, 23mm focal length), 50MP Ultra Wide (f/2.2 aperture, 114° field of view), 8MP Telephoto (f/2.4 aperture, 3.3x optical zoom) |
Front camera | 10MP front-facing camera (f/2.2 aperture) | 12MP TrueDepth (f/2.2 aperture) | 11.2MP front-facing camera (f/2.2 aperture) | 32MP front-facing camera (f/2.4 aperture) |
Battery | Up to 24 hours of video playback | Up to 28 hours of video playback | Up to 24 hours of video playback | Up to 16 hours of video playback |
Dimensions | 155.6 x 71.6 x 8.9mm | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65mm | 155.6 x 73.1 x 8.7mm | 163.2 x 74.6 x 8.8mm |
Weight | 196g | 204g | 185g | 200g |
Specification
Feature | Samsung Galaxy S23 | Samsung Galaxy S23+ |
---|---|---|
Display | 6.1″ Flat FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display (2340 x 1080) 425ppi. HDR10+ certified. Up to 120Hz refresh rate | 6.6″ Flat FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display (2340 x 1080) 393ppi. HDR10+ certified. Up to 120Hz refresh rate |
Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip |
Storage | 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB |
RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
Rear cameras | 50MP Wide (f/1.8 aperture, 23mm focal length), 12MP Ultra Wide (f/2.2 aperture, 120° field of view), 10MP Telephoto (f/2.4 aperture, 70mm focal length) | 50MP Wide (f/1.8 aperture, 23mm focal length), 12MP Ultra Wide (f/2.2 aperture, 120° field of view), 10MP Telephoto (f/2.4 aperture, 70mm focal length) |
Front camera | 10MP front-facing camera (f/2.2 aperture) | 10MP front-facing camera (f/2.2 aperture) |
Battery | Up to 24 hours of video playback | Up to 24 hours of video playback |
Dimensions | 155.6 x 71.6 x 8.9mm | 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6mm |
Weight | 174g | 196g |