Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus: Clean and simple

Samsung is renowned for its excellent product launches, which often feature innovative and attention-grabbing devices such as foldable phones and other gimmicky features.

This year’s Galaxy Unpacked was different. The S23 line-up appeared similar to the previous year’s models, with only a few minor modifications, though there were significant upgrades in software and camera features. Nevertheless, the phones still boast a sturdy appearance.

Galaxy S23 and S23+ design

Small but powerful the Galaxy S23 is no slouch. The device is easy to hold and feature-packed. The S23+ on the other hand looks like a scaled-up version of the S23 with some minor interior variations.

Both phones boast a stylish, contemporary appearance with a glass front and an Armor Aluminum frame on the sides. The front camera is located in a centered hole-punch cutout at the top of the screen, while the rear cameras are aligned vertically on the back. Samsung has eliminated the camera bump on this year’s models, providing a seamless and uniform appearance. 

Both devices are available in four colors: Lavender, Cream, Green, and my personal favourite, Phantom Black. There are also two additional online exclusives, Lime and Graphite.

It’s also worth mentioning that both phones are IP68 water-resistant.

S23 and S23+ display

The S23 features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 (Flat FHD+). Compared to last year’s S22 model, the screen size and resolution are the same. 

Furthermore, the S23+ rocks a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 (Flat FHD+).

Both phone displays have a peak brightness of 1750 nits and an adaptive refresh rate ranging from 48-120Hz. The refresh rate will adjust depending on the content being displayed, saving battery life. 

The displays are also protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which is a step up from last year’s Gorilla Glass Victus.

S23 and S23+ performance

All Galaxy S23 models feature a custom Snapdragon Gen 2 mobile processor, so you should expect great performance. 

There’s also great news for Galaxy fans worldwide, as Samsung has dropped the Exynos processor for the S23 line-up. All S23 phones will feature the same snapdragon processor.

Both phones also offer 8GB of RAM, which should be enough for the average user. If you think you’ll need more RAM, consider the S23 Ultra which has 12GB of RAM.

Storage

Storage options start at 128GB for the S23 and 256GB for the S23+. The next available storage option for the S23 is 256GB and 512GB for the S23+.

S23 and S23+ Cameras

Both phones feature the same camera. See the specs;

• Selfie Camera: 12.0MP
• Ultra Wide Camera: 12.0MP
• Wide-angle Camera: 50.0MP
• Telephoto: 10.0MP
• Optical Zoom at 3x
• Digital Zoom up to 30x

S23 and S23+ Battery

The S23+ boasts a 4700mAh battery, while the S23 has a smaller 3900mAh battery. The S23+ battery can provide up to 27 hours of video playback, while the S23 battery can last for 22 hours of video playback.

Price 

S23 with 128GB costs $800

S23 with 256GB costs $860

S23+ with 256GB costs $1,000

S23+ with 512GB costs 1,200

Which one should you get? The S23 or the S23+

The choice between the Samsung Galaxy S23 and the S23+ depends on your personal preferences and needs. Here are a few differences to consider:

• Size: The S23 is smaller and easier to handle, while the S23+ is larger and offers a bigger display.
• Display: The S23+ has a slightly larger display (6.6 inches) compared to the S23 (6.1 inches).
• Battery life: The S23+ has a larger battery, which should result in longer battery life.
• Price: The S23+ is more expensive.

In general, the S23 and S23+ are exceptional phones. Despite appearing and having a similar feel to the previous year’s models, they are ideal for individuals upgrading from an older phone. If you already possess an S22, upgrading to the S23 is not recommended as the upgrades are not substantial enough to justify the cost.

Also, consider the fact that the previous year’s model will soon be on sale at a discounted price. Speaking of older devices, check out our review of the Galaxy S20.