Samsung Galaxy S23: Comprehensive Review and Key Specs

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Key Specifications

  • Release Date: February 17, 2023
  • Weight: 168g, 7.6mm thickness
  • Operating System: Android 13, up to 4 major upgrades
  • Storage Options: 128GB/256GB/512GB, no card slot
  • Display: 6.1" Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
  • Resolution: 1080 x 2340 pixels (~425 ppi)
  • Main Camera: 50MP + 10MP + 12MP (Triple Lens)
  • Front Camera: 12MP HDR10+
  • Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm)
  • Battery: 3900mAh, 25W wired, 15W wireless
  • Price: Starting from £362.50

Introduction to the Samsung Galaxy S23

The Samsung Galaxy S23 is a stylish smartphone with many features. It came out in February 2023. It has strong performance thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. The phone shows images on a bright Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen. It also has a flexible triple-camera system. Made to last, the Galaxy S23 uses Android 13 and can receive up to 4 major upgrades.

Design and Build Quality

Sleek Lines and Durability

The Galaxy S23 is small and light. It provides a perfect mix of looks and easy use.

  • Dimensions: 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm, small enough to feel comfortable in your hand.
  • Weight: Only 168g, perfect for long use.
  • Build Material: Made with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both sides and an Armour Aluminium Frame, making it strong and long-lasting.
  • Water Resistance: It has an IP68 rating, protecting it from dust and water up to 1.5m for 30 minutes.

Display Features

Dynamic and Vivid Visuals

The Galaxy S23 has a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. It gives you a great viewing experience.

  • Dynamic Refresh Rate: Can be adjusted up to 120Hz. This gives you smooth scrolling and a better gaming experience.
  • Peak Brightness: Reaches a bright 1750 nits, making it easy to see outdoors.
  • Resolution: Offers 1080 x 2340 pixels (around 425 PPI) for clear and colorful visuals.
  • Protection: Features Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for extra durability.

Performance and AI-Powered Features

Cutting-Edge Performance

The Galaxy S23 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. This means it has great performance and is very efficient.

  • CPU: It has an octa-core design with a 3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 core. This makes it great for fast tasks.
  • GPU: The Adreno 740 provides excellent graphics. It's perfect for gaming and editing videos.
  • AI Integration: It helps with multitasking, improves photos, and optimizes apps.
Performance and AI-Powered Features of Samsung Galaxy S23

Camera System

Triple-Lens Versatility

The camera system of the Galaxy S23 takes photos and videos that look very professional.

  • 50MP Wide Lens: This lens takes clear pictures using dual pixel PDAF and OIS.
  • 10MP Telephoto Lens: It offers 3x optical zoom, making it perfect for portraits and faraway subjects.
  • 12MP Ultrawide Lens: This lens captures a wide 120° view, great for group photos and landscapes.

Key Camera Features

  • HDR10+ Support: It creates bright colours and strong contrast.
  • Super Steady Video: It helps to make videos steady when you are on the move.
  • Photo Assist: AI tools help you to take perfect pics.

Battery and Charging

Reliable Power for All-Day Use

The Galaxy S23 has a 3900mAh battery. It also comes with advanced charging choices.

  • Fast Charging: With 25W wired charging, you can get back 50% of the battery in only 30 minutes.
  • Wireless Powershare: This feature lets you charge compatible devices wirelessly.
  • Battery Life: It can last over 11 hours of active use, perfect for busy days.

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Software and Updates

Future-Proof Software

The Galaxy S23 uses Android 13 and Samsung’s One UI 6.1.1. This combination gives users a simple and easy experience.

  • Security Features: Comes with an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner and Samsung Knox security.
  • Samsung DeX: Offers a desktop-like experience for doing tasks efficiently.
  • Software Updates: Guarantees 4 major Android upgrades for lasting use.
Storage and RAM Options in Samsung Galaxy S23

Storage and RAM Options

Ample Storage Configurations

The Galaxy S23 meets different needs by providing several storage choices.

  • 128GB with 8GB RAM: This version uses UFS 3.1. It offers good performance.
  • 256GB and 512GB with 8GB RAM: These will use UFS 4.0. They allow for faster data transfer and better app performance.

Connectivity and Sensors

Advanced Connectivity

The Galaxy S23 offers smooth connections using the latest technology.

  • 5G Support: Gives super-fast internet for streaming, gaming, and downloads.
  • Wi-Fi 6E: Has tri-band support for better speed and stable connections.
  • NFC: Makes it easy to use contactless payments.
  • Sensors: Provides an accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, and barometer for extra features.

Comparison With Competitors

Feature Samsung Galaxy S23 iPhone 14 Pro Google Pixel 7 Pro
Processor Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 A16 Bionic Google Tensor G2
Camera 50MP (Triple) 48MP (Triple) 50MP (Triple)
Battery 3900mAh 3200mAh 5000mAh
OS Updates 4 years 5 years 3 years
Starting Price £362.50 £1,099 £849

Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Competitors

Apple iPhone 14 Pro

The Apple iPhone 14 Pro has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED screen. It supports HDR10 and has a refresh rate of 120Hz. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S23 also comes with a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. This screen supports HDR10+ and features the same 120Hz refresh rate.

The iPhone has a 48MP main camera. This camera takes clear and detailed photos. It also supports ProRAW for better editing. On the other hand, the Galaxy S23 features a 50MP main camera. This camera is great for recording 8K video and offers many options for photography.

The Galaxy S23 has a bigger battery of 3900mAh and offers 25W fast charging. In contrast, the iPhone has a smaller 3200mAh battery and charges at 20W. The S23 is also cheaper, starting at £362.50, while the iPhone costs £1,099.

Google Pixel 7 Pro

The Google Pixel 7 Pro has a big 6.7-inch LTPO OLED screen. It supports HDR10+ and has a 120Hz refresh rate. This makes it great for watching media. In comparison, the Galaxy S23 has a smaller 6.1-inch display. This size is more compact and easy to carry.

The Pixel 7 Pro does a great job with photos. It has a 50MP wide sensor and a 48MP telephoto sensor that offers 5x optical zoom. It also uses AI tools, like Magic Eraser. The Galaxy S23 also takes great photos. It has a 50MP main sensor and a 3x telephoto zoom. Plus, it features Super Steady Video.

The S23 has a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, which does better than the Pixel’s Tensor G2 in gaming and efficiency. The starting price of the S23 is £362.50, making it a more affordable choice than the Pixel 7 Pro, which costs £849.

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE

The Galaxy S21 FE was made before the S23. It has a bigger 6.4-inch AMOLED display. However, it only has a 60Hz refresh rate. In contrast, the S23 has a 120Hz refresh rate. This means the S23 offers a smoother experience.

The S23 comes with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. This is a big improvement compared to the Exynos 2100 in the S21 FE. It helps with multitasking and gaming. Both phones have IP68 water resistance. They also use Gorilla Glass Victus for protection. However, the camera on the S23 is better. It has a 50MP main sensor, while the S21 FE has a 12MP sensor.

The S23 has a better 3900mAh battery. It also charges faster. This makes it a great choice for value and performance.

Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Competitors

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Samsung Galaxy S23: SIM-Only Deals and Pay Monthly Contracts

As of January 4, 2025, these are the latest prices for SIM-only deals and monthly contracts for the Samsung Galaxy S23 in the UK:

Samsung Galaxy S23 SIM-Only Deals

Provider Monthly Cost Data Allowance Contract Length Features
VOXI £10 15GB 30 days Unlimited social media
EE £12 10GB 12 months 5G included
Vodafone £15 Unlimited 12 months Roaming included
Three £18 30GB 12 months Hotspot included
O2 £20 50GB 12 months Free O2 Priority access

Samsung Galaxy S23 Pay Monthly Contracts

Provider Monthly Cost Upfront Cost Data Allowance Contract Length Features
iD Mobile £33.99 £9 10GB 24 months Unlimited calls and texts
Three £36 £0 30GB 24 months 5G included
Vodafone £38 £19 50GB 24 months Roaming included
O2 £42 £29 Unlimited 24 months Free O2 Priority access
EE £45 £0 Unlimited 24 months Best network for 5G speeds
  • SIM-only plans are great for people who already have the Galaxy S23. Prices start at just £10 a month.
  • Pay monthly contracts give you flexible upfront costs. You can spread device payments over 24 months. Prices start at £33.99 a month.

These deals offer choices for different budgets and data needs. This means the Galaxy S23 is available for all kinds of users.

FAQs About the Samsung Galaxy S23

The Galaxy S23 uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. This chip gives it great performance.

The 3900mAh battery lasts for more than 11 hours when you are using it. Plus, it has fast charging options to make things easier.

Yes, it allows for 15W fast wireless charging. It also supports 4.5W reverse wireless charging.

Yes, the Galaxy S23 has an IP68 rating. This means it is safe from dust and can resist water up to 1.5 meters deep for 30 minutes.

  • The phone is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options.
  • Each option includes 8GB of RAM.

The Dynamic AMOLED 2X display has a 120Hz refresh rate. It can peak at a brightness of 1750 nits. This means you will get great visuals.

The Galaxy S23 comes in several colors. You can choose from Phantom Black, Lavender, Cream, Green, Graphite, and Lime.

Its 50MP triple-camera system has optical zoom. Super Steady Video and HDR10+ features help to take high-quality images and videos.

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Page last updated on: 05/02/2025

Page reviewed by: Shay Ramani

4000+ reviews