Samsung Galaxy S23 Series Is Out; Which One Sparks Your Interest?

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If you’ve been considering replacing your aging smartphone with a new Samsung Galaxy Device, now is the time! During today’s Unpacked event, the Samsung Galaxy S23 series was introduced. This latest generation of flagships, which includes the S23, S23+, and the S23 Ultra, builds upon the brand’s past successes with bigger batteries in the Galaxy S23 and S23+ models, even better AI cameras across the board, and of course, all three boast the latest flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy.

A stock photo with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Series showing the S23, S23+, and the S23 Ultra.

Before we jump in and talk about the updated devices, it’s worth mentioning that Samsung is continuing its commitment to using more pre-and post-consumer recycled materials in its flagship models.

To that end, the Galaxy S23 series uses pre-consumer recycled aluminum for the SIM tray, side key, and volume keys, as well as pre-consumer recycled glass in the front screen and black cover.

A stock image showing the Samsung Galaxy S23 Series recycled components.

The bottom speaker module and the 5G antenna on the S23 series will use recycled ocean-bound plastics sourced from discarded fishing nets, and on the S23 Ultra, that recycled fishing net plastic is used for the S Pen’s inner cover. The top speaker module, the side key, and the volume keys’ plastics are made from recycled water barrels, and the protective film on the back glass and the case front are made from PBT, which is sourced from discarded and recycled PET bottles.

In fact, the Galaxy S23 series met the UL 110, which is the UL Environmental Standard for Mobile Phones Sustainability, meaning that it is UL ECOLOGO certified for reduced environmental impact.

Finally, as we saw with the Galaxy S22 series, the S23 series will have a packaging box that’s been made with 100% recycled paper.

Moving right along …

The Samsung Galaxy S23 series will be built to last; all three feature Samsung’s Armor Aluminum frames, and they will be the first smartphones to market that incorporate Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front screen and back cover. They will also be protected with IP68 dust and water resistance.

A few other design changes include the contoured housing around the rear cameras that was only removed last year on the S22 Ultra; this year, all three S23 models will sport integrated lenses that individually protrude from the glass back for a cleaner, more cohesive design across the series.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Series

From left to right: The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, S23+, and S23

Unlike previous years where certain colorways were only available on certain S22 models, all three of the Galaxy S23 models will be available in Phantom Black, Cream, Green, and Lavender.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 series will be powered globally by the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 mobile platform and a Snapdragon X70 Modem-RF System. On top of rocking Qualcomm FastConnect for high speeds and ultra-low latency (fewer lags!) with WiFi 6E, the new Galaxy S23s will also have the latest Bluetooth v5.3.

Photography has been improved so that S23 users can take even better photos in low-light environments; night portrait shots will have a beautiful sense of depth and enhanced bokeh effect, which is just one of the benefits achieved by the new AI-powered image signal processing (ISP) algorithm analyzing the distance of objects and separating the subject from backgrounds well as the subject’s features — like hair, eyes, and skin tone, adjusting to capture them in realistic detail.

Nightography capabilities are also extended to video, so if you’re someone (like me) who loves to take videos of bands performing a song or two during a concert, you can expect a clearer and sharper result.

The wide-angle 12-megapixel selfie camera on all three models (up from 10-megapixels on the S22 and S22 Plus) will provide extra clarity, crispness, and more authentic textures; the selfie camera also has fast autofocus and Super HDR (now 60fps, up from 30fps) for front-facing photos and videos with a more dynamic range of color.

Expert RAW gives photographers access to the uncompressed data of an image straight from the sensor with no need to carry a bulky DSLR around. With the S23 series, you can now use the Experrt RAW app to shoot in 50MP mode compared to the 12MP mode on the S22 series. Worth mentioning is that the S23 series integrates Adobe Lightroom as the exclusive, default photo editor for photos taken with Samsung’s free Expert RAW app.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 series has an intelligent display that is readable in various ambient lighting conditions. With the advanced vision booster feature, color and contrast are automatically adjusted to one of three different ambient lighting settings throughout the day, and the new enhanced comfort feature adjusts colors and contrast levels to be even easier on the eyes.

Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23+

If you don’t want a larger device with a bigger battery, extra cameras, or the S Pen experience offered by the S23 Ultra, look no further than the Samsung Galaxy S23 or S23+.

Stock photo of the Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23+

The Samsung Galaxy S23 measures 5.76″ tall by 2.79″ wide by 0.3″ thick, and it weighs 5.93 ounces; the Galaxy S23+ measures 6.21″ tall by 3″ wide by 0.3″ thick, and it weighs 6.91 ounces.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23+ have flat Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O FHD+ flat screen displays; the S23’s is 6.1″, and the S23+’s is 6.6″. You get an adaptive 10~120Hz refresh rate, and both phones have a 19.5:9 aspect ratio.

When looking at them in bright sunlight, the S23 and S23+ produce a peak brightness of 1750 nits.

The Galaxy S23 will have a 3,900mAh battery (up 200mAh from the S22), and it will support Super Fast Charging and Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 charging.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Series in Pahntom Black

The Galaxy S23 and S23+ have the same rear triple camera set-up, which includes a 12-megapixel ultra-wide, a 50-megapixel wide-angle, and a 10-megapixel telephoto with 3X optical zoom and 30X Space Zoom.

The S23 and S23+ have a similar curved corner design and flat displays last seen in their Galaxy S22 series equivalents.

The S23+ will have a 4,700mAh battery (also up 200mAh from the S22+), and it will support Super Fast Charging 2.0 and Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 charging.

There’s no charger included with either phone, of course; if you haven’t already got one, this would be a good time to pick up a Samsungy 45W charger for an additional $49.99.

You’ll be able to get the Galaxy S23 in memory configurations of 8GB RAM with 128GB storage or 8GB RAM with 256GB storage and the Galaxy S23+ in memory configurations of 8GB RAM and 256 under memory or 8GB RAM and 512GB user memory.

Pricing for the Galaxy S23 will start at $799.99, and the Galaxy S23+ will start at $999.99; they will be available in carrier stores and online on February 17th. Be sure to check out the special offers at the end of this post for pre-ordered devices.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

At 6.43″ tall by 3.07″ wide by 0.35″ thick and weighing 8.25 ounces, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is definitely on the larger side. I like that it retains the sharp corners and boxier appearance that the Galaxy S22 Ultra inherited from the Note series.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

The S23 Ultra has a 6.8″ Infinity-O QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display (500ppi) with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and a brightness of up to 1,750 nits in direct sunlight.

If you’re a gamer, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy on the S23 Ultra is going to blow your mind; graphics performance is faster by more than 40 percent over the S22 Ultra, and the S23’s AI performance has also been optimized by more than 40 percent over the S22’s to so that performance, power for photography, videography, low-latency gaming and more is even better balanced.

But perhaps most importantly, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is ready to support real-time ray tracing as it becomes more mainstream in mobile gaming. With it, you’ll get noticeably more lifelike game scenes because raytracing simulates and tracks every ray of light for realistic shadows and reflections; it’s really amazing to see the difference when raytracing is an option.

You can expect an even better visual experience from the new, reduced curvature shape of the S23 Ultra’s 6.8″ display’s edges, which creates a larger and flatter surface area. This may be the best of both worlds for people like me who appreciate the appearance of displays with steeply curved edges but who actually prefer using smartphones with a flat display.

A stock photo of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Series

The Galaxy S23 Ultra caters to those who enjoy a stylus experience with its embedded S Pen, and Samsung says that users will offer even more productivity, notetaking, and drawing possibilities.

You can’t talk about an S series Ultra without mentioning the camera, and the Galaxy S23 Ultra upgrades are definitely worth noting. In comparison to the S22 Ultra, which had a 108-megapixel sensor, the S23 Ultra ups that with Samsung’s first-ever 200-megapixel that features an Adaptive Pixel sensor, optical image stabilization, and laser autofocus for Smsung’s most advanced camera system yet.

For example, the Super Quad Pixel sensor combines 16 pixels into one larger pixel for brighter, more detailed shots in low-light situations and to bring your subject into super sharp focus. Using four adjacent pixels to detect differences from left to right and top to bottom, the camera can autofocus more quickly and accurately because it has more points of reference.

A full rundown of the S23 Ultra’s rear cameras includes a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera, a 200-megapixel wide-angle camera, and two 10-megapixel telephoto cameras offering 3X and 10X optical zoom and 100X Space Zoom.

You’ll be able to get the Galaxy S23 Ultra in memory configurations of 8GB RAM with 256GB storage, 12GB RAM with 512GB storage, or 12GB RAM with 1TB storage.

The S23 Ultra will have a 5,000mAh battery, and it will support up to 45W wired fast charging and Fast Wireless Charging 2.0.

There’s still no charger included in the box; Samsung recommends that you buy their 45W charger, which, if you don’t already have one, will set you back an additional $49.99.

Pricing for the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra will start at $1,199.99; it will be available in carrier stores and online on February 17th. Read on for some special offers if you’re ready to pre-order.

One last thing worth mentioning is Samsung Care+. With it, you’ll get repairs for accidental damage and 24/7 expert help. If you enroll in Samsung Care+, you’ll get unlimited cracked screen repairs for just $29 at 700+ authorized repair centers, where the device repairs will be done by certified Samsung technicians using genuine Samsung parts. You can purchase Samsung Care+ with your device on Samsung.com, at Samsung Experience Stores, or from their site.

Click here to learn more about the Samsung Galaxy S23 Series.

Couldn’t make it to San Francisco for the event? You can watch it all right here.

Are you ready to place your Samsung Galaxy S23 series pre-order? Check out these special offers:

Samsung

Pre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy S23 series will run from today through February 16, 2023. When you pre-order a Galaxy S23 device, you’ll be eligible for a free storage upgrade of up to 1 TB. Those who pre-order and purchase on Samsung.com are also eligible to receive a Samsung Credit of up to $100.

This promotion will last for a limited time and only while supplies last. Terms and conditions apply.

AT&T

All three Samsung Galaxy S23 models in Phantom Black, Cream, Green, or Lavender will be available for preorder on AT&T starting today, with wide availability in stores and online on February 17th.

If you pre-order your Galaxy S23 series phone through AT&T, you’ll get upgraded to the next storage tier for free.

New and existing customers can get a Samsung Galaxy S23+ for free or receive up to $1000 off the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra with an eligible Galaxy phone trade-in; eligible trade-ins include a Galaxy Note, S, or Z Series smartphone. Any year. Any condition. Terms and conditions apply.

Additionally, AT&T is offering an added cloud storage option for $19.99 a month. AT&T customers can automatically backup photos and videos, protect their content with a personalized pin, and store and backup content across multiple devices.

Verizon

All three Samsung Galaxy S23 models in Phantom Black, Cream, Green, or Lavender will be available for preorder on Verizon starting today, with wide availability in stores and online on February 17th.

  • The Galaxy S23 Ultra starts at $33.33 a month for 36 months with purchase on Verizon Device Payment (0% APR; $1,199.99 retail); it will be available with 256GB and 512GB Storage.
  • The Galaxy S23+ starts at $27.77 a month for 36 months with purchase on Verizon Device Payment (0% APR; $999.99 retail); it will be available with 256GB and 512GB Storage.
  • The Galaxy S23 starts at $22.22 a month for 36 months with purchase on Verizon Device Payment (0% APR; $799.99 retail); it will be available with 128GB and 256GB storage.

For a limited time, if you switch to Verizon or upgrade your existing phone, you get a Samsung Galaxy S23 or $800 off any Samsung Galaxy S23 series phone with select trade-ins on qualified 5G Unlimited plans. You’ll also purchase a free Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Tab S7 FE 5G. On top of that, switching to Verizon will score you a $200 Verizon eCard after you sign up.

Plus, if you pre-order your Galaxy S23 series phone on Verizon today, you’ll get upgraded to the next storage tier for free.

If you get a new phone, you’re going to need some accessories, so for a limited time (and while supplies last), Verizon is offering 20% off Galaxy S23 cases and screen protectors, 30% off Samsung-brand cases (when you purchase them online), and 25% off Samsung chargers when you purchase online or at a Verizon store.

Charter/Spectrum

Spectrum Mobile customers who pre-order a new Galaxy S23 series device can receive a free storage upgrade, plus up to $600 off when trading in an eligible device.

Comcast/Xfinity

New Xfinity Mobile and Comcast Business Mobile customers can get up to $500 off a new Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, S23+, and S23. Existing Xfinity Mobile and Comcast Business Mobile customers can get up to $800 off a new Galaxy S23 device with a qualifying device trade-in.

T-Mobile

New and existing customers can get the Samsung Galaxy S23+ for FREE (up to $1,000 off) when trading in on Magenta MAX, or the Samsung Galaxy S23 for free (up to $800 off) when adding a line on Magenta MAX via 24 monthly bill credits. During pre-order only, customers can receive a free memory upgrade when picking up any of the new Samsung devices.

UScellular

For a limited time, UScellular is offering the Galaxy S23 for FREE for new and qualifying current customers on select unlimited plans (or the equivalent discount off a Galaxy S23 Ultra or Galaxy S23+). Customers who pre-order are eligible to receive a free storage upgrade, and for a limited time, UScellular is offering $100 off the Samsung Galaxy Watch5, Watch4, and Watch4 Classic (while supplies last).

Protect and Personalize Your Galaxy S23 Series Smartphone with These Accessories:

ZAGG InvisibleShield

The InvisibleShield Fusion’s flexible hybrid material absorbs impacts and protects from scratches while feeling just like glass. This powerful screen protector is engineered to be compatible with biometric scanners. The Fusion for the Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23+ sells for $49.99.

The Fusion XTR2 Eco is made with up to 50% post-consumer recycled materials and is the strongest-ever hybrid screen protector from ZAGG InvisibleShield. They’ve incorporated Hexiom technology, which includes an adhesive with a honeycomb-like structure for unbeatable strength. Fusion XTR2 Eco also improves your entire visual and screen protection experience with anti-reflective technology, an anti-dust adhesive, Eyesafe technology that filters 40% of intense blue light (435-440nm), advanced clarity, and more. The Fusion XTR2 Eco for the S23 and  S23+ sells for $59.99.

The $59.99 Fusion Curve for the Galaxy S23 Ultra is made with a flexible polymer hybrid, engineered to be unbreakable. Fusion Curve also includes biometric technology and high-definition clarity. With your screen protected, you’re ready to work and play anywhere adventure takes you.

The $69.99 Fusion XTR2 Eco Curve for the S23 Ultra is also made with up to 50% post-consumer recycled material and includes Hexiom technology to disperse impact forces and protect your screen from scratches. It contains anti-reflective technology that enriches color on your screen, an anti-dust adhesive, and Eyesafe technology that filters intense blue light.

ZAGG Gear4

The $29.99 Gear4 Havana is more than just a pretty case. They’ve reinforced the top, bottom, and sides with D3O to give you 10 feet (3m) of drop protection. The case is constructed from D3O Bio, the world’s leading plant-based protection material. D3O Bio is made with up to 45% renewable resources, as opposed to fossil-based resources. Havana is available in black, lilac (S23/S23+), and blue (S23 Ultra).

The $39.99 Crystal Palace case unites a sleek, transparent design with unbeatable drop protection. It’s made with D3O Crystalex and protects your phone from drops up to 13 feet (4m). It’s available for the S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra.

The $39.99 Santa Cruz has a transparent, scratch-resistant surface that highlights the D3O impact protection material on the edges of the case. With up to 13 feet (4m) of drop protection and an improved grip, Santa Cruz provides edge-to-edge protection you can count on. Santa Cruz is available in black, blue (S23/S23+), and green (S23 Ultra).

The $49.99 gorgeous Milan case is made with transparent D3O Crystalex and provides up to 13 feet (4m) of drop protection. The inspired design has elegant ombre detailing in of-the-moment colors. A scratch-resistant, non-yellowing surface preserves the crystal clarity of the case. With Milan, your phone is always runway-ready. Milan is available in two translucent color options – aurora and element. It is available for the S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra.

The $49.99 Denali was named in honor of the tough and enduring indomitable spirit of the mountain. The Denali case provides serious protection with a no-slip grip and a textured finish. This durable, hardback case is reinforced with D3O that surrounds the frame and back plate for 16ft (5m) of drop protection. Denali is available in black, burgundy (S23/S23+), and blue (S23 Ultra).

The $59.99 Denali with Kickstand provides serious drop protection—16 feet (5m)—with a no-slip grip and a textured finish. The entire back interior of the case is reinforced with D3O, so you know you’re getting superior protection. Denali with Kickstand is available in black, burgundy (S23/S23+), and blue (S23 Ultra).

The $59.99 London unites strength and style; it is made with D3O Bio and protects your phone from drops up to 13 feet (4m). It has sleek lines, metallic button covers, and a stain-resistant fabric exterior. The London case is inspired by the style and energy of the city. London is available in black and blue patterns. It is available for the S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra.

The $69.99 Everest with Kickstand is an ultra-tough case inspired by the indomitable spirit of adventure and the determination to get to the top. This case provides up to 20 feet (6m) of drop protection. It has a reinforced backplate and frame as well as a textured exterior for a no-slip grip. Everest is made with D3O Bio and comes with a kickstand for hands-free viewing. With Everest, your phone is ready for anything. Everest with Kickstand is available in black, red (S23/S23+), and blue (S23 Ultra).

Incipio

The $34.99 Incipio Duo for the S23, S23 Plus, S23 Ultra is the brand’s tried and true two-piece slim case; it offers 12-foot drop protection with the latest Impact Struts technology. Made with recycled materials, Duo is the next evolutionary step for dual-layer defense, delivering protection you can feel good about for both your phone and the environment. It is available in Black, Midnight Navy/Inkwell Blue, and Scarlet Red/Black 

The $44.99 Incipio Grip for the S23, S23 Plus, S23 Ultra was developed through extensive ergonomic research and testing; it features re-engineered tactile X grips on the sides of the case for maximum no-slip hold. Grip’s dual-layer, one-piece construction, and new Impact Struts technology protect against 14-foot drops. It is available in Black or Midnight Navy/Inkwell Blue.

The $44.99 Incipio Organicore Clear for S23, S23 Plus, S23 Ultra is a 100% plant-based, compostable, co-molded clear case for those who want to show off their device naturally. Organicore Clear delivers slim and sleek eco-friendly protection from drops up to 14 feet. It is available in Charcoal/Clear

kate spade new york

The $54.99 kate spade new york Defensive Hardshell for the Samsung S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra is crafted using two layers of co-molded protection and a dual-layered bumper to provide drop support up to 12 feet while boasting a slim, low profile. The cases are available in Scattered Flowers, Hollyhock, and City Leopard prints.

The $44.99 kate spade new york Protective Hardshell for the S23, S23 Plus, S23 Ultra is a co-molded hardshell case with a shock-resistant bumper for premium protection up to 10 feet, all while maintaining a lightweight and easy-grip feel for everyday use. It is available in Hollyhock print.

Coach

The $54.99 Coach Protective Case for the Samsung S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra delivers advanced protection while remaining slim, sleek, and chic. Features include two-layer, co-molded protection with a shock-resistant bumper on the outer edges of the case for drop protection up to 10 feet, plus antimicrobial protection that eliminates 99.9% of surface bacteria. The case is available in the Moody Floral print.

Peel

Protect your Samsung Galaxy S23 series device with the $39 original super thin case and $35 glass screen protectors from Peel, or save money with their $64 original best-seller bundle.

Case-Mate

Check out the fun, stylish, and protective offerings from Case-Mate so you’ll be ready when your Samsung Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23+, or Galaxy S23 Ultra arrives.

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About the Author

Judie Lipsett Stanford
Judie is the co-owner and Editor-in-Chief of Gear Diary, which she founded in September 2006. She got her start in 1999 writing software reviews at the now-defunct smaller.com; from mid-2000 through 2006, she wrote hardware reviews for and co-edited at The Gadgeteer. A recipient of the Sigma Kappa Colby Award for Technology, Judie has written for or been profiled by nationally known sites and magazines, and she has served on multiple industry hardware and software award panels. She is best known for her device-agnostic approach, enjoyment of exploring tech, gadgets, and gear, and her deep-diving, jargon-free reviews.

3 Comments on "Samsung Galaxy S23 Series Is Out; Which One Sparks Your Interest?"

  1. I definitely like what I have read here and would pass on this review to someone looking for a phone like this one.

  2. These are nice updates to the S series. I really like the S23 Ultra’s features.

  3. Hope Samsung will incorporate Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chips in their other phones and not just the Galaxy series.

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