Galaxy S23 series: Samsung updates its top smartphones

The Galaxy S23 is the basic version. The Plus version is slightly larger and offers more storage space. The Ultra model is even larger, has one more camera and accommodates a stylus in its casing.

More power, lower consumption and new camera functions

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor is likely to make the biggest difference compared to the previous models. Especially compared to the variant with the Exynos chipsets. Samsung claims up to 20 per cent more battery life, 40 per cent more graphics performance and 40 per cent more AI performance compared to the Galaxy S22. This is a variant of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 specially manufactured for Samsung with even more power. It comes with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 - instead of Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 on the S22.

Samsung is also touting new camera functions and the switch from 108 to 200 megapixels for the main camera on the Ultra. The manufacturer speaks of "improved nightography functions". This means that photos taken in low light conditions should look more natural. The first tests look like a strong brightening without image noise. I will test all of this in more detail. The Ultra should benefit in particular from its high pixel count. By merging up to 16 pixels into one, the light sensitivity should increase and the image noise should be reduced.

With an additional app (from the Galaxy Store), the camera system also offers the option of RAW shots and astrophotography settings. The S23 Ultra also has a dual optical image stabiliser for videos. It is designed to compensate for movements of up to 3 degrees - previously it was only 1.5 degrees. The increase to 60 frames per second for 8K recordings applies to all three models.

The camera hump of the predecessor has disappeared. The design of the S23 and S23 Plus is in line with the Ultra model, where the cameras protruded directly from the back last year.

Samsung uses the new Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for the front and back of all three smartphones. This should be able to withstand more than its predecessor. The IP68 certification remains the same. The devices should continue to survive 30 minutes in 1.5 metres of water without damage.

All S23 models run Android 13 with Samsung's One UI 5.1 user interface ex works. The manufacturer promises four Android updates - i.e. up to Android 17 - and five years of security updates.

Galaxy S23: A good basis

With its 6.1-inch display, the Galaxy S23 is the smallest model in the series. I would always prefer it to the Plus version because of its handiness. With both, I am looking at a Dynamic AMOLED display with a resolution of 2340 × 1080 pixels. The refresh rate ranges dynamically from 48 to 120 hertz.

The S23 has eight gigabytes of RAM. You can choose between 128 and 256 gigabytes of internal storage.

The three cameras on the back of the Galaxy S23 are a main camera with 50 megapixels. There is also a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera and a telephoto camera with ten megapixels and triple optical zoom. The front camera delivers selfies with 12 megapixels - two megapixels more than before.

At 3900 mAh, the battery is slightly larger than its predecessor. You can charge it with a maximum of 25 watts. It should then be fully charged in 70 minutes. Wireless charging is possible with 15 watts.

All of this is packed into a 146.3 × 70.9 × 7.6 millimetre housing that weighs 168 grams.

S23 Plus: Can it be a little bigger?

The Plus on the Galaxy S23 Plus stands for more size. It is 11.5 millimetres longer and 5.3 millimetres wider than the base model. However, both are the same thickness. The display of the S23 Plus measures 6.6 inches diagonally and shares all other specifications with the S23, with the exception of the pixel density, which at 393 ppi is slightly lower (32ppi) than the base model, but still high enough to be invisible to the naked eye. The additional weight is 27 grams. This means the S23 Plus weighs 195 grams.

You can also choose more memory with the S23 Plus. 256 and 512 gigabytes are available. Its battery also has a capacity of 4700 mAh, which is 200 mAh more than its predecessor, and charges faster at up to 45 watts. A full charge should take 55 minutes. The S23 Plus shares all other features with the smaller S23.

S23 Ultra: One more pen and one more camera

The S23 Ultra is even bigger, has one more camera and the S Pen on board. It weighs 233 grams and, at 8.9 millimetres, is 1.3 millimetres thicker than its sister models. Compared to the S23 Plus, it is also 5.6 and 2 millimetres thicker and measures 163.4 × 78.2 millimetres. The scales show an impressive 233 grams - including the stylus.

The display measures 6.8 inches diagonally and has rounded long sides. The resolution is 3080 × 1440 pixels and the dynamic refresh rate ranges from 1 to 120 hertz.

Depending on the variant, there are eight or twelve gigabytes of RAM in conjunction with 256 or 512 gigabytes or one terabyte of storage space.

There are two changes to the Ultra's cameras compared to the other two models. The main camera has 200 megapixels - the new HP2 sensor is installed - and a fourth camera is added. The 10-megapixel lens has a focal length of 230 millimetres and is said to offer a tenfold optical zoom.

The battery of the S23 Ultra is slightly larger at 5000 mAh to match the size of the smartphone. However, it does not charge any faster and therefore takes a little longer to fully charge (60 minutes) than the S23 Plus.

Price and availability

The various models of the Samsung Galaxy S23 are available immediately in Switzerland. In Germany, pre-ordering is now possible and sales will start on 17 February. Further information can be found below sorted by country or via the product search.

Switzerland

Germany