The Samsung Galaxy S23 series is one of the most highly anticipated smartphone releases of the year. With the latest technology and improvements to design, camera, and performance, it is set to take the market by storm. From the latest chipset to a larger storage option and improved cameras, the Galaxy S23 series promised to deliver an exceptional user experience. Whether you’re looking for a smartphone for photography, gaming, or just general use, the Samsung Galaxy S23 series has something to offer for everyone.
In this article, we will share our first impressions as we were given an opportunity to experience the Samsung Galaxy S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra before the official launch.
We also made a YouTube video explaining our experience with the Samsung Galaxy S23 series lineup. This is something that you need to check out.
Table of Contents
Samsung Galaxy S23 Series Specifications
| Samsung Galaxy S23 | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS: | One UI 5.1 - Android 13 | One UI 5.1 - Android 13 | One UI 5.1 - Android 13 |
| Processor: | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| Display: | 6.1-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display | 6.6-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display | 6.8-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display |
| Wireless Connections: | 5G, Bluetooth 5.3, WiFi, GPS. GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, | 5G, Bluetooth 5.3, WiFi, GPS. GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, | 5G, Bluetooth 5.3, WiFi, GPS. GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, |
| Memory: | RAM 8GB Storage 128, 256GB, 512GB | RAM 8GB Storage 256GB, 512GB | RAM 12GB Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Connectors: | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C, OTG |
| Cameras: | Rear Camera Main - 50MP, f/1.8 Ultrawide - 12MP, f/2.2 Telephoto - 10MP, f/2.4 Front Camera 12MP, f/2.2 | Rear Camera Main - 50MP, f/1.8 Ultrawide - 12MP, f/2.2 Telephoto - 10MP, f/2.4 Front Camera 12MP, f/2.2 | Rear Camera Main - 200MP, f/1.7 Ultrawide - 12MP, f/2.2 Telephoto - 10MP, f/2.4 Periscope Telephoto - 10MP f/4.9 Front Camera 12MP, f/2.2 |
| SIM Card Slots: | Dual SIM (Nano-Sim) | Dual SIM (Nano-Sim) | Dual SIM (Nano-Sim) |
| Battery: | 3,700mAh with 45W wired charging and 15W wireless | 4,700mAh with 45W wired charging and 15W wireless | 5,000mAh with 45W wired charging and 15W wireless |
The Design
The Samsung Galaxy S23 series has received a design upgrade, building on the popular back plate design of its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. The smartphone now boasts a sleek, flat design with a prominent silver frame, and is made with Armor Aluminum. The camera module adopts the floating camera design used in the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, a feature that will be consistent across the Galaxy S23 series. Additionally, the screen has been upgraded and now boasts the latest Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection, while still retaining its IP68 dust and water resistance.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra still retains its pen which is located in the bottom left of the device.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Series is available in four colors: Phantom Black, Cream, Green, and Lavender, the newest addition to the series.
The Display
Like its predecessor, the latest flagship features a 6.1-inch display for the Galaxy S23, a 6.6-inch display for the Galaxy S23+, and a 6.8-inch display for the Galaxy S23 Ultra. All of them will have a 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. The Galaxy S23 and S23+ will have a 1080 x 2340 pixels resolution. While the Galaxy S23 Ultra will have a resolution of 1440 x 3088 pixels. It still has the same great display that is truly tried and tested by them.
The Performance
The Samsung Galaxy S23 series has been updated with the latest chipset, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. The Galaxy S23 still offers 128GB and 256GB storage options, and still comes with 8GB of RAM. The Galaxy S23+ now starts at 256GB and goes up to 512GB, with no option for 128GB of internal storage. Same with the Galaxy S23 Ultra, it will now start at 256GB and goes up to 1TB, with 12GB of RAM.
It is shipped with the latest One UI 5.1 operating system based on Android 13, which includes numerous improvements and new features.
For example, videos can now be placed on the lock screen. In addition to this, the time and date design can also be edited. Also, users can create custom stickers and GIFs from any image and enjoy 40+ new emoticons. One UI 5.1 also features a Smart Suggestion feature on the widgets.
For its pen features, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra now includes image-to-text conversion, allowing for an easy selection of image text to paste into apps such as Google Calendar or Gmail.
Samsung has also strengthened its Knox security by adding a privacy feature before sharing. This feature detects sensitive information, such as credit card details, in photos and provides a warning before sharing.
And these are just a few of the latest updates for One UI 5.1 and we are excited to delve further once we have a review sample.
The Camera
The Samsung Galaxy S23 series has received an upgrade to its camera department, with the S23 Ultra having the most significant improvement. Its rear main camera now boasts a 200-megapixel sensor with an f/1.7 aperture which is a significant improvement from the 108-megapixel f/1.8 aperture in its predecessor. The other three cameras remain unchanged with 12-megapixel ultra-wide, 10-megapixel periscope telephoto, and 10-megapixel telephoto cameras.
The S23 and S23+ have the same camera specifications as the previous generation, with a 50-megapixel main camera, 12-megapixel ultra-wide, and 10-megapixel telephoto camera. The front camera for all models is 12 megapixels.
The Galaxy S23 series had an upgrade to their Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) of its main camera. It has been improved by 3°, providing a greater stability when capturing video while walking or panning.
The camera software has also received improvements, including better Nightography for the selfie camera, which now features improved Object-Based AI to adjust White Balance, Tone, and Color, as well as Object-Specific Noise Control to reduce the graininess of the subject in photos. This feature is compatible with popular apps like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok.
The video capturing capabilities have also been improved with the ability to capture 8k @ 30fps and enhanced low-light video capture for the selfie camera.
We have taken some limited sample photos taken with the Samsung Galaxy S23+ and S23 Ultra. For its video sample, you can watch more about this on our YouTube Video.
Samsung Galaxy S23+ Pictures
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Pictures
The Battery
The battery capacities of the Samsung Galaxy S23 series remain unchanged. The Galaxy S23 has a 3900 mAh battery, the Galaxy S23+ has a 4700 mAh battery, and the Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 5000 mAh battery. The charging technology is the same as it is a Super Fast Charging 2.0 offering a lightning-fast 45W charging speed. Wireless charging remains available providing a 15W charging option.
Initial Thoughts – Samsung Galaxy S23 Series
Aside from the typical specification bump that the Samsung Galaxy S23 series receives. It got better to hold onto and had an improved camera performance. We are looking forward to thoroughly reviewing it once we get our hands on it. Stay tuned on our Facebook page for the updates.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is priced at:
- Php 53,990 – 8GB/128GB
- Php 57,990 – 8GB/256GB
The Samsung Galaxy S23+ is priced at:
- Php 68,990 – 8GB/256GB
- Php 76,990 – 8GB/512GB
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is priced at:
- Php 81,990 – 12GB/256GB
- Php 89,990 – 12GB/512GB
- Php 103,990 – 12GB/1TB
You can now pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S23 series on the Samsung website.
