Introducing our Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus review, where we explore the unparalleled Android performance of this exceptional device.
Join us as we uncover the true potential of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus and why it has become a game-changer in the world of Android devices.
Specifications
Specification | Details |
SoC | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy |
Display | 6.6″ FHD+ AMOLED, 48~120Hz refresh, 240Hz touch sampling |
RAM | 8GB |
Storage | 256GB or 512GB |
Battery | 4,700mAh |
Ports | USB-C |
Operating System | One UI 5.1 w/ Android 13 |
Front Camera | 12MP f/2.2 |
Rear Cameras | 50MP f/1.8 OIS main, 12MP f2.2 ultrawide (120°), 10MP f/2.4 OIS telephoto (3x) |
Connectivity | 4G, 5G, UWB, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
Dimensions | 163.3 × 78 × 8.9mm |
Colors | Phantom, Cream, Green, Lavender + Samsung.com exclusive Lime, Graphite |
Weight | 196g |
Charging | 45W wired (Quick Charge 2.0, Samsung Adaptive Fast Charging), 15W wireless (Samsung Fast Wireless Charging 2.0, WPC), Wireless PowerShare |
IP Rating | IP68 |
Price | From $1,000 |
Micro SD card support | No |
Security | Fingerprint (Ultrasonic, under-display) |
Pros
- Super-fast performance, just as quick as any top Android phone
- Amazing display and great speakers for a fantastic multimedia experience
- Exceptional build quality, ensuring durability and a premium feel
- Long-lasting software support with updates expected until 2028, giving you value for years to come
Cons
- Expensive price may be a drawback for some
- Some minor camera quirks and limitations to keep in mind
- A few too many pre-installed apps could affect storage and user experience
Availability and Network
The Samsung Galaxy S23+ was announced at a special event by Samsung on February 2 and became available for purchase on February 17.
You can buy it from major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, as well as from retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.
The starting price for the Galaxy S23+ with 256GB of storage is $1,000, while the 512GB model costs $1,200.
Design and Display
The Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23+ have some small changes compared to the previous models released in early 2022. Although they don’t look drastically different, there are a few updates.
The S23+ has a similar appearance to the Galaxy S22+ but without the raised camera bump. Samsung has used this design style in other phones as well, like the S22 Ultra and the more affordable A-series devices such as the Galaxy A14. Many people appreciate the cleaner look of the S23+ without the prominent camera bump.
The back of the Galaxy S23+ is made of smooth, non-shiny glass, and it has Samsung’s logo printed in glossy letters near the bottom.
However, it is also less likely to show fingerprints, and it gives the phone a more luxurious look. It’s a good idea to protect it with a case, but even without one, the S23+ will still look impressive.
The metal sides of the phone are polished and feel solid, with easy-to-press buttons for power and volume on the right side. The bottom of the phone has a powerful speaker, a SIM card tray, and a USB-C port.
Software and Performance
The Samsung Galaxy S23+ and its other versions come with software called One UI 5.1. This software is based on Android 13 and offers some small improvements compared to the previous version, One UI 5.0. One UI 5.1 introduces a few new features, such as battery widgets that display the battery levels of your phone and any accessories connected to it.
There are also some minor enhancements for multitasking and changes to the camera and gallery functions. These updates aim to enhance your overall experience with the phone’s software and make it more convenient to use.
Cameras
The Samsung Galaxy S23+ has the same three-camera setup as the previous S22+ model: a main camera with 50 megapixels and an aperture of f/1.8, an ultrawide camera with 12 megapixels and an aperture of f/2.2, and a telephoto camera with 10 megapixels and an aperture of f/2.4.
Overall, the photos taken with these cameras are very good, with sharp focus, vibrant colors, and nice contrast. It’s worth noting that the primary camera’s 50-megapixel resolution might sound impressive, but in reality, it’s mostly downscaled to 12.5 megapixels by default. There is an option to take photos at full resolution, but it’s not necessary for most situations.
Full-resolution shots result in larger file sizes and don’t provide significantly more usable detail unless the lighting conditions are exceptionally good.
The lower-resolution photos are still detailed enough for sharing online or using as your phone’s wallpaper. So, unless you plan to print large posters of your mobile photos, there’s no need to worry about it.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy S23+ comes with a 4,700mAh battery, which is a slight improvement compared to the S22+’s 4,500mAh battery. In my experience, the battery life of this phone is similar to what you would expect from a high-end phone of this size.
On average, I could use the phone for about six to seven hours of screen time, spread over a little more than 24 hours off the charger.
However, this is just an average. If you use the phone with lighter tasks and go easy on it, you can easily stretch the battery life to last for 48 hours. On the other hand, if you engage in activities like playing games or using Google Maps for extended periods, the battery might drain faster. But under normal usage, you won’t have any trouble making it from morning to bedtime on a single charge.
Moreover, the phone supports fast charging of up to 45 watts and wireless charging of up to 15 watts. It’s important to note that the Galaxy S23+ does not come with a charging brick, and not all chargers can deliver the full 45-watt speed.
Samsung phones can be a bit picky about chargers. However, after testing with a compatible PD charger, I’m satisfied with the charging performance of the S23+.
Conclusion
Hence, the Samsung Galaxy S23+ is an impressive Android device with a powerful performance, excellent display, and outstanding build quality. It offers a user-friendly experience with its intuitive software and provides long-term support with updates expected by 2028.
The camera produces great photos, and the battery life is solid. With its availability through major carriers and retailers, the Galaxy S23+ is a compelling choice for those seeking a high-quality smartphone.