What can the new generation do?

Samsung presented the Galaxy S23 series at its digital Unpacked event. We have summarized the most important information about the new smartphones for you.

Galaxy S23 Series: More uniform than ever

With the Galaxy S23 series, Samsung breaks some long-established traditions and unifies some technical and optical functions. The biggest change is probably the processor.

For the first time in Europe, the company is using an adapted version of a Qualcomm chip in its S series. The “Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy” is a slightly overclocked 8 Gen 2 processor that Qualcomm introduced last year as its new flagship SoC.

Samsung has also unified the colors in this generation. While the colors of the Ultra model have differed from the base colors of the Galaxy S and Galaxy S-Plus in the past, this year’s smartphone colors are all the same. In addition to the classic black, there is also a slightly darker green, pink and cream color.

In addition, the differences between the Galaxy S and Galaxy S-Plus models are now as minimal as possible. Traditionally, the S-Plus smartphone was not only a little larger, but also technically better equipped. This year, apart from the size, there are hardly any differences in the technical equipment between the models.

Galaxy S23 Series: More memory, same displays

The Galaxy S23 will probably be the last S smartphone with 128 gigabytes from Samsung, because this memory variant is now history for the Plus and Ultra models from this generation. Only the small Galaxy S23 still has a variant with 128 gigabytes of fast UFS 3.1 storage and 8 gigabytes of LPDDR5X RAM.

All models also have a 256 gigabyte variant. The Plus and Ultra are also available with 512 gigabytes of internal memory. In addition, the Ultra model has a one-terabyte variant, which is only sold by Samsung itself in Germany. The 512 gigabyte and one terabyte variants are then equipped with 12 gigabytes of RAM memory.

The three devices all use the same display from the previous generation. The sizes of 6.1, 6.6 and 6.8 inches have not changed, nor has the AMOLED and 120 Hertz technology. It is unclear whether the variable refresh rate on all models will go from 1 to 120 Hertz like last year’s Ultra model, or whether the S23 and S23-Plus will continue to use a 10 – 120 Hertz display.

Only the Ultra display is a little rounded on the side, but less so than on the Galaxy S22 Ultra. The S23 and S23-Plus still have flat displays. They are protected on all models by the latest Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and an IP-68 dust and water certification.

Samsung smartphones: Better cameras and new software

Samsung Galaxy S series is known for always being at the top of the smartphone segment, especially when it comes to cameras. The company has also come up with something special again this year: a 200-megapixel sensor. This is used in the Ultra model and is already available from Samsung in the run-up to the event been presented.

The sensor with the name “HP2” is used as a wide-angle lens and has an aperture of f/1.7. The two smaller devices use a new 50-megapixel camera. All three devices also have a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera with a field of view of 120 degrees and a 10-megapixel telephoto camera with a triple optical zoom.

The Ultra model still uses a second 10-megapixel sensor for 10x optical zoom. All devices now have a 12-megapixel front camera. Videos can now be recorded in 8K at 30 frames per second. Portraits are now also possible in night mode.

Samsung has preinstalled OneUI 5.1 software on the smartphones, which is based on Android 13. In the new software, meanwhile, there are modes and routines that can be activated automatically in places (like the office).

Also new is that calls can be answered with Bixby assistants – similar to the Google Pixel devices. Thanks to a cooperation with Samsung, it is now possible to work together on a Samsung Notes paper in a Google Meet call. All devices will receive four years of Android and OneUI updates and five years of security patches.

Galaxy S23 series: Bigger batteries, slow charging

With the Galaxy S23 series, two of the three devices also get a larger battery. While the Galaxy S23 Ultra continues to use a 5,000 milliamp battery, which the manufacturer says should last for more than a day, the battery capacity of the Galaxy S23 and S23+ has been increased by 200 milliamps.

The Galaxy S23 has a 3,900 milliamp battery and the Galaxy S23+ has a 4,700 milliamp battery. With 45 watts of speed, the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy S23+ charges to the maximum. However, manufacturers such as OPPO, Vivo or OnePlus are much faster. The cheapest Galaxy S23 is excluded from the 45 watts, because it only charges with a maximum of 25 watts.

Wireless charging is still possible with just ten watts. Reverse wireless charging from smartwatches or headphones is supported at 4.5 watts.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Series: It’s going to be expensive

While Samsung was able to keep the prices for the S22 series despite the lack of a chip, it will be really expensive this year. Because the basic variant of the smallest Galaxy S23 costs 949 euros. At least 1,199 euros must land on the counter for the Galaxy S23 Plus.

If you are interested in the Ultra model, you need a particularly full wallet. Samsung’s new flagship phone costs a whopping 1,399 euros with 256 gigabytes of storage.

The company is also offering a larger memory variant for those who pre-order this year. In other words: If you pre-order a smartphone with 512 gigabytes, you only pay the price for the smaller memory variant. Anyone who pre-registered with Samsung in the run-up to the event could also win Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro headphones.

The Galaxy S23 series will be available for general sale from February 17, 2023, but should be delivered earlier thanks to full stocks.

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