Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23+ Review: Premium Flagship Features Without the Premium Price

The Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23+ represent a significant step forward for Samsung's standard flagship lineup, offering much of the premium experience found in the Ultra model without the associated premium price tag. These devices have garnered attention for narrowing the performance and feature gap that previously existed between Samsung's standard and Ultra models.

Design and Build The S23 and S23+ boast a premium design language that matches the Ultra model, featuring Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, armored aluminum frames, and IP68 dust and water resistance. The S23's compact 6.1-inch form factor appeals to those who prefer smaller phones, while the S23+'s 6.6-inch display strikes a balance between size and manageability. Both models have abandoned the camera island design in favor of a cleaner aesthetic, aligning them visually with the Ultra.

Display Both models feature vibrant Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with 120Hz refresh rates and impressive peak brightness levels of 1750 nits. While they lack the LTPO display technology found in the Ultra, which allows for adaptive refresh rates between 1 and 120Hz, the S23 and S23+ still deliver smooth scrolling and responsive interactions with their fixed 120Hz displays.

Battery Life One of the most notable improvements over previous models is the enhanced battery life. The S23 with its 3900mAh battery and the S23+ with a larger 4700mAh battery both deliver approximately 6 hours of screen-on time under typical usage, representing a significant upgrade from the S22 series. Charging speeds remain consistent with last year, with the S23+ supporting 45W fast charging while the S23 is limited to 25W.

Cameras The camera setup on both models includes a 50MP primary sensor, 12MP ultra-wide lens, and 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. While the S23 Ultra boasts a revolutionary 200MP main camera and advanced computational photography, the standard models still offer capable photography with improved optimization. Daytime images show little difference between the models, though the Ultra maintains an edge in sharpness and noise reduction, particularly in low-light conditions. Video capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with the S23 series now supporting smooth and stable 8K recording.

Performance Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor, 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and up to 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage, the S23 and S23+ deliver top-tier performance. The devices handle multitasking, gaming, and everyday tasks with ease, rivaling even recent iPhone models. Samsung's One UI 5.1, built on Android 13, remains one of the most polished and intuitive Android experiences available.

Audio and Haptics Both models feature stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support, though the Ultra still holds an advantage in audio depth and loudness. Haptic feedback across all models remains excellent, providing consistent and satisfying vibration responses.

Conclusion The Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23+ succeed in delivering a compelling flagship experience at a more accessible price point. While they don't include some of the Ultra's most advanced features like the 200MP camera, S-Pen support, or LTPO displays, they offer remarkable value for money. These devices represent Samsung's best effort yet at creating premium smartphones that don't require premium pricing, making them strong alternatives to both the Ultra model and competing flagship offerings from other manufacturers.