It’s that point of yr once more when Samsung unveils its newest lineup of flagship smartphones. As anticipated, this yr’s Galaxy S23 fashions comply with intently within the footsteps of their respective S22 predecessors.
Curiously, the adjustments throughout the board this yr are significantly extra iterative — a very good signal that Samsung’s S-series lineup has reached a sure maturity. For essentially the most half, Samsung’s top-of-the-line smartphones aren’t bringing any groundbreaking new options or main digicam adjustments this yr. As an alternative, the main focus is on smaller quality-of-life enhancements that outcome within the S23 fashions refining Samsung’s method to its high-end smartphones reasonably than redefining it.
As with previous years, there’s one thing for everybody among the many S23 fashions, from the pocketable Galaxy S23 to the superpowerful Galaxy S23 Ultra. Whereas it’s tempting to leap proper to Samsung’s premium S23 Extremely, you is likely to be shocked by what the extra reasonably priced S23 has to supply.
Galaxy S23 vs. Galaxy S23 Extremely: specs
| Samsung Galaxy S23 | Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely | |
| Measurement | 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.62 mm (2.79 x 5.76 x 0.3 inches) | 157.7 x 78 x 8.9 mm (3.07 x 6.43 x 0.35 inches) |
| Weight | 168 grams (5.93 ounces) | 234 grams (8.25 ounces) |
| Display measurement | 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X | 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Display decision | FHD+ at 425 pixels per inch | QHD+ at 550 pixels per inch |
| Working system | Android 13 with One UI 5.1 | Android 13 with One UI 5.1 |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| MicroSD card slot | No | No |
| Faucet-to-pay providers | Google Pay, Samsung Pay | Google Pay, Samsung Pay |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB, 12GB |
| Cameras | Rear: 50-megapixel (MP) main, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto
Entrance: 12MP |
Rear: 200MP main with Laser Auto Focus, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto
Entrance: 12MP |
| Video | Rear: As much as 8K at 30 frames per second (fps), 4K at 60 fps, FHD at 120 fps, and 960 fps for gradual movement
Entrance: As much as 4K at 60 fps |
Rear: As much as 8K at 30 frames per second (fps), 4K at 60 fps, FHD at 120 fps, and 960 fps for gradual movement
Entrance: As much as 4K at 60 fps |
| Bluetooth | Sure | Sure |
| Ports | USB-C | USB-C |
| Biometrics | Ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor and Face Recognition | Ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor and Face Recognition |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Battery | 3,900mAh Tremendous Quick Charging at 25W Quick Wi-fi Charging 2.0 Wi-fi PowerShare |
5,000mAh Tremendous Quick Charging 2.0 at 45W Quick Wi-fi Charging 2.0 Wi-fi PowerShare |
| App market | Google Play Retailer | Google Play Retailer |
| Community help | 5G mmWave | 5G mmWave |
| Colours | Phantom Black, Cream, Inexperienced, and Lavender | Phantom Black, Cream, Inexperienced, and Lavender |
| Value | From $799 | From $1,199 |
| Obtainable from | Samsung | Samsung |
| Evaluation | S23 hands-on | S23 Ultra hands-on |
Galaxy S23 vs. Galaxy S23 Extremely: design and show
The distinction in measurement is the obvious attribute setting the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 Extremely aside. With a 6.1-inch edge-to-edge display screen, the S23 is unquestionably extra svelte than the phablet-like S23 Extremely, which has a 6.8-inch show and a design that clearly reveals its roots within the Galaxy Observe period.
Nevertheless, don’t make the error of pondering that simply because the S23 has a smaller show that its high quality is inferior to the display screen of the S23 Extremely. Larger isn’t at all times higher, and on this case, each telephones characteristic the identical Dynamic AMOLED 2X display screen. The S23 Extremely will get extra pixels because it’s bigger, though it’s value noting it does have the next pixel density — 500 pixels per inch (ppi) versus the Galaxy S23’s 425. This implies issues might look a bit crisper on the Galaxy S23 Extremely, however one may make the argument that that is extra essential on the bigger display screen.
The Galaxy S23 and S23 Extremely are additionally on the identical stage on the subject of sturdiness. Each characteristic an IP68 wate- resistance ranking and have Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on each the back and front — an enchancment that Corning guarantees will supply higher drop safety ought to your telephone occur to land on a tough floor like concrete.
Samsung has made an attention-grabbing design alternative this yr on the opposite facet of the Galaxy S23. The digicam bump that graced the again of the Galaxy S22 and prior fashions has vanished; as an alternative, you get three barely protruding lenses that match the cleaner and extra minimalist fashion of the Galaxy Extremely.
The redesign will not be everybody’s cup of tea, however it’s positively a welcome change for many who choose the extra uniform look of the Galaxy Extremely. Ultimately, since each measurement and design are subjective decisions, we’re calling this one a tie.
Winner: Tie
Galaxy S23 vs. Galaxy S23 Extremely: efficiency and battery
The Galaxy S23 lineup is powered by a brand new processor — Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Nevertheless, this yr Samsung has added an additional twist; reasonably than going with an off-the-shelf model of Qualcomm’s newest system on a chip (SoC), Samsung has partnered with the chipmaker to create a bespoke version that it’s calling the “Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Cell Platform for Galaxy.”
This could give the Galaxy S23 fashions a little bit of an additional increase over their rivals’ equally geared up flagships, however the S23 fashions ought to stay just about on par when it comes to efficiency as all of them use the identical chip.
The Galaxy S23 Extremely will get a slight edge by providing a model with 12GB of RAM — 50% greater than the 8GB discovered within the Galaxy S23, however you’ll should go for 512GB or 1TB storage to get that. The 256GB Galaxy S23 Extremely has the identical 8GB as its smaller counterpart and can possible ship the identical efficiency.
Nevertheless, battery life is one other matter. A much bigger telephone means room for a bigger battery, and the 5,000mAh cell on the Galaxy S23 Extremely delivers considerably extra capability than the three,900mAh discovered on the Galaxy S23. In fact, the S23 Extremely wants that to energy a bigger display screen, but when the Galaxy S22 Ultra is any indication, as soon as the mud settles, it’s best to end up simply in a position to get via not less than a full day of heavy use or two days of reasonable use. Whereas the Galaxy S23 presents some slight battery enhancements over final yr’s Galaxy S22, it’s fairly clear that the Galaxy S23 Extremely nonetheless presents the perfect battery lifetime of the pack.
It’s additionally value mentioning that the Galaxy S23 stays restricted to Samsung’s 25-watt first-generation Tremendous Quick Charging spec. The Galaxy S23 Extremely is able to 45W charging, that means it not solely runs longer, however you too can prime it up extra shortly. No fashions of the S23 include a charger within the field.
Winner: Galaxy S23 Extremely
Galaxy S23 vs. Galaxy S23 Extremely: cameras
Over the previous few years, the pattern has been to outline a premium flagship smartphone by its digicam system, and the Galaxy S23 Extremely continues this pattern by providing a number of the greatest cameras you’ll discover in a smartphone. It’s the one space during which Samsung’s most costly mannequin is leaps and bounds forward of its siblings.
That’s to not say that the Galaxy S23 doesn’t have a really succesful set of cameras. Samsung fortunately ditched its oddball 64-megapixel (MP) telephoto and 12MP predominant lens combo final yr within the Galaxy S22, opting as an alternative for a correct 3X optical zoom on the telephoto facet and a extra conventional 50MP main sensor. The development was noticeable, and the Galaxy S23 retains that configuration.
Sadly, the important thing phrase right here is “retains.” The Galaxy S23 doesn’t seem to have upped its digicam sport in any significant method. Whereas the brand new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip will possible energy extra superior computational pictures options to provide higher outcomes — the S23 and S23 Extremely supply the identical imaging capabilities on the software program facet — the uncooked digicam specs are principally similar to what got here final yr. The one noticeable change is that the selfie digicam will get a slight increase as much as a 12MP sensor.
In the meantime, the Galaxy S23 Extremely now packs in a 200MP sensor — practically double the 108MP sensor from final yr’s S22 Extremely. In fact, that doesn’t imply you’ll be taking photographs at this decision — not less than not usually. As normal, Samsung’s digicam software program will use pixel binning to provide considerably better-quality photographs at customary resolutions. You additionally get Samsung’s Laser Autofocus Sensor, which stays unique to the Extremely mannequin. And whereas the S23 is proscribed to a max zoom vary of 30x, the S23 Extremely can go all the way in which as much as 100x.
Both method, on the subject of pictures, it’s no contest between the Galaxy S23 and the Galaxy S23 Extremely. Informal photographers received’t be disillusioned by the digicam system within the Galaxy S23, however in case you’re trying to take the perfect photographs potential on a smartphone, there’s no query that it’s essential to go together with the Galaxy S23 Extremely.
Winner: Galaxy S23 Extremely
Galaxy S23 vs. Galaxy S23 Extremely: software program and updates
The Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 Extremely each ship with Android 13, and would be the first telephones to get Samsung’s newest OneUI 5.1. Which means that apart from options particularly tied to {hardware}, such because the S-Pen and the extra superior digicam system on the S23 Extremely, each fashions ought to present the identical software program person expertise.
Extra considerably, Samsung now guarantees 4 main Android OS updates and 5 years of safety patches. Which means that each the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 Extremely ought to stay in lockstep all the way in which to Android 17. Since they’ve the identical processor inside, there’s additionally no purpose to imagine both one might be left behind on efficiency as later Android updates are launched.
Winner: Tie
Galaxy S23 vs. Galaxy S23 Extremely: particular options
Apart from the digicam system, one of the crucial vital variations between the Galaxy S23 and the Galaxy S23 Extremely is help for Samsung’s S Pen. Because the Galaxy Extremely collection is an evolution of the Galaxy Observe, Samsung has maintained help for its stylus, and as with final yr’s Galaxy S22 Extremely, there’s an embedded storage slot to tuck away and recharge the S Pen when it’s not in use.
The S Pen received’t attraction to everyone; thankfully, it’s straightforward sufficient to disregard in case you don’t look after it. Nonetheless, it’s a pleasant bonus for many who wish to sketch or take notes on the S23 Extremely’s expansive 6.8-inch display screen, and it makes Samsung’s most premium flagship much more of a multipurpose powerhouse that may deal with every thing from pictures to productiveness.
Winner: Galaxy S23 Extremely
Galaxy S23 vs. Galaxy S23 Extremely: worth and availability
Samsung’s Galaxy S23 lineup arrives with the identical pricing as final yr’s fashions, placing the Galaxy S23 at a beginning worth of $799 for a 128GB mannequin. The Galaxy S23 Extremely additionally begins at $1,199 for the bottom mannequin, however this yr that comes with 256GB — twice the storage of the Galaxy S22 Extremely.
Each fashions will be preordered from Samsung as we speak and will arrive at service shops and main retailers within the coming weeks. Each can be found in the identical Phantom Black, Cream, Inexperienced, and Lavender colours — plus unique Graphite, Purple, Blue, and Lime finishes immediately from Samsung.
Total winner: Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely
The Galaxy S23 is not any slouch, and it’s a very good possibility for these on the lookout for a smartphone with each energy and pocketability. You’re getting the identical cutting-edge Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip discovered within the Galaxy S23 Extremely, the identical model of Android — and the identical replace guarantees — plus an ideal AMOLED display screen and a really succesful digicam system. The one actual knock in opposition to the Galaxy S23 is the extra restricted battery life, however that’s simply the legal guidelines of physics and chemistry at work; a smaller telephone means a smaller battery.
In the end, although, there’s no query that the Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely is essentially the most highly effective and succesful smartphone in Samsung’s new lineup. It has the perfect cameras by an extended shot, help for Samsung’s S Pen, and noticeably higher battery life than the smaller Galaxy S23. The Extremely remains to be essentially the most multipurpose smartphone you will get — it does lots and excels at practically all of it.
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