Samsung launches Galaxy S23 Series smartphones with uprated Snapdragon 8 gen 2 chipset

Samsung has launched its 2023 range of flagship Galaxy S-series smartphones, as well as four new Intel-powered laptops. The changes are relatively minor, but switching to Snapdragon is a big story – as is the new 200 megapixel camera!

The latest generation of Samsung Galaxy S smartphones doesn’t change an awful lot on the outside, but inside there are quite a few changes – with better screens, a brand-new 200-megapixel image sensor on the flagship S23 Ultra, and a switch to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon SoC – a very welcome change for UK and European customers.

What’s more, this is a custom ‘for Galaxy’ variant of the chipset that promises even better performance.

Samsung’s theme for the new devices is centred about night-time performance, and Ultra users will continue to get the benefits of the S-Pen as before.

The 200-megapixel pixel on the S23 Ultra comes with a number of enhanced camera features, 8K video recording at 30 frames-per-second, new astrophotography features and even better edge detection for bokeh effects in portrait mode.

Thankfully, pricing remains around the same as last year’s S22 series – which is going to be welcome news during a cost of living crisis – although that’s not to say these phones are cheap by any stretch of the imagination.

With more recycled materials used in the construction of the phones, as well as many years of OS updates (4 in total), Samsung is expecting most consumers to keep their phone for a number of years, which may justify the higher initial outlay.

The company has also used Gorilla Glass Victus 2 to protect the display, which has a lesser curve on the Ultra model, and is also giving companies more access to spare parts, making it easier to service the device during your time of ownership – and hopefully for future owners who can buy reconditioned devices in the future.

I managed to a get a brief hands-on with the new devices at Samsung’s King’s Cross Experience Store (you really should take the time to visit if you can) and hope to get a longer time with one or more models in the future.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Series Key Features

Samsung Galaxy S23 ⇨
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy SoC
6.1-inch display (flat)
50/12/10-megapixel cameras
12-megapixel selfie camera
3,900mAh battery
Price from £849

⇦ Galaxy S23+
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy SoC
6.6-inch display (flat)
50/12/10-megapixel cameras
12-megapixel selfie camera
4,700mAh battery
Price from £1,049

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra ⇨
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy SoC
6.8-inch display (curved)
200/12/10/10-megapixel cameras
12-megapixel selfie camera
5,000mAh battery
Price from £1,249

Samsung Galaxy S23 Series Detailed Specifications

Samsung Galaxy S23 UltraSamsung Galaxy S23Samsung Galaxy S23+
Size/Weight163.4 x 78.1 x 8.99mm / 233g146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6mm / 167g157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6mm / 195g
Display6.8-inch 1440×3088 pixels
HDR10+ 120Hz
Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
6.1-inch 1080×2340 pixels
HDR10+ 120Hz
Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
6.6-inch 1080×2340 pixels
HDR10+ 120Hz
Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Chipset / GPUQualcomm Snapdragon 8 gen 2 for Galaxy
Adreno 740
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 gen 2 for Galaxy
Adreno 740
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 gen 2 for Galaxy
Adreno 740
RAM8GB or 12GB8GB8GB
Storage256GB, 512GB or 1TB128GB or 256GB256GB or 512GB
Main Cameras200MP Wide (f/1.7) PDAF, Laser AF, OIS
10MP Periscope Telephoto 10x (f/4.9) OIS
10MP Telephoto x3 (f/2.4) OIS
12MP Ultrawide (f/2.2)
Up to 8K 30fps video recording
50MP Wide (f/1.8) Dual Pixel PDAF & OIS
10MP Telephoto 3x (f/2.4)
12MP Ultrawide (f/2.2)
Up to 8K 30fps video recording
50MP Wide (f/1.8) Dual Pixel PDAF & OIS
10MP Telephoto 3x (f/2.4)
12MP Ultrawide (f/2.2)
Up to 8K 30fps video recording
Selfie Camera12MP (f2.2) PDAF
Up to 4K 60fps video recording
12MP (f2.2) PDAF
Up to 4K 60fps video recording
12MP (f2.2) PDAF
Up to 4K 60fps video recording
SoundStereo, Tuned by AKGStereo, Tuned by AKGStereo, Tuned by AKG
Battery5,000mAh with 45W wired charging
10W wireless charging
3,900mAh with 25W wired charging
10W wireless charging
4,700mAh with 45W wired charging
10W wireless charging
Connectivity5G
Wi-Fi 6E
Bluetooth 5.3
USB-C 3.2
5G
Wi-Fi 6E
Bluetooth 5.3
USB-C 3.2
5G
Wi-Fi 6E
Bluetooth 5.3
USB-C 3.2
ColoursBlack
Cotton
Green
Violet
Black
Cotton
Green
Violet
Black
Cotton
Green
Violet
NotesS Pen
Ultra-Wide Band

Samsung Galaxy S23 Series Official Images

Samsung Galaxy S23 Series Hands-On Photos

Samsung Galaxy S23 Series Video

Pricing and Availability

Pre-orders are open now, with shipping commencing from February 17th 2023.

Samsung Galaxy S23 UltraSamsung Galaxy S23Samsung Galaxy S23+
256GB – £1,249128GB – £849256GB – £1,049
512GB – £1399256GB – £899512GB – £1,149
1TB – £1,599 (Samsung Exclusive)
More information

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