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 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.

More information

• Samsung UK