Samsung unveils the Galaxy S23, with very measured changes and a price from 959 euros

Samsung unveiled the new Galaxy S23 this afternoon, an update that feels surprisingly familiar. Not only because of the leaks that have preceded it in recent months, because in the case of Samsung nothing else could be expected, but because the changes introduced are so iterative, so extremely gradual, that they lack the slightest surprise factor. Which will not prevent it from continuing to be one of the references in the Android market, because it really continues to aim very high.

Once again, Samsung staggers its Galaxy S range into three steps: the “basic” Galaxy S23, with 6.1 inches and very manageable dimensions, the larger Galaxy S23+, at 6.6 inches, and the even larger Galaxy S23 Ultra, with 6.8 inches and the S-Pen digital stylus incorporated into a receptacle on the chassis, as was the case with the extinct Galaxy S Note. This latest model is easily distinguished from the rest by its sharp-lined design and remarkable camera module. Of course, the specifications grow as you go up the ladder, and with it the price also increases.

• Screen:
  • Galaxy S23: 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, FHD+, 120 Hz and Gorilla Glass Victus protection
  • Galaxy S23+: 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, FHD+, 120Hz and Gorilla Glass Victus protection
  • Galaxy S23 Ultra: 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, QHD+, 120 Hz and Gorilla Glass Victus protection
• Processor: Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 2
• Memory: 8/12GB
• Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB
• Rear cameras (S23/S23+)
  • Wide angle: 50 megapixels and f / 1.8
  • Ultra wide angle: 12 megapixels and f / 2.2
  • Telephoto lens x3: 10 megapixels and f / 2.4
• Rear cameras (S23 Ultra)
  • Wide angle: 200 megapixels and f / 1.7
  • Ultra wide angle: 12 megapixels and f / 2.2
  • Telephoto lens x3: 10 megapixels and f / 2.4
  • Telephoto lens x10: 10 megapixels and f / 4.9
• Front camera: 12 megapixels and f / 2.2
  • S23 battery: 3,900 mAh with 25 W fast and wireless charging
  • S23+ battery: 4,700 mAh with 45W fast and wireless charging
  • S23 Ultra battery: 5,500 mAh with 45 W fast and wireless charging
• Dimensions and weight:
  Galaxy S23: 70.9 x 146.3 x 7.6mm, 168g
  Galaxy S23+: 76.2 x 157.8 x 7.6mm, 196g
  Galaxy S23 Ultra: 78.1 X 163.4 X 8.9mm, 234g
• Others: Android 13, 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, WiFi 6E, NFC, USB-C, fingerprint sensor, IP68 protection

The technical specifications are common in the basics. They all have a chipsets Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which we’ll see in most 2023 flagships, and packs 8GB of RAM (12GB optional for the Ultra). There is also no lack of AMOLED panels at 120 Hz (even if they differ in size and resolution), protection at the IP68 level or fast charging. The camera shows notable differences however.

More specifically, the Ultra model stands out from its little brothers for the use of a new 200 MP sensor (12 MP effective) instead of the old 108 MP seen in last year’s model. It benefits from higher brightness, but also provides much improved stabilization which should be noticeable when shooting video (up to 8K@30 is supported). There are also two sensors with independent zoom (x3 and x10), an ultra-wide and a selfie camera of “only” 12 MP.

The Galaxy S23 and S23+ share cameras with the foldable Galaxy Fold4.

As usual, Samsung covers its most advanced models with a very comprehensive upgrade plan. Specifically, the Galaxy S23 will receive four generations of Android and five security patches.

Already available for reservation, the Galaxy S23 have high prices, in line with what was expected, although the launch offers put the higher capacity versions at the price of the basic ones. The rates are as follows:

• Galaxy S23 128 GB: 959 euros
• Galaxy S23 256 GB: 959 euros (1,019 euros without offer)
• Galaxy S23+ 256 GB: 1,209 euros
• Galaxy S23+ 512 GB: 1,209 euros (1,329 euros without offer)
• Galaxy S23 Ultra 256 GB: 1,409 euros
• Galaxy S23 Ultra 512 GB: 1,409 euros (1,589 euros without offer)
• Galaxy S23 Ultra 1 TB: 1,659 euros, including wireless charger (1,829 euros without offer)