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 carefully within the footsteps of their respective S22 predecessors.
Curiously, the adjustments throughout the board this yr are significantly extra iterative — a great signal that Samsung’s S-series lineup has reached a sure maturity. For probably the most half, Samsung’s top-of-the-line smartphones aren’t bringing any groundbreaking new options or main digital camera adjustments this yr. As an alternative, the main target is on smaller quality-of-life enhancements that outcome within the S23 fashions refining Samsung’s strategy to its high-end smartphones somewhat 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 tremendous highly effective Galaxy S23 Extremely. Whereas it’s tempting to leap proper to Samsung’s premium S23 Extremely, you is perhaps shocked by what the extra inexpensive S23 has to supply.
Galaxy S23 vs. Galaxy S23 Extremely: specs
| Samsung Galaxy S23 | Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely | |
| Dimension | 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 companies | 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 |
| Assessment | S23 hands-on | S23 Extremely Assessment |
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, the S23 is certainly extra svelte than the phablet-like S23 Extremely, which has a 6.8-inch show and a design that clearly exhibits its roots within the Galaxy Be aware period.
Nonetheless, 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 of the S23 Extremely. Greater isn’t all the time higher, and on this case, each telephones function the identical Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. 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 could look a bit crisper on the Galaxy S23 Extremely, however one also can make the argument that that is extra necessary on the bigger display.
The Galaxy S23 and S23 Extremely are additionally on the identical degree relating to sturdiness. Each function an IP68 water-resistance score with Samsung’s newest Armor Aluminum chassis and Corning’s Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on each the back and front — an enchancment that Corning guarantees will provide higher drop safety ought to your cellphone occur to land on a tough floor like concrete.
This yr, Samsung has made an attention-grabbing design alternative on the opposite facet of the Galaxy S23. The digital camera bump that graced the again of the Galaxy S22 and prior fashions has vanished; as a substitute, you get three barely protruding lenses that match the cleaner and extra minimalist type of the Galaxy Extremely.
The redesign is probably not everybody’s cup of tea, however it’s positively a welcome change for many who choose the extra uniform look of the Galaxy Extremely. In the long run, 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. Nonetheless, this yr Samsung has added an additional twist; somewhat 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 model that it’s calling the “Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Cell Platform for Galaxy.”
This provides the Galaxy S23 fashions a powerful efficiency increase over their rivals’ equally geared up flagships. We have been unable to seek out something the S23 Extremely couldn’t deal with in our Galaxy S23 Extremely assessment, and there’s no purpose to consider the usual S23 can be any slower because it makes use of 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 probably ship the identical efficiency.
Nonetheless, battery life is one other matter. An even bigger cellphone 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. After all, the S23 Extremely wants that to energy a bigger display, however its endurance remains to be excellent. With average use, the S23 Extremely can simply final for 2 days on a single cost. 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 one of the best 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, which means it not solely runs longer, however it’s also possible to 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 development has been to outline a premium flagship smartphone by its digital camera system, and the Galaxy S23 Extremely continues this development by providing a few of the finest cameras you’ll discover in a smartphone. It’s the one space by which Samsung’s costliest 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 important lens combo final yr within the Galaxy S22, opting as a substitute 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 digital camera sport in any significant manner. Whereas the brand new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip will probably energy extra superior computational pictures options to supply higher outcomes — the S23 and S23 Extremely provide the identical imaging capabilities on the software program facet — the uncooked digital camera specs are principally similar to what got here final yr. The one noticeable change is that the selfie digital camera 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. After all, that doesn’t imply you’ll be taking pictures at this decision — at the very least not usually. As ordinary, Samsung’s digital camera software program will use pixel binning to supply considerably better-quality pictures 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 manner, relating to pictures, it’s no contest between the Galaxy S23 and the Galaxy S23 Extremely. Informal photographers received’t be upset by the digital camera system within the Galaxy S23, however in the event you’re seeking to take one of the best pictures attainable on a smartphone, there’s no query that it’s essential go together with the Galaxy S23 Extremely, which presents unimaginable zoom capabilities due to its dual-telephoto lens system.
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. Because of this apart from options particularly tied to {hardware}, such because the S-Pen and the extra superior digital camera system on the S23 Extremely, each fashions ought to present the identical software program consumer expertise.
Extra considerably, Samsung now guarantees 4 main Android OS updates and 5 years of safety patches. Because of this 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 consider both one can be left behind on efficiency as later Android updates are launched. That’s particularly necessary for the Galaxy S23 Extremely because it’s to date forward of the curve on efficiency and know-how you would simply be fortunately utilizing it for years to return.
Winner: Tie
Galaxy S23 vs. Galaxy S23 Extremely: particular options
Apart from the digital camera system, one of the vital 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 Be aware, 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 simple sufficient to disregard in the event you don’t take care of it. Nonetheless, it’s a pleasant bonus for many who need to sketch or take notes on the S23 Extremely’s expansive 6.8-inch display, and it makes Samsung’s most premium flagship much more of a multipurpose powerhouse that may deal with the whole lot from pictures to productiveness.
Winner: Galaxy S23 Extremely
Galaxy S23 vs. Galaxy S23 Extremely: value and availability
Samsung’s Galaxy S23 lineup arrives with the identical pricing as final yr’s fashions, placing the Galaxy S23 at a beginning value 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 can be found for buy now from Samsung’s web site, Finest Purchase, Amazon, and all main carriers. Each can be found in the identical Phantom Black, Cream, Inexperienced, and Lavender colours. Shopping for direct from Samsung enables you to select unique Graphite and Lime colours for each telephones, plus Purple and Sky Blue choices for the S23 Extremely.
General winner: Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely
The Galaxy S23 isn’t any slouch, and it’s a great 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 important AMOLED display and a really succesful digital camera 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 cellphone means a smaller battery.
In the end, although, there’s no query that the Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely is probably the most highly effective and succesful smartphone in Samsung’s new lineup. It has one of the best cameras by a protracted shot, help for Samsung’s S Pen, and considerably higher battery life than the smaller Galaxy S23. The Extremely remains to be probably the most multipurpose smartphone you may get — it does loads and excels at practically all of it. Better of all, it packs in sufficient modern know-how and efficiency that it might simply be the one smartphone you’ll want for years to return. That makes the upper price ticket a lot simpler to swallow and helps justify splurging a bit on the higher-capacity fashions, which may even provide you with 12GB of RAM for peak efficiency.
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