This story is a part of Samsung Occasion, CNET’s assortment of stories, suggestions and recommendation round Samsung’s hottest merchandise.

Samsung hasn’t been shy about flaunting the cameras on its new telephones. It even wrangled endorsements from acclaimed administrators Ridley Scott and Na Hong-jin throughout its Galaxy S23 announcement. Nonetheless, in a considerably stunning transfer for Samsung, the digicam performs second fiddle to battery and efficiency upgrades within the new Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus. 

The Galaxy S23 ($800, £849, AU$1,349) and Galaxy S23 Plus ($1,000, £1,049, AU$1,649), which can be found immediately alongside the $1,200 Galaxy S23 Extremely (£1,249, AU$1,949), really feel like a half-generation improve in comparison with final yr’s Galaxy S22.

Efficiency is quicker, and battery life is fortunately a bit longer, which addresses the largest grievance I had concerning the Galaxy S22. However not like the Galaxy S23 Extremely’s cameras, which have noticeable enhancements in colour tone and dynamic vary together with a brand new 200-megapixel sensor, the Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus’ cameras largely really feel the identical as final yr.

And that is OK. We’re previous the purpose of revolutionary annual upgrades, and the Galaxy S23 is the right instance of that. As a substitute, Samsung targeted on making sensible refinements to one of many areas that issues most in a telephone: how lengthy it lasts on a single cost. Nonetheless, you should not improve to the S23 or S23 Plus until your telephone is greater than two years previous since it is not a radical change. 

One of many Galaxy S23’s greatest drawbacks, nevertheless, is not a flaw with the telephone itself, however moderately the robust competitors from Google. The $899 Pixel 7 Professional falls in between the Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus pricewise and gives a stellar digicam that bests Samsung’s in some situations. Samsung, nevertheless, does supply compelling trade-in bargains that would make the S23 lineup extra compelling. 

8.9

Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus

$800 at Samsung

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Like

• Engaging design
• Four generations of Android OS updates
• Longer battery life than the Galaxy S22
• Quick efficiency
• Extra storage within the base S23 Plus

Do not Like

• Cameras are principally the identical as final yr
• Costly
• No enhancements to quick charging
• Common Galaxy S23 lacks base storage improve

Total, the Galaxy S23 is right for Android followers that prioritize quick efficiency, stable cameras and having a spacious and brilliant display screen in a compact bundle. The Galaxy S23’s cameras do not all the time measure as much as Apple’s and Google’s, however they’re nonetheless ok to suit most peoples’ wants. 

Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus get a battery improve

Just like the Galaxy S22, the 6.1-inch Galaxy S23 stays a best choice for Android followers that choose smaller telephones. However there was only one downside with the Galaxy S22: Its battery life generally felt too brief to get via a full day. 

It seems to be like Samsung took these issues to coronary heart. Each the common Galaxy S23 and the bigger 6.6-inch Galaxy S23 Plus get an extended battery life in comparison with their predecessors. The Galaxy S23 has a 3,900-mAh battery, up from the Galaxy S22’s 3,700-mAh capability, whereas the Galaxy S23 Plus has a 4,700-mAh battery as a substitute of the S22 Plus’ 4,500-mAh battery. The brand new Qualcomm Snapdragon Eight Gen 2 processor contained in the Galaxy S23 sequence, which has been optimized for Samsung’s new telephones, also needs to convey some enhancements to energy effectivity.

Regardless that I’ve solely used the brand new telephones for a number of days, these upgrades are already noticeable. Once I used the 6.1-inch Galaxy S22 as my day by day smartphone for roughly a month, I observed that the battery dipped all the way down to between 30 and 40% by 9 p.m., particularly after an extended day within the workplace. 

With the Galaxy S23, the battery was all the way down to 46% by 9:45 p.m. after a day of heavy utilization (operating benchmark efficiency checks, taking a lot of pictures and movies, and so on.). With mild utilization after a day that began at 10 a.m, I had 64% left by the point I went to sleep simply previous 12:30 a.m. The Galaxy S23 Plus had 73% of its battery left by bedtime (round 11 p.m.) after a full day within the workplace.

In fact, battery life will differ relying on how you utilize your system. Duties like making video calls and recording video will drain the battery quicker, and settings similar to display screen brightness sometimes impression battery life. Throughout my checks, I often had the display screen set between 25% and 50% of the telephone’s most brightness; since Samsung’s telephones have pretty brilliant screens, there’s often no have to set it any increased. 

I additionally examined the battery life by placing every telephone via a 45-minute endurance take a look at to see how shortly the battery drains after routine duties like scrolling via social media, watching YouTube movies, enjoying video games and making a video name. The Galaxy S23 dipped to 91% after that take a look at, whereas the Galaxy S23 Plus decreased to 95%. Each scores characterize a light enchancment over the Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus, which reached 89% and 92%, respectively. 

To get a extra thorough sense of the Galaxy S23’s battery life, I additionally ran a three-hour YouTube streaming take a look at through which I cranked the show brightness all the best way up whereas watching a video and measured the battery stage at each hour. As you possibly can see within the desk beneath, the Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus fared higher than their predecessors throughout these checks, particularly by the top of the third hour. Each telephones additionally beat the Galaxy S22 Extremely on this take a look at, and the Galaxy S23 matched the efficiency of the $599 Pixel 7. 

Whereas battery life improved, the Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus have the identical charging speeds as final yr. The Galaxy S23 helps 25-watt fast-charging and 45-watt fast-charging for the Galaxy S23 Plus. However in follow, these charging speeds did not really feel that totally different. The Galaxy S23 went from 47% to 86% after 30 minutes, whereas the Galaxy S23 Plus went from 59% to 94%. 

Whereas charging velocity is not a deal-breaker when shopping for a brand new telephone, it might have been good to see Samsung push ahead on this space. That is very true contemplating rivals like Xiaomi and OnePlus proceed to shorten the time it takes to replenish their respective telephones’ batteries. 

Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus’ new processor is quick

The Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus really feel snappy and quick in on a regular basis use, as telephones of their value vary ought to. Enjoying video games with the graphics and body price on the highest settings felt easy, and apps launched immediately. All three new telephones have an adaptive refresh price that reaches as much as 120Hz for smoother scrolling and animations, which additionally contributes to the units’ peppiness. 

The one space the place the brand new Qualcomm Snapdragon Eight Gen 2 processor appears to make a distinction in on a regular basis use is exporting video. The Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus each exported a 30-second 4K video to 1080p quicker than the Galaxy S22 Extremely and Pixel 7 Professional. The iPhone 14, nevertheless, was the quickest of the bunch. The Galaxy S23 lineup runs on a particular personalized model of Qualcomm’s newest cell chip that is been optimized for these telephones, which means it is totally different from the model contained in the OnePlus 11.

Benchmarks meant to check basic computing (Geekbench 5) and the way a processor handles excessive efficiency in brief bursts (3DMark) instructed an identical story. The Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus carried out properly in comparison with the Galaxy S22 and Pixel 7 Professional, and even outperformed the iPhone 14 on most checks. The OnePlus 11 was their closest competitor, which is not stunning contemplating it has an identical processor. However the Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus did outpace the OnePlus 11 within the take a look at meant to judge a processor’s single-core efficiency, which is sensible contemplating Samsung overclocked one of many CPU cores. 

That mentioned, real-world utilization issues greater than benchmarks. Apart from the quicker video export speeds, I did not expertise something on the Galaxy S23 lineup that felt unusually quick in comparison with most different telephones in the identical value vary.

Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus digicam is much like the S22

The Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus every have a triple rear digicam that consists of a 50-megapixel most important digicam, 12-megapixel extremely vast and a 10-megapixel telephoto. Due to a method referred to as pixel binning, you possibly can select to shoot pictures on the full 50-megapixel decision or 12 megapixels relying on the situation. The 12-megapixel possibility, for instance, is often higher for poorly lit circumstances because it teams a number of pixels collectively to function a bigger pixel for gathering extra mild. Samsung additionally integrates the controls from its Professional Uncooked app proper into the primary digicam, making it extra handy for individuals who need quick access to the total, uncompressed model of a picture. 

This digicam system is basically the identical because the one on the S22, though Samsung has made some processing enhancements, notably on the subject of low mild pictures. That is the largest distinction I observed throughout my time testing the brand new telephones in opposition to the Galaxy S22. 

Try the pictures of my husband in a dim restaurant beneath. His face is brighter and his beard is extra detailed.

Nonetheless, I most popular the iPhone 14’s and Pixel 7 Professional’s pictures, principally as a result of they captured extra correct pores and skin tones. The Galaxy S23’s photograph is brighter and extra detailed than the Pixel 7 Professional’s, but it surely additionally makes his face look slightly washed out.

The Galaxy S23 performs properly in dim circumstances total, which is not stunning contemplating low-light pictures has been a giant space of focus for Samsung lately. Regardless that the iPhone 14 and Pixel 7 Professional carried out higher within the examples above, the S23 simply challenges Apple and Google in different low-light pictures situations, like taking pictures of pets and nonetheless objects.

Within the pictures of a e-book stack beneath, for instance, the Galaxy S23 did an important job at retaining element and colour. The iPhone 14’s photograph is not as colourful and has some noise in comparison with Samsung’s, though the Pixel 7 Professional’s picture was a detailed competitor.

In any other case, there is not something that feels new or stunning concerning the Galaxy S23’s digicam. Whereas the Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus can each seize crisp and clear pictures, there have been cases through which colours both seemed exaggerated or blown out in comparison with the identical pictures taken on the iPhone 14 and Pixel 7.

You possibly can see an instance of the exaggeration on this photograph of my husband beneath. The shade of blue in his denim jacket is brighter than it seemed in actual life, whereas the iPhone 14 and Pixel 7 Professional’s pictures look extra pure.

However as I mentioned in my evaluate of the S23 Extremely, this is not all the time a nasty factor. It might make sure pictures pop and look extra engaging total, as is the case with the photograph beneath. The pink flowers look extra colourful and vibrant within the S23’s photograph in comparison with the remainder.

Samsung additionally upgraded the Galaxy S23’s selfie digicam with a 12-megapixel sensor in comparison with the S22’s 10-megapixel entrance digicam. Nonetheless, I did not discover a lot of a distinction underneath regular circumstances. 

However Samsung’s telephones simply took higher selfies in low mild in comparison with the iPhone 14 and Pixel 7 Professional. The pictures from Google and Apple’s telephones are each noisier and grainier than Samsung’s, which I observed when evaluating the pictures on a big monitor. The Galaxy S23’s selfie can also be a bit clearer than the S22’s, however the distinction is not as dramatic.

The Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus have a 3x optical zoom and 30x digital zoom, similar to the S22 and S22 Plus. You may have to splurge on the $1,200 Galaxy S23 Extremely to get the 10x optical zoom and 100x digital zoom. 

However the S23 and S23 Plus nonetheless have extra to supply than the $799 iPhone 14, which has a 1x optical zoom and a 5x digital zoom. 

Samsung is often the king of zoom, however on this situation Google takes the cake. The Pixel 7 Professional has a 5x optical zoom and a 30x digital zoom that appears far crisper than Samsung’s, as proven beneath.

So far as video recording is anxious, the S23 and S23 Plus can report at 8K decision as much as 30 frames per second. When recording video on the highest supported decision and body price for every telephone (4K at 60 frames per second for the iPhone 14 and Pixel 7 Professional), I observed the Galaxy S23’s footage had extra correct colour tones in comparison with the Pixel 7 Professional. The iPhone’s video, nevertheless, seemed a bit crisper.

I additionally observed that video stabilization improved barely on the Galaxy S23 in comparison with the Galaxy S22, enabling it to raised compete with Apple’s Motion Mode.

The Galaxy S23’s digicam is not a leap ahead, but it surely’ll really feel vital to these upgrading from a telephone that is a number of years previous. 

Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus have a barely new design

The Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus have largely the identical look and really feel because the Galaxy S22. And that is an excellent factor for my part, as a result of I cherished the Galaxy S22’s glossy and colourful look. 

The primary distinction is that Samsung did away with the digicam island on the Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus, as a substitute choosing standalone lenses that sit organized in a vertical column on the again of the system. It is the identical aesthetic because the Galaxy S23 Extremely, and it makes the S23’s design really feel extra constant. In any other case, the telephones can be found in new colour choices that embrace lavender, black, cream and inexperienced. 

All three telephones are available the identical measurement choices because the S22 lineup. There’s the 6.1-inch Galaxy S23, 6.6-inch Galaxy S23 Plus and 6.8-inch Galaxy S23 Extremely. Samsung does a greater job than most at squeezing spacious screens into small units. The Galaxy S23 Extremely nonetheless feels huge, however the Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus really feel surprisingly petite for his or her measurement. 

The Galaxy S23 Plus, for instance, solely feels barely bigger than the 6.1-inch iPhone 14 regardless of the quantity of additional display screen area it gives. The Galaxy S23 can also be one of many few Android telephones with a 6.1-inch display screen apart from the Pixel 6A, making it a compelling alternative for individuals who choose compact units. 

All three new Galaxy telephones launch with Android 13 and the One UI 5.1 overlay. Samsung additionally gives 4 generations of Android OS model upgrades, which is noteworthy contemplating Google solely commits to 3 generations of updates on its Pixel telephones. Which means your Galaxy S23 will final for no less than 4 years from a software program perspective, so it should not really feel outdated anytime quickly. 

In line with Samsung’s theme of creating sensible modifications this yr, the Galaxy S23 Plus and S23 Extremely now begin at 256GB of storage moderately than 128GB. Which means you get double the storage capability for a similar value as final yr’s units. Whereas it is an important worth for Samsung’s pricier telephones, I am dissatisfied Samsung did not do the identical for its entry-level Galaxy S23. It might have been a great way for Samsung to additional justify the Galaxy S23’s increased value in comparison with the $599 Pixel 7 whereas additionally giving potential Pixel 7 Professional consumers one more reason to contemplate Samsung as a substitute. 

Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus: Purchase or skip?

The Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus are average enhancements over the Galaxy S22, bringing quality-of-life enhancements like longer battery life, extra base storage for the Plus and quicker efficiency. Since this is not a serious replace, I do not suggest upgrading until you’ve a telephone that is greater than two years previous on the very least. Those that have an older telephone will get the advantages that got here with final yr’s digicam improve and redesign, together with the S23’s higher battery life.

If you happen to’re procuring within the $900 value vary, the Pixel 7 Professional can also be price contemplating. The digicam usually captures extra correct colours and crisper zoom pictures than Samsung’s and also you get a barely bigger display screen for a less expensive value than the Galaxy S23 Plus. Nonetheless, simply keep in mind that Google solely gives three generations of Android OS updates for the Pixel 7 line, so that you would possibly wish to improve sooner. Each Samsung and Google present 5 years of safety updates for his or her higher-end units, so you will nonetheless have years earlier than the telephones could also be vulnerable to vulnerabilities.

The Galaxy S22 can also be a tempting possibility at its new value of $700. However when you can afford it, I would suggest going for the Galaxy S23 due to its longer battery life and newer processor. Let’s face it, your telephone’s battery is not going to get any higher over time, so that you would possibly as properly spend money on a tool that may last more.

How we take a look at telephones

Each telephone examined by CNET’s opinions staff was really utilized in the true world. We take a look at a telephone’s options, play video games and take pictures. We study the show to see if it is brilliant, sharp and vibrant. We analyze the design and construct to see how it’s to carry and whether or not it has an IP-rating for water resistance. We push the processor’s efficiency to the extremes utilizing each standardized benchmark instruments like GeekBench and 3DMark, together with our personal anecdotal observations navigating the interface, recording high-resolution movies and enjoying graphically intense video games at excessive refresh charges.

All of the cameras are examined in a wide range of circumstances from brilliant daylight to darkish indoor scenes. We check out particular options like evening mode and portrait mode and examine our findings in opposition to equally priced competing telephones. We additionally try the battery life through the use of it day by day in addition to operating a sequence of battery drain checks.

We take note of further options like help for 5G, satellite tv for pc connectivity, fingerprint and face sensors, stylus help, quick charging speeds, foldable shows amongst others that may be helpful. And we in fact stability all of this in opposition to the worth to provide the verdict on whether or not that telephone, no matter value it’s, really represents good worth. 

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