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

Samsung clearly desires the Galaxy S23 Extremely to be the final word digicam for cinematographers and photographers. I am actually not an expert filmmaker, nor do I think about myself to be a shutterbug. However after utilizing the Galaxy S23 Extremely for a number of days, it is clear the brand new digicam upholds the areas through which Samsung already excels — like low-light pictures — and pushes these strengths slightly additional. 

The $1,200 (£1,249, AU$1,949) Galaxy S23 Extremely will probably be obtainable on Feb. 17 alongside the remainder of Samsung’s new telephone lineup, which incorporates the $800 Galaxy S23 and $1,000 Galaxy S23 Plus. Like final yr’s Galaxy S22 Extremely, the S23 Extremely’s large display, excessive worth and souped-up digicam could also be an excessive amount of for the typical individual. 

The title “Extremely” says all of it; this telephone is for individuals who need a telephone that is excessive. In comparison with the Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus, the Extremely provides a better zoom magnification than most individuals will most likely want, a stylus that shops contained in the telephone and an enormous 6.8-inch display that is bigger than each these of the iPhone 14 Professional Max and Google Pixel 7 Professional. You won’t want all that extra, however after utilizing this telephone for a number of days, I would not blame you for wanting them. 

9.1

Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely

$1,200 at Samsung

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Like

• Quick efficiency
• Wonderful most important digicam, particularly in low gentle
• Shiny display
• Included stylus
• Double the storage within the base mannequin
• 4 years of Android OS updates

Do not Like

• Excessive worth
• Pictures do not at all times look pure, particularly selfies
• No enhancements to quick charging

Samsung largely achieves its objective of offering a deluxe telephone with a wonderful digicam and large show. But it surely is not excellent. That prime worth is tough to disregard, and pictures taken on the Galaxy S23 Extremely do not at all times look as pure as these captured on the iPhone 14 Professional or Pixel 7 Professional. 

Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely digicam is a step up

Should you watched Samsung’s Unpacked presentation, you already know the S23 Extremely’s most important digicam is its prized attribute. Samsung added a 200-megapixel sensor for the primary time, marking a technical improve from the S22 Extremely’s 108-megapixel most important shooter. 

With the S23 Extremely, you might have the choice to shoot pictures at a 12-megapixel, 50-megapixel or 200-megapixel decision, which you’ll be able to modify within the settings menu alongside the digicam’s viewfinder. Samsung’s Skilled Uncooked app is now built-in into the native digicam app after you obtain it for the primary time. Though I do not sometimes edit uncooked pictures myself, the use case actually appears acceptable for a telephone like this. Taking pictures in uncooked permits photographers to edit the total, uncompressed model of a picture, giving them extra flexibility and knowledge to work with when it comes to colours and publicity. 

Beneath-the-hood enhancements to paint, dynamic vary, autofocus and low-light efficiency appear extra significant than the decision bump. Samsung stated when saying the S23 Extremely that its new picture sensor is best at minimizing noise, and that its algorithms have gotten higher at enhancing coloration tones and particulars. Samsung largely positioned these enhancements within the context of video recording and low-light pictures, however they appear evident throughout common nonetheless pictures, too. These adjustments are extra noticeable to the bare eye than the elevated decision. 

Until in any other case specified, the pictures on this article have been taken on the default 12-megapixel decision as a result of the 200-megapixel information are simply too massive to show right here. You possibly can nonetheless see adjustments in how the digicam processes coloration, pores and skin tone and dynamic vary even at this decrease decision. Nevertheless, I did seize a number of 200-megapixel pictures all through the course of my testing. 

The most important variations I seen in these 200-megapixel pictures in comparison with the 108-megapixel photos taken on the Galaxy S22 Extremely needed to do with coloration. Flowers have been extra vibrant shades of orange and timber seemed extra lush. The distinction in decision is simply noticeable whenever you zoom all the best way in to view the precise dimension of the pixels. 

The pictures beneath, nonetheless, present how the Galaxy S23 Extremely’s digicam has modified in comparison with the S22 Extremely’s. Check out the pictures of timber and shrubbery taken at a park. Though you won’t discover it within the smaller embedded model beneath, the leaves within the S23 Extremely’s picture have a bit extra separation and crispness in comparison with the S22 Extremely’s, and there is additionally higher distinction within the tree bark.

Within the pictures of sweets organized in a baker’s show case beneath, the S23 Extremely captured extra element on the strawberries within the high row. 

Those that have taken pictures with Samsung telephones earlier than might need seen that colours typically look exaggerated. Samsung has improved this lately, however the Pixel 7 Professional and iPhone 14 Professional nonetheless take pictures that look extra pure total.

However, pure would not at all times imply higher. There are occasions when Samsung’s overstated coloration works nicely, and others when it would not. For pictures of individuals and pets, for instance, Samsung’s emphasis on coloration can lead to extra flattering photos. Within the footage beneath, my husband most popular the Galaxy S23 Extremely’s picture over the extra natural-looking picture from the Pixel 7 Professional as a result of it made his beard and eyes look extra vibrant. However he preferred the iPhone 14 Professional’s picture finest as a result of it struck the best stability of accuracy and daring coloration. The iPhone 14 Professional additionally captured much more element within the cookie-shaped bench he is sitting on.

Nevertheless, Samsung’s telephones do not at all times deal with difficult lighting eventualities very nicely. When snapping a photograph of my husband in entrance of a window at a bakery, each the S23 Extremely and S22 Extremely’s photos seemed washed out and overexposed, though the S23 Extremely’s did have extra coloration than the S22 Extremely’s. The iPhone 14 Professional’s was the most effective of the bunch on this case, however the Pixel 7 Professional’s was spectacular, too. 

Colours in panorama pictures taken on the Galaxy S23 Extremely can look brighter and exaggerated in comparison with these from the iPhone 14 Professional and Pixel 7 Professional. Check out how that picture of the park from earlier compares to related pictures taken on the iPhone 14 Professional and Pixel 7 Professional, and you may discover the shades of inexperienced look extra pure. The correct facet of the iPhone 14 Professional’s picture seems blown out, however in any other case would have been a greater shot because the colours are extra correct. Nonetheless, Samsung did an excellent job with dynamic vary; you’ll be able to see the shadows extra clearly in its picture in comparison with the others.

However Samsung continues to be the king of low-light pictures in my e-book. In my testing, the Galaxy S23 Extremely captured higher element and coloration. The Galaxy S23 Extremely was in a position to focus extra sharply than each the Pixel 7 Professional and iPhone 14 Professional. It was additionally barely higher than the Galaxy S22 Extremely, though it was typically an in depth name.

My favourite instance of that is on this picture of my cat, Buddy, proven beneath. Despite the fact that the iPhone 14 Professional’s picture is brighter, I just like the S23 Extremely’s higher as a result of it has extra distinction and element. When taking a look at these pictures side-by-side on a big monitor, you’ll be able to see the stripes in his fur extra clearly. The Galaxy S22 Extremely’s picture is just too tender, whereas the Pixel 7 Professional’s seemed prefer it had a bluish filter over it once I considered it on a big display. It is also one other instance of how the S23 Extremely’s emphasis on coloration makes for a extra flattering picture.

Video recording on the Galaxy S23 Extremely was upgraded to 8K at 30 frames per second, whereas it beforehand topped out at 24fps when taking pictures at that decision. Samsung additionally elevated the sphere of view when recording 8K video, which may be very noticeable in comparison with the Galaxy S22 Extremely. 

Despite the fact that Google offers extra pure coloration in nonetheless pictures, I skilled the alternative in terms of recording video. The Galaxy S23 Extremely usually captured extra lifelike coloration and sharpness in comparison with the Pixel 7 Professional throughout my testing. The iPhone 14 Professional was an in depth competitor, however Samsung’s footage had slightly extra element. When testing the video capabilities of every telephone, I recorded clips on the highest supported decision and body price. That is 8K at 30fps for the Galaxy S23 Extremely, 8K at 24fps for the Galaxy S22 Extremely and 4K at 60fps for the iPhone 14 Professional and Google Pixel 7 Professional. 

Samsung additionally highlighted the S23 Extremely’s new 12-megapixel selfie digicam when saying the telephone, which it stated separates the topic from the background higher for extra readability. Selfies have been sharp and colourful total, and I most popular pictures taken with the S23 Extremely’s selfie digicam over the Pixel 7 Professional’s in each take a look at. The Galaxy S22 Extremely’s have been akin to the S23 Extremely’s, however the iPhone 14 Professional’s selfies had the most effective total mixture of element and correct coloration. Samsung’s selfies typically seemed unnatural because the coloration in my hair appeared exaggerated. 

The one exception was in very dim lighting, an space the place Samsung reigns supreme. Check out the selfie I took in a really darkish theater with pink lighting. The Galaxy S23 Extremely’s picture has rather more element than the others. 

In relation to the remainder of the cameras, you’ll be able to anticipate the identical association because the Galaxy S22 Extremely. Along with the primary digicam, there’s additionally a 12-megapixel ultrawide digicam and two 10-megapixel telephoto lenses that permit for a 3x or 10x optical zoom and as much as 100x digital zoom. Pictures from the ultrawide digicam packed loads of coloration and brightness, as proven within the photos beneath.

You may additionally get extra zoom than you most likely want on the S23 Extremely, however that may be helpful for individuals who regularly take pictures at concert events and sporting occasions. The 100x digital zoom can really feel unwieldy, however Samsung does present a better optical zoom than its opponents. Just like the S22 Extremely, the S23 Extremely can zoom optically as much as 10x, whereas the iPhone 14 Professional is at 3x and the Pixel 7 Professional is at 5x.

Take a look at the picture samples beneath to see the distinction in optical zoom ranges.

General, I used to be impressed with the Galaxy S23 Extremely’s cameras. They continue to be the most effective for zoomed-in pictures and low-light pictures. The enhancements to paint and dynamic vary are noticeable as nicely, and Samsung followers upgrading from a telephone that is no less than two years outdated will probably see a significant distinction. Nonetheless, the iPhone 14 Professional’s digicam was higher in most conditions, save for a number of exceptions. 

Take a look at the gallery beneath for a better take a look at some pictures I captured with the Galaxy S23 Extremely.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely efficiency

The Galaxy S23 Extremely runs on a Snapdragon Eight Gen 2 processor, which is not stunning contemplating Samsung sometimes makes use of the most recent Qualcomm chip for its new telephones. What’s stunning, nonetheless, is that Samsung determined to customise this chip greater than common for the S23 sequence. Samsung calls it the Qualcomm Snapdragon Eight Gen 2 for Galaxy, and it is primarily a particular model of the processor that is been optimized for higher efficiency and energy effectivity. An ordinary model of the Snapdragon Eight Gen 2 is being included in rival telephones just like the OnePlus 11 5G. 

The S23 Extremely feels quick and snappy, whether or not I am simply swiping across the working system, taking part in video games whereas on a video name or working Samsung’s Dex program to make use of my telephone as a PC. I plugged my S23 Extremely into an exterior monitor, hooked up a keyboard and mouse by way of Bluetooth and had 5 apps working, together with Google Docs, to take notes for this assessment. I by no means skilled any lag or overheating throughout any of those duties.

The S23 Extremely also can export movies rapidly, which may be useful for individuals who shoot and edit video tasks on their telephone regularly. In my testing, it exported a 30-second 4K video clip to 1080p three seconds sooner than the S22 Extremely and a full 10 seconds sooner than the Pixel 7 Professional on common. The iPhone 14 Professional, nonetheless, completed the job about three seconds sooner than the S23 Extremely on common. You may additionally get double the storage that is within the base mannequin of the Galaxy S23 Extremely (256GB versus 128GB), which supplies you extra space to retailer these video tasks. 

Samsung’s new telephone additionally scored increased than the Galaxy S22 Extremely, Pixel 7 Professional and OnePlus 11 5G on benchmarks meant to check computing energy in on a regular basis duties and in apps that require quick bursts of excessive efficiency, like cellular video games. The iPhone 14 Professional, nonetheless, scored increased than the S23 Extremely on the overall computing benchmark (Geekbench 5) however decrease on the one which measures transient intervals of excessive depth (3DMark Wild Life Excessive). 

Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely battery life and charging

The Galaxy S23 Extremely has a 5,000-mAh battery, identical to the Galaxy S22 Extremely, nevertheless it ought to supply higher energy effectivity, due to its new processor. I must spend extra time with the telephone to match it to the S22 Extremely, however the outcomes are promising to date. After 12 hours of use, which equates to a full workday after which some, the battery was right down to 66%. 

I had adaptive movement and adaptive brightness settings turned on, which modify the display’s refresh price and brightness primarily based on the state of affairs. The always-on show function was additionally turned on, however I had “faucet to indicate” enabled, that means it would not show the time and date until I touched the display. Battery life will at all times differ relying on how you employ your gadget. On this state of affairs, I used the telephone to take pictures, file a number of movies, verify electronic mail, browse social media and stream music for about 15 minutes. 

On a separate day, the Galaxy S23 Extremely nonetheless had roughly three quarters of its battery left by the center of the workday even after taking pictures 4K video for roughly a half hour. We’re nonetheless conducting extra battery assessments on the S23 Extremely and can replace this assessment accordingly. 

I additionally ran a 45-minute take a look at through which I performed video games, made a 10-minute video name, checked social media and streamed video; over that span the S23 Extremely dropped from 100% to 94%. The Galaxy S22 Extremely dipped to 91% throughout that very same take a look at. The Galaxy S23 Extremely’s outcomes are just like the Pixel 7’s, which additionally hit 94% after that 45-minute problem. (Throughout this take a look at, I saved the brightness at 50%, left the excessive refresh price setting turned on and switched off the always-on show.)

Like final yr’s Galaxy S22 Extremely, the Galaxy S23 Extremely has a high wired charging pace of 45 watts. That you must use the right adapter, which you may should buy individually in case you do not already personal one since Samsung would not bundle one within the field. Up to now, that 45-watt charging pace has enabled my S23 Extremely to go from 46% to 91% in simply 30 minutes of charging.

That is not unhealthy, however it will be nice to see Samsung push issues additional now that firms like OnePlus and Xiaomi are providing upwards of 100-watt quick charging. The Xiaomi 12T Professional, for instance, helps 120-watt quick charging and went from zero to 100% in 19 minutes, in accordance with my colleague Sareena Dayaram’s Xiaomi 12T Professional assessment. 

Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely design, show and different options

The Galaxy S23 Extremely seems nearly similar to the Galaxy S22 Extremely. It has the identical boxy edges that give it a sharper look in comparison with the common Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus. However this yr, the S23 Extremely is out there in cream, inexperienced, black and lavender coloration decisions. Like final yr’s gadget, it is rated for IP68 water resistance, that means it may be submerged in as much as 1.5 meters of recent water for 30 minutes. 

There is no mistake about it; the Galaxy S23 Extremely is a huge telephone, identical to its predecessor. It has a 6.8-inch display, making it barely larger than the 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Professional Max and Google Pixel 7 Professional. It is the kind of telephone your mates may gawk on the minute you’re taking it out of your pocket. That is not an insult; there are many individuals on the market who love massive telephones. It is simply one other reminder that this telephone is not for everybody. However in case you do a number of studying, gaming, picture modifying and TV watching in your telephone and do not thoughts stretching your fingers for one-handed use, you may probably recognize the additional display area. 

I am additionally sure you may by no means battle to see the Galaxy S23 Extremely’s display in direct daylight. It is tremendous vibrant, reaching 1,750 nits, which is brighter than the Pixel 7 Professional’s 1,500-nit peak brightness however not fairly as luminous because the iPhone 14 Professional’s 2,000-nit peak outside brightness. Nonetheless, it is vibrant sufficient to suit most individuals’s wants and circumstances.

You may additionally get an S Pen stylus, identical to final yr’s Galaxy S22 Extremely. Samsung’s Extremely lineup has successfully changed the Galaxy Observe sequence, which was beforehand identified for its massive screens and embedded stylus. Count on the identical acquainted S Pen expertise on this gadget; as quickly as you pop the pen out from the underside of the telephone, you may see a pop-up menu with suitable apps like Samsung Notes and the drawing app PenUp. I do not often use the S Pen regularly, however I discovered myself jotting down notes in the course of the course of this assessment greater than I had anticipated. 

Samsung additionally as soon as once more commits to 4 generations of Android OS upgrades, which is on par with the OnePlus 11 and surpasses Google’s three-year promise for the Pixel 7 and seven Professional. Samsung, OnePlus and Google all present 5 years of safety updates for his or her newest gadgets. Which means you will not have to fret in regards to the S23 Extremely’s software program feeling outdated anytime quickly because it launches with Android 13 and Samsung’s One UI 5.1 software program.

One further function you get by going for the Extremely or Plus as a substitute of the common mannequin is ultrawideband assist, which makes it simpler to connect with close by gadgets extra exactly than Bluetooth. UWB is not a necessity, however it could make sharing information or utilizing your telephone as a digital automobile key sooner and simpler. We may see extra providers and equipment that require it sooner or later.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely: Purchase or skip?

The Galaxy S23 Extremely is quite a bit, however in a great way. Its massive display, 200-megapixel digicam, 100x zoom and S Pen may be greater than most individuals want in a telephone. However that is precisely who Samsung is concentrating on, and it is in the end iterating on a method that is labored prior to now. 

This can be a telephone for individuals actively looking for options like massive screens and versatile cameras which might be prepared to pay high greenback for them. Should you simply need a dependable new Android telephone with an excellent digicam, the cheaper Pixel 7 Professional, Galaxy S23 or Galaxy S23 Plus will probably do the trick. (Nevertheless, we have not examined these different new Galaxy telephones, so we won’t suggest them simply but). 

The barrier to entry for the Galaxy S23 Extremely is increased than that of the iPhone 14 Professional and Pixel 7 Professional. However you additionally get sure extras just like the S Pen, extra storage on the base degree, a barely bigger display and a greater zoom lens. These aren’t must-haves for everybody, however it is a telephone for individuals who need extras like these. 

The Galaxy S23 Extremely’s new digicam is probably the most important change in comparison with final yr’s S22 Extremely. However in my expertise, the behind-the-scenes upgrades Samsung made to the best way the digicam captures coloration, pores and skin tones and dynamic vary are a extra welcome enchancment than elevated sharpness alone.

Samsung may do extra to push the Galaxy Extremely line ahead in methods past the digicam. I’d have beloved to see sooner charging, for instance. And regardless that the digicam is spectacular, the iPhone 14 Professional typically outpaced it in my testing.

If you’d like a large display, an excellent digicam and are upgrading from a telephone that is greater than two years outdated, you will not be disenchanted with the S23 Extremely. Simply attempt to snag it at a reduction by means of a trade-in deal to make that $1,200 worth simpler to swallow.

How we take a look at telephones

Each telephone examined by CNET’s evaluations group was truly 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 vibrant, 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 taking part in graphically intense video games at excessive refresh charges.

All of the cameras are examined in quite a lot of circumstances from vibrant daylight to darkish indoor scenes. We check out particular options like evening mode and portrait mode and examine our findings towards equally priced competing telephones. We additionally try the battery life through the use of it day by day in addition to working a sequence of battery drain assessments.

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

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