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

Samsung clearly needs the Galaxy S23 Extremely to be the final word digicam for cinematographers and photographers. I am definitely not an expert filmmaker, nor do I contemplate 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 can be out there on Feb. 17 alongside the remainder of Samsung’s new cellphone lineup, which incorporates the $800 Galaxy S23 and $1,000 Galaxy S23 Plus. Like final 12 months’s Galaxy S22 Extremely, the S23 Extremely’s big display, excessive value and souped-up digicam could also be an excessive amount of for the common particular person. 

The title “Extremely” says all of it; this cellphone is for individuals who desire a cellphone that is excessive. In comparison with the Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus, the Extremely presents a better zoom magnification than most individuals will in all probability want, a stylus that shops contained in the cellphone 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 may not want all that extra, however after utilizing this cellphone for a couple 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
• Glorious essential digicam, particularly in low mild
• Vivid display
• Included stylus
• Double the storage within the base mannequin
• 4 years of Android OS updates

Do not Like

• Excessive value
• Photographs do not all the time look pure, particularly selfies
• No enhancements to quick charging

Samsung largely achieves its purpose of offering a deluxe cellphone with a superb digicam and big show. However it is not excellent. That prime value is tough to disregard, and pictures taken on the Galaxy S23 Extremely do not all the time look as pure as these captured on the iPhone 14 Professional or Pixel 7 Professional. 

Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely digicam is a step up

In the event you watched Samsung’s Unpacked presentation, you already know the S23 Extremely’s essential 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 essential shooter. 

With the S23 Extremely, you may have the choice to shoot pictures at a 12-megapixel, 50-megapixel or 200-megapixel decision, which you’ll be able to regulate within the settings menu alongside the digicam’s viewfinder. Samsung’s Professional 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 definitely appears applicable for a cellphone like this. Capturing in uncooked permits photographers to edit the total, uncompressed model of a picture, giving them extra flexibility and knowledge to work with by way of 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 healthier at minimizing noise, and that its algorithms have gotten higher at enhancing colour tones and particulars. Samsung largely positioned these enhancements within the context of video recording and low-light pictures, however they appear evident throughout basic nonetheless pictures, too. These modifications are extra noticeable to the bare eye than the elevated decision. 

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

The largest variations I seen in these 200-megapixel pictures in comparison with the 108-megapixel photographs taken on the Galaxy S22 Extremely needed to do with colour. Flowers had been extra vibrant shades of orange and bushes regarded extra lush. The distinction in decision is just noticeable while you zoom all the way in which in to view the precise measurement of the pixels. 

The pictures under, nevertheless, present how the Galaxy S23 Extremely’s digicam has modified in comparison with the S22 Extremely’s. Check out the pictures of bushes and shrubbery taken at a park. Though you may not discover it within the smaller embedded model under, 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 under, the S23 Extremely captured extra element on the strawberries within the prime row. 

Those that have taken pictures with Samsung telephones earlier than may 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 does not all the time imply higher. There are occasions when Samsung’s overstated colour works effectively, and others when it does not. For pictures of individuals and pets, for instance, Samsung’s emphasis on colour may end up in extra flattering photographs. Within the photos under, my husband most well-liked 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 favored the iPhone 14 Professional’s picture greatest as a result of it struck the suitable steadiness of accuracy and daring colour. The iPhone 14 Professional additionally captured much more element within the cookie-shaped bench he is sitting on.

Nonetheless, Samsung’s telephones do not all the time deal with difficult lighting situations very effectively. When snapping a photograph of my husband in entrance of a window at a bakery, each the S23 Extremely and S22 Extremely’s photographs regarded washed out and overexposed, though the S23 Extremely’s did have extra colour 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 will discover the shades of inexperienced look extra pure. The best facet of the iPhone 14 Professional’s picture appears to be like blown out, however in any other case would have been a greater shot because the colours are extra correct. Nonetheless, Samsung did an amazing job with dynamic vary; you’ll be able to see the shadows extra clearly in its picture in comparison with the others.

However Samsung remains to be the king of low-light pictures in my guide. In my testing, the Galaxy S23 Extremely captured higher element and colour. 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 a detailed name.

My favourite instance of that is on this picture of my cat, Buddy, proven under. Although 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 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 simply too mushy, whereas the Pixel 7 Professional’s regarded prefer it had a bluish filter over it after I seen it on a big display. It is also one other instance of how the S23 Extremely’s emphasis on colour makes for a extra flattering picture.

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

Although Google supplies extra pure colour in nonetheless pictures, I skilled the alternative with regards to recording video. The Galaxy S23 Extremely typically captured extra sensible colour and sharpness in comparison with the Pixel 7 Professional throughout my testing. The iPhone 14 Professional was a detailed competitor, however Samsung’s footage had slightly extra element. When testing the video capabilities of every cellphone, I recorded clips on the highest supported decision and body charge. 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 cellphone, which it stated separates the topic from the background higher for extra readability. Selfies had been sharp and colourful total, and I most well-liked pictures taken with the S23 Extremely’s selfie digicam over the Pixel 7 Professional’s in each check. The Galaxy S22 Extremely’s had been corresponding to the S23 Extremely’s, however the iPhone 14 Professional’s selfies had the most effective total mixture of element and correct colour. Samsung’s selfies typically regarded unnatural because the colour 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 purple lighting. The Galaxy S23 Extremely’s picture has far more element than the others. 

In the case of 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 enable for a 3x or 10x optical zoom and as much as 100x digital zoom. Photographs from the ultrawide digicam packed loads of colour and brightness, as proven within the photographs under.

You will additionally get extra zoom than you in all probability want on the S23 Extremely, however that is perhaps helpful for individuals who regularly take pictures at live shows 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.

Try the picture samples under 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 photographs and low-light pictures. The enhancements to paint and dynamic vary are noticeable as effectively, and Samsung followers upgrading from a cellphone that is no less than two years previous will seemingly see a serious distinction. Nonetheless, the iPhone 14 Professional’s digicam was higher in most conditions, save for a couple of exceptions. 

Try the gallery under for a better have 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 newest Qualcomm chip for its new telephones. What’s stunning, nevertheless, is that Samsung determined to customise this chip greater than ordinary 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. A normal 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 cellphone as a PC. I plugged my S23 Extremely into an exterior monitor, connected a keyboard and mouse through Bluetooth and had 5 apps working, together with Google Docs, to take notes for this overview. I by no means skilled any lag or overheating throughout any of those duties.

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

Samsung’s new cellphone 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 brief bursts of excessive efficiency, like cellular video games. The iPhone 14 Professional, nevertheless, scored increased than the S23 Extremely on the final computing benchmark (Geekbench 5) however decrease on the one which measures temporary 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, however it ought to provide higher energy effectivity, because of its new processor. I must spend extra time with the cellphone to match it to the S22 Extremely, however the outcomes are promising thus far. 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 regulate the display’s refresh charge and brightness primarily based on the scenario. 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 except I touched the display. Battery life will all the time range relying on how you employ your system. On this situation, I used the cellphone to take pictures, report a couple of movies, test e-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 capturing 4K video for roughly a half hour. We’re nonetheless conducting extra battery checks on the S23 Extremely and can replace this overview accordingly. 

I additionally ran a 45-minute check 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 check. The Galaxy S23 Extremely’s outcomes are much like the Pixel 7’s, which additionally hit 94% after that 45-minute problem. (Throughout this check, I stored the brightness at 50%, left the excessive refresh charge setting turned on and switched off the always-on show.)

Like final 12 months’s Galaxy S22 Extremely, the Galaxy S23 Extremely has a prime wired charging velocity of 45 watts. You might want to use the proper adapter, which you may must buy individually should you do not already personal one since Samsung does not bundle one within the field. Thus far, that 45-watt charging velocity has enabled my S23 Extremely to go from 46% to 91% in simply 30 minutes of charging.

That is not dangerous, however it might 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, based on my colleague Sareena Dayaram’s Xiaomi 12T Professional overview. 

Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely design, show and different options

The Galaxy S23 Extremely appears to be like 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 12 months, the S23 Extremely is accessible in cream, inexperienced, black and lavender colour decisions. Like final 12 months’s system, it is rated for IP68 water resistance, that means it may be submerged in as much as 1.5 meters of contemporary water for 30 minutes. 

There is no mistake about it; the Galaxy S23 Extremely is a big cellphone, 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 cellphone your mates may gawk on the minute you are taking it out of your pocket. That is not an insult; there are many folks on the market who love giant telephones. It is simply one other reminder that this cellphone is not for everybody. However should you do a whole lot of studying, gaming, picture enhancing and TV watching in your cellphone and do not thoughts stretching your fingers for one-handed use, you may seemingly recognize the additional display house. 

I am additionally sure you may by no means wrestle to see the Galaxy S23 Extremely’s display in direct daylight. It is tremendous vivid, 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 out of doors brightness. Nonetheless, it is vivid sufficient to suit most individuals’s wants and circumstances.

You will additionally get an S Pen stylus, identical to final 12 months’s Galaxy S22 Extremely. Samsung’s Extremely lineup has successfully changed the Galaxy Be aware sequence, which was beforehand recognized for its giant screens and embedded stylus. Anticipate the identical acquainted S Pen expertise on this system; as quickly as you pop the pen out from the underside of the cellphone, you may see a pop-up menu with appropriate 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 through the course of this overview 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. Meaning you will not have to fret concerning 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 an alternative 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 actually make sharing information or utilizing your cellphone as a digital automobile key quicker and simpler. We might see extra companies and equipment that require it sooner or later.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely: Purchase or skip?

The Galaxy S23 Extremely is so much, however in a great way. Its giant display, 200-megapixel digicam, 100x zoom and S Pen is perhaps greater than most individuals want in a cellphone. However that is precisely who Samsung is concentrating on, and it is finally iterating on a method that is labored prior to now. 

This can be a cellphone for folks actively in search of options like giant screens and versatile cameras which are keen to pay prime greenback for them. In the event you simply desire a dependable new Android cellphone with an amazing digicam, the cheaper Pixel 7 Professional, Galaxy S23 or Galaxy S23 Plus will seemingly do the trick. (Nonetheless, we’ve 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 stage, a barely bigger display and a greater zoom lens. These aren’t must-haves for everybody, however it is a cellphone for individuals who need extras like these. 

The Galaxy S23 Extremely’s new digicam is essentially the most vital change in comparison with final 12 months’s S22 Extremely. However in my expertise, the behind-the-scenes upgrades Samsung made to the way in which the digicam captures colour, pores and skin tones and dynamic vary are a extra welcome enchancment than elevated sharpness alone.

Samsung might do extra to push the Galaxy Extremely line ahead in methods past the digicam. I might have liked to see quicker charging, for instance. And though the digicam is spectacular, the iPhone 14 Professional usually outpaced it in my testing.

If you would like a large display, an amazing digicam and are upgrading from a cellphone that is greater than two years previous, you will not be upset with the S23 Extremely. Simply attempt to snag it at a reduction by way of a trade-in deal to make that $1,200 value simpler to swallow.

How we check telephones

Each cellphone examined by CNET’s opinions staff was really utilized in the actual world. We check a cellphone’s options, play video games and take pictures. We study the show to see if it is vivid, 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 a wide range of circumstances from vivid daylight to darkish indoor scenes. We check out particular options like night time mode and portrait mode and evaluate our findings in opposition to equally priced competing telephones. We additionally take a look at the battery life by utilizing it day by day in addition to working a sequence of battery drain checks.

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 in fact steadiness all of this in opposition to the worth to provide the verdict on whether or not that cellphone, no matter value it’s, really represents good worth. 

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