Short answer: the Samsung Galaxy S23 is a great pick if you want a flagship-level phone in a compact size without paying Ultra prices. It has a strong camera, smooth performance and battery life that easily lasts a full day. I made this review in April 2023, after several days of extensive use.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 featured here is the standard version of the S23 series, not the Plus or Ultra. I focused on the standard model because not everyone needs the top-of-the-line features of the Ultra, which has numerous lenses and an S Pen. Sometimes simplicity and functionality are all you need.
As a long-time user of Samsung Galaxy phones, I’ve followed the standard models since the S3, typically upgrading every two years and skipping the occasional range. My previous device was the S21+, and throughout these years I never felt like I was missing out on features compared to the Ultra or Note series. Let’s look at who the S23 is perfect for.
Design and sustainability
The Galaxy S23 comes in Green, Lavender, Cream and Phantom Black. I’m a fan of the subtle elegance of the Green. The design feels premium thanks to its revamped look and glass back, a notable improvement over my S21+ with its plastic back.
One change from the S22 is the absence of a raised camera module. Samsung went for a sleeker approach, with the camera lenses protruding slightly. The S23 also shows Samsung’s commitment to sustainability, with recycled glass for both the front and back panels. A glass back may not be the most drop-resistant, but it adds to the premium feel.
Camera performance
The camera specs may not look drastically different from the S22, but they pack a punch:
- 12MP ultra-wide
- 50MP wide
- 10MP 3x optical telephoto
- 12MP selfie camera (upgraded from 10MP), good for vlogging and video calls
In practice, the 50MP camera excels at capturing detail, and you can downsize if storage is a concern. The ultra-wide lens is ideal for sweeping landscapes, and the telephoto is your go-to for bokeh-filled backgrounds.
Creative control with Expert RAW
For creators and photography enthusiasts, the S23 offers Expert RAW mode, which lets you control ISO, shutter speed, white balance and more. RAW images store extensive data, so you can do detailed post-processing to get your desired look.
It also suits astrophotography, with a built-in star map to guide your shots, and its low-light capabilities keep image quality high in challenging conditions. For quick selfies or thumbnail shots, there’s a handy crop feature in the gallery app that isolates you from an image.
Video production
The S23 can record up to 8K at 30 frames per second with the rear cameras and 4K at 60 frames per second with the selfie camera. The built-in stabilization, especially without Super Steady mode, keeps vlogging and handheld video smooth. For more control, the RAW video option turns the phone into something closer to a professional camera, with full control over settings.
Professional cameras may still win in a pixel-by-pixel comparison, but the S23 impressively holds its own, as I showed in a comparison against a high-end mirrorless setup shooting 4K at 24 and 60 frames per second.
Performance and display
Powered by a Snapdragon chip, the S23 is swift. Apps and games load quickly, and even photo editing in Lightroom runs smoothly. The 6.1-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display has excellent color accuracy, which suits editing content, and the adaptive 120Hz refresh rate keeps it responsive. If you prioritize battery life, switching to 60Hz can extend your usage when you need it.
Battery life
The 3,900mAh battery may seem modest, but it delivers. Samsung claims up to 22 hours of video playback and up to 71 hours of audio playback. In real-world use, I found it easily lasted a full day and more, even with extensive photography, video playback and gaming.
Should you get the Samsung Galaxy S23?
Buy it if:
- You want a flagship-level device without the premium price of the S23 Ultra
- You want a compact yet powerful phone without compromising on features
- You’re a content creator on the go who wants strong camera capabilities
Consider the S23 Ultra if: you’re a power user or creator who wants the S Pen, a larger display and a 200MP camera for added versatility.
Frequently asked questions
What cameras does the Samsung Galaxy S23 have?
A 12MP ultra-wide, a 50MP wide and a 10MP 3x optical telephoto on the back, plus a 12MP selfie camera.
Does the Galaxy S23 record 8K video?
Yes, up to 8K at 30 frames per second with the rear cameras, and 4K at 60 frames per second with the selfie camera.
How is the Galaxy S23 battery life?
Samsung claims up to 22 hours of video playback. In my testing the 3,900mAh battery easily lasted a full day and more, including with photography, video and gaming.
What colors does the Galaxy S23 come in?
Green, Lavender, Cream and Phantom Black. Green is my favorite.
Is the Galaxy S23 or the S23 Ultra better?
It depends on what you need. The S23 suits most people who want a compact flagship. The S23 Ultra is better if you want the S Pen, a larger display and a 200MP camera.
Final verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is an impressive device that blends power and features in a compact package. It’s a solid choice for a wide range of users, and its camera makes it an attractive option for content creators on the go.