Samsung Galaxy S23 Review
Image credit: Samsung
Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S23 Series is now live!
The S23 series consists of the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23+ and S23 Ultra and launched on Feb 17, 2023.
Here I take you through my initial impressions of the new Galaxy S23 base model. There’s more in store so keep watching this space.
You can also check out the Galaxy S23 Plus review and Galaxy S23 Ultra review for more in-depth phone information.
You can also check out how the S23 Series does vs S22 Series or read how the S23 phones compare with each other.
The Galaxy S23 base model may be the kiddo in the S23 Series but it’s not to be underestimated. While the Samsung S23 carries over many features of the S22, there are features that add weight to the S23 entry level device.
In fact, in some aspects, I find the S23 base model giving a tough fight to the mightier S23+ and S23 Ultra.
Compared to the Galaxy S22, with the Galaxy S23, you get a better front selfie camera and a rear camera system that matches S23+, the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset (and same as S23+ and S23 Ultra), lovely colours and so much more.
What’s the same
- Screen size, dimensions
- Refresh rate
- Rear triple camera system
What’s different
- Better front selfie camera
- Bigger battery
- Same RAM with higher storage options
- Better processor
- Latest Operating System
- No camera bump at the back
You can get your Galaxy S23 on an eligible SIM plan with Optus to enjoy interest free repayments over 12, 24 or 36 months.
S23 with 8GB RAM and 128GBstorage costs $1349 outright.
The good news is if you buy from Optus, you can split your payments into interest free instalments when you add an eligible SIM plan and stay connected for 12, 24 or 36 months. Check out options to buy the S23+ on an eligible SIM plan.
Galaxy S23 phones in lavender, botanic green and cream colours
The Galaxy S23 retains design elements of the S22 for the most part. Still, the base model is a beautiful piece of work – sleek, curvy and aesthetically pleasing to look at. The S23 is built using the same armour aluminium frame as the S22
Galaxy S23 is available in Phantom Black (black), Lavender, Cream and Green (a dark seaweed green shade).
At the back, Galaxy S23 does not feature a bump rear camera housing unit. The colour pattern for the camera housing also blends in with the phone colour.
The Galaxy S23 is the same size as the S22 and slightly smaller than the S21. It felt snug in my hand and my first impression was the S23 is easy to operate on single-handedly – I already like the Galaxy S23.
Samsung’s done away with Phantom White and Pink Gold - The Galaxy S23 is available in Phantom Black, Green, Cream and Lavender colours.
Galaxy S23 Design pros:
- Adequate screen size
- More compact and snug than the Galaxy S21
- No more bump for the rear camera housing unit
Galaxy S23 with its 6.1-inch screen, curved edges and dynamic AMOLED 2x display
With a 6.1 inch display, the S23 display screen size is the same as the S22 base model and smaller than S21’s 6.2-inch.
For more perspective, the Galaxy S23 display size is the same as Apple iPhone 14 display but smaller than the Google Pixel 7’s 6.3-inches and Z Flip4’s much bigger 6.7-inch screen.
At the front, you’ve got the Infinity-O Display – a reference to the front camera being placed in a small cut-out rather than a bezel. All of this implies more screen real estate for you.
At FHD+ (Full High Definition) 2340 x 1080, S23 dons the same pixel density as the S23+. The display resolution lags as compared to the Apple iPhone 14’s 2532 x 1170 and Galaxy Z Flip’s 2640 x 1080 but is almost at par with Google Pixel 7’s 2400 x 1080.
The 120Hz refresh rate is the cherry on cake and is one of the best in industry.
Galaxy S23 Display pros:
- Dynamic AMOLED 2X display (same as S23 Ultra) for better gaming and viewing experience
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Infinity-O display
Front and back design of the Galaxy S23 with a 6.1-inch screen and tri-lens rear camera system
In the front, Samsung’s upped the game with a 12MP dual pixel camera. This is the same as with Galaxy S23+ and S23 Ultra. The S23 rear camera continues to use a 50MP wide angle camera lens, a 10MP telephoto lens and a 12MP ultra wide lens.
I will be updating this section with images taken from the Galaxy S23. Keep watching!
Galaxy S23 Camera pros:
- Improved 12MP selfie camera
- More AI capabilities and software advancements
- Improved Nightography quality
The Galaxy S23 is equipped with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, a step up from the S22 Series’ Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor and at par with the processor on S23+ and S23 Ultra.
This further enhances the value for money proposition of the Galaxy S23 seriously. Combine this with a 120Hz refresh rate, display prowess and camera and you have a compact sized mean machine.
Samsung claims the new processor will increase speed, graphics, gaming experience, battery performance among other things.
Galaxy S23 performance pros:
- New Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor
- Speedier performance than the Galaxy S22
- Better gaming experience than the Galaxy S22
- Better graphics than the Galaxy S22
The Galaxy S23’s battery size is bigger at 3900 mAH as opposed to a 3700 mAH battery on the Galaxy S22. While this is still smaller than the Galaxy S21 4000mAH, it’s an improvement on the S22. More details to follow in the hands-on review.
I’ll be back with more details on the Galaxy S23. Stay tuned!
Operating System Android 13
Display 6.1” Infinity-O Display, Full HD+ (2340 x 1080), Dynamic AMOLED 2X, Adaptive 120Hz Refresh
Processor Qualcomm SM8550 Pro Octa core
RAM 8GB
Internal Memory + Accessible Space 256GB / 128GB
Expandable Memory No
Main Camera Resolution (in MP) 50MP (Wide, F1.8) 10MP (Telephoto, F2.4) 12MP (Ultra Wide, F2.2)
Front-Facing Camera Resolution (in MP) 12MP (F2.2)
Video Capture (Resolution @ Frame Rate) e.g. 1080p @ 30fps UHD 8K (7680 x 4320) | @24fps
Dimensions (L x W x H) 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6mm
Weight 167g
SIM Type Single SIM + eSIM
Capacity (in mAh) 3,900mAh (Typical)
Removable battery (Yes/No) No
Fingerprint Sensor Ultrasonic In-screen Fingerprint
Mobile innovation never stops, with the latest Galaxy S25 Series finally landing in Australia. The new Galaxy S25 Series features new Galaxy AI tools, as well as upgraded processors and camera lenses. Check out the Galaxy S25 Ultra for a look at Samsung’s newest flagship phone.
Angelique Thakur works with Optus. She loves to play around with gadgets and is a dog lover. She also enjoys going on hikes and annoying her partner.
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