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Written by Jesper

Expert review Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus

In February 2023, Samsung introduced the Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus. These high-end smartphones are very similar, but they differ in terms of size and battery. I've tested the smartphones for a week. The cameras and battery life really stand out for me, in a positive way. You can read all my findings in this Samsung S23 (Plus) review.

Samsung Galaxy S23

256GB storage capacity | 6.1-inch Full HD screen | Android 13
826,-
no longer available
  • You can easily control this compact device with 6.1-inch screen with 1 hand.
  • This powerful device is suitable for the most demanding apps and 3D games.
  • The camera takes razor-sharp and bright photos, even in low-light situations.
  • Samsung doesn't include a charger, so you have to purchase one separately.
  • This device charges slower than high-end smartphones by many different brands.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus

256GB storage capacity | 6.6-inch Full HD screen | Android 13
1.089,-
no longer available
  • This powerful device is suitable for the most demanding apps and 3D games.
  • The Samsung S23 Plus takes razor-sharp and bright photos, even in low-light situations.
  • With average use, the battery lasts 1.5 days.
  • Samsung doesn't include a charger, so you have to purchase one separately.
  • The large, 6.6-inch screen is difficult to control with 1 hand.

First impression of the Samsung Galaxy S23 (Plus)

Samsung S23 review

I notice the sleek and stylish design of the Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus right away. Smartphone cameras are often placed in a camera island, but this isn't the case with the Samsung S23 (Plus). The 3 lenses are directly in the back. Because the cameras don't stick out far, the S23 (Plus) doesn't wobble when I put it down. The screen and sides are flat. Thanks to this, the S23 and S23 Plus are feel comfortable and firm in your hand.

Razor-sharp photos, even in low light

Thanks to night mode, I can take sharp and colorful photos both during the day and in low-light situations. The camera app automatically switches on this night mode when it's dark. Useful, because I never miss a beautiful moment that way because I have to find the night mode first. The night mode works well for all lenses, which means it works well on the selfie camera too. I also notice the camera performs well with bright backlight of the sun, for example. And I'm impressed by the portrait mode with an accurate depth of field effect.

Surprisingly long battery life

Battery review S23

Samsung S23: battery life of a day

The predecessor of the Samsung Galaxy S23, the Samsung S22, was a concern when it came to the battery, which often didn't make it to the end of the day. With the S23, Samsung takes away the main concerns about the battery. The battery is still small, but it lasts an entire day with average use thanks to its energy-efficiency. During a day, I often scroll through my social media, watch a video once in a while, and I listen to music. A full charge takes more than 1 hour. That's longer than with high-end smartphones by other brands.

Battery S23 Plus review

Samsung S23 Plus: battery life of 1.5 days

The Samsung S23 Plus has a large battery, something I really notice. The device lasts about 1.5 days on a full charge with average use. During the 1.5 days, I use my device while on the train, scroll through my social media regularly, and I use WhatsApp at night to talk to my friends and family. I also listen to a podcast while on the go and when I do the dishes. Even with this device, a full charge takes more than 1 hour. That's longer than with other smartphones from this price range.

Size

Size S23

Samsung S23: compact smartphone

The Samsung S23 is the only high-end smartphone that's small. This makes the compact device very comfortable to hold and makes it fit into my pocket easily. I can easily control the Samsung S23 with 1 hand. This smartphone is quite lightweight too. I notice the small screen doesn't bother me when I watch a short video or scroll through my timeline. I do think it's too small for gaming or longer videos.

Size S23 Plus

Samsung S23 Plus: difficult to control with 1 hand

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus has a screen of average size. This means that the smartphone is quite large, which makes it difficult to control with 1 hand. The device still fits in my pocket. With the smaller pocket of women's pants, this is more difficult. I can comfortably watch long videos on the large screen. The large screen is also very convenient when I play a game.

Suitable for the most demanding apps and games

Review speed S23

The Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus are nice smartphones for impatient people, like me. I like to switch quickly between different apps. It doesn't matter which apps. The Samsung S23 (Plus) can handle both light apps and demanding 3D games or image editing programs.

Screen suitable for most tasks

Screen review Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus

The Samsung S23 (Plus) has a Full HD screen. I notice that this is suitable for most tasks. I watch YouTube videos and photos on my Instagram in good quality. With graphic 3D games, I sometimes miss a sharp Quad HD screen like the one of the S23 Ultra. The screen of the S23 (Plus) is very bright. As a result, I can even read the screen well in bright sunlight.

Conclusion

Conclusion Samsung S23 review

The Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus are powerful smartphones that are suitable for the most demanding apps and games. For both smartphones, the battery life has improved considerably compared to their predecessors. The Samsung S23 battery lasts a day, while the battery of the S23 Plus even lasts a day and a half. You can also take sharp and colorful photos with both smartphones, even in low light. The S23 is compact, so you can easily operate it with 1 hand. Do you play a lot of games and watch a lot of series? The larger S23 Plus is the better choice.

Jesper
Article by:
Jesper Smartphone Expert.
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