Introducing the Samsung Galaxy S23 Series

The Galaxy S23 series forms part of the flagship Samsung Galaxy S smartphone range, which breaks the rules of technology and innovation. You'll find next-level performance, pro-grade cameras and a wealth of customisable features across the three S23 models. In this guide, you'll discover more about each of the Galaxy S23 smartphones and how they compare to the latest Samsung phones in the Galaxy Z and A series.

When was Samsung Galaxy S23 released?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 series was officially released on the 17th February 2023. The S23 series consists of three models: the Galaxy S23, the Galaxy S23+, and the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Each smartphone features a refined design, powerful processor, and a pro-grade camera system that rivals the best on the market. The S23 series is the predecessor of the latest Galaxy S24 series which was released in January 2024. You’ll find further enhancements in AI, cameras specs, and display technology with the new S24 series. You can find out more about the latest Galaxy S24 phones in our ‘Introducing the S24 series’ guide.

How many S23 models are there?

There are three incredible models to choose from in the Samsung Galaxy S23 series. We take a look at each of these Samsung smartphones and how they compare to the 2022 Galaxy S22 series, in more detail below.

Want to find out how the latest Galaxy S24 series compares against S23 models? Check out our ‘Samsung Galaxy S23 vs S24: What’s the difference?’ guide.

Galaxy S23

The Galaxy S23 measures in at 6.1-inches and is the smallest in the Galaxy S23 series. Whilst it might be smaller than other S23 models it certainly packs a punch with a One UI 6 operating system and Qualcomm Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 processor. Throw in a powerful 3,900mAh (typical) battery² , 25W Super-Fast Charging³ capabilities and a new and improved cooling system⁴ and you have a powerhouse of a phone that stands up to the demands of your day.

You'll find three pro-grade cameras on the rear that are optimised to capture Insta-worthy content whether you're at home or out and about. On the front, there's a 12MP wide-angle camera for taking selfies that are automatically optimised for your socials. And you can now get epic low-light portraits and self-portraits thanks to revolutionary upgrades in the camera technology⁴ that lets you capture more light, incredible colours and the finest of details even with the lights down low.

What's more, it's now even easier to customise your Galaxy experience. From lock screen and wallpaper designs, to how the clock and notification bar appears, you can personalise your Galaxy S23 to suit your style, your way.

Galaxy S23+

The Galaxy S23+ is slightly larger than the Galaxy S23, with a 6.6-inch Full HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. Plus, with Adaptive Vision Booster technology you'll never struggle to watch a show on a sunny day again.

Like with the other Galaxy S23 models, the Galaxy S23+ is protected by Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2 on both the front and back and surrounded with an Armour Aluminium frame making it exceptionally durable and scratch resistant.

The Galaxy S23+ is packed with power thanks to a Qualcomm Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 Processor. Paired with 8GB RAM and you can now unlock even higher frame rates and enjoy sharper, more vivid graphics4, so even the most demanding online multiplayer marathons will feel like a breeze. There's also an enormous 4,700mAh (typical)5 super-fast charging battery so you can power through your multitasking, gaming, and photography worry-free.

The Galaxy S23+ gives you the tools you need to capture perfect pics, even after sundown. Boasting Nightography with Enhanced AI, you'll enjoy images that are distinguished even in low-lit environments. The 12MP Dual Pixel Auto Focus Front-Facing Camera on Galaxy S23+ is precise and fast focusing, capturing clear, bright, sharp selfies whatever the conditions. And to make sure your posts always look their very best, there's improved integration with social apps, so you can share your favourite moments on your feed with friends and family in an instant.

Galaxy S23 Ultra

The Galaxy S23 Ultra enjoys the largest display in the Galaxy S23 family, measuring in at an impressive 6.8 inches. The immersive display has standout brightness thanks to the integrated Vision Booster technology that automatically adjusts to suit your environment, whether you're travelling on a train or taking a stroll in the morning sun, you'll enjoy high-quality viewing no matter where life takes you. And that's not all, with QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen technology and a refresh rate up to 120Hz, losing yourself in eye-widening super sharp, colour-popping content has never been easier.

As you'd expect from the Samsung S23 series, the Galaxy S23 Ultra has a quad-lens setup that allows you to capture images in unprecedented detail. Boasting an incredible 200MP Ultra High Resolution Rear Camera, two 10MP Telephoto lenses and a 12MP Wide lens you'll enjoy boosted colours and sharper details in every image. The intelligent Adaptive Video Digital Image Stabilisation and Optical Image Stabilisation will keep annoying camera shakes at bay. There's now no need to retouch your photos and videos with your fingers thanks to the integrated S Pen which lets you create complex selections in your photos and trim video frames with extreme accuracy. You can even control the camera shutter and timer remotely, using the Bluetooth-enabled button on the S Pen.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra is also optimised for gaming and streaming thanks to the improved CPU, GPU and Qualcomm Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 processor⁶. Combined with a huge 5,000mAh (typical)⁷ battery, 45W Super-Fast Charging and advanced cooling system, it can withstand even the most demanding multiplayer gaming marathons with ease.

What is special about the Galaxy S23?

When it was released in 2023, the Galaxy S23 series brought with it incredible camera enhancements, next-generation processors and powerful batteries. Here’s more about why the S23 series is special.

Intelligent Cameras

There's no doubt that the epic camera set-up found across the Galaxy S23 series sets it apart from its rivals. With a jaw-dropping resolution of 200MP on the Galaxy S23 Ultra camera and 50MP on the S23 and S23+, your photos will be bright and sharp, day or night. Throw in Optical and Space Zoom, plus AI-powered Nightography and you'll find that every shot is so epic, you'll constantly be asked "Can you send me that?". Capturing video? Digital image stabilisation and enhanced noise control will keep it super steady and buttery smooth. All combined, it means every shot boasts colour and detail that rivals even the best professional cameras.

Find out about the latest Camera AI and Galaxy S24 camera specs here.

Next-generation processor

With a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 Processor and 8GB RAM, you can now unlock higher frame rates and enjoy sharper, more vivid graphics. The S23 series makes it easier to release the power required to take your multitasking, gaming and photography to the next level.

Upgraded operating system

Originally launched with the One UI 5.1 operating system, the S23 series lets you customise your whole Galaxy experience and style your phone your way. All the core Samsung apps had a facelift for a fresh look throughout and there were further upgrades that enabled you to better manage how your notifications appear on the home screen. With subsequent updates, you can now enjoy the latest One UI 6 across the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S24 series. Find out more about One UI 6 here.

Powerful batteries

With an enormous 5,000mAh (typical)⁷. Super-Fast charging battery on the Galaxy S23 Ultra, 4,700mAh (typical)⁵ on the Galaxy S23+, and an impressive 3,900mAh (typical)⁵ battery on the Galaxy S23, the Galaxy S23 series boasts powerful batteries that equip you with everything you need to power through the day and well into the night.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 vs Galaxy S23 Ultra: What's the difference?

Both the Samsung Galaxy Z and Galaxy S series are Samsung's flagship range of smartphones that are designed for the future with you in mind. Here are the key differences between the largest phones in each series.

The Galaxy Z Fold4 was released in August 2022 and a bespoke hinge and ultra-flexible Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus that lets you open and close the phone hundreds of thousands of times without any risk of breaking. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 opens on a vertical hinge (like a book) to reveal an immense 7.6-inch⁹ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display making it a superb choice for cinematic streaming, immersive gaming and effortless multitasking - it's like having a powerful laptop in your pocket. When closed, there's a 6.2-inch cover screen10 that operates as a smartphone in its own right. It is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon® 8 Gen 1 processor and One UI software

In comparison, the Galaxy S23 Ultra has a more standard smartphone design with one epic 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. With an incredible 500 pixels per inch, you'll view content in the most striking detail. It has an upgraded Qualcomm Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 processor and One UI 5.1 software making it exceptionally powerful and long-lasting.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 has five incredible cameras in total. This includes a 50MP Main camera, a 12MP Ultra-Wide lens and a 10MP telephoto lens. There's also a 10MP cover display camera for stunning selfies and an innovative 4MP under-display lens. The Galaxy Z Fold4 also benefits from innovative Flex Mode which allows you to manoeuvre it into the perfect position for all your #withGalaxy images.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra features one less camera than the Galaxy Z Fold4, but with its quad-lens setup boasting a head-spinning 200MP Ultra High Resolution Rear Camera, 12MP Ultra-Wide lens, and two separate 10MP telephoto lenses, images are taken to the next level. There's also a 12MP Dual Pixel Front-Facing Selfie Camera, and to streamline your journey from picture to post, the images are now automatically optimised for Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok.

When it comes to powering you through the day the Galaxy S23 Ultra has a massive 5,000mAh (typical) battery compared to 4,400mAh (typical) for the Galaxy Z Fold4. Plus, with 45W Super-Fast Charging8, Wireless PowerShare and Fast Wireless Charging, the Galaxy S23 Ultra ensures that you'll have plenty of power for all your needs.

Looking to compare the latest Galaxy S and Z series phones? Take a read of our ‘Galaxy S24 vs Z Fold5 vs Z Flip5’ to find out everything you need to know about the epic new flagship Samsung phones.

Display
Display Resolution
Max Display Refresh Rate
Weight
Rear Cameras
Front Camera
Battery

: Galaxy S23 Ultra
Display : 6.8"
Display Resolution : QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X
(3,088x1,440) (500 ppi)
Max Display Refresh Rate : 120Hz
Weight : 233g
Rear Cameras : 12MP Ultra-Wide
200MP Wide
2X 10MP Telephoto
100X Digital Zoom
Front Camera : 12MP Dual Pixel Wide
Battery : 5,000mAh (typical)
45W Super-Fast Charging

: Galaxy Z Fold4
Display : Main Screen: 7.6"
Cover Screen: 6.2"
Display Resolution : Main Screen: QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (2176 x 1812)
Cover Screen: HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (2316 x 904)
Max Display Refresh Rate : 120Hz
Weight : 263g
Rear Cameras : 12MP Ultra-Wide
50MP Wide-angle
10MP Telephoto
30X Digital Zoom
Front Camera : 10MP Front
4MP Inner Camera
Battery : 4,400mAh (typical)
25W Super-Fast Charging

Samsung Galaxy A53 vs Galaxy S23+: What's the difference?

The popular Galaxy A series is Samsung's mid-range of smartphones that combine affordability with innovative phone technology. Here we explore how the 2022 Galaxy A53 5G to the 2023 Galaxy S23+.

The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is equipped with a 6.5-inch12 Super AMOLED display which is similar in size to the impressive 6.6-inch screen found on the Galaxy S23+. However, the Galaxy S23+ benefits from a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display which is the latest generation of mobile screen technology from Samsung. With this screen technology, you'll experience brighter adaptive displays, more accurate colours, an incredible contrast ratio and improved refresh rates. In fact, the Galaxy S23+ has an impressive 1750 nit peak brightness which means you'll view everything on the screen in perfect detail whether it's day or night. Pair that with Adaptive Vision Booster technology and you'll never struggle to watch a show on a sunny day or be dazzled in the dark again.

There's also a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 processor in the Galaxy S23+ which allows you to unlock higher frame rates, enjoy sharper graphics and take your multitasking, gaming and photography to the next level when compared with the Galaxy A53.

Both phones also have powerful batteries that can withstand the demands of the day but the Galaxy S23+ has an cooling system in place to help keep the inner workings of the phone in tip-top condition. And when it comes to protection? The Galaxy S23+ benefits from Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus on both the front and back, a heavy-duty Armour Aluminium frame and IP68 rating.

Display
Display Resolution
Max Display Refresh Rate
Processor
Weight
Rear Cameras
Front Camera
Battery
Protection

: Galaxy S23 Plus
Display : 6.6"
Display Resolution : Dynamic AMOLED 2X FHD+
(2340x1080)
Max Display Refresh Rate : 120Hz
Processor : Qualcomm Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2
Weight : 195g
Rear Cameras : 12MP Ultra-Wide
50MP Wide
10MP Telephoto
Front Camera : 12MP Dual Pixel Wide
Battery : 4,700mAh (typical)
Protection : Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus (front and back)
Armour Aluminium Frame
IP68¹³

: Galaxy A53
Display : 6.5" (full rectangle)
(6.3" rounded corners)
Display Resolution : Super AMOLED FHD+
(2400x1080)
Max Display Refresh Rate : 120Hz
Processor : Samsung Exynos 1280
Weight : 189g
Rear Cameras : 64MP Main
12MP Ultra-Wide
5MP Depth
5MP Macro
Front Camera : 32MP
Battery : 5,000mAh (typical)
Protection : Corning® Gorilla® Glass 5
Plastic casing
IP67¹⁴

With so many amazing phones to choose from in the Galaxy S series, we are here to help with our Samsung Galaxy smartphone buying guides. For more information on the latest Galaxy S24 series, why not check out our Samsung Galaxy S24 vs S23 guide.

2. Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. S23 rated minimum capacity is 3,785mAh.
3. 25W Travel Adapter sold separately.
4. Compared against Galaxy S22 Series.
5. Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Rated minimum capacity of Galaxy S23+ is 4,565mAh.
6. Compared against Galaxy S22 Ultra
7. Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. S23 Ultra rated minimum capacity is 4,855mAh. Rated minimum capacity of Galaxy S23+ is 4,565mAh and Galaxy S23 is 3,785mAh.
8. 45W Travel Adapter sold separately.
9. Measured diagonally, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4's Main Screen size is 7.6" in the full rectangle and 7.4" with accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners.
10. Measured diagonally, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4's Cover Screen size is 6.2" in a full rectangle and 6.1" accounting for the rounded corners. The actual viewable area is smaller due to the rounded corners and camera hole.
11. Wireless charge compatible (QI standard) devices only. Battery charge above 30% required to PowerShare on the move without being plugged into mains charge.
12. Measured as a full rectangle or 6.3" display with rounded corners.
13. Submersion in up to 1.5m of freshwater for up to 30min (no advised for beach or pool use).
14. Galaxy A53 5G is rated as IP67. Based on test conditions for submersion in up to 1 meter of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Not advised for use in beaches, pools or near soapy water. Safe against low water pressure only.