In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy S23 has emerged as a true game-changer. This compact powerhouse boasts an array of high-end specs and features that rival its larger counterparts, offering a refreshing alternative for users with smaller hands and a desire for top-tier performance.
Much like we did when we explored the pros and cons of the Galaxy S21 - which can now be bought at a super cheap price BTW - Join us as we delve into the exciting world of the pros and cons of the Samsung Galaxy S23, exploring its standout advantages that set it apart from the competition as well as its shortcomings.
From its premium design to the captivating camera capabilities and industry-leading update policy, we'll uncover the reasons why this pocket-friendly device is turning heads in the tech community, whilst providing you with a well-rounded view to help you make an informed decision.
Pros and Cons of the Samsung Galaxy S23
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy S23
Compact Size: Ideal for One-Handed Use
The Samsung Galaxy S23's compact size is a noteworthy feature, especially for those who value ease of use and portability. With its dimensions measuring 5.8 by 2.8 by 0.3 inches (HWD) and weighing just 5.9 ounces, the S23 strikes a perfect balance between screen real estate and hand comfort.
It comfortably fits in your hand, and its reduced width makes it effortless to reach all corners of the screen with your thumb, ensuring a smooth and seamless one-handed navigation experience.
The advantages of a compact size become particularly evident during activities like messaging, browsing, and social media usage. Interacting with the Galaxy S23 feels natural and intuitive, and its more manageable form factor eliminates the need for constant readjustment or using both hands for basic tasks. Additionally, its compact size makes it easier to slip into pockets, purses, or small compartments, allowing users to carry it with ease and convenience wherever they go.
Powerful Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 at its Core
Under the hood, the Galaxy S23 houses the formidable Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, a true powerhouse in the world of mobile processors.
The octa-core CPU brings impressive clock speeds and processing capabilities, ensuring a seamless and responsive user experience. Whether you're launching apps, switching between tasks, or playing graphically demanding games, the S23's CPU handles it all with grace and efficiency.
The 8GB of RAM complements the processor, providing ample memory for multitasking without any noticeable lag or slowdown. Users can comfortably have multiple apps running in the background while seamlessly switching between them, all without compromising on performance.
The combination of a robust processor and generous RAM capacity allows the Galaxy S23 to handle the most demanding tasks effortlessly, making it an ideal choice for power users and mobile enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you don't require such high-standards in terms of processing power you could always consider the Galaxy S22 which has now gotten much cheaper, more so when you get it refurbished.
Versatile Camera System: Capturing Life's Moments
In the realm of photography, the Galaxy S23 boasts a huge pro thanks to a versatile and capable triple-camera system. The 50MP main sensor, featuring optical image stabilization (OIS) and a wide f/1.8 aperture, captures images with remarkable detail and clarity.
Whether you're capturing breathtaking landscapes or precious family moments, the Galaxy S23's primary camera ensures stunning results in a wide range of lighting conditions, something that's already been widely documented.
Complementing the main sensor is a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, allowing you to get up close to distant subjects without compromising image quality. This telephoto lens is perfect for capturing portraits with a pleasing bokeh effect, highlighting subjects while softly blurring the background.
The 12MP ultra-wide camera expands your creative horizons, enabling you to capture vast landscapes or group photos with a wider field of view. This lens ensures you can fit more into your frame, providing a unique perspective for your shots.
Together, these camera components empower users to explore their artistic vision and express themselves through photography. From breathtaking panoramas to artistic close-ups, the Galaxy S23's camera system delivers exceptional results that cater to both amateur photographers and seasoned enthusiasts.
High-Quality Display: Immersive Visuals
The Galaxy S23's 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is nothing short of breathtaking. The inclusion of a 120Hz refresh rate ensures fluid animations and smooth scrolling, enhancing the overall user experience and making interactions feel more natural and responsive. Whether you're swiping through social media feeds or playing fast-paced games, the high refresh rate provides a level of smoothness that is both pleasing to the eye and functional.
Furthermore, HDR10+ support enhances color contrast and dynamic range, resulting in vivid and lifelike visuals. From deep blacks to vibrant colors, the Galaxy S23's display brings content to life, making movies, photos, and videos truly immersive experiences.
The impressive outdoor brightness capabilities further enhance usability in various lighting conditions. With a peak brightness of 1,750 nits, the display remains visible even under direct sunlight, ensuring that users can enjoy content with ease, no matter where they are. Basically, it's the same display we've already seen on the S21.
Future-Proof Software Updates: Enhanced Longevity
One of the standout pros of the Galaxy S23 is Samsung's commitment to software updates. The promise of four major OS upgrades, leading up to Android 17, along with five years of security updates, sets it apart from many other smartphones on the market.
This forward-looking approach ensures that users can enjoy the latest features, improvements, and security enhancements for years to come, keeping the device relevant and optimized for the long haul. Long gone are the days when buying a Samsung phone was basically a synonym for being out of date in a year.
By providing regular software updates, Samsung ensures that the Galaxy S23 remains in sync with the ever-evolving digital landscape, maintaining compatibility with new apps, services, and technologies. This longevity not only enhances the user experience but also represents a strategic investment for those who value a device that will stay current and perform optimally for an extended period.
Disadvantages of the Samsung Galaxy S23
Slower Charging Speeds: Falling Short of its S23 Siblings
One of the notable drawbacks of the Galaxy S23 is its charging speed. While it comes with a respectable 25W wired charging capability, it falls behind its larger siblings, the S23+ and the S23 Ultra, which offer much faster 45W charging. This means that the Galaxy S23 takes more time to fully charge its battery compared to its larger counterparts.
For users who are always on the go and depend heavily on their smartphones, quick charging can be a critical feature. The slower charging speed might prove to be a minor inconvenience for those who rely on their device to be fully charged and ready to go at a moment's notice.
Otherwise, it's worth pointing out that the difference in price point between the S23 and the S23 Ultra has seemingly fallen recently so that's something worth looking into.
Lack of Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Support: Missing Precision in GPS
Another notable con of the Galaxy S23 is the absence of Ultra-Wideband (UWB) support. UWB technology offers more precise and accurate GPS information, especially in indoor environments. This feature has the potential to enhance location-based services, such as augmented reality (AR) applications, precise indoor navigation, and improved tracking for lost devices.
Unfortunately, the lack of UWB support means that Galaxy S23 users won't be able to fully utilize features like the AR finding capability on the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag+ tracker, which requires UWB support for optimal accuracy. While not a deal-breaker for all users, those who prioritize enhanced location services may find this omission to be a drawback.
No MicroSD Card Slot: Limited Expandable Storage Options
Unlike some of its predecessors, the Galaxy S23 does not include a microSD card slot, limiting its expandable storage options.
While the base model offers internal storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, users who prefer to have a more budget-friendly option with lower internal storage may find themselves constrained by the lack of an external memory card option.
For users who like to store a vast amount of media, such as high-resolution photos, 4K videos, or large music libraries, the absence of expandable storage might lead to the need for more careful management of their device's storage capacity.
Moderate Battery Life: Falling Short of the S23+
While the Galaxy S23 offers a respectable battery life, it falls slightly short compared to its larger sibling, the S23+. With a 3,900mAh battery, the S23's endurance may not be sufficient for heavy users who engage in prolonged multimedia consumption, gaming sessions, or extensive browsing throughout the day.
Though it fares well when compared to some other smartphones on the market, users with demanding usage patterns may find themselves needing to recharge the device before the day is over.
No Satellite Messaging Support: Limited Connectivity in Remote Areas
The las con of the Galaxy S23 is that it lacks satellite messaging support, which means it may not be the best companion for users who frequently travel to remote areas with limited or no cellular coverage. Unlike some specialized satellite phones or communication devices, the Galaxy S23 relies solely on traditional cellular networks and Wi-Fi for connectivity.
For outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, or those who frequently venture into rural or remote locations where conventional network coverage is sparse, the absence of satellite messaging could be a notable limitation, as it restricts the phone's functionality in such situations. Though to be fair, I doubt this is a big portion of their user base.
Verdict
In summary, after reviewing the pros and cons of the Samsung Galaxy S23 we can see that it features a remarkable blend of power and compact design, offering features that will delight both casual and power users.
While it's not without its trade-offs, the smartphone's stellar performance, camera capabilities, and impressive display are compelling reasons to consider it. If you're in the market for a high-end, future-proof device in a more manageable size and you don't mind not having the 45W charging capacity, then the Galaxy S23 could be the perfect fit for you.