Galaxy S22+ 5G vs Galaxy S23+

Galaxy S22+ 5G
Galaxy S22+ 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$389.00

Versus A$1,690.00 new

See options
Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$539.00

Versus A$1,953.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G, released in February 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, launched in February 2023, are both premium Android smartphones from Samsung's flagship S series. While they share a similar design philosophy and core functionalities, the S23 Plus introduces advancements in internal components, battery efficiency, and camera processing that distinguish it from its predecessor.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, several factors contribute to their expected lifespan.

  • Release Timeline and Software Support: The Galaxy S22 Plus launched with Android 12, while the S23 Plus debuted with Android 13. Samsung typically provides four years of major OS updates and five years of security updates for its flagship devices. This means the S23 Plus will receive software support for approximately one year longer than the S22 Plus, offering extended access to new features and security patches.
  • Durability Features: Both models feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, providing protection against immersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes. The S22 Plus uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ for screen protection, while the S23 Plus upgrades to Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering enhanced resistance against drops and scratches. Both also utilize an Armor Aluminum frame for structural integrity.
  • Practical Lifespan: Given Samsung's update policy and robust build quality, both devices are designed for several years of reliable use. The S23 Plus, with its newer software and slightly more advanced glass protection, offers a marginally longer practical lifespan for users who prioritize the absolute latest software and maximum physical resilience.

Release year

2022

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Operating system

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of these smartphones is primarily driven by their internal processing capabilities and memory configurations.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S22 Plus is powered by a previous-generation processor, which delivers solid performance for everyday tasks, multitasking, and most demanding applications. The Galaxy S23 Plus features a newer, custom-tuned processor designed for Galaxy devices, offering improved CPU and GPU speeds. This results in smoother operation, faster app loading, and more efficient handling of graphics-intensive games and applications.
  • Multitasking and Storage: Both devices come with 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for managing multiple applications simultaneously without significant slowdowns. The S22 Plus offers 128GB or 256GB storage options, utilizing UFS 3.1 technology. The S23 Plus provides 256GB or 512GB storage, upgrading to UFS 4.0, which offers faster read and write speeds, contributing to quicker app installations and file transfers.
  • Battery Behavior: The S22 Plus has a 4500 mAh battery, providing sufficient power for a full day of moderate use. The S23 Plus features a larger 4700 mAh battery. Combined with the more power-efficient processor, the S23 Plus generally offers significantly extended battery life, with many users reporting it comfortably lasts through a full day, and some even achieving two days of use on a single charge.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both smartphones offer a high-quality visual experience, but there are subtle differences in their display characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Size: Both the Galaxy S22 Plus and S23 Plus feature a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks. The screen size provides an expansive viewing area suitable for media consumption and productivity.
  • Resolution and Brightness: Both models share a Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels), resulting in sharp and clear visuals for typical viewing distances. Both displays also achieve a peak brightness of 1750 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both devices offer a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, which provides smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The S23 Plus's display can dynamically adjust its refresh rate down to 48Hz, which can contribute to power efficiency, though some other devices can go lower.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both the Galaxy S22 Plus and S23 Plus are versatile, though the newer model benefits from enhanced processing.

  • Rear Camera System: Both phones feature a triple-camera setup on the rear: a 50MP main wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS. While the hardware specifications are largely similar, the S23 Plus's advanced processor enables improved image processing, leading to better detail, color accuracy, and dynamic range, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.
  • Photography Performance: The S23 Plus shows noticeable improvements in low-light photography, producing images with better exposure and reduced noise compared to its predecessor. Zoom capabilities are also enhanced on the S23 Plus, with better detail retention at higher zoom levels. User feedback indicates that while both offer good camera performance, the S23 Plus delivers more consistent and refined results.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: Both devices can record video up to 8K resolution. The S22 Plus records 8K at 24 frames per second (fps), while the S23 Plus improves this to 8K at 30fps, offering smoother footage. The S23 Plus also features a higher-resolution 12MP front-facing camera, an upgrade from the 10MP sensor on the S22 Plus, resulting in sharper selfies and improved video calls.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the S22 Plus and S23 Plus support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data speeds. They also feature modern Wi-Fi standards (Wi-Fi 6E for S22 Plus, Wi-Fi 6E for S23 Plus) and USB-C ports for charging and data transfer. The S23 Plus upgrades to Bluetooth 5.3 from the S22 Plus's Bluetooth 5.2, offering minor improvements in connectivity efficiency.
  • Biometric Security and Build: Both phones include an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. They maintain a similar physical footprint and weight, making them comfortable to handle for most users. The build materials are premium, featuring glass front and back panels with an aluminum frame, contributing to a solid in-hand feel.
  • Additional Features: The S23 Plus introduces some AI-driven features, such as enhanced photo processing and potentially other software-based functionalities that leverage its more powerful processor. Both devices lack a 3.5mm headphone jack and expandable storage via microSD card.

Weight

227 oz

196 oz

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.6

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G and Galaxy S23 Plus are both capable Android smartphones, each offering a robust set of features for daily use. The S22 Plus, as the older model, still provides a strong performance foundation, a vibrant display, and a versatile camera system that satisfies many users. Common praise for the S22 Plus often highlights its bright screen and reliable overall performance.

The Galaxy S23 Plus, however, represents a notable refinement. Users frequently commend its significantly improved battery life, which often extends to a full day or more of heavy use, a direct benefit of its larger battery and more efficient processor. Its enhanced processing power also translates to a smoother user experience, faster app handling, and more sophisticated camera processing, particularly in challenging lighting conditions and video recording. Some user criticisms for the S23 Plus occasionally point out that its camera, while good, may not reach the absolute top tier of some competitors, though it remains highly capable for most scenarios.

Users prioritizing extended software support, superior battery endurance, and the latest advancements in processing power and camera intelligence will find the Galaxy S23 Plus well-suited to their needs. Those who value a solid, dependable smartphone experience for everyday tasks and media consumption, and who may not require the absolute latest performance gains, might find the Galaxy S22 Plus to be a suitable option. Both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons