Galaxy S23 vs Galaxy S23+

Galaxy S23
Galaxy S23
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$504.00

Versus A$1,458.00 new

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Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$539.00

Versus A$1,953.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 Plus, both released in February 2023, are Android-based smartphones that offer a premium experience within Samsung's flagship S series. While sharing many core features, the primary distinctions lie in their physical size, display dimensions, and battery capacities. Both devices run on the Android operating system with Samsung's One UI, providing a consistent software experience across the models.

Scores

Durability

Both the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 Plus were launched in February 2023, ensuring they benefit from Samsung's commitment to software support. They are slated to receive four major Android operating system upgrades and five years of security updates, extending their software longevity until at least Android 17 and security patches until 2028.

  • Software Support: Both models offer an identical update policy, providing a long lifespan for software features and security.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back, along with an Armor Aluminum frame, contributing to their resistance against drops and scratches. They also carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
  • Repairability: Samsung has made efforts to improve repairability across the S23 series, including features like battery pouches to simplify replacements, though overall repair scores can vary.

Release year

2023

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Operating system

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 Plus are equipped with the same advanced processor, ensuring a consistent and powerful performance experience across both models.

  • Processing Power: Both devices utilize a custom-tuned processor designed for demanding applications and smooth multitasking, handling intensive games and complex apps without noticeable slowdowns.
  • Storage Options: The Galaxy S23 offers storage starting from 128GB, with 256GB and 512GB options also available. The 128GB variant uses UFS 3.1 storage, while larger capacities benefit from the faster UFS 4.0 standard. The Galaxy S23 Plus starts at 256GB and goes up to 512GB, with all its storage options utilizing the faster UFS 4.0.
  • Battery Endurance: The Galaxy S23 features a 3900 mAh battery, while the Galaxy S23 Plus houses a larger 4700 mAh battery. This difference translates to the S23 Plus generally offering longer usage times, with some users reporting it can comfortably last up to two days with moderate use.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 Plus feature vibrant displays, though they differ in size and pixel density, impacting the overall viewing experience.

  • Display Technology and Brightness: Both models come with a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering rich colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. They share an impressive peak brightness of 1750 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions.
  • Resolution and Clarity: Both phones feature an FHD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels). The smaller 6.1-inch screen of the Galaxy S23 results in a higher pixel density of 425 pixels per inch (ppi), while the larger 6.6-inch display of the Galaxy S23 Plus has a pixel density of 393 ppi. In practical use, this difference in sharpness is often not noticeable to the average user.
  • Refresh Rate: Both devices support an adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 48Hz to 120Hz. This allows for smooth scrolling and fluid animations in compatible content, while conserving battery life when a high refresh rate is not needed.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 Plus are largely identical, offering versatile photography and videography capabilities.

  • Rear Camera System: Both phones are equipped with a triple-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens capable of 3x optical zoom and up to 30x digital zoom.
  • Photography Performance: In good lighting, both devices capture sharp and detailed images with vibrant colors. Their low-light performance is also strong, benefiting from AI enhancements for clearer night shots. Some users have noted that the 50MP camera can sometimes over-process images, leading to a yellowish tint in certain conditions.
  • Video and Front Camera: Both models support video recording up to 8K resolution at 30 frames per second. The front-facing camera on both is a 12MP sensor, designed for clear selfies and video calls.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements differentiate the user experience between the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 Plus, primarily related to their physical form and charging capabilities.

  • Dimensions and Handling: The Galaxy S23 is the more compact option, measuring 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm and weighing 168 g, making it suitable for one-handed use. The Galaxy S23 Plus is larger at 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm and heavier at 195 g, offering a more expansive screen but requiring a two-handed grip for many users.
  • Charging Speed: While both support wireless charging at 15W and reverse wireless charging, the wired charging speeds differ. The Galaxy S23 supports 25W wired charging, whereas the Galaxy S23 Plus benefits from faster 45W wired charging, allowing it to recharge more quickly when using a compatible adapter.
  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices offer modern connectivity options, including 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3. They both feature a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, with the S23 Plus offering slightly faster data transfer speeds through its USB 3.2 standard compared to the S23.

Weight

168 oz

196 oz

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.6

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User sentiment for both the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 Plus generally highlights their strong performance and reliable camera systems. Many users appreciate the consistent software experience and the long-term update commitment from Samsung. The S23 is often praised for its compact form factor, making it comfortable for one-handed use, while the S23 Plus receives acclaim for its extended battery life and larger display, which enhances media consumption and productivity.

Some common criticisms for both models include the potential for camera over-processing in specific scenarios, and for the standard S23, its slower wired charging speed compared to the Plus model. The S23 Plus, despite its advantages, sometimes finds itself in a unique position, as some users might opt for the more compact S23 or the feature-rich S23 Ultra, depending on their priorities.

Users prioritizing a more manageable size and comfortable one-handed operation will find the Galaxy S23 well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value a larger display for immersive viewing, longer battery life, and faster wired charging will likely lean towards the Galaxy S23 Plus. Both devices offer a robust Android experience, making the choice largely dependent on personal preferences regarding size and battery endurance. For those considering these models, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative to owning a premium device.

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