Samsung unveils its new high-end smartphones. The Galaxy S23 will rely on autonomy and a now 200 megapixel photo sensor.
It’s a mini-event for Samsung that could have big repercussions for users. On Wednesday, during its Galaxy Unpacked conference, organized in San Francisco, the South Korean manufacturer unveiled its new high-end smartphones: the Galaxy S23, S23+ and S23 Ultra.
As in recent years, Samsung declines by three its standard bearers to extend the price range from less than 1000 euros to more than 1830 euros. A device that ultimately changes little in substance and form, but refines its achievements.
More discreet, but more effective photography
The 2023 vintage is not Samsung’s most revolutionary. In terms of design, the brand remains on unified and minimalist lines. There are three sizes of AMOLED screen for its smartphones with a central punch for the camera:
– 6.1 inches for the Galaxy S23,
– 6.6 inches for the Galaxy S23+
– 6.8 inches for the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
The difference will be played on the refresh rate of the image which displays 120 Hz for the three devices, but will be adaptive from 1 to 120 Hz depending on the activity of the S23 Ultra, and from 48 to 120 Hz for its two acolytes. Something to soothe the eyes by making the scrolling of the screen more fluid, but also the battery with a use adapted to the needs and minimized when necessary.
The other visual change also comes from the photo block. Exit the domino-style corner module to surround the sensors Galaxy S22s. They are now “out in the open”, embedded directly in the coating on the back. A more elegant and almost more discreet design, but which will also make the smartphone a little more wobbly placed on its back.
Focusing primarily on photo and video, the Galaxy S23 and S23 + have three optics on the back: a 50 Mpx main sensor, a 12 Mpx ultra-wide-angle and a 10 Mpx telephoto lens with optical stabilizer (3x zoom). They are accompanied by an advanced Dual Pixel autofocus. At the front, the selfie camera is also improved with a 12 MP sensor.
As its name suggests, the Galaxy S23 Ultra wants to see further in photos too. It is the very first Samsung device to rely on a 200MP main sensor. This will have the effect of offering much more detailed, colorful and bright photos, but also heavier. A useful option for those who want to make prints of their photos, but very futile when it comes to sharing them on Instagram.
However, it is possible to switch back to a resolution of 50 Mpx or 12 Mpx (by default) if you do not want to saturate the phone’s storage space. The device also features the 12MP ultra-wide-angle and 10MP (3x) telephoto lens found on the Galaxy S23/S23+. But it also benefits from a second telephoto lens with an x10 optical zoom to go even further.
Because Samsung once again wants to make its talents speak in photo and video (it is possible to film in 8K at 30 frames per second). The South Korean has therefore improved its devices not only with better sensors, but also with software promises to refine the photo in low light, whether in selfie or portrait mode.
Samsung abandons its in-house processor
The Galaxy S23 series is also helped in this by a major innovation: the arrival of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, the most powerful designed by Qualcomm, which now comes to equip all premium Samsung devices instead of the house Exynos. A first since the Galaxy S6 (2015). Since then, only smartphones sold in the United States were equipped with a processor Snapdragon while the rest of the world was satisfied with an Exynos chip whose main problem was autonomy.
This choice will allow Samsung to improve the possibilities of its cameras and to optimize the overall performance of the Galaxy S23. But it will also have a positive impact on autonomy, with a better ability to manage the excess of energy required. And Samsung adds to that larger batteries in capacity to ensure more than one day of operation for its devices. Please note that the charger is no longer supplied, nor are the headphones.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra also stands out visually from its acolytes. It displays less rigid lines, with rounded edges that are even more reminiscent of the old Galaxy Note. There is also the S-Pen stylus which can slip into the groove at the bottom and allows you to take notes, draw, circle, in a very reactive way.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 are IP68 certified for their resistance to dust and immersion (1.5 m under fresh water for 30 minutes max). They also benefit from the 6E Wifi connection in addition to 5G.
Samsung Galaxy S23 prices, colors and availability
The Samsung Galaxy S23 will be available in two configurations at 959 euros for 128 GB of storage and 1019 euros for 256 GB.
The Galaxy S23 + is offered with 256 GB (1219 euros) or 512 GB of storage (1339 euros).
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is available in three configurations: 256 GB or 512 GB of storage for respectively 1419 or 1599 euros. The most advanced version has 1 TB of storage, for 1839 euros.
All the smartphones will be officially launched on February 17, 2023. They come in black, cream, green, and lavender. Exclusive colors will be on sale on the Samsung Shop online: graphite and lime (yellow) for the Galaxy S23 and S23+ as well as for the S23 Ultra which will also benefit from variations in red and sky blue. Pre-orders begin February 1.
