Get started with the Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus: minimalist is better

We just got our hands on the official Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus. Along with the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, these smartphones also rely on minimalist DNA for smooth evolution.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23+ have been made official alongside the S23 Ultra. Less noticeable than the larger, more expensive model, they have a minimalist approach to the possible that almost hides the improvements they bring. The latter, albeit subtle, should be noted. We do our best to share with you our first impressions of these high-end phones.

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Ultra vigilance

When it comes to design, we need to start with an observation. The Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23+ are twin brothers, and the latter ate a little more soup to be taller. Apart from the template, they look like two drops of water. Therefore, at least at the camera level, they were jointly inspired by the ultra design of their older brothers. Indeed, the block behind somehow disappears.

Therefore, exit the partially folded aluminum rectangle around the edge of the device. Here we have three cameras that are visually separated from each other. Thus, the Galaxy S23 and S23+ get rid of the S22 and S22+ signature for a more minimalist look. Samsung explains that it wanted to bring consistency to the range after receiving overwhelmingly positive reviews for the S22 Ultra’s design last year.

Here we have a key element that allows us to differentiate between the S23 and S23 Plus on the one hand and their predecessors on the other. Frankly, it is very beautiful and perfectly matches the smartphone’s matte finish on the back. However, we lose a bit of the je-ne-sais-quoi that was the charm of the Ultra Galaxy S.

This is a huge success in grip. The more or less straight edges combine perfectly with the rounded corners to give a very handsome look on these smartphones, especially for the classic Galaxy S23, which is very small compared to the other two models. The S23+, for its part, gets some of that appeal thanks to its larger screen.

The screen is accurate: 6.1 inches for the Galaxy S23, which makes it almost like a modern compact smartphone, and 6.6 inches for the S23 Plus. Amoled, Full HD +, adaptive 120 Hz mode (down to 48 Hz) and maximum brightness are promised at 1750 nits, the same as Ultra. It will be perfect for the hot summers ahead. If you can’t find a shady corner, at least you won’t have a problem seeing the displayed content despite the strong sun.

Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back, reinforced aluminum and a repairability index of 8.2/10 are elements that ensure the longevity of the products.

Discreet but powerful and more autonomous?

Minimalism is a valuable argument for design. This speech for performances flies like a speck of dust before the phenomenal wind in which I receive my favorite jokes. Explosion! We put the small-onion Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in there because we’re not happy to FINALLY have Qualcomm’s latest chip in European models (goodbye to the annoying Exynos), here we’re presented with a version optimized specifically for the S23. And in addition 8 GB of RAM.

With a promise like this, Samsung is setting the bar very high, and it’s keen to stick to it. Because we, waiting for the full test, can only take his word for it. I can tell you that I didn’t suffer any slowdowns during my brief use of the S23 and S23+, but that’s obviously not very representative of what consumers expect.

Changing the SoC may also have a good effect on the autonomy of the two smartphones, whose predecessors were never famous for their endurance. Let’s hope the Snapdragon eventually outperforms the Exynos at this level.

Especially since the batteries are slightly increased, 200 mAh in each device:

• 3900 mAh for Galaxy S23 (max charging at 25 W);
• 4700mAh for Galaxy S23 Plus (45W max charge).

For your shots, there are no major changes except that all photo sensors (rear and front) benefit from Dual Pixel autofocus, so you’ll no longer struggle to focus. The grip was pretty encouraging, but we’ll still have to wait for the test to be sure.

On the interface side, One UI 5.1 Android 13 is available with four major updates and five years of software monitoring for security.

Minimal service

As you can tell, the grip of the S23 and S23+ gives a taste of their user experience, but like their minimalist design, the improvements they bring are done discreetly, at least until we can’t get enough of them. extensive testing. Is this the minimum service? Can be. If we can already rejoice in the presence of Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in our daily life, other additions remain timid.

Samsung says the goal isn’t to appeal to people with an S22 or S22 Plus. An argument that can be heard, but we can still argue that the S23’s 25W charging is still limited for a smartphone at this price.

Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus price and release date

The two smartphones will go on sale on February 17.

Samsung Galaxy S23

The Galaxy S23 comes in two variants: 128 GB UFS 3.1 storage and 256 GB UFS 4.0. Calculate the recommended prices at 959 and 1019 euros respectively.

Samsung Galaxy S23+

The Samsung Galaxy S23+ is based on UFS 4.0 anyway. A 256GB version for €1,219 and a 512GB version for €1,339.

Pre-order

From February 1 to 16, you can take advantage of a bonus of 150 euros when you return your old smartphone and double the storage capacity (for example, get the 512 GB version of the S23+ for the price of the 256 GB version).