Samsung’s Galaxy S series has been one of the most popular and flagship offerings in the world of smartphones, setting the tone for high-end Android devices. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, as part of the 2023 lineup, builds on the legacy of its predecessors, offering top-tier performance, design refinements, and feature improvements that cater to both casual users and power enthusiasts alike. In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Galaxy S23 Plus, focusing on its design, display, performance, battery life, camera system, software, and more, to determine if it holds up in today’s competitive smartphone landscape.
Design and Build Quality
The Galaxy S23 Plus sports a familiar design language seen in the previous Galaxy S22 series but with some notable tweaks that make it even more refined. With a sleek, minimalist aesthetic, the S23 Plus feels premium in hand, owing to its glass front and back, as well as the durable aluminum frame.
One of the standout features is the use of Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which adds an extra layer of durability. Samsung claims it’s designed to withstand drops and scratches, offering peace of mind for users prone to accidents. The back of the device has a matte finish, which not only reduces fingerprint smudges but also gives the phone a more elegant, understated look.
In terms of ergonomics, the S23 Plus is a large phone, but thanks to the slight curve on the edges and a well-thought-out weight distribution, it doesn’t feel cumbersome to hold. The placement of buttons is intuitive, with the power button and volume rocker easily accessible on the right side. Samsung has also retained the IP68 rating, meaning the device is water and dust resistant, capable of surviving in water depths of up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
The color options offered for the Galaxy S23 Plus are also worth mentioning. Samsung provides a range of colors including Phantom Black, Cream, Green, and Lavender, catering to different style preferences.
Display Quality
Samsung is known for its industry-leading displays, and the Galaxy S23 Plus continues that tradition. The phone features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels. This results in a pixel density of around 393 PPI, which may not be the sharpest on the market but is more than adequate for most users.
The display supports a 120Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling and animations appear buttery smooth. It’s adaptive, meaning the phone automatically adjusts the refresh rate based on the content being viewed, helping conserve battery when high refresh rates aren’t necessary. Coupled with a peak brightness of 1750 nits, the screen remains legible even under direct sunlight, making it great for outdoor use.
HDR10+ support ensures vibrant colors and deep blacks, especially noticeable when watching high-definition content on streaming platforms like Netflix and YouTube. The display also features Samsung’s Always On functionality, allowing for quick glances at notifications, time, and battery life without having to unlock the phone.
In terms of bezels, the Galaxy S23 Plus adopts a near-edge-to-edge display with only a small punch-hole cutout at the top center for the front camera. This gives it a modern, immersive look.
Performance
The Galaxy S23 Plus is powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (in most markets), which is one of the fastest and most powerful chipsets available in 2023. Paired with 8GB of RAM, the phone handles multitasking, gaming, and intensive applications with ease. Even during heavy use, such as gaming sessions or 4K video editing, the device performs without stuttering or noticeable slowdowns.
The phone’s Adreno 740 GPU ensures that graphically intensive games run smoothly, and titles like Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile, and Asphalt 9 can be played at their highest settings without compromising performance. Samsung’s optimization with One UI 5.1 (based on Android 13) further enhances the user experience by providing a streamlined interface with minimal bloat.
In terms of storage, the Galaxy S23 Plus comes in 128GB and 256GB variants. While this is ample for most users, it’s worth noting that the phone doesn’t feature a microSD card slot, so users will have to rely on cloud storage or carefully manage their onboard storage.
Battery Life
The battery life of the Galaxy S23 Plus is one of its standout features. With a 4,700mAh battery, the phone offers impressive endurance, easily lasting a full day of moderate to heavy use. Whether it’s watching videos, browsing the web, gaming, or navigating through social media, the S23 Plus manages to keep up without requiring constant recharges.
Samsung has equipped the device with 45W fast charging, allowing it to charge from 0% to 50% in about 30 minutes. It also supports 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, enabling users to charge other devices like the Galaxy Buds or Galaxy Watch by placing them on the back of the phone.
Power management is further optimized by the adaptive refresh rate feature, which helps save battery when the 120Hz display isn’t needed. Additionally, One UI offers several battery-saving modes that can extend usage during emergencies or periods when charging isn’t feasible.
For users who are constantly on the go, the battery life of the Galaxy S23 Plus will be more than satisfactory, reducing the need to carry around a power bank or constantly seek out a charger.
Camera System
Samsung has consistently delivered exceptional camera performance in its flagship devices, and the Galaxy S23 Plus is no exception. The phone features a triple-camera system on the rear, consisting of:
- 50 MP wide camera with f/1.8 aperture, OIS, and Dual Pixel PDAF
- 12 MP ultra-wide camera with f/2.2 aperture and a 120-degree field of view
- 10 MP telephoto camera with f/2.4 aperture, OIS, and 3x optical zoom
The main 50 MP camera produces detailed and vibrant images, even in challenging lighting conditions. Samsung’s post-processing algorithms ensure that colors pop without looking unnatural. The ultra-wide camera offers a wide field of view, ideal for landscapes or group shots, while the telephoto lens allows for 3x optical zoom without losing detail.
The night mode has also seen improvements, with better noise reduction and dynamic range, making it easier to capture clear photos in low light. The Portrait Mode performs well, offering accurate subject isolation and a pleasing depth of field effect.
On the video front, the Galaxy S23 Plus is capable of recording 8K video at 30fps and 4K at 60fps. Video stabilization is excellent, even when shooting handheld, and the audio capture is clear. Samsung has also included a Pro Video Mode, allowing users to manually adjust settings like ISO, shutter speed, and focus, catering to videography enthusiasts.
The 12 MP front camera is no slouch either. Selfies are sharp and detailed, with the camera performing admirably in both well-lit and low-light environments. The front camera also supports 4K video recording, making it a great choice for vloggers or those who frequently use video calls.
Software and User Experience
Running on One UI 5.1 (based on Android 13), the Galaxy S23 Plus offers a clean and intuitive software experience. Samsung’s One UI is known for its rich feature set, customization options, and ease of use, and the latest version continues to improve on these aspects.
The user interface is smooth, with features like Edge Panels that offer quick access to apps, tools, and shortcuts. Samsung has also streamlined notifications and introduced new animations and gestures to make the experience more fluid.
The phone supports DeX mode, which allows users to connect the device to a monitor or TV and use it as a desktop-like interface, making it ideal for productivity tasks. Additionally, the phone is equipped with Samsung Knox, offering top-tier security features for both personal and work-related data.
Bloatware is kept to a minimum, though Samsung does include a few of its own apps like Samsung Pay, Samsung Health, and Galaxy Store. Fortunately, most of these apps can be disabled or uninstalled if not needed.
Samsung has also committed to providing four years of Android updates and five years of security patches, ensuring the Galaxy S23 Plus remains secure and up-to-date well into the future.
Connectivity and Additional Features
As expected from a flagship device, the Galaxy S23 Plus comes with a wide array of connectivity options, including:
- 5G support for faster mobile data speeds
- Wi-Fi 6E, providing faster and more reliable internet connectivity
- Bluetooth 5.3 for improved wireless connections to accessories
- NFC for mobile payments via Samsung Pay or Google Pay
Additionally, the Galaxy S23 Plus supports ultrasonic fingerprint scanning under the display, which is both fast and accurate. The device also includes face recognition as a secondary biometric security option.
Samsung has also included stereo speakers tuned by AKG, delivering crisp and immersive sound, making media consumption a pleasant experience on this device. While the phone lacks a headphone jack (which has become the norm for flagship phones), the Bluetooth audio experience is top-notch, with support for high-quality audio codecs.
Price and Value
The Galaxy S23 Plus is priced higher than many mid-range smartphones, with the starting price being around $999 for the base 128GB model and slightly higher for the 256GB variant. This places it squarely in the premium category, where it competes with other flagship devices like the iPhone 14 Pro, Google Pixel 7 Pro, and OnePlus 11.
When considering the value proposition, it’s important to evaluate what the Galaxy S23 Plus brings to the table in terms of hardware, software, and ecosystem integration. At its core, this phone delivers flagship-level performance, a best-in-class display, and a highly capable camera system, all wrapped in a premium design. Moreover, the four years of promised Android updates and five years of security patches add long-term value for users who want their device to remain relevant and secure.
However, some might argue that the lack of a microSD card slot and the absence of truly groundbreaking new features compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy S22 Plus, might make the price feel a bit steep for some users. Those who are upgrading from an older device, say from the Galaxy S20 or S21 series, will find the jump in performance and features more noticeable.
Overall, the Galaxy S23 Plus is positioned as a device for those who want a premium smartphone experience but don’t necessarily need the ultra-premium features (and price tag) of the Galaxy S23 Ultra, such as the S Pen or 200 MP camera. It strikes a balance between high-end features and practicality, making it a compelling choice for many users.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stunning Display: The 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED display is bright, colorful, and offers an excellent 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals.
- Solid Performance: With the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and 8GB of RAM, the phone handles intensive apps, gaming, and multitasking with ease.
- Long Battery Life: The 4,700mAh battery provides all-day battery life with support for fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging.
- Premium Design: The glass and aluminum build feels premium in hand, with color options that cater to various style preferences.
- Great Camera System: The 50 MP main camera, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses offer versatility and excellent performance across different lighting conditions.
- Long-Term Software Support: Samsung promises up to five years of software updates, making it a future-proof device.
- IP68 Rating: Water and dust resistance ensure the phone can survive harsh conditions and accidental spills.
Cons:
- No MicroSD Card Slot: Lack of expandable storage may be a dealbreaker for users who rely on local storage for media and apps.
- Incremental Upgrades: Compared to the Galaxy S22 Plus, the improvements in performance and camera features are more iterative than revolutionary.
- Price: Starting at $999, it’s a pricey option, especially considering the growing competition from other flagship and premium mid-range devices.
- No Headphone Jack: While this is standard for flagship phones now, some users might still miss the convenience of wired audio options.
Comparison to Competitors
Galaxy S23 Plus vs. iPhone 14 Pro
The Galaxy S23 Plus and iPhone 14 Pro are direct competitors in the premium smartphone space. While they share similar price points, they cater to slightly different user bases.
- Display: The S23 Plus features a larger 6.6-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, whereas the iPhone 14 Pro offers a 6.1-inch OLED display with the same refresh rate. Samsung’s display is slightly larger and arguably more vivid, but both are among the best in the industry.
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Galaxy S23 Plus is comparable to Apple’s A16 Bionic chip in the iPhone 14 Pro. Both offer incredible speed and efficiency, but Apple’s tight integration between hardware and software often gives it a slight edge in raw performance.
- Camera: While the iPhone 14 Pro’s 48 MP main sensor is similar to the 50 MP camera on the Galaxy S23 Plus, Apple’s computational photography gives it an edge in certain scenarios, especially in dynamic range and color accuracy. Samsung, however, excels in versatility, offering a broader range of shooting options with its ultra-wide and telephoto lenses.
- Battery Life: The Galaxy S23 Plus has a larger battery and more aggressive power management, giving it better overall endurance compared to the iPhone 14 Pro. However, the iPhone’s efficient chip means it’s no slouch in battery life either.
Galaxy S23 Plus vs. Google Pixel 7 Pro
- Display: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a slightly smaller display compared to the 6.7-inch OLED screen on the Pixel 7 Pro, but both offer high refresh rates and HDR support. Samsung’s panel is traditionally brighter and more vibrant, while Google’s display is slightly more subdued but still excellent.
- Software: While the Galaxy S23 Plus runs on Samsung’s One UI, the Pixel 7 Pro features Google’s stock Android experience. Stock Android purists may prefer the Pixel’s cleaner interface and faster updates, but One UI provides a more feature-rich, customizable experience.
- Camera: Google’s computational photography has earned the Pixel series a reputation for outstanding photography, particularly in low-light conditions. The Pixel 7 Pro’s 50 MP main camera, along with its 48 MP telephoto lens and 12 MP ultra-wide, holds its own against the Galaxy S23 Plus, with Google having the upper hand in software-based enhancements. However, Samsung’s offering is more versatile, especially with better video recording capabilities and a wider feature set.
Future Proofing and Longevity
One of the strengths of the Galaxy S23 Plus is its long-term software support. Samsung’s commitment to delivering four years of major Android updates and five years of security patches makes this device one of the most future-proof Android phones on the market. This is particularly important for users who plan to keep their phones for multiple years without needing to upgrade.
Additionally, the hardware inside the Galaxy S23 Plus is cutting-edge, meaning it will be able to handle new apps, updates, and more intensive tasks for years to come. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor is future-proof, ensuring smooth performance well into the future.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is a stellar flagship smartphone that ticks almost every box for a premium experience. It offers a beautiful display, robust performance, impressive battery life, and a versatile camera system, all wrapped up in a sleek and durable design. While it may not introduce revolutionary features compared to the Galaxy S22 Plus, it brings meaningful improvements in areas like battery efficiency, processing power, and software longevity.
For users looking for a high-end Android device with long-lasting appeal, the Galaxy S23 Plus is an excellent choice. It provides enough performance and features to satisfy tech enthusiasts while still being user-friendly enough for those who just want a reliable, everyday smartphone.
However, its steep price and lack of certain features like expandable storage might give some pause, especially when considering the stiff competition from the likes of Apple, Google, and even Samsung’s own Galaxy S23 Ultra. If you’re in the market for a premium Android phone that doesn’t quite stretch into ultra-premium territory, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus is undoubtedly one of the best options available in 2023.
