Compact cellphone lovers can rejoice with the launch of the brand new Samsung Galaxy S23, filled with a brand new SoC, a bigger battery, and a revamped design. Being the smallest among the many three Galaxy units that launched just lately, the Samsung Galaxy S23 can generally go below just a few cellphone buffs’ radar, particularly in the event that they’re not invested in compact telephones. Nevertheless, Samsung has refined this cellphone fairly a bit – and there are some notable modifications compared to its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy S22. Beginning at ₹74,999, the Galaxy S23 remains to be not straightforward on anybody’s pockets, however the promise of speedier efficiency courtesy of the brand new chipset, higher digicam efficiency, and longer battery life does make it appear attractive sufficient on paper. Is the Samsung Galaxy S23 price its hefty price ticket although? Or does it lose floor to the Pixel 7 (evaluation) and the iPhone 14 (evaluation)? Let’s discover out in our detailed evaluation.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Evaluate: Construct and Design
The first distinction you’ll discover in regards to the Samsung Galaxy S23 when in comparison with its predecessor is the dearth of contour-cut digicam housing – a design language Samsung launched with its S21 collection. The cameras now have a easy metallic ring round them, mimicking the design of the beefier S22 Extremely, and now S23 Extremely.
The smartphone remains to be light-weight, weighing merely 1 g greater than its predecessor, whereas nonetheless being lighter than the iPhone 14. Additionally it is thinner than Apple’s iPhone 14. This, mixed with the rounded-off edges, offers the cellphone a really nice and ergonomic in-hand really feel. The again glass has a matte end that does fairly effectively at rejecting fingerprints and smudges. We received the Cream color variant for evaluation, which seems to be elegant, however some might argue that the look is uninspired – which is finally, subjective.
The aluminium body seems to be premium however is extra susceptible to dents than chrome steel, which the iPhone makes use of. Nevertheless, Samsung has marketed that their new “Armor Aluminium Body” comes with harder drop and scratch resistance, however we’ll must drop the cellphone just a few extra occasions to know for certain. The show is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, with improved drop resistance. Moreover, the cellphone can be IP68 mud and water resistant. Total, the cellphone’s compact but premium construct is a breath of contemporary air amidst the gargantuan telephones we regularly see at present.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Evaluate: Show
Transferring on to the show, the Samsung Galaxy S23 homes a 6.1-inch AMOLED 2X show with 1080 x 2340 pixels decision, the identical because the Galaxy S22 from final 12 months. The enchancment right here this time round is larger peak brightness. The Samsung Galaxy S23 is able to hitting 1,750 nits of peak brightness in comparison with the 1,300 nits on the S22. We measured round 580 nits of brightness on Excessive Brightness Mode and 1,290 on Auto-Brightness.
Whereas we didn’t report the rated peak brightness ranges in our assessments, that’s one thing that’s normally attainable below sure circumstances in labs. The show remains to be lots brilliant for outside utilization, even with the solar beating down on the display screen. The show can be HDR10+ criticism, nonetheless, not like another flagships in the marketplace it doesn’t include 10-bit or 12-bit color and it doesn’t have Dolby Imaginative and prescient both.
Regardless of that, the Samsung Galaxy S23’s show is improbable with wealthy, vibrant colors, deep blacks, and actually good viewing angles. With a PPI depend of 425, every little thing seems to be tremendous crisp and detailed as effectively, so viewing content material on this display screen will nonetheless be a deal with. The show additionally has 120 Hz Adaptive Refresh Charge and refreshes in steps ranging from 10 Hz, 24 Hz, 30 Hz… all the way in which to 120 Hz in keeping with the content material on the display screen. Nevertheless, we didn’t actually witness it going under 24 Hz even on the At all times-On show.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Evaluate: Efficiency
Samsung took followers without warning after they introduced that their Galaxy S23 collection of telephones could be powered by a personalized model of the SD8G2 dubbed the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy. That is primarily a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset that has an overclocked CPU and GPU. This chipset guarantees 35 per cent improved efficiency and 40 per cent improved effectivity for the CPU, 25 per cent efficiency enchancment and 45 per cent effectivity improved on the GPU entrance, and help for quicker reminiscence in comparison with the SD 8 Gen 1 SoC.
The core configuration has been reworked with this Samsung-exclusive model flaunting 1×3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 core, 2×2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 cores, 2×2.8 GHz Cortex A710 cores, and 3×2.0 GHz Cortex-A510 cores. On this case, the prime Cortex-X3 core is the overclocked one. One space of disappointment is the reminiscence, whereas this chipset is able to supporting newer and quicker reminiscence applied sciences equivalent to LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, the 128 GB entry-level variant comes with 8 GB LPDDR5 RAM and 128 GB UFS 3.1 storage. So those that go for the bottom variant will lose out on quicker reminiscence speeds. Happily, the 256 GB variant is out there on the similar value level because the 128 GB S23 throughout the pre-order part, so those that are shopping for early can avail the profit and get the variant with quicker reminiscence speeds.
We received the 128 GB mannequin of the S23 for evaluation and to verify the slower reminiscence speeds, we fired up the Androbench app. As you possibly can see within the image right here, in comparison with the Galaxy S23 Extremely, with the identical chipset, the scores are roughly halved on the 128 GB S23 with 1686 MB/s Sequential Learn Pace and 552 MB/s Sequential Write Pace. Additionally, you will really feel the distinction when transferring recordsdata when in comparison with the S23 Extremely.
In our common slew of benchmarks, the Samsung Galaxy S23 carried out admirably effectively. Nevertheless, it didn’t fairly hit the numbers our S23 Extremely unit did in AnTuTu and GeekBench. However, in comparison with the iPhone 14 and the Pixel 7 – its foremost two rivals – the cellphone was comfortably forward in numbers in AnTuTu. Geekbench noticed the iPhone 14 take the lead again, however the S23 nonetheless got here out in entrance of the Pixel 7. In PCMarkWork, which simulates basic workload, the S23 got here out on high but once more, which wasn’t the case final 12 months in comparison with the iPhone 13. So, undoubtedly a step in the best course.
Coming to GPU assessments, the Galaxy S23 clocked in improbable scores in 3D Mark and GFXBench. We additionally performed Name of Responsibility: Cell and Asphalt 9 whereas recording the gameplay metrics on Gamebench Professional. The S23 ran COD: Cell at Very Excessive Graphics and Excessive Framerate at a clean 60 fps at 100 per cent stability and Asphalt 9 at 60 fps but once more with 99 per cent stability. We ran COD: Cell as soon as once more at Very Excessive Graphics and Max Framerate, and the cellphone but once more impressed us with 60 fps gameplay at 98 per cent stability. Nevertheless, the cellphone does get heat to the contact when taking part in intensive video games and working intensive benchmarks, because it doesn’t have as sturdy of a cooling system because the S23 Extremely.
We additionally ran the CPU Throttling Take a look at to see the S23’s efficiency below sustained workloads. After quarter-hour of the take a look at, the cellphone throttled to 68 per cent of its peak efficiency, that means it barely throttles its efficiency below intensive workloads, in order that the warmth doesn’t go overboard to make sure machine longevity. The cellphone nonetheless runs heat whereas working benchmarks, taking part in intensive video games, and recording 4K/8K video, nonetheless, the thermal efficiency is improved in comparison with final 12 months.
Benchmarks apart, even in day-to-day utilization, the cellphone feels quick and responsive. Whereas the fluidity of the iPhone hasn’t nonetheless been matched (because of the iPhone’s distinctive synergy between {hardware} and software program), the S23 feels rather more responsive than its predecessors. Multitasking is a clean affair for probably the most half, nonetheless, we’d nonetheless advocate the 256 GB variant over this one to utilize quicker reminiscence speeds. You’ve received One UI 5.1 primarily based on Android 13, and it’s as charming as ever. There are some enhancements in widgets, gallery, connectivity choices, and Dex mode this time round you could mess around with. Samsung has even optimised animations and transitions to make the person expertise clean than ever.
Total, this compact cellphone packs fairly a punch with spectacular efficiency throughout the board, be it gaming, photograph/video enhancing, social media, internet looking, or extra. The Samsung Galaxy S23 can deal with all of it, albeit it does get barely heat doing so, at occasions, particularly when working extra demanding apps.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Evaluate: Digital camera
The Samsung Galaxy S23 options an similar rear digicam setup because the Galaxy S22 however you do get a brand new selfie digicam with a higher-resolution lens. The cellphone comes outfitted with a 50 MP Samsung S5KGN3 main digicam with OIS and dual-pixel PDAF, a ten MP telephoto digicam with 3x optical zoom and OIS and PDAF help, and eventually, a 12 MP Sony IMX564 ultrawide shooter. The new selfie digicam is a 12 MP Samsung S5K3LU sensor with dual-pixel PDAF as effectively.
The 50 MP foremost lens captures quad-binned images at 12 MP (as a substitute of 12.5 MP for some motive) however you too can click on full 50 MP decision photographs. Samsung has additionally retained Knowledgeable RAW mode from final 12 months, which is now constructed into the primary digicam app and unlocks full guide management and RAW picture knowledge.
Now, shifting on to photograph high quality, the primary digicam offers glorious photographs in daylight with good element, sharpness, and vivid colors. The dynamic vary can be top-notch in daylight, with the cellphone exposing highlights and shadows in a delightful and pure method. In difficult lighting circumstances, you possibly can see some noise creep within the shadows whenever you pixel peep, nevertheless it’s not too jarring. There’s good pure background blur as effectively owing to the massive 50 MP sensor. Full 50 MP taking pictures mode is out there, as talked about earlier than, which offers larger ranges of element and correct colors, nonetheless, the photographs are barely noisier than the usual binned pictures. Listed below are some photographs, do word that these are compressed for the online.
The 3x telephoto lens clicks rich-looking images as effectively with unimaginable element, correct colors, and nice dynamic vary. The telephoto lens is, truthfully, vastly improved over final 12 months and even takes some improbable low-light photographs with Night time Mode lively with minimal noise. The ultrawide lens is spectacular, as common. Samsung S collection telephones are identified to ship strong UW photographs and the S23 doesn’t disappoint. The images are detailed with minimal noise and lens distortion. The dynamic vary is kind of first rate as effectively, however with harsh backlight, the highlights can get a bit overexposed.
Portrait photographs from the primary digicam are glorious with nice topic separation and element – nonetheless, the default blur ranges are a bit too excessive, and the Pixel 7 and iPhone 14 have rather more pure ranges of blur. However you possibly can at all times edit the blur degree of a photograph clicked within the Gallery after the very fact. The 3x portraits are additionally surprisingly good with spectacular background-foreground separation and good color.
The selfie digicam, with its new HDR skills, affords nice dynamic vary. The element is sweet sufficient and there’s not an excessive amount of oversharpening both. Colors are pure and noise is minimal as effectively, the identical goes for low-light images. All cameras include Auto Night time Mode, so many of the photographs taken have glorious element with plentiful gentle, however keep in mind to maintain your hand regular to keep away from blur.
Low-light photographs on the primary digicam supply nice ranges of element, good publicity and good colors. The dynamic vary is first rate as effectively. Even in excessive low-light conditions, the cellphone manages to considerably gentle the topic up convincingly. There are some situations when Night time Mode does blow out the highlights. Pictures with Night time Mode off are far noisier although however they have an inclination to maintain the highlights in test. Nevertheless, that is us nitpicking, and for probably the most half, the Samsung S23 will offer you constantly good images.
As for video, the S23 can report 8K at 30 fps on the first digicam, up from 8K at 24 fps on the Samsung Galaxy S22. You additionally get 4K at 60 fps throughout all 4 cameras, which is nice. Video from the first and telephoto lens has nice stability because of OIS however you too can allow digital stabilisation throughout all cameras to get secure video throughout the board. There’s additionally Tremendous Regular mode at 1440p decision, an enchancment over final 12 months’s 1080p limitation.
8K video on the S23 is surprisingly good in daylight, with good colors and dynamic vary. The element is first rate as effectively, barely like upscaled 4K content material. 4K video clips look excellent, an actual enchancment from final 12 months, with nice element, correct colors, and likeable dynamic vary. Low gentle footage from the primary digicam is first rate, nonetheless, you will discover noise creeping in. Nevertheless, low gentle from the telephoto is kind of noisy and never very usable. The ultrawide digicam although nonetheless pulls up usable detailed low-light video clips with good publicity and minimal noise.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Evaluate: Battery life
Powered by a bigger 3,900 mAh battery, the Samsung Galaxy S23 offers glorious battery life for its diminutive measurement. The chipset additionally offers improved effectivity which is without doubt one of the causes the battery life has improved drastically. We received over 17 hours of runtime in our 4K video loop take a look at, which is great efficiency. The efficiency is certainly vastly improved in comparison with the Galaxy S22 which ran for merely 10 hours in our 4K video loop take a look at.
We additionally ran different battery assessments, the place half-hour of streaming Netflix dropped the battery by 3 per cent (from 85 to 82), quarter-hour of Name of Responsibility: Cell dropped the battery by 3 per cent (from 62 to 59) and 1 hour of GPS navigation took 5 per cent off the board (from 18 to 13).
As for charging, whereas the S23+ and S23 Extremely help 45 W wired charging, the Galaxy S23 is proscribed to 25 W charging. The cellphone tops up from zero to full in about 65 minutes however this nonetheless feels laboriously gradual on a dear cellphone in 2023. Nevertheless, the 45 W charging brick from final 12 months was merely a couple of minutes faster to cost to full than the 25 W one, so hold that in thoughts as effectively. However, Samsung actually must up its charging sport, to compete with manufacturers equivalent to Xiaomi, iQOO, OPPO, and others.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Evaluate: Verdict
As the present smartphone panorama goes, we are able to say for sure, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is the very best compact Android cellphone we’ve ever examined. Regardless of its compact kind issue, the cellphone manages to win you over with not simply its premium construct and design but additionally its speedy efficiency, refined UI, improbable battery life, and excellent digicam. It’s a well-rounded cellphone in each sense of the phrase that gives flagship-grade efficiency with out the premium of spending over a lakh. Whereas iPhone customers should desire the iPhone 14, this cellphone will give compact iPhone customers tethering the sting an actual motive to make the change, particularly because of the larger refresh charge display screen and the presence of optical zoom. Nevertheless, we’d urge everybody to go for the 256 GB variant of the cellphone over the bottom variant to leverage quicker reminiscence speeds throughout the board. That apart, Samsung has made a very commendable compact flagship that excels in nearly each side of a smartphone.
