Are you wondering if the Samsung Galaxy S23 is the right smartphone for you? In a market that is constantly flooded with new models, the decision can be difficult. In this buying guide, we'll look at what makes the Galaxy S23 stand out. What features does it offer and is it still worth investing in today? We'll help you find out if the Galaxy S23 is the right choice for you.
The most important features at a glance
design and display
The Samsung Galaxy S23 features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+). The display offers an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120 Hz, which ensures smooth visuals. The case is made of high-quality aluminum, and both the front and back are equipped with Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which provides additional robustness. The device is available in several colors, including Phantom Black, Green, Lavender and Cream.
camera
The camera equipment of the Galaxy S23 is impressive. It has a 50 MP main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and an aperture of f/1.8, which enables excellent images even in low light conditions. The camera system is complemented by a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle camera with an aperture of f/2.2 and a 10 MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom and OIS (f/2.4). For selfies, there is a 12 MP front camera that also supports 4K video recording. The device also offers 8K video capabilities at 24 fps, improved night shots and a Super Steady Video function.
Performance
Inside the Galaxy S23 is the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which is based on a 4nm process and is one of the fastest chips on the market. The processor is supported by 8 GB LPDDR5 RAM. The smartphone is available in various storage options: 128 GB, 256 GB or 512 GB UFS 4.0 internal storage, which is not expandable.
battery and charging
The Galaxy S23's battery has a capacity of 3,900 mAh, which is enough for a day of normal use. The smartphone supports 25W wired fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging, which can be used to charge other devices wirelessly. The energy-efficient processor and optimized software also contribute to an extended battery life. The Tech YouTuber TechTag has created a video about this, in which he examined the battery life of the Galaxy S23 and compared it with the S22 and the S24. With intensive use, the S23 lasts 7.5 hours. That's about 50 minutes longer than its predecessor, the Galaxy S22, and about 50 minutes less than its successor, the Galaxy S24. Ultimately, with normal use, the Galaxy S23 has enough battery life for a whole day.
software and features
The Galaxy S23 runs on Android 13, which is equipped with Samsung's One UI 5.1 user interface. Security is provided by an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor in the display and facial recognition. In terms of connectivity, the device offers 5G support, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 and NFC. Thanks to the IP68 certification, the smartphone is waterproof and dustproof and can survive in water up to 1.5 meters deep for up to 30 minutes.
Additional features
The Galaxy S23 also features high-quality stereo speakers tuned by AKG and support for Dolby Atmos, which greatly improves the audio experience.Unlike the Ultra models, however, the S23 does not support an S Pen. Another plus point is its environmental friendliness: parts of the device are made from recycled materials and the packaging is plastic-free. Overall, the Galaxy S23 offers an excellent balance of performance, camera quality and design.
Is the Galaxy S23 still a good choice in 2025?
Timeless design and high-quality workmanship
The Galaxy S23 offers a sleek, modern design that is still appealing in 2025. The use of high-quality materials ensures durability and robustness, meaning the device will remain in good condition even after prolonged use.
Future-proof connectivity and software updates
The Galaxy S23 supports all major current and upcoming networks such as 5G and Wi-Fi 6E, ensuring a fast and stable internet connection well into the future. In addition, Samsung is known for providing its flagship models with software updates for several years. This means that the Galaxy S23 will remain up to date in 2025 and beyond.
Good value for money
In 2025, the price of the Galaxy S23 may have dropped compared to newer models, making it an attractive option for those looking for a powerful smartphone at a more reasonable price. Especially in the Refurbished version is the Galaxy S23 a good choice for all price-conscious buyers.
Environmentally friendly choice
With its focus on sustainable materials and plastic-free packaging, the Galaxy S23 is also a good choice from an ecological point of view. If you value sustainability, the S23 is a decision that is future-oriented in this respect.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S23 remains an excellent choice in 2025 for users looking for a reliable, powerful and well-equipped smartphone.
Review: What the Tech YouTubers say
The Tech YouTubers George Lock and Nick Ackerman have examined the Galaxy S23 in their videos and explain whether it is still worth it. Here are their results summarized:
What are the advantages of the Galaxy S23?
- Design and feel: The Galaxy S23 offers a compact, ergonomic design that is comfortable to hold. It is lightweight and has a perfect size that is ideal for both one-handed use and for keeping in your pocket. Despite its smaller size, the device still looks very high quality and has a strong premium feel.
- Perfomance: Featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which is optimized specifically for Samsung, the S23 still offers outstanding performance a year after its release. There is no noticeable drop in performance, and the device stays cool even during intensive use. Even when compared to newer models like the S24, the S23 remains competitive, as the differences in performance are minimal.
- Price-performance ratio: With a reduced price of $699, the Galaxy S23 offers excellent value for money. It's significantly cheaper than the newer S24, but still offers many of the key features that define a high-end smartphone.
- display: The S23's 1080p AMOLED display is still very good, with thin bezels and high brightness. It offers excellent visuals and remains competitive even when compared to newer models, even though they have slightly better screen-to-body ratios.
- Software and updates: The Galaxy S23 will continue to receive regular software updates, including future versions of One UI, and it still has several years of support ahead of it, making it a good long-term investment.
- Camera quality: The S23's cameras, including the 50MP main sensor, continue to deliver impressive photos and videos. It offers numerous shooting modes and customization options that make it a versatile choice for photography and videography.
- Battery and efficiency: Despite its more compact size, the S23 offers solid battery life, enough for a full day of normal use. The efficiency of the Snapdragon processor and software optimizations help to further maximize battery performance.
- audio quality: The S23's speakers are loud and offer good sound quality, although they lose a bit of clarity at maximum volume. Call quality and signal strength are excellent.
What are the disadvantages of the Galaxy S23?
- No SD card slot: Like most modern flagship smartphones, the S23 lacks the ability to expand storage via SD card. The internal storage is limited to a maximum of 256GB, which may not be enough for some users.
- Display resolution: The S23 has a 1080p display that is less sharp compared to the 1440p displays on the Ultra models, but the difference is hard to tell in practice, especially on such a small screen.
- Battery capacity in comparison: Although the S23's battery life is sufficient for most users, it is slightly shorter compared to larger models such as the S23 Ultra or the S24. Particularly intensive users may reach their limits.
- No top RAM: With 8GB of RAM, the S23 offers sufficient power for most tasks, but not the top performance you might expect from devices with 12GB of RAM. This could be a disadvantage for users looking for maximum multitasking performance.
- Slow loading speed in comparison: While the S23 supports fast and wireless charging, it is not as fast as some competitors, such as OnePlus devices, which are clearly superior with their high charging speeds.
Conclusion: Who is the Galaxy S23 worth it for?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is ideal for users looking for a compact, powerful smartphone with excellent value for money. It offers excellent performance, a versatile camera and a high-quality design without the high cost of the latest models. It is particularly recommended for those who value a handy device that fits comfortably in the hand and still offers enough power for everyday tasks, photography and multimedia. The S23 is also an attractive choice for price-conscious buyers who do not want to forego important functions.
FAQ - your questions about the Galaxy S23
1. How good is the camera on the Galaxy S23?
The Galaxy S23's camera is very powerful, with a 50MP main sensor that delivers sharp and colorful photos. It supports 8K video recording and offers numerous modes such as Super Steady and Portrait mode.
2. Does the Galaxy S23 support 5G?
Yes, the Galaxy S23 supports 5G, enabling fast mobile internet and future-proof connectivity.
3. Does the Galaxy S23 have expandable storage?
No, the Galaxy S23 does not have an SD card slot. The internal storage is limited to a maximum of 256 GB.
4. Is the Galaxy S23 a good choice compared to the S23 Ultra?
The Galaxy S23 is an excellent choice for users looking for a compact yet powerful smartphone that offers many of the essential features of a high-end device without the high price of a premium model like the S23 Ultra. While the S23 Ultra boasts features like a larger 6.8-inch display, a 200MP main camera, an integrated S Pen, and a 1440p display, the Galaxy S23 focuses on the essentials, which are more than sufficient for most users.
5. How is the Galaxy S23 different from its predecessors?
The Galaxy S23 brings some significant improvements compared to its predecessors, the S22 and S21. It features the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which offers better performance and energy efficiency. The design has been slightly optimized to ensure better ergonomics, but essentially remains true to the tried and tested look. The camera has also been further developed, especially for better night shots and video stabilization. Overall, the S23 is a refined and improved version of its predecessors, combining current technologies and high-quality workmanship.
