Galaxy S23+ review

First look: Samsung's 'just right' flagship — Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus sits neatly between its smaller sibling and the Ultra, offering a large, flat screen and the same core hardware as the rest of the range. It uses the same overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip found in the other models, matched with 8GB of RAM and a choice of 256GB or 512GB of storage. The phone also inherits the same 50-megapixel main camera, 12-megapixel ultrawide, and 10-megapixel 3x telephoto lens setup.

With a starting price of $999, it aims to deliver a top-tier experience without the Ultra’s added bulk or cost. You can explore more options in our phone reviews hub.

Screen and build: A big, flat display that shines — Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus

The S23 Plus features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate that steps down to 48Hz when needed. Samsung chose a flat panel here, which many users prefer over curved screens for better handling and accidental touch prevention. With a peak brightness of 1,750 nits, it remains easily readable outdoors. The resolution is 1,080 x 2,340 (FHD+), which is slightly lower than the Ultra but remains crisp for everyday use.

Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protects the front and back, while the frame is made from Armor Aluminum. The phone carries an IP68 water resistance rating, adding peace of mind. It weighs 196 grams, keeping it comfortable to hold despite the large screen. The overall design is clean, with floating camera lenses on the rear. For more details on available models, visit our phone directory.

Performance: The overclocked chip that keeps up — Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus

Under the hood, the S23 Plus uses a special version of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 built for Galaxy, with its prime core overclocked to 3.36GHz. This results in strong performance for gaming, video editing, and multitasking, exceeding even the iPhone 14 Pro on graphics tests. The phone runs Android 13 with Samsung’s One UI 5.1 out of the box, and Samsung provides a long update commitment. Battery life sees a notable improvement thanks to a 4,700mAh cell, which lasts over 11 hours in adaptive usage tests.

Charging is faster than the smaller model, supporting 45W wired, 15W wireless, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. The ultrasonic fingerprint sensor under the display works quickly and reliably. Overall, the S23 Plus delivers flagship speed and endurance without the Ultra’s camera gimmicks or weight.

Camera: Triple lenses without the Ultra extras — Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus

The Galaxy S23 Plus uses a triple rear camera system with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto that offers 3x optical zoom. This setup is identical to the smaller Galaxy S23, meaning you get consistent, capable photography across the lineup. The camera software has been refined to improve image processing, and in head-to-head tests, it has been noted to surpass the iPhone 14 Pro in certain scenarios.

There is no 200MP sensor or 100x Space Zoom, but the flat 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display at 1,750 nits peak brightness is excellent for framing shots. The front-facing camera is a 12MP sensor that delivers sharp selfies. If you are weighing options, use our phone finder to compare camera systems. Overall, this is a versatile camera package that skips only the most extreme Ultra extras, making it a strong all-rounder for daily use.

Battery and charging — Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus

The Galaxy S23 Plus packs a 4,700mAh battery, an increase from the 4,500mAh cell found in its predecessor. This larger capacity, combined with the efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip, delivers noticeably better battery life. In adaptive usage, it has been tested to last over 11 hours, which is a significant improvement. Charging is supported at 45W wired, 15W wireless, and 4.5W reverse wireless, providing flexibility for topping up.

The phone also supports a 48-120Hz adaptive refresh rate on its 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display, which helps balance smooth visuals with power efficiency. If you are curious about how this compares to the smaller model, check out our side-by-side comparison. That bigger battery and faster charging make the Plus a strong choice for heavy users.

Is the Galaxy S23+ right for you? — Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus

Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus review: The middle child that fits

The Galaxy S23 Plus sits between the compact S23 and the feature-packed Ultra, offering a 6.6-inch flat OLED screen with a 1,080 x 2,340 resolution and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip, overclocked to 3.36GHz, paired with 8GB of RAM and 256GB or 512GB of storage. The phone is built with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and an Armor Aluminum frame, with an IP68 rating for water resistance.

It runs on Android 13 with One UI 5.1 at launch and comes in several colors depending on region. The main trade-off is the lack of Ultra extras like an S Pen or higher-resolution display, but the Plus retains the core flagship experience. For those who want a large, flat screen without the Ultra's weight, this is a well-rounded option that balances performance, battery life, and camera capability.