Galaxy S23 review

Why the Galaxy S23 feels like a polished compact, fast phone — Samsung Galaxy S23

The Samsung Galaxy S23 sits in an interesting spot. It is not the absolute newest model, but it still delivers a refined experience that many larger and more expensive phones struggle to match. The key here is its size. At 168 grams with a 6.1-inch screen, it is one of the few true compact flagships left. It fits comfortably in one hand and slides easily into a pocket, which is a rare luxury in a world of ever-growing displays.

For anyone who values portability without sacrificing power, this phone hits a sweet spot. The build quality is top-notch, with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both front and back and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. It feels solid and premium, not like a compromise. The design is clean and understated, with a flat display and a simple camera layout. While the upgrades over the Galaxy S22 are modest, the overall package feels more complete.

It is not a phone for yearly updaters, but for someone moving from an older device, it offers a genuine leap in quality and usability. For a wider selection of devices, check out our phone reviews.

A bright, smooth screen that fits perfectly in your hand — Samsung Galaxy S23

What this means for Samsung Galaxy S23

The 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is one of the best reasons to choose the Galaxy S23. It uses a 120Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling through apps and menus feel silky smooth. The screen is noticeably brighter than previous generations, which helps a lot when using the phone outdoors in sunlight. Colors are vibrant and blacks are deep, as you would expect from a premium Samsung panel. The compact size means everything on the screen is within easy reach of your thumb, which makes one-handed use a genuine pleasure.

Whether you are watching videos, browsing social media, or reading articles, the experience is immersive without being overwhelming. The bezels are thin and symmetrical, giving the phone a modern look. Samsung has tuned the display well for everyday use, and it handles HDR content with excellent contrast. If you want a big screen experience in a small body, this is it. For a full list of available models, see our phone directory.

A custom chip that makes this small phone feel fast — Samsung Galaxy S23

Under the hood, the Galaxy S23 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, a custom version of Qualcomm's top processor. This chip is tuned specifically for Samsung's devices, and it shows. The phone feels incredibly responsive. Apps open instantly, multitasking is smooth, and demanding games run without stutter or lag. Even after months of use, it remains fast and fluid. The 8GB of RAM helps keep everything running smoothly, and the 128GB or 256GB of storage provides solid space for apps and media.

The battery is a 3,900mAh cell, which is modest on paper, but the efficiency of the chipset means you can easily get through a full day of typical use on a single charge. The 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging are adequate, though not the fastest on the market. The camera system is a standout feature.

The 50MP main sensor captures detailed and natural-looking photos, the 12MP ultrawide is great for scenes, and the 10MP 3x telephoto lens offers real optical zoom that many competitors lack at this price point. It is a versatile setup that handles most shooting scenarios well. The selfie camera also sees an improvement, with sharper results than before. Overall, the Galaxy S23 delivers flagship-level performance in a compact package that is still worth considering.

Cameras that pack a telephoto lens into a base model — Samsung Galaxy S23

The Samsung Galaxy S23 features a triple-camera array that is notable in its price class. The primary 50MP sensor captures detailed and vibrant shots in most lighting conditions. Alongside it, you get a 12MP ultrawide lens for expansive scenes and a dedicated 10MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom. This inclusion of a telephoto camera in a base-model flagship at this price point is still relatively rare among competitors, giving the S23 an edge for portrait and distant subjects.

Reviews consistently praise the versatility this setup provides, calling it a fantastic package for the money. While the hardware is largely carried over from its predecessor, the updated image processing powered by the custom Snapdragon chip delivers consistent results. Users who enjoy framing shots without digital cropping will especially appreciate the optical reach of the telephoto lens, which is more commonly reserved for larger, pricier models.

Battery life that lasts from morning to bedtime — Samsung Galaxy S23

The Galaxy S23 packs a 3,900mAh battery, which is a modest increase over the previous generation. In typical day-to-day use, this capacity translates to a full day of operation from morning until bedtime without needing a top-up. This reliable endurance is largely thanks to the power efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset. While the phone supports 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging, the included charging speeds are not the fastest on the market.

Some rivals offer quicker wired charging, so the S23's battery performance is more about lasting power than rapid replenishment. However, for most users who charge overnight, the all-day battery life is a practical and welcome feature. The phone's IP68 water resistance also adds peace of mind for daily use, whether you encounter rain or a splash.

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

Even as newer models arrive, the Galaxy S23 remains a compelling option for many buyers. Its 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate is bright and smooth, easily competing with current flagships. The compact size is a major draw, making it comfortable for one-handed use. If you are using an older phone, such as a Galaxy S20 or earlier, the upgrade in camera quality, speed, and battery life will be significant.

However, if you already own a Galaxy S22, the refinements may feel too incremental to justify a purchase. The phone is no longer the latest model, which often means better deals and discounts. For anyone seeking a powerful yet pocket-friendly Android phone with a great camera system and long-term software support, the Galaxy S23 still offers excellent value. Use our phone finder to compare current prices, or do a side-by-side comparison with the Galaxy S23 Plus to see which size fits your needs.

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