Galaxy S23 Vs Galaxy S23+

Galaxy S23
Galaxy S23
Starting at

Refurbished price:240.00

Versus €959.00 new

See options
Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:295.00

Versus €1,019.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 Plus, both released in February 2023, are prominent Android smartphones within Samsung's flagship S series. While they share a foundational design and many core internal components, their primary distinctions lie in their physical dimensions, display size, and battery capacity. Both devices offer a consistent software experience powered by the Android operating system with Samsung's One UI overlay.

Scores

Durability

Both the Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus were launched in February 2023, ensuring they benefit from the same software support timeline. Samsung has committed to providing four years of operating system updates and five years of security updates for both models, meaning support is expected to continue until at least 2028.

  • Software Longevity: Users can expect a consistent and extended period of software and security updates, ensuring both devices remain functional and secure for several years.
  • Physical Durability: Both models feature Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back, along with an Armor Aluminum frame, contributing to their resistance against everyday wear and tear. They also carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, offering protection against immersion in water.
  • Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary, both devices are constructed with similar materials and design principles, suggesting a comparable ease of repair. Drop tests indicate that while both can sustain damage from significant falls, they are generally more durable than their predecessors.

Year of Release

2023

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus are equipped with the same advanced processing unit, delivering comparable performance across various tasks. The primary differences in this category relate to storage configurations and battery endurance.

  • Processing Capabilities: Both devices handle demanding applications, multitasking, and graphic-intensive games smoothly and efficiently. This consistent performance ensures a responsive user experience, whether navigating the interface or running multiple apps simultaneously.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 features a 3900 mAh battery, while the S23 Plus houses a larger 4700 mAh battery. This difference translates to the S23 Plus generally offering longer battery life, with some reports indicating it can last up to two days for moderate users, whereas the standard S23 typically provides a full day of use.
  • Storage Options: The Galaxy S23 typically starts with 128GB of internal storage, with a 256GB option available. The Galaxy S23 Plus, however, begins with a 256GB base storage and offers a 512GB variant, providing more space for applications, media, and files.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both the Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus feature high-quality displays, with the main distinction being their physical size and a slight difference in pixel density.

  • Display Technology and Brightness: Both models utilize a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for producing vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. They also share an impressive peak brightness of 1750 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions.
  • Resolution and Clarity: Both devices feature an FHD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels). Due to its smaller 6.1-inch screen, the Galaxy S23 has a slightly higher pixel density of approximately 425 ppi compared to the S23 Plus's 6.6-inch display at around 393 ppi. However, in practical use, both screens offer sharp text and clear images.
  • Refresh Rate and Viewing Experience: Both phones offer a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, which contributes to smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The larger screen of the S23 Plus enhances the viewing experience for media consumption and productivity, while the S23's more compact display is ideal for one-handed use.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus are identical, offering a versatile setup capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos in various conditions.

  • Versatile Camera System: Both phones feature a triple-camera array on the rear, consisting of a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The front-facing camera on both is a 12MP sensor.
  • Photography Performance: Users can expect consistent and detailed images with accurate colors in good lighting conditions. The main sensor performs well in low light, though there can be a noticeable drop in quality when using the ultrawide or telephoto lenses in very dark environments. Samsung's image processing tends to boost colors, resulting in vibrant photos.
  • Video Capabilities: Both models support high-resolution video recording, including 8K at 30 frames per second, an improvement over previous generations. Advanced stabilization features contribute to capturing smooth and clear footage.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond their core functionalities, the Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus present practical differences primarily in their physical attributes and charging capabilities.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support modern connectivity standards, including 5G for fast mobile data, Wi-Fi 6E for high-speed wireless internet, and Bluetooth 5.3 for efficient accessory pairing. They both feature a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, but neither includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack or a microSD card slot for expandable storage.
  • Physical Design and Handling: The Galaxy S23 is more compact and lighter, measuring 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm and weighing 168g. This makes it easier for one-handed use and portability. The S23 Plus is larger and heavier at 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm and 196g, offering a more expansive screen experience but requiring a two-handed grip for many users. Both phones feature an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking.
  • Charging Speeds: The Galaxy S23 supports 25W wired fast charging, while the S23 Plus supports faster 45W wired charging, allowing its larger battery to replenish more quickly. Both also support 15W wireless charging.

Weight

167 g

168 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.6

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for both the Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus generally praises their strong performance, vibrant displays, and capable camera systems. Many users appreciate the improved battery life over previous generations, particularly on the S23 Plus. Common criticisms are few but sometimes point to the standard S23's slower charging speed and the lack of significant camera upgrades compared to the S22 series for both models. Some users also note that the S23 Plus, while offering a larger screen and battery, doesn't introduce many other differentiating features beyond size.

Users prioritizing a compact device that is easy to handle with one hand and carry in smaller pockets will find the Galaxy S23 well-suited to their needs. Its smaller footprint makes it a comfortable choice for everyday use without compromising on core performance or camera quality. Conversely, users who value a larger display for media consumption, gaming, or productivity, and who require extended battery life, may lean toward the Galaxy S23 Plus. The faster charging speed of the Plus model is an additional benefit for those who need to quickly top up their device.

Ultimately, the decision between the Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus hinges on personal preference for size, battery endurance, and initial storage capacity. Both devices offer a robust and reliable smartphone experience, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly alternative for acquiring either model.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons