How the Galaxy S23 Series compares to the S22 Series
Samsung announced its first flagship launch of the year by introducing the much anticipated Galaxy S23 Series. In the Galaxy Unpacked event, Samsung added three new models to the Galaxy S lineup – the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23+, and Galaxy S23 Ultra.
In this article, we’ll make a quick comparison to see how the Samsung Galaxy S23 Series compares to the Galaxy S22 Series.
The Difference: Galaxy S22 vs Galaxy S23 Series
1. Specially-designed Snapdragon Processor
The Galaxy S23 Series will receive Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 For Galaxy. The ‘For Galaxy’ distinction is important, as it indicates a custom-designed processor built for the Galaxy S23 Series. Even if other devices were to utilize the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, it may not reach the heights of one crafted specifically to clock up the Galaxy S23 models.
In comparison, the Galaxy S22 Series of yesteryear uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, which at that time was the fastest Snapdragon available. Even so, it was not custom-designed as it is in the current S23 Series.
Samsung claims that this new Snapdragon is the “world’s fastest Snapdragon ever”, boasting an increased 34% faster CPU and 41% faster GPU over the S22 Series. These new readings means you can expect seamless multitasking and better gaming experience on the S23 models.
2. Doubled Megapixels on S23 Ultra
The Galaxy S23 Ultra is the biggest beneficiary of Samsung’s latest camera upgrades. The main wide camera, which on the S22 Ultra was 108MP, is now 200MP on the S23 Ultra. This will give your photos greater resolution, as well as more wriggle room to crop without losing clarity.
Aside from that, Samsung has stepped up its Nightography feature that promises better performance for night photography. The S23 Ultra now has 2x Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for steadier shooting. A 2x OIS simply means your camera has added leeway to correct the lens when its put under shaky conditions. Adding to the Nightography upgrade is an image signal processing (ISP) algorithm that retains colour tones and reduces noise even in low light settings.
Front cameras on the Galaxy S23 and S23+ also received slight improvements. You can expect better selfies now with a 12MP front camera, a decent upgrade from the 10MP of the S22 Series.
Here’s an incredible real-life example of how powerful the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s camera is.
3. Bigger batteries on S23 and S23+
If you were lamenting about the battery capacities of last year’s S22 and S22+ models, you’ll be pleased to know they have gotten their due improvements. The S23 now has 3900mAh of battery, compared to the 3,700mAh on the S22. The S23+ on the other hand now has 4,700mAh, a jump from 4,500mAh on the S22+.
As advertised on Samsung, the S23 will have 22 hours of video playback versus 18 hours on the S22. The S23+ will see an increase of 27 hours video playback versus 21 hours on the S22+.
4. Larger memory options on S23+ and S23 Ultra
Samsung has bid goodbye to the 8GB/128GB previously available on the S22 Ultra. In its place in the Galaxy S23 Ultra is a 12GB/1TB option – the highest capacity on the S23 Series. Similarly, Samsung has removed the 8GB/128GB option on the Galaxy plus model. The Galaxy S23+ now has a bigger option of 8GB/512GB.
To recap:
- The Galaxy S23 memory options are 8GB/128GB and 8GB/256GB.
- The Galaxy S23+ memory options are 8GB/256GB and 8GB/512GB (new!).
- The Galaxy S23 Ultra memory options are 12GB/256GB, 12GB/512GB, and 12GB/1TB (new!).
What’s similar in the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S23 Series?
1. Hardly a change in design
Photo Credit: The Edge Markets (above, Tech Advisor (bottom)
The Galaxy S22 Series and S23 Series has pretty much retained its overall aesthetic. Just as in the Galaxy S22 and S22+, the Galaxy S23 and S23+ keeps its rounded edges. It remains the key aesthetic differentiator between them and the S23 Ultra, who still sports the squarish look inspired by the Galaxy Note.
The only noticeable difference is the absence of a camera housing on the S23 and S23+. The Galaxy S22 models had a cut-out housing enclosing the vertical tri-cameras. Samsung has done away with it and opted for a cleaner uniform look on the S23 models.
Other than that, even the weight and dimensions are identical.
2. Charging performance remains, still decent
Although the Galaxy S23 and S23+ got its bump in battery capacity, there is no difference in charging performance. The Galaxy S23 will keep its 25W wired charging, while the Galaxy S23+ and Galaxy S23 Ultra will remain at 45W.
Taking after its predecessors, all Galaxy S23 models will have 15W wireless charging.
3. Identical displays
Samsung has maintained the screen sizes across all models on the Galaxy S23 Series:
6.1-inch on Galaxy S23
6.6-inch on Galaxy S23+
6.8-inch on Galaxy S23 Ultra
The same is true for each of their resolutions and refresh rates. The only difference is an improved peak brightness of 1750nits on the Galaxy S23, against the previous 1300nits peak brightness on the Galaxy S22.
Besides that, what you see on the Galaxy S22 Series is essentially what you’ll see on the Galaxy S23 Series.
Should you upgrade to the Galaxy S23 Series?
As with after each launch, comes the age old question: should I buy ah?
If you’re a mobile photography enthusiast, we say it’s worth a go. The 200MP upgrade is not a joke, and the improved Nightography features is not to be taken lightly. Aside from what’s mentioned above, Samsung has upped the video recording on the S23 Series and introduced greater flexibility with Expert RAW.
Chronic multitaskers and immersive gamers will also benefit from the custom-designed Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 For Galaxy.
So if you’re willing to up your photography, productivity, and trailblazing winning streak, then the Galaxy S23 Series should be in your sights.
