Is Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Worth the Upgrade? It Depends
This story is a part of Samsung Occasion, ClassyBuzz’s assortment of stories, ideas and recommendation round Samsung’s hottest merchandise.
Samsung’s Galaxy S23 simply launched in February, so chances are you’ll be questioning: Is it price the improve? Reality is, there is not one reply that may be utilized to everybody. The age and situation of your present cellphone, your funds and whether or not your gadget will assist new variations of Android ought to all issue into your choice.
The Galaxy S23, which begins at $800, has a 6.1-inch display and a 50-megapixel predominant digicam, identical to the Galaxy S22. However the S23 has a bigger battery, a brand new processor and barely up to date digicam algorithms that enhance the manner images are processed. Whereas these modifications are appreciated, the Galaxy S23 is mostly a minor enchancment over the Galaxy S22. The improve is price it in case you’re seeking to change a cellphone you’ve got had for a number of years, ideally one which’s greater than two years outdated. Even the Galaxy S21, which launched in 2021, probably nonetheless has sufficient life left to make it by way of one other 12 months.
Shopping for choices will all the time differ relying in your wants and funds. However in case you’re a present Samsung consumer contemplating making the bounce, here is what to learn about how the Galaxy S23 compares to older gadgets.
Table of Contents
Galaxy S23 vs. Galaxy S22
The Samsung Galaxy S22.
Lisa Eadicicco/ClassyBuzz
With the Galaxy S23, Samsung addressed my largest concern about the Galaxy S22: its quick battery life. The brand new cellphone has a bigger battery (3,900 mAh in comparison with 3,700), which has made a distinction in my testing.
In any other case, in comparison with the Galaxy S22, you are getting a brand new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor that is been optimized for the new Galaxy lineup particularly, whereas the Galaxy S22 runs on final 12 months’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip. Efficiency is quicker, particularly when exporting video. However you in all probability will not discover a lot of a bounce in on a regular basis use, since most fashionable processors are well-equipped to deal with gaming, multitasking and different run-of-the-mill duties.
The Galaxy S23’s cameras are largely the similar as the Galaxy S22’s, besides the algorithms have been up to date to enhance processing in low mild situations. The selfie digicam additionally has a barely greater decision (12 megapixels versus 10), though I did not discover a lot of a distinction. There’s nothing about the Galaxy S23’s digicam that feels vastly completely different from the earlier technology, though I did discover that low-light portraits appeared higher.
The cellphone launches with Android 13 and Samsung’s One UI 5.1 software program, each of which can be found for the Galaxy S22 sequence.
The underside line: Do not improve to the Galaxy S23 you probably have a Galaxy S22. The modifications aren’t noticeable sufficient to warrant an improve. Battery life is the solely significant change you may discover between the two telephones, however I might solely advocate upgrading if you may get the S23 totally free by way of a trade-in deal.
Galaxy S23 vs. Galaxy S21
Samsung’s Galaxy S21.
Sarah Tew/ClassyBuzz
The variations between the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S21 are extra noticeable, however you possibly can in all probability maintain onto your S21 for one more 12 months earlier than upgrading.
The Galaxy S23 has a noticeably improved digicam because it inherits the 50-megapixel sensor that debuted on the Galaxy S22. As I wrote in my assessment, the Galaxy S22’s cameras supply higher shade, distinction and low-light efficiency in comparison with the Galaxy S21.
The Galaxy S21 additionally runs on a processor that is now two years outdated, in comparison with the brand-new chip in the Galaxy S23. That stated, in case you’re simply utilizing your cellphone for easy duties like video calls, taking part in video games and checking social media, the older Snapdragon 888 chip might be holding up simply high-quality.
The underside line: In case your Galaxy S21 nonetheless feels quick and the battery life is passable, you possibly can wait one other 12 months earlier than upgrading. Samsung helps three generations of Android working system updates for the Galaxy S21, that means it is going to get new platform-wide software program updates till 2024.
Galaxy S23 vs. Galaxy S20
Samsung’s Galaxy S20.
Angela Lang/ClassyBuzz
Whether or not you need to improve from the Galaxy S20 is not as easy of a solution. There’s sufficient to realize that might justify making the bounce, however the Galaxy S20 additionally nonetheless has lots to supply.
By upgrading, you may get a sooner chip, an improved digicam with considerably higher low-light efficiency and a contemporary design. Since the Galaxy S20 launched in 2020 with Android 10, it will now not be eligible for brand spanking new Android OS updates shifting ahead.
Samsung dedicated to offering three generations of updates for the Galaxy S20 lineup, making Android 13 the final one. Meaning you may should improve to get future variations of Android and the new options that come together with these updates. The corporate does, nevertheless, nonetheless present monthly security updates for the Galaxy S20.
At the similar time, the Galaxy S20 remains to be a really succesful cellphone. Although you will not get the choice to shoot images at a 50-megapixel decision like on the Galaxy S23, you may nonetheless get a triple-camera setup on the Galaxy S20. The Galaxy S20 additionally has a 30x digital zoom like the Galaxy S23, so you will not miss out on getting close-up pictures.
However remember the fact that the Galaxy S20 has a bigger battery and a barely greater display than the Galaxy S23. And most significantly, the Galaxy S20 has a microSD card slot for including extra storage, which the Galaxy S23 doesn’t.
The underside line: The updates in the Galaxy S23 will really feel vital sufficient to justify the improve, however you additionally need not in case you’re joyful together with your Galaxy S20. Cling onto the S20 in case you’re proud of its efficiency, battery life and in case you worth preserving that microSD card slot over having a greater digicam. Simply bear in mind you will not get the subsequent model of Android.
Galaxy S23 vs. Galaxy S10
The Samsung Galaxy S10 lineup.
Angela Lang/ClassyBuzz
Galaxy S10 house owners: it is time to improve. Not solely will the digicam and processor really feel like an enormous step up, however you may get 5G and the newest model Android.
Should you bought the Galaxy S10 at launch again in 2019, the processor and battery at the moment are 4 years outdated. Meaning your cellphone could also be beginning to really feel sluggish, and the battery in all probability struggles to get by way of a day. The Galaxy S10’s battery can also be smaller than the Galaxy S23’s (3,400 mAh capability versus 3,900) and the S23’s processor is extra energy environment friendly — so the battery good points ought to be significant. Your Galaxy S10 additionally does not assist 5G, until you splurged on the 6.7-inch Galaxy S10 5G, which began at $1,300 when it launched.
However extra importantly, the Galaxy S10 now not receives Android model updates. Like the Galaxy S20, the Galaxy S10 was eligible for 3 generations of recent Android releases. That may make final 12 months’s Android 12 replace the final one since the Galaxy S10 launched with Android 9. (You’ll, nevertheless, nonetheless get quarterly security updates you probably have the common Galaxy S10, S10 Plus, S10E or S10 5G.)
Whereas software program assist and battery life are amongst the largest causes to improve, you may additionally get a significantly better digicam on the Galaxy S23. Samsung’s digicam has come a great distance over the final 4 years, now providing a better decision predominant sensor (50 megapixels versus 12 megapixels on the Galaxy S10), enhanced efficiency in low mild and a more in-depth digital zoom (as much as 30x on the Galaxy S23 in comparison with 10x on the Galaxy S10).
One factor to bear in mind, nevertheless, is that you’re going to lose the beloved microSD card slot by upgrading to the Galaxy S23. So remember to choose a storage capability that is smart in your wants since you will not be capable of develop it.
The underside line: Sure, you probably have a Galaxy S10 it is price upgrading to the Galaxy S23. You may get 5G assist, entry to new variations of Android, longer battery life, a sooner new processor and a much-improved digicam. However be ready to say goodbye to the microSD card slot.
Galaxy S23 vs. Galaxy S9
The Samsung Galaxy S9.
James Martin/ClassyBuzz
There are lots of causes to improve from the Galaxy S9 — so many, in reality, it is laborious to know the place to start out. All of the factors talked about above for the Galaxy S10 additionally apply to the Galaxy S9. Samsung’s five-year-old cellphone lacks 5G, and its processor and battery have probably began to point out their age. You may additionally now not obtain Android model updates.
However there are many different advantages available from upgrading. The digicam is amongst the largest modifications; the Galaxy S9 solely has one rear 12-megapixel digicam, and the Galaxy S9 Plus has a further 12-megapixel telephoto digicam. The Galaxy S23 has a better decision 50-megapixel predominant digicam, together with a 10-megapixel telephoto digicam and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens for capturing a wider area of view. The Galaxy S23’s selfie digicam additionally has a better decision (12 megapixels versus the S9’s 8), together with different enhancements like higher low-light seize.
When you’ve got the customary 5.8-inch Galaxy S9, you may additionally get a bigger display since the Galaxy S23 has a 6.1-inch show. The Galaxy S23 additionally has twice the storage in the base mannequin in comparison with the Galaxy S9, however there isn’t any microSD card slot in Samsung’s new cellphone for including extra storage.
The underside line: There are a bunch of causes to improve you probably have a Galaxy S9. You may get a considerably improved digicam with a number of lenses, a lot sooner efficiency, longer battery life, new variations of Android and 5G assist.
General, it is price upgrading you probably have a cellphone that is greater than two years outdated. Galaxy S20 house owners can in all probability get one other 12 months out of their gadget if it is in good situation, however the Galaxy S23 additionally presents sufficient enhancements to justify the improve. When you’ve got a Galaxy S10 or earlier, the reply as to if you need to improve is a powerful sure.
Samsung Galaxy S23 vs. older Galaxy telephones
Galaxy S23
Galaxy S22
Galaxy S21
Galaxy S20
Galaxy S10
Galaxy S9
Show
6.1-inch AMOLED; 2,340×1,080 decision; 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Fee
6.1-inch AMOLED; 2,340×1,080 decision; 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Fee
6.2-inch AMOLED; 2,400×1,080 decision; 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Fee
6.2-inch AMOLED; 3,200×1,440 decision; 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Fee
6.1-inch AMOLED; 3,040×1,440 decision
5.8-inch AMOLED; 2,960×1,440 decision
Pixel density
425 pixels per inch
425 pixels per inch
421 pixels per inch
563 pixels per inch
550 pixels per inch
570 pixels per inch
Dimensions (inches)
2.79 x 5.76 x 0.3 in
2.78 x 5.74 x 0.3 in
2.80 x 5.97 x 0.31 in
2.72 x 5.97 x 0.311 in
5.9 x 2.77 x 0.31 in
5.81 x 2.70 x 0.33 in
Dimensions (millimeters)
70.9 x 146.3 x 7.6 mm
70.6 x 146 x 7.6 mm
71.2 x 151.7 x 7.9mm
69.1 x 151.7 x 7.9 mm
149.9 x 70.4 x 7.8 mm
147.7 x 68.7 x 8.5 mm
Weight (grams, ounces)
168 g (5.93 oz)
167 g (5.93 oz)
171 g (6.03 oz)
5.75 oz (163 g)
5.53 oz (157 g)
5.75 oz (163 g)
Cell software program
Android 13
Android 12
Android 11
Android 10
Android 9
Android 8
Digicam
50-megapixel (huge), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (telephoto)
50-megapixel (huge), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (telephoto)
64-megapixel (telephoto), 12-megapixel (huge), 12-megapixel (ultrawide)
12-megapixel (wide-angle), 64-megapixel (telephoto), 12-megapixel (ultrawide)
12-megapixel (wide-angle), 16-megapixel (ultrawide), 12-megapixel (telephoto)
12-megapixel
Entrance-facing digicam
12-megapixel
10-megapixel
10-megapixel
10-megapixel
10-megapixel
8-megapixel
Video seize
8K at 30fps
8K at 24 fps
8K at 24fps
8K at 24fps
4K at 60fps
4K at 60 fps
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888
Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 855
Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
RAM/storage
8GB RAM + 128GB; 8GB RAM + 256GB
8GB RAM + 128GB 8GB RAM + 256GB
8GB RAM + 128GB
8GB RAM + 128GB
8GB RAM + 128GB; 8GB RAM + 512GB
4GB RAM + 64GB; 4GB RAM + 128GB; 4GB RAM + 256GB
Expandable storage
None
None
None
Sure (As much as 1TB)
Sure (As much as 512GB)
Sure (As much as 400GB)
Battery
3,900 mAh
3,700 mAh
4,000 mAh
4,000mAh
3,400mAh
3,000 mAh
Fingerprint sensor
In-display
In-display
In-display
In-display
In-display
Again
Connector
USB-C
USB-C
USB-C
USB-C
USB-C
USB-C
Headphone jack
No
No
No
No
Sure
Sure
Particular options
5G (mmw/Sub6), IP68 score, wi-fi PowerShare to cost different gadgets
5G (mmw/Sub6), 120Hz show, IP68 score, 25W wired charging, 15W wi-fi charging
IP68 score, 5G-enabled, 30x House Zoom, 10W wi-fi charging, 120Hz show
5G enabled; 120Hz refresh fee; water-resistant (IP68)
Wi-fi PowerShare; gap punch display notch; water-resistant (IP68); Quick Wi-fi Charging 2.0
Twin-aperture digicam, water resistant (IP68); tremendous slo-mo video; wi-fi charging; iris scanning
