This story is a part of Samsung Event, CNET’s assortment of stories, suggestions and recommendation round Samsung’s hottest merchandise.
Samsung’s Galaxy S23 simply launched in February, so you might be questioning: Is it well worth the improve? Truth is, there is not one reply that may be utilized to everybody. The age and situation of your present telephone, your price range and whether or not your gadget will help new variations of Android ought to all issue into your resolution. The Galaxy S23, which begins at $800, has a 6.1-inch display and a 50-megapixel essential digicam, identical to the Galaxy S22. But the S23 has a bigger battery, a brand new processor and barely up to date digicam algorithms that enhance the way in which images are processed. While these modifications are appreciated, the Galaxy S23 is usually a minor enchancment over the Galaxy S22. The improve is price it for those who’re seeking to change a telephone you have had for a number of years, ideally one which’s greater than two years outdated. Even the Galaxy S21, which launched in 2021, possible nonetheless has sufficient life left to make it by way of one other yr. Buying choices will at all times fluctuate relying in your wants and price range. But for those who’re a present Samsung person contemplating making the leap, here is what to learn about how the Galaxy S23 compares to older units.
Galaxy S23 vs. Galaxy S22 The Samsung Galaxy S22.
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With the Galaxy S23, Samsung addressed my greatest concern in regards to the Galaxy S22: its brief battery life. The new telephone has a bigger battery (3,900 mAh in comparison with 3,700), which has made a distinction in my testing. Otherwise, in comparison with the Galaxy S22, you are getting a brand new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor that is been optimized for the brand new Galaxy lineup particularly, whereas the Galaxy S22 runs on final yr’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip. Performance is quicker, particularly when exporting video. But you in all probability will not discover a lot of a leap in on a regular basis use, since most trendy processors are well-equipped to deal with gaming, multitasking and different run-of-the-mill duties. The Galaxy S23’s cameras are largely the identical because 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 larger decision (12 megapixels versus 10), though I did not discover a lot of a distinction. There’s nothing in regards to the Galaxy S23’s digicam that feels massively totally different from the earlier era, though I did discover that low-light portraits regarded higher. The telephone launches with Android 13 and Samsung’s One UI 5.1 software program, each of which can be found for the Galaxy S22 collection. The backside line: Don’t improve to the Galaxy S23 in case you have a Galaxy S22. The modifications aren’t noticeable sufficient to warrant an improve. Battery life is the one significant change you may discover between the 2 telephones, however I’d solely advocate upgrading if you will get the S23 free of charge by way of a trade-in deal. Galaxy S23 vs. Galaxy S21 Samsung’s Galaxy S21.
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The variations between the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S21 are extra noticeable, however you’ll be able to in all probability maintain onto your S21 for an additional yr 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 provide higher colour, 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 within the Galaxy S23. That mentioned, for those who’re simply utilizing your telephone 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 advantageous. The backside line: If your Galaxy S21 nonetheless feels quick and the battery life is passable, you’ll be able to wait one other yr earlier than upgrading. Samsung helps three generations of Android working system updates for the Galaxy S21, which means it’s going to get new platform-wide software program updates till 2024. Galaxy S23 vs. Galaxy S20 Samsung’s Galaxy S20.
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Whether it’s best to improve from the Galaxy S20 is not as easy of a solution. There’s sufficient to realize that will justify making the leap, however the Galaxy S20 additionally nonetheless has a lot 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 not be eligible for brand new Android OS updates transferring ahead. Samsung dedicated to offering three generations of updates for the Galaxy S20 lineup, making Android 13 the final one. That means you may must improve to get future variations of Android and the brand new options that come together with these updates. The firm does, nevertheless, nonetheless present month-to-month safety updates for the Galaxy S20. At the identical time, the Galaxy S20 continues to be a really succesful telephone. Even 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 just like the Galaxy S23, so you will not miss out on getting close-up pictures. But take into account 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 backside line: The updates within the Galaxy S23 will really feel vital sufficient to justify the improve, however you additionally need not for those who’re joyful along with your Galaxy S20. Hang onto the S20 for those who’re proud of its efficiency, battery life and for those who worth retaining that microSD card slot over having a greater digicam. Just keep in mind you will not get the following model of Android. Galaxy S23 vs. Galaxy S10 The Samsung Galaxy S10 lineup.
Angela Lang/CNET
Galaxy S10 homeowners: 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. If you bought the Galaxy S10 at launch again in 2019, the processor and battery at the moment are 4 years outdated. That means your telephone 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 positive aspects needs to be significant. Your Galaxy S10 additionally does not help 5G, except you splurged on the 6.7-inch Galaxy S10 5G, which began at $1,300 when it launched. But extra importantly, the Galaxy S10 not receives Android model updates. Like the Galaxy S20, the Galaxy S10 was eligible for 3 generations of recent Android releases. That would make final yr’s Android 12 replace the final one for the reason that Galaxy S10 launched with Android 9. (You will, nevertheless, nonetheless get quarterly safety updates in case you have the common Galaxy S10, S10 Plus, S10E or S10 5G.) While software program help and battery life are among the many greatest causes to improve, you may additionally get a a lot better digicam on the Galaxy S23. Samsung’s digicam has come a good distance over the past 4 years, now providing a better decision essential 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 remember, nevertheless, is that you’re going to lose the beloved microSD card slot by upgrading to the Galaxy S23. So make sure you decide a storage capability that is sensible to your wants since you will not be capable of broaden it. The backside line: Yes, in case you have a Galaxy S10 it is price upgrading to the Galaxy S23. You’ll get 5G help, entry to new variations of Android, longer battery life, a sooner new processor and a much-improved digicam. But be ready to say goodbye to the microSD card slot. Galaxy S23 vs. Galaxy S9 The Samsung Galaxy S9.
James Martin/CNET
There are many causes to improve from the Galaxy S9 — so many, in reality, it is onerous 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 telephone lacks 5G, and its processor and battery have possible began to indicate their age. You’ll additionally not obtain Android model updates. But there are many different advantages available from upgrading. The digicam is among the many greatest modifications; the Galaxy S9 solely has one rear 12-megapixel digicam, and the Galaxy S9 Plus has an extra 12-megapixel telephoto digicam. The Galaxy S23 has a better decision 50-megapixel essential digicam, together with a 10-megapixel telephoto digicam and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens for capturing a wider discipline 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. If you’ve got the usual 5.8-inch Galaxy S9, you may additionally get a bigger display for the reason that Galaxy S23 has a 6.1-inch show. The Galaxy S23 additionally has twice the storage within the base mannequin in comparison with the Galaxy S9, however there is not any microSD card slot in Samsung’s new telephone for including extra storage. The backside line: There are a bunch of causes to improve in case you have a Galaxy S9. You’ll get a considerably improved digicam with a number of lenses, a lot sooner efficiency, longer battery life, new variations of Android and 5G help. Overall, it is price upgrading in case you have a telephone that is greater than two years outdated. Galaxy S20 homeowners can in all probability get one other yr out of their gadget if it is in good situation, however the Galaxy S23 additionally provides sufficient enhancements to justify the improve. If you’ve got a Galaxy S10 or earlier, the reply as to whether it’s best 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
Display
6.1-inch AMOLED; 2,340×1,080 decision; 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate
6.1-inch AMOLED; 2,340×1,080 decision; 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate
6.2-inch AMOLED; 2,400×1,080 decision; 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate
6.2-inch AMOLED; 3,200×1,440 decision; 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate
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)
Mobile software program
Android 13
Android 12
Android 11
Android 10
Android 9
Android 8
Camera
50-megapixel (broad), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (telephoto)
50-megapixel (broad), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (telephoto)
64-megapixel (telephoto), 12-megapixel (broad), 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
Front-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
Yes (Up to 1TB)
Yes (Up to 512GB)
Yes (Up to 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
Back
Connector
USB-C
USB-C
USB-C
USB-C
USB-C
USB-C
Headphone jack
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Special options
5G (mmw/Sub6), IP68 score, wi-fi PowerShare to cost different units
5G (mmw/Sub6), 120Hz show, IP68 score, 25W wired charging, 15W wi-fi charging
IP68 score, 5G-enabled, 30x Space Zoom, 10W wi-fi charging, 120Hz show
5G enabled; 120Hz refresh charge; waterproof (IP68)
Wireless PowerShare; gap punch display notch; waterproof (IP68); Fast Wireless Charging 2.0
Dual-aperture digicam, water resistant (IP68); tremendous slo-mo video; wi-fi charging; iris scanning