Samsung Galaxy S23
Compact 6.1" Dynamic AMOLED 2X with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 50MP triple camera, and 120Hz adaptive display. Features IP68 durability and 3900mAh battery.
Affiliate links help keep our reviews independent at no extra cost to you.
Our Take on Samsung Galaxy S23
The Samsung Galaxy S23 delivers solid performance in the smartphones market. Positioned in the mid-range segment, it strikes a balance between performance and affordability. Its standout strength is its powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip outperforms standard version.
Market positioning: The Samsung Galaxy S23 targets the mainstream smartphones market with a focus on practical value. This provides the features most users actually need at a price point that makes sense for everyday buyers.
Real-world use: Handles calls, texts, apps, and social media reliably without unnecessary extras. The 4.4/5 rating reflects genuine user feedback from real-world usage.
Competitive edge: Balances features and price in ways that suit certain buyers better than flagship alternatives. That said, potential buyers should consider that base 128GB model uses slower UFS 3.1 storage (256GB+ uses UFS 4.0). Additionally, charging speed is limited to 25W (significantly slower than competitors).
Best For
Everyday users who want a reliable smartphone with good features without breaking the bank.
Consider Alternatives If
Base 128GB model uses slower UFS 3.1 storage (256GB+ uses UFS 4.0), or if charging speed is limited to 25W (significantly slower than competitors).
Who Should Buy Samsung Galaxy S23?
Not every product is right for every buyer. Here's how the Samsung Galaxy S23 matches different user profiles:
Quality Seekers
ConsiderSolid 4.4/5 rating, but consider premium options if you want the absolute best.
Budget Shoppers
ConsiderMid-range pricing offers more features, but cheaper options exist if cost is your priority.
Power Users
Look elsewhereConsider higher-tier options for intensive professional or enthusiast workloads.
First-Time Buyers
Great fitAccessible pricing and straightforward features make this a great starting point.
Key specifications
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades (Android 14, 15, 16, 17); 5 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2028)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.36GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8GHz A715, 2x2.8GHz A710, 3x2.0GHz A510)
Adreno 740 (719 MHz)
8 GB (LPDDR5X)
128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB (UFS 4.0) / 512GB (UFS 4.0)
6.1" (6.1" full rectangle; 5.9" accounting for rounded corners)
Dynamic AMOLED 2X
2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+, 425 ppi)
Adaptive 48–120 Hz
1200 nits (HBM); 1750 nits peak (outdoor)
50MP Wide (24 mm, f/1.8), Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS
12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° FOV), Super Steady video
10MP Telephoto (70 mm, f/2.4), PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom
3x optical zoom; 30x Space Zoom
Up to 30x
8K video at 24/30 fps; 4K at 30/60 fps; Slow motion 1080p at 240/960 fps
12MP Front (26 mm, f/2.2), Dual Pixel PDAF; 4K video at 30/60 fps
3900 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 22 hours video playback
USB-C; Up to 50% in ~30 minutes with 25W adapter (sold separately)
Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (up to 15W); Wireless PowerShare (4.5W)
5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (up to 5 Gb/s)
IP68 (up to 1.5 m freshwater for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back
5.76" x 2.79" x 0.30" (146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm)
5.93 oz (168 g)
Ultrasonic Fingerprint (under display); Face recognition
Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox; Stereo speakers tuned by AKG; Dual eSIM support (varies by carrier)
What These Specs Mean For You
Numbers don't tell the whole story. Here's what the Samsung Galaxy S23's specifications actually mean in daily use:
Storage
•128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB (UFS 4.0) / 512GB (UFS 4.0)128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB (UFS 4.0) / 512GB (UFS 4.0) storage for apps, photos, and files—consider cloud options if this seems low.
Operating System
•AndroidOperating System of Android for this smartphones.
Software Support
•4 generations of OS upgrades (Android 14, 15, 16, 17); 5 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2028)Software Support of 4 generations of OS upgrades (Android 14, 15, 16, 17); 5 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2028) for this smartphones.
Processor
•Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.36GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8GHz A715, 2x2.8GHz A710, 3x2.0GHz A510)Processor of Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.36GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8GHz A715, 2x2.8GHz A710, 3x2.0GHz A510) for this smartphones.
Graphics
•Adreno 740 (719 MHz)Graphics of Adreno 740 (719 MHz) for this smartphones.
Pros
- Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip outperforms standard version
- Compact, lightweight design is easy to use with one hand
- Bright 1750 nits display ensures excellent outdoor visibility
- Versatile camera system with genuine 3x optical zoom
- Solid battery life for its size class (3900 mAh)
Cons
- Base 128GB model uses slower UFS 3.1 storage (256GB+ uses UFS 4.0)
- Charging speed is limited to 25W (significantly slower than competitors)
- Lacks UWB (Ultra-Wideband) support found in Plus/Ultra models
- Refresh rate floor is 48Hz (not 1Hz like LTPO panels on Ultra)
- Small screen size may be limiting for heavy media consumption
Compare with similar options
See how Samsung Galaxy S23 stacks up against other smartphones we track.
vs Apple iPhone 16
Open full comparison →
vs Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
Open full comparison →
vs Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Open full comparison →
vs Apple iPhone 17 Air
Open full comparison →
vs Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Open full comparison →
vs Apple iPhone 15
Open full comparison →
More in Smartphones
The Bottom Line: Samsung Galaxy S23
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is a solid choice that will satisfy most users in 2026. Key strengths include its powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip outperforms standard version and compact, lightweight design is easy to use with one hand. It offers a balanced package that handles everyday tasks effectively.
Final verdict: Rated 4.4/5, the Samsung Galaxy S23 delivers good value. Consider your priorities and check if the cons are deal-breakers for your use case.
Frequently Asked Questions
+ Is the Samsung Galaxy S23 worth buying in 2026?
It depends on your needs. The Samsung Galaxy S23 if you prioritize powerful snapdragon 8 gen 2 for galaxy chip outperforms standard version. With a 4.4/5 rating, it offers solid value for specific use cases. However, consider that base 128gb model uses slower ufs 3.1 storage (256gb+ uses ufs 4.0). Check our detailed verdict above.
+ What are the main specs of Samsung Galaxy S23?
Key specifications include: Operating System: Android, Software Support: 4 generations of OS upgrades (Android 14, 15, 16, 17); 5 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2028), Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.36GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8GHz A715, 2x2.8GHz A710, 3x2.0GHz A510), Graphics: Adreno 740 (719 MHz). See the full specifications table above for complete technical details.
+ Where is the best place to buy Samsung Galaxy S23?
For US buyers, Amazon offers the best combination of competitive pricing, fast Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. Use our affiliate links above to check current prices and availability.
+ What are the pros and cons of Samsung Galaxy S23?
Pros: Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip outperforms standard version; Compact, lightweight design is easy to use with one hand; Bright 1750 nits display ensures excellent outdoor visibility. Cons: Base 128GB model uses slower UFS 3.1 storage (256GB+ uses UFS 4.0); Charging speed is limited to 25W (significantly slower than competitors). See our detailed breakdown above for the complete analysis.
+ How does Samsung Galaxy S23 compare to alternatives?
We have 44+ detailed comparisons with similar smartphones. Popular matchups include Apple iPhone 16 and Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max. Check the comparison section above.
+ Are PageBen reviews independent and unbiased?
Yes. PageBen is an independent review site. While we use affiliate links for monetization, our recommendations are research-driven and based on objective specifications, user feedback, and real-world performance. We are not sponsored by manufacturers.
💡 You may also like
View all →These are popular picks in Smartphones
ℹ️ Affiliate notice: This site includes Amazon affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting independent reviews.