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Samsung Galaxy S23 features TSMC's overclocked Qualcomm chipset. Why that's a big deal
In partnership with Qualcomm, Samsung's new Galaxy S23 phones are now the fastest Snapdragon-powered handsets. Here's what you need to know about the custom chipset that powers them.
1549928918804.jpg
By June Wan, Technology Editor on Feb. 1, 2023
Reviewed by Kelsey Adams
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip on top of a bowl of lemons.
Qualcomm and June Wan/ZDNET
It's Samsung Unpacked day, which means until the next big bad smartphone comes along, the Galaxy S23 series, led by the S23 Ultra, is now the cream of the crop, for speed and power. At least, that's what Samsung and Qualcomm are telling me.
samsung unpacked
Holding up the Samsung Galaxy S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra in green.
Meet the new Galaxy S23 and Book 3 Ultra
All the latest innovations from Samsung, covered by ZDNET's product experts.
Read now
The two companies extended a strategic partnership in July 2022, pledging Snapdragon-powered Galaxy devices for the next seven years.
For Samsung, it seems the partnership has already come to fruition, with the just-announced Galaxy S23 series getting exclusive dibs on a custom system on a chip (SoC), the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy. The new chip is coming to every Galaxy S23 model, including ones in Europe.
Also: Everything announced at Samsung Unpacked 2023
So, what exactly is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip? How is it any different from the standard SoC? Is Samsung doing away with Exynos chips? I've answered all of those questions and more below.
What is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy?
"Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen Mobile Platform for Galaxy" rolls right off the tongue, doesn't it?
The new "for Galaxy" variant offers the same AI and feature enhancements as the standard 8 Gen 2 chip introduced back in November, including FastConnect 7800 for Wi-Fi 7 support (when available), hardware-accelerated ray-tracing in games, a GPU and NPU that's up to 40% and 49%, respectfully, faster and more optimized than last year's S22, and more. CPU performance also gets a 30% bump.
Also: Best Samsung phones of 2023
On top of that, the new SoC introduces Snapdragon's Cognitive ISP to enable Semantic Segmentation, a real-time processing technology that distinguishes the various elements your camera captures, optimizing images and videos as you snap them. Imagine your phone being able to detect when a subject is wearing glasses and to automatically remove any glare that could be reflected from it in the final image.
The Galaxy S23 is the first smartphone to go live with this Snapdragon feature.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra showing ZDNET's Best Samsung Phones list on screen.
June Wan/ZDNET
How is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy different from the original?
The biggest difference between the "for Galaxy" variant of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip is its accelerated CPU and GPU performance. On the Galaxy S23, the prime Kryo CPU core has been overclocked to 3.36GHz (compared with the original's 3.2GHz) while the Adreno GPU ramps up to 719MHz from 680MHz.
While these numbers should yield faster and more powerful performance out of the new Galaxy handsets, they'll also be the ones to blame if there are any overheating issues or excessive battery drainage once we go hands-on with the devices.
Also: Apple is reportedly phasing out Broadcom and Qualcomm chips
I reached out to Samsung with this concern and was given the following response: "The NPU [on the Galaxy S23] is optimized by more than 40% to balance performance and power. And the optimized chipset has contributed to the Galaxy S23 series' improved battery performance, increasing its overall power efficiency."
We'll have to see if the flagship lives up to Samsung's claims in the upcoming full review.
Is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy good for gaming?
With the new chipset, I'm seeing all-around improvements to the Galaxy S23's performance, particularly in gaming. Thanks to the accelerated GPU, the Galaxy S23 is now capable of real-time ray-tracing, can produce lifelike, human-based characters via Unreal Engine 5 Metahumans Framework, and can process effects like bloom, depth of field, and motion blur more efficiently.
Every single one of those enhancements is meaningful and a step in the right direction for mobile gaming, especially with more companies branching into cloud-based gameplay.
Person playing a racing game on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Samsung
Will European S23s have the Snapdragon chip?
While the European Galaxy devices have traditionally operated on Samsung's own Exynos chipsets, this year's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy will debut globally, including in Europe. That means users can expect consistent performance across different regions.
As for Samsung's Exynos SoC, it doesn't look like the company is completely abandoning it just yet.
Who manufactures the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy?
While the chipset is optimized for Galaxy devices and Samsung has played a role in manufacturing past Snapdragon SoCs (888 and 8 Gen 1), Qualcomm has confirmed with ZDNET that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy is made by Taiwanese semiconductor company TSMC.
Also: Apple debuts M2 Pro and M2 Max, powering the year's best Macs
That's very good news, considering the manufacturer is also responsible for Apple's A Bionic chips, which have proven to be some of the most power-efficient silicon on the market.
samsung unpacked
Samsung TM Roy Unpacked Stage Ultra
Here's everything Samsung announced at Unpacked 2023
The Samsung Galaxy S23 next to the Samsung Galaxy S22.
Samsung Galaxy S23 vs S22: Which model should you buy?
Every Samsung Galaxy S23 model compared: Specs, display, cameras, and more
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Pro: Which flagship should you buy?
How to watch Samsung Unpacked 2023
Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra vs Apple MacBook Pro: A premium laptop showdown
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Home Innovation Smartphones
Samsung's Galaxy S23 release date and what to know
Click back here for updates as we learn more about Samsung's upcoming family of flagship smartphones.
stephanie-condon
By Stephanie Condon, Senior Writer on Jan. 30, 2023
Samsung Unpacked Reserved Now Display Image
Samsung
Samsung on Wednesday is expected to unveil the latest generation of Galaxy smartphones, the Galaxy S23 lineup. The new flagship phones should be announced during the Samsung Unpacked event, which is taking place live in San Francisco.
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Samsung will also livestream Unpacked on its website and at YouTube. The event starts at 10 am PT/1 pm ET.
As Jason Cipriani noted for ZDNET, we can expect the device maker to follow its standard naming pattern and call its new phones the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23 Plus, and Galaxy S23 Ultra. Those names give an indication of a device's size, pricing, and specs.
Be sure to watch out for the upgraded camera on the S23 devices.
Also: Want the best Android phone right now? Our top picks
"Our pro-grade camera system is getting smarter, offering the best photos and videos in any light among our Galaxy smartphones," TM Roh, Samsung's president and head of MX Business, wrote in a recent blog post.
If you think you may be interested in purchasing a Galaxy S23 device, it's worth signing up for Samsung's US Reserve promotion, which runs through Feb. 1. In exchange for your name and email address, you'll get a $50 Samsung credit when you preorder a single device. If you order two devices, Samsung doubles the credit to $100.
samsung unpacked
Samsung TM Roy Unpacked Stage Ultra
Here's everything Samsung announced at Unpacked 2023
The Samsung Galaxy S23 next to the Samsung Galaxy S22.
Samsung Galaxy S23 vs S22: Which model should you buy?
Every Samsung Galaxy S23 model compared: Specs, display, cameras, and more
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Pro: Which flagship should you buy?
How to watch Samsung Unpacked 2023
Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra vs Apple MacBook Pro: A premium laptop showdown
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Why you can trust ZDNET : Our process
Home Innovation Smartphones
Samsung unveils the Galaxy S23, S23 Plus, and S23 Ultra: What to know
Each member of Samsung's new family of flagship smartphones is a powerful, AI-driven device built for gaming and taking high-quality photographs.
jada-jones
By Jada Jones, Associate Editor on Feb. 1, 2023
Reviewed by Kelsey Adams and June Wan
Person holding all three Samsung Galaxy S23 models in Green.
June Wan/ZDNET
Samsung on Wednesday rolled out the latest generation of Galaxy smartphones, the Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy S23 Plus, and Galaxy S23. Each version of the new flagship smartphone is a powerful, AI-driven device built for gaming and taking high-quality photographs.
Compared with last year's release of Samsung's S22 lineup, there are a few key functional and design changes in the S23 models.
The S23 lineup offers upgrades in color options, camera functions, durability, and an upgraded processor, the all-new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy.
Also: S22 vs S23: What are the main differences?
The three phones in the S23 series run Samsung's new OneUI 5.1 alongside Android 13, and are made from more post-consumer recycled material than any previous Samsung phone.
Introducing Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip on top of a bowl of lemons.
June Wan/ZDNET and Qualcomm
There are some remarkable improvements to the Galaxy S23 line that aims to optimize and improve its user experience.
The Galaxy S23 series is the first line of devices to feature Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy, which was designed and optimized specifically for Samsung to power AI functions like photo and video capture and mobile gaming. Samsung said it offers the world's fastest mobile graphics, and we'll be putting that to the test in our full review.
Meanwhile, a bigger version of Samsung Galaxy's vapor cooling chamber comes in every Galaxy S23 series model for intensive gaming.
Also: Everything announced at Samsung Unpacked
Improved cameras for low-light photos
Person holding Samsung S23 Plus
June Wan/ZDNET
The S23 lineup's new camera features focus heavily on improving the quality of pictures and videos taken in low lighting. While the S23 Ultra's front-facing camera has been 'downgraded' from a 40-megapixel lens to a 12-megapixel, every model in the lineup can now deliver Night Portrait mode by using upgraded sensors.
Also: Every Samsung Galaxy S23 model compared: Specs, display, cameras, and more
For avid stargazers, Astro Hyperlapse is another new feature used to capture the movements of stars in the night sky without needing special equipment. AI Noise Reduction technology is also integrated to improve video quality at night or in the dark while simultaneously reducing visual noise.
It certainly helps that the S23 Ultra's camera system is headlined by a massive 200MP camera sensor, capable of capturing the highest pixel count and detail that we've seen yet on a smartphone. The number of pixels being captured also helps the S23 Ultra better piece together details at night.
More: Samsung just showed off its 200-megapixel smartphone image sensor
The Galaxy S23 series also introduces fast autofocus and a Super HDR selfie camera, jumping from 30 frames per second to 60fps, for better front-facing images and videos.
Design: If it ain't broke, don't fix it
Samsung Galaxy S23 Lineup
Samsung
When it comes to design features, there are a few remarkable differences between the Galaxy S22 line and S23 line. However, there are some subtle changes, such as the front-facing camera being slightly smaller so that it takes up less space on the display. The S23 Ultra's display edges are now less curvy as well, giving users greater surface area to interact with using the included S Pen.
For the first time, all three phones in the S23 lineup are available in the same colors: Phantom Black, Cream, Green, and Lavender. On the S23 and S23 Plus, the contoured housing that encases the back camera has been removed.
Also: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs S22 Ultra: Is this year's flagship worth the upgrade?
Preorder the Samsung Galaxy S23 series
Preorder the Samsung Galaxy S23 series
View now at Amazon
Galaxy S23 specs
Dimensions: 2.79 x 5.7 x 0.3 inches
Weight: 5.9 oz
Display size: 6.1 inch
Memory, storage options: 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB
Battery capacity: 3,900 mAh
Price: Starting at $799
Galaxy S23 Plus specs
Dimensions: 3 x 6.2 x 0.3 inches
Weight: 6.9 oz
Display: 6.6 inch
Memory, storage options: 8GB of RAM and 256GB or 512G
Battery: 4,700 mAh
45W Super-fast charging capabilities
Price: Starting at $999
Galaxy S23 Ultra specs
Dimensions: 3.07 x 6.43 x 0.35 inches
Weight: 8.25 oz
Display: 6.8-inch with a reduced curvature to create a larger and flatter surface area
Memory, storage options: 8GB or 12GB of RAM and 256GB, 512GB, or 1T of internal storage
Battery capacity: 5,000 mAh
8K video recording
Price: Starting at $1,199
samsung unpacked
Samsung TM Roy Unpacked Stage Ultra
Here's everything Samsung announced at Unpacked 2023
The Samsung Galaxy S23 next to the Samsung Galaxy S22.
Samsung Galaxy S23 vs S22: Which model should you buy?
Every Samsung Galaxy S23 model compared: Specs, display, cameras, and more
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Pro: Which flagship should you buy?
How to watch Samsung Unpacked 2023
Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra vs Apple MacBook Pro: A premium laptop showdown
Editorial standards
ZDNET logoSamsung's Galaxy S23 release date and what to know
ZDNET logoSamsung unveils the Galaxy S23, S23 Plus, and S23 Ultra: What to know
ZDNET logoThe 6 best Samsung phones of 2023
we equip you to harness the power of disruptive innovation, at work.
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Home Innovation Smartphones
Samsung Galaxy S23 features TSMC's overclocked Qualcomm chipset. Why that's a big deal
In partnership with Qualcomm, Samsung's new Galaxy S23 phones are now the fastest Snapdragon-powered handsets. Here's what you need to know about the custom chipset that powers them.
1549928918804.jpg
By June Wan, Technology Editor on Feb. 1, 2023
Reviewed by Kelsey Adams
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip on top of a bowl of lemons.
Qualcomm and June Wan/ZDNET
It's Samsung Unpacked day, which means until the next big bad smartphone comes along, the Galaxy S23 series, led by the S23 Ultra, is now the cream of the crop, for speed and power. At least, that's what Samsung and Qualcomm are telling me.
samsung unpacked
Holding up the Samsung Galaxy S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra in green.
Meet the new Galaxy S23 and Book 3 Ultra
All the latest innovations from Samsung, covered by ZDNET's product experts.
Read now
The two companies extended a strategic partnership in July 2022, pledging Snapdragon-powered Galaxy devices for the next seven years.
For Samsung, it seems the partnership has already come to fruition, with the just-announced Galaxy S23 series getting exclusive dibs on a custom system on a chip (SoC), the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy. The new chip is coming to every Galaxy S23 model, including ones in Europe.
Also: Everything announced at Samsung Unpacked 2023
So, what exactly is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip? How is it any different from the standard SoC? Is Samsung doing away with Exynos chips? I've answered all of those questions and more below.
What is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy?
"Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen Mobile Platform for Galaxy" rolls right off the tongue, doesn't it?
The new "for Galaxy" variant offers the same AI and feature enhancements as the standard 8 Gen 2 chip introduced back in November, including FastConnect 7800 for Wi-Fi 7 support (when available), hardware-accelerated ray-tracing in games, a GPU and NPU that's up to 40% and 49%, respectfully, faster and more optimized than last year's S22, and more. CPU performance also gets a 30% bump.
Also: Best Samsung phones of 2023
On top of that, the new SoC introduces Snapdragon's Cognitive ISP to enable Semantic Segmentation, a real-time processing technology that distinguishes the various elements your camera captures, optimizing images and videos as you snap them. Imagine your phone being able to detect when a subject is wearing glasses and to automatically remove any glare that could be reflected from it in the final image.
The Galaxy S23 is the first smartphone to go live with this Snapdragon feature.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra showing ZDNET's Best Samsung Phones list on screen.
June Wan/ZDNET
How is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy different from the original?
The biggest difference between the "for Galaxy" variant of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip is its accelerated CPU and GPU performance. On the Galaxy S23, the prime Kryo CPU core has been overclocked to 3.36GHz (compared with the original's 3.2GHz) while the Adreno GPU ramps up to 719MHz from 680MHz.
While these numbers should yield faster and more powerful performance out of the new Galaxy handsets, they'll also be the ones to blame if there are any overheating issues or excessive battery drainage once we go hands-on with the devices.
Also: Apple is reportedly phasing out Broadcom and Qualcomm chips
I reached out to Samsung with this concern and was given the following response: "The NPU [on the Galaxy S23] is optimized by more than 40% to balance performance and power. And the optimized chipset has contributed to the Galaxy S23 series' improved battery performance, increasing its overall power efficiency."
We'll have to see if the flagship lives up to Samsung's claims in the upcoming full review.
Is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy good for gaming?
With the new chipset, I'm seeing all-around improvements to the Galaxy S23's performance, particularly in gaming. Thanks to the accelerated GPU, the Galaxy S23 is now capable of real-time ray-tracing, can produce lifelike, human-based characters via Unreal Engine 5 Metahumans Framework, and can process effects like bloom, depth of field, and motion blur more efficiently.
Every single one of those enhancements is meaningful and a step in the right direction for mobile gaming, especially with more companies branching into cloud-based gameplay.
Person playing a racing game on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Samsung
Will European S23s have the Snapdragon chip?
While the European Galaxy devices have traditionally operated on Samsung's own Exynos chipsets, this year's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy will debut globally, including in Europe. That means users can expect consistent performance across different regions.
As for Samsung's Exynos SoC, it doesn't look like the company is completely abandoning it just yet.
Who manufactures the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy?
While the chipset is optimized for Galaxy devices and Samsung has played a role in manufacturing past Snapdragon SoCs (888 and 8 Gen 1), Qualcomm has confirmed with ZDNET that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy is made by Taiwanese semiconductor company TSMC.
Also: Apple debuts M2 Pro and M2 Max, powering the year's best Macs
That's very good news, considering the manufacturer is also responsible for Apple's A Bionic chips, which have proven to be some of the most power-efficient silicon on the market.
samsung unpacked
Samsung TM Roy Unpacked Stage Ultra
Here's everything Samsung announced at Unpacked 2023
The Samsung Galaxy S23 next to the Samsung Galaxy S22.
Samsung Galaxy S23 vs S22: Which model should you buy?
Every Samsung Galaxy S23 model compared: Specs, display, cameras, and more
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Pro: Which flagship should you buy?
How to watch Samsung Unpacked 2023
Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra vs Apple MacBook Pro: A premium laptop showdown
Editorial standards
Home Innovation Smartphones
Samsung's Galaxy S23 release date and what to know
Click back here for updates as we learn more about Samsung's upcoming family of flagship smartphones.
stephanie-condon
By Stephanie Condon, Senior Writer on Jan. 30, 2023
Samsung Unpacked Reserved Now Display Image
Samsung
Samsung on Wednesday is expected to unveil the latest generation of Galaxy smartphones, the Galaxy S23 lineup. The new flagship phones should be announced during the Samsung Unpacked event, which is taking place live in San Francisco.
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samsung-galaxy-z-flip-4-bespoke-camcorder-mode
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The best Samsung phones you can buy, tested by ZDNET's mobile experts.
Read now
Samsung will also livestream Unpacked on its website and at YouTube. The event starts at 10 am PT/1 pm ET.
As Jason Cipriani noted for ZDNET, we can expect the device maker to follow its standard naming pattern and call its new phones the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23 Plus, and Galaxy S23 Ultra. Those names give an indication of a device's size, pricing, and specs.
Be sure to watch out for the upgraded camera on the S23 devices.
Also: Want the best Android phone right now? Our top picks
"Our pro-grade camera system is getting smarter, offering the best photos and videos in any light among our Galaxy smartphones," TM Roh, Samsung's president and head of MX Business, wrote in a recent blog post.
If you think you may be interested in purchasing a Galaxy S23 device, it's worth signing up for Samsung's US Reserve promotion, which runs through Feb. 1. In exchange for your name and email address, you'll get a $50 Samsung credit when you preorder a single device. If you order two devices, Samsung doubles the credit to $100.
samsung unpacked
Samsung TM Roy Unpacked Stage Ultra
Here's everything Samsung announced at Unpacked 2023
The Samsung Galaxy S23 next to the Samsung Galaxy S22.
Samsung Galaxy S23 vs S22: Which model should you buy?
Every Samsung Galaxy S23 model compared: Specs, display, cameras, and more
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Pro: Which flagship should you buy?
How to watch Samsung Unpacked 2023
Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra vs Apple MacBook Pro: A premium laptop showdown
Editorial standards
Why you can trust ZDNET : Our process
Home Innovation Smartphones
Samsung unveils the Galaxy S23, S23 Plus, and S23 Ultra: What to know
Each member of Samsung's new family of flagship smartphones is a powerful, AI-driven device built for gaming and taking high-quality photographs.
jada-jones
By Jada Jones, Associate Editor on Feb. 1, 2023
Reviewed by Kelsey Adams and June Wan
Person holding all three Samsung Galaxy S23 models in Green.
June Wan/ZDNET
Samsung on Wednesday rolled out the latest generation of Galaxy smartphones, the Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy S23 Plus, and Galaxy S23. Each version of the new flagship smartphone is a powerful, AI-driven device built for gaming and taking high-quality photographs.
Compared with last year's release of Samsung's S22 lineup, there are a few key functional and design changes in the S23 models.
The S23 lineup offers upgrades in color options, camera functions, durability, and an upgraded processor, the all-new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy.
Also: S22 vs S23: What are the main differences?
The three phones in the S23 series run Samsung's new OneUI 5.1 alongside Android 13, and are made from more post-consumer recycled material than any previous Samsung phone.
Introducing Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip on top of a bowl of lemons.
June Wan/ZDNET and Qualcomm
There are some remarkable improvements to the Galaxy S23 line that aims to optimize and improve its user experience.
The Galaxy S23 series is the first line of devices to feature Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy, which was designed and optimized specifically for Samsung to power AI functions like photo and video capture and mobile gaming. Samsung said it offers the world's fastest mobile graphics, and we'll be putting that to the test in our full review.
Meanwhile, a bigger version of Samsung Galaxy's vapor cooling chamber comes in every Galaxy S23 series model for intensive gaming.
Also: Everything announced at Samsung Unpacked
Improved cameras for low-light photos
Person holding Samsung S23 Plus
June Wan/ZDNET
The S23 lineup's new camera features focus heavily on improving the quality of pictures and videos taken in low lighting. While the S23 Ultra's front-facing camera has been 'downgraded' from a 40-megapixel lens to a 12-megapixel, every model in the lineup can now deliver Night Portrait mode by using upgraded sensors.
Also: Every Samsung Galaxy S23 model compared: Specs, display, cameras, and more
For avid stargazers, Astro Hyperlapse is another new feature used to capture the movements of stars in the night sky without needing special equipment. AI Noise Reduction technology is also integrated to improve video quality at night or in the dark while simultaneously reducing visual noise.
It certainly helps that the S23 Ultra's camera system is headlined by a massive 200MP camera sensor, capable of capturing the highest pixel count and detail that we've seen yet on a smartphone. The number of pixels being captured also helps the S23 Ultra better piece together details at night.
More: Samsung just showed off its 200-megapixel smartphone image sensor
The Galaxy S23 series also introduces fast autofocus and a Super HDR selfie camera, jumping from 30 frames per second to 60fps, for better front-facing images and videos.
Design: If it ain't broke, don't fix it
Samsung Galaxy S23 Lineup
Samsung
When it comes to design features, there are a few remarkable differences between the Galaxy S22 line and S23 line. However, there are some subtle changes, such as the front-facing camera being slightly smaller so that it takes up less space on the display. The S23 Ultra's display edges are now less curvy as well, giving users greater surface area to interact with using the included S Pen.
For the first time, all three phones in the S23 lineup are available in the same colors: Phantom Black, Cream, Green, and Lavender. On the S23 and S23 Plus, the contoured housing that encases the back camera has been removed.
Also: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs S22 Ultra: Is this year's flagship worth the upgrade?
Preorder the Samsung Galaxy S23 series
Preorder the Samsung Galaxy S23 series
View now at Amazon
Galaxy S23 specs
Dimensions: 2.79 x 5.7 x 0.3 inches
Weight: 5.9 oz
Display size: 6.1 inch
Memory, storage options: 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB
Battery capacity: 3,900 mAh
Price: Starting at $799
Galaxy S23 Plus specs
Dimensions: 3 x 6.2 x 0.3 inches
Weight: 6.9 oz
Display: 6.6 inch
Memory, storage options: 8GB of RAM and 256GB or 512G
Battery: 4,700 mAh
45W Super-fast charging capabilities
Price: Starting at $999
Galaxy S23 Ultra specs
Dimensions: 3.07 x 6.43 x 0.35 inches
Weight: 8.25 oz
Display: 6.8-inch with a reduced curvature to create a larger and flatter surface area
Memory, storage options: 8GB or 12GB of RAM and 256GB, 512GB, or 1T of internal storage
Battery capacity: 5,000 mAh
8K video recording
Price: Starting at $1,199
samsung unpacked
Samsung TM Roy Unpacked Stage Ultra
Here's everything Samsung announced at Unpacked 2023
The Samsung Galaxy S23 next to the Samsung Galaxy S22.
Samsung Galaxy S23 vs S22: Which model should you buy?
Every Samsung Galaxy S23 model compared: Specs, display, cameras, and more
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs iPhone 14 Pro: Which flagship should you buy?
How to watch Samsung Unpacked 2023
Samsung Galaxy Book3 Ultra vs Apple MacBook Pro: A premium laptop showdown
Editorial standards
ZDNET logoSamsung's Galaxy S23 release date and what to know
ZDNET logoSamsung unveils the Galaxy S23, S23 Plus, and S23 Ultra: What to know
ZDNET logoThe 6 best Samsung phones of 2023
we equip you to harness the power of disruptive innovation, at work.
Is there any chance that we could be involved here or is it too early for me to be thinking steak for dinner