Technology

Samsung Next Galaxy Unpacked 2023: Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy S23+, and Galaxy S23

A new frontier

03.02.2023

By Marissa Chin

Samsung Next Galaxy Unpacked 2023: Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy S23+, and Galaxy S23

Yesterday, Samsung officially unveiled its lineup of new tech gadgets that make up its most innovative Galaxy S series yet at their first ‘Unpacked’ event of 2023. Each smartphone device promises a premium experience of unrivalled camera technology, groundbreaking AI, epic gameplay, ultra-fast 5G capabilities and more. The processing abilities of the S23 series are also 30 per cent higher compared to the S22 line.

While the number of spec upgrades may not be a long-running list compared to the previous S22, there are a few notable differences. The Galaxy S23 Ultra features the tech giant’s most advanced camera system yet, while the Galaxy S23+ and Galaxy S23 sport upgraded looks to match their pricier counterparts. Now, the family of the S23 series have the same design language and is eco-conscious with more components using recycled materials. 

Without further ado, here is an overview of everything you need to know about Samsung’s new star gadgets.

 

GALAXY S23 ULTRA

Design: The biggest change in terms of design would be the reduced curvature. Instead, it dons a more refined design, with only a slight curve to create a larger and flatter surface area for the best visual experience. Out of the three models, it’s the most squarish in shape, and this is because Samsung has decided that a fully curved design is no longer needed due to the vast level of improvements made. There are four nature-inspired matte hues to choose from Phantom Black, Cream, Green and Lavender. 

Display: The S23 Ultra comes with an expansive 6.8-inch QHD+ edge display and Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display with an Enhanced comfort feature and Vision Booster that take it a step further than the usual blue light filters. Now, users are able to adjust colour tones, saturation and contrast levels, lessening eye strain during long uses. A softer filter will be overlaid to combat brightness and glare in the daylight. The new S series is also the first to use Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering improved durability for long-term use. 

Camera: In a Samsung Galaxy first, the S23 Ultra boasts a 200MP Wide Camera and Adaptive Pixel sensor that takes photo-taking and videography to the next level. It uses pixel binning to support multiple levels of high-resolution processing at once, which results in clear subject outlines. A slew of features and tools follow, such as advanced Nightography, 12MP Ultra-Wide Camera to capture huge group shots, 10MP telephoto camera with 10X Optical Zoom, and the Expert Raw App made specifically for Galaxy for advanced editing. 

In the age of social media, Samsung has also stepped up to offer content creators more upgrades for better front-facing images and videos. Namely, the S23 Ultra sports a 12MP Front Camera, the first Super HDR selfie camera, jumping from 30fps to 60fps and fast autofocus. Videos will also be more stable with double optical image stabilizer (OIS) angles in all directions and enhanced 8K video at 30fps for crisp and high-resolution video content. 

Performance: The S23 Ultra comes with the brand-new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy, which is the most powerful and efficient platform seen in a Samsung Galaxy smartphone and the fastest Snapdragon available today. The results are a 120Hz refresh rate and 240Hz Touch Sampling Rate in Game Mode for smooth and quick programming needs. With this also comes improved cooling capabilities. Further, the highly efficient NPU architecture has been optimised by 49 per cent and a juiced-up GPU is now 41 per cent faster.

Software: Using the latest Android 13 and One UI 5.1, users will be given much more opportunity for creative control and expression over their smartphone. For instance, stackable widgets are now available, along with customisations using the Good Lock app to switch up icon shapes, keyboard styles, text box colours, and more. Further, the embedded S Pen sees offers more possibilities for productivity, notetaking and more as users are able to write directly onto Google Documents and co-edit using Google Meets and Samsung Notes during video calls.

Battery: The device packs a 5000mAh battery that powers a larger camera than the S22 Ultra, and supports up to 65 per cent charge in 30 minutes. 

Price: From Rm5,699 for the 256GB model

 


GALAXY S23+

Design: The S23+ ditches the ‘Contour Cut’ that was introduced last year and instead, sports a floating camera design to match the S23 Ultra. This means no camera bumps for a more sleek and minimal design. In addition, the sides are slightly more curved and rounded. It also comes in the same four colours and finishes as the S23 Ultra.

Display: The S23+ comes with a slightly smaller 6.6-inch FHD+ screen and a Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display. Apart from that, refresh rates and Touch Sampling Rates remain the same as the S23 Ultra, together with the Vision Booster and Enhanced comfort. 

Camera: Camera capabilities are similar to the S23 Ultra with the exception of the 200MP Wide Camera and 10MP Telephoto Camera with 10X Optical Zoom. Instead, the S23+ features a 50MP Wide Camera and 10MP Telephoto Camera with 3X Optical Zoom, respectively.

Performance: Similar to the S23 Ultra, the device houses the newest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy with improved cooling properties. 

Battery: The S23+ comes with a battery boost of 4700mAH and can get up to 65 per cent of battery in 30 minutes.

Price: From RM4,699 for the 256GB model

 


GALAXY S23

Design: The overall appearance of the S23 is similar to the S23+ without the ‘Contour Cut’ and no camera bumps to match the floating design of the rest of the Galaxy S series. The same available four colours and finishes apply to the S23. 

Display: As the smallest model of the three, the S23 has a 6.1-inch FHD+ display with a Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display. Refresh rates and Touch Sampling Rates remain the same, together with the Vision Booster and Enhanced comfort. 

Camera: Camera technology for the S23 is the same as the S23+.

Performance: Similar to the previous two models, the S23 is powered by the newest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy with improved cooling capabilities.

Battery: The S23 houses a 3,900mAH dual-cell battery that can support Fast Wireless Charging of up to 50 per cent in 30 minutes. 

Price: From RM3,899 for the 128GB model

 

For more reads on the latest tech gadgets, head here.

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