Samsung Galaxy S23 Series: 2023 Smartphones Overview

Galaxy S23 / S23+ / S23 Ultra / S23 FE

Definition

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Series (Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, and S23 FE) is a lineup of premium Android flagship smartphones developed and marketed by Samsung Electronics. Unveiled in February 2023 (S23/S23+/S23 Ultra) and October 2023 (S23 FE), the series represents Samsung’s high-end mobile offering for 2023, targeting diverse user segments—from everyday users (S23/S23+) and power users (S23 Ultra) to value-focused enthusiasts (S23 FE). The lineup leverages cutting-edge hardware, including Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip (optimized exclusively for Samsung), advanced camera systems, and durable build quality, while introducing software refinements via One UI 5.1 (based on Android 13).

Core Model Differentiation Overview

Feature	Galaxy S23 (SM-S911B)	Galaxy S23+ (SM-S916B)	Galaxy S23 Ultra (SM-S918B)	Galaxy S23 FE (SM-S711B)
Target Audience	Entry-level flagship users; compact form factor lovers	Mid-tier flagship users; balanced screen size & battery	Power users; photography & productivity enthusiasts	Value-focused flagship seekers; FE series loyalists
Launch Date	February 17, 2023	February 17, 2023	February 17, 2023	October 26, 2023
Starting Price (Global)	€859 (128 GB)	€1,009 (256 GB)	€1,249 (256 GB)	€699 (128 GB)
Key Distinction	Smallest in the lineup; 6.1-inch display	Larger battery than S23; 6.6-inch display	S Pen support; 200 MP main camera; 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X	Budget-friendly alternative; retains core flagship features

Detailed Hardware Specifications (Global Variants)

1. Display

Model	Display Type & Size	Resolution & PPI	Refresh Rate	Key Features
S23	6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X	2340×1080 (425 ppi)	120 Hz (1–120 Hz adaptive)	HDR10+ support; 1750 nits peak brightness; Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
S23+	6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X	2340×1080 (393 ppi)	120 Hz (1–120 Hz adaptive)	Same as S23; larger screen real estate
S23 Ultra	6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X	3088×1440 (500 ppi)	120 Hz (1–120 Hz adaptive)	HDR10+; 1750 nits peak brightness; Vision Booster; Gorilla Glass Victus 2
S23 FE	6.4-inch Super AMOLED	2340×1080 (410 ppi)	120 Hz (1–120 Hz adaptive)	HDR10+; 1450 nits peak brightness; Gorilla Glass 5

2. Processor & Memory

Model	Chipset	RAM	Storage	Expandability
S23	Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4 nm)	8 GB LPDDR5X	128 GB/256 GB UFS 4.0	No microSD slot
S23+	Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4 nm)	8 GB LPDDR5X	256 GB/512 GB UFS 4.0	No microSD slot
S23 Ultra	Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4 nm)	8 GB/12 GB LPDDR5X	256 GB/512 GB/1 TB UFS 4.0	No microSD slot
S23 FE	Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)	6 GB/8 GB LPDDR5	128 GB/256 GB UFS 3.1	No microSD slot

3. Camera System

Model	Rear Camera	Front Camera	Video Capabilities
S23	50 MP wide (f/1.8, OIS, 1/1.56″ sensor); 12 MP ultra-wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV); 10 MP telephoto (f/2.4, 3× optical zoom, OIS)	12 MP (f/2.2, autofocus)	8K@24 fps; 4K@60 fps; 1080p@240 fps slow-mo
S23+	Same as S23	Same as S23	Same as S23
S23 Ultra	200 MP wide (f/1.7, OIS, 1/1.3″ sensor, pixel binning to 50 MP/12.5 MP); 12 MP ultra-wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV); 10 MP telephoto (f/2.4, 3× optical zoom, OIS); 10 MP telephoto (f/4.9, 10× optical zoom, OIS)	12 MP (f/2.2, autofocus)	8K@24/30 fps; 4K@60 fps; 1080p@240 fps slow-mo; Director’s View
S23 FE	50 MP wide (f/1.8, OIS); 12 MP ultra-wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV); 8 MP telephoto (f/2.4, 3× optical zoom, OIS)	32 MP (f/2.2, autofocus)	4K@60 fps; 1080p@240 fps slow-mo

4. Battery & Charging

Model	Battery Capacity	Wired Charging	Wireless Charging	Reverse Wireless Charging
S23	3900 mAh	25W adaptive fast charging	15W Qi wireless charging	4.5W
S23+	4700 mAh	45W adaptive fast charging	15W Qi wireless charging	4.5W
S23 Ultra	5000 mAh	45W adaptive fast charging	15W Qi wireless charging	4.5W
S23 FE	4500 mAh	25W adaptive fast charging	15W Qi wireless charging	4.5W

5. Build, Biometrics & Connectivity

Model	Build & Durability	Biometrics	Key Connectivity
S23	IP68 water/dust resistance; aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front/back); dimensions: 146.3×70.9×7.6 mm; weight: 168 g	Ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner; facial recognition	5G (sub-6 GHz/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E; Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; USB-C 3.2 Gen 1; no 3.5 mm jack
S23+	IP68; aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus 2; dimensions: 158.4×76.2×7.6 mm; weight: 195 g	Same as S23	Same as S23
S23 Ultra	IP68; titanium frame (lighter & stronger than aluminum); Gorilla Glass Victus 2; dimensions: 163.4×78.1×8.9 mm; weight: 234 g	Same as S23	Same as S23
S23 FE	IP68; aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass 5; dimensions: 158.2×76.5×8.2 mm; weight: 190 g	Same as S23	Same as S23

Core Features & Innovations (Series Highlights)

1. Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (Exclusive to S23/S23+/S23 Ultra)

Samsung collaborated with Qualcomm to develop a custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, optimized for better performance and energy efficiency:

Up to 20% faster CPU and 30% faster GPU than the standard Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
Enhanced AI processing for computational photography (e.g., 200 MP image processing on S23 Ultra).
Optimized 5G and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity for lower latency and faster data speeds.

2. S23 Ultra: S Pen Integration & 200 MP Camera

The S23 Ultra is the standout model in the lineup, combining productivity and photography prowess:

Built-in S Pen: Supports 4096 pressure levels, 2.8 ms latency, and features like Air Actions (gesture control), Notes, and Screen Write—integrated seamlessly into the device body (no need for a separate case).
200 MP Main Camera: Uses pixel binning technology to deliver versatile output: 200 MP for ultra-high resolution, 50 MP for balanced detail/light sensitivity, and 12.5 MP for low-light performance. The dual telephoto lenses enable up to 100× digital zoom (“Space Zoom”).

3. Durability & Design Upgrades

Titanium Frame (S23 Ultra Only): Replaced aluminum with aerospace-grade titanium, reducing weight by 10% and improving scratch/corrosion resistance.
Gorilla Glass Victus 2: For S23/S23+/S23 Ultra, offering better drop protection (survives falls from 2 meters onto concrete) and scratch resistance.
IP68 Rating: All models are dust/water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.

4. Software & AI Features

One UI 5.1 (Android 13): Launched with a clean, customizable interface, enhanced privacy tools, and seamless Galaxy ecosystem integration (e.g., Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Buds).
AI Photography Tools: Includes Scene Optimizer (auto-adjusts settings for 30+ scenes), Object Eraser (removes unwanted objects from photos), and Director’s View (S23 Ultra only—switch between camera lenses while recording video).
4 Years of OS Updates + 5 Years of Security Patches: Samsung extended software support for the S23 series, ensuring long-term usability and security.

5. S23 FE: Flagship Features at a Mid-Range Price

The Fan Edition (FE) model retains core flagship traits while targeting cost-conscious users:

Balanced hardware (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, 50 MP triple camera, 120 Hz display) at a ~30% lower price than the S23.
32 MP front camera for high-quality selfies and video calls.
Same IP68 rating and wireless charging support as premium models.

Market Reception & Legacy

Critical Acclaim: The S23 series was praised for its performance, camera quality (especially the S23 Ultra’s 200 MP sensor), and software support. Critics noted the S23 Ultra’s titanium frame and S Pen integration as key upgrades over the S22 Ultra.
Commercial Success: The S23 Ultra emerged as the best-selling model, dominating the premium smartphone market in 2023. The S23 FE also performed well, capturing market share from mid-range competitors like Google Pixel 7a.
Legacy: The S23 series solidified Samsung’s position as a leader in the Android flagship space, setting a benchmark for software support and camera innovation. The custom Snapdragon chip partnership also established a new trend for Android OEMs to collaborate with chipmakers for exclusive optimizations.