Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy S23+, and Galaxy S23, launching the new devices that make up the Galaxy S23 Series.
According to Samsung, the revamped Galaxy S23 Series camera gives users more freedom to explore their creativity, using AI features to, for example, capture cinematic Nightography videos. The new devices in the series feature Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 supported by chipset enhancements made possible by Samsung’s close collaboration with Qualcomm. Furthermore, these new advancements should make the devices even more appealing to mobile gamers.
The Galaxy S23 series also incorperates more recycled materials than any Galaxy smartphone before it. Samsung has used sustainable materials to construct the devices including pre-consumer recycled aluminium and recycled glass, and post-consumer recycled plastics sourced from discarded fishing nets, water barrels and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles.
Camera
Samsung Galaxy S23+
The Galaxy S23 and S23+ feature a 12MP Ultra-Wide Camera, 50 MP Wide Camera, 10MP Telephoto Camera, and a 12MP Front Camera.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra also boasts a massively upgraded Adaptive Pixel 200MP sensor, along with a 12MP Ultra-Wide Camera, 10MP Telephoto Camera, and 12MP Front Camera.
New ‘Nightography’ capabilities transform how the Galaxy S23 series optimises photos and videos in a wide range of ambient conditions. The new technology featured in the devices aims to ensure videos are sharp. Visual noise that usually ruins low-light images is corrected by a new AI-powered image signal processing (ISP) algorithm that enhances object details and colour tone.
For users who want the ultimate creative control and versatility, the Galaxy S23 series offers a suite of tools. The Expert RAW app, available exclusively on Galaxy, enables DSLR-style image shooting and editing in RAW and JPEG — no bulky camera equipment is required. Within the app, experiment with Multi-Exposure photo art or capture a clear view of the Milky Way with Astrophoto settings. Meanwhile, the new zoom capabilities (which can be used on the Galaxy Watch5 series’ Camera Controller app) empower users to capture a perfectly framed shot right from their wrist.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Additional camera advancements include:
- Low-light, close-up, or in situations that would normally create a blur, images are sharp with doubled optical image stabiliser (OIS) angles in all directions, from 1.5 to 3 degrees.
- Photo and video reflect a stunning level of detail with Galaxy’s second-generation Adaptive Pixel sensor and Samsung’s updated pixel binning technology for Galaxy S23 Ultra — now with 200MP, 50MP, and 12MP output options.
- Videos feel more cinematic with enhanced 8K video at 30fps with a wider angle.
- Advanced, object-based AI analyses each detail in the frame, even down to minute facial features such as hair and eyes, to carefully reflect a person’s dynamic characteristics.
- For an even more enhanced video experience, the new 360 Audio Recording feature on Galaxy Buds2 Pro creates multi-dimensional sound.
On the Galaxy S23+ and Galaxy S23, the iconic Galaxy camera also gets an upgraded look. The contoured housing has been removed for a slicker and cleaner look.
Specs
The devices feature the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform, supported by a 5,000mAh battery on the S23 Ultra, and 3,900mAh and 4,700mAh batteries on the S23 and S23+ models.
Display-wise, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra features a 6.8-inch QHD+ Edge display, while the Galaxy S23 and S23+ feature 6.1-inch FHD+ and 6.6-inch FHD+ displays, respectively.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in three variants: a 12GBs RAM and 1TB storage option, 12GBs RAM and 512GB version, and an 8GBs of RAM and 256GB storage option.
The Galaxy S23 comes with 8GBs RAM and the option of 128GBs or 256GBs storage. The S23+ is available with 8GBs of RAM and 512GBs or 256GBs of storage.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
User-friendly security and privacy
For users who want to extend the life of their device, the Galaxy S23 series’ promises four generations of OS upgrades and five years of security updates. To ensure the longevity, users can also leverage a variety of programs such as Samsung Care+, a support service for accidental damages, repairs and more.
Every smartphone comes with Samsung’s end-to-end Samsung Knox protection. The Security and Privacy Dashboard on Galaxy devices gives users full visibility over who has access to their data and how it’s being used. With just a glance, it’s easy to see if personal data is at risk and receive simple prompts to change settings for a more secure experience. Users can also decide exactly which applications and programs get access to their data and how it can be used.
For an added layer of security, Knox Vault protects critical information on the S series by isolating it from the rest of the device, including the OS, for added protection against vulnerabilities.
Pricing and availability
The Galaxy S23 series is available in four nature-inspired matte hues: Phantom Black, Cream, Green and Lavender. Starting 24 February 2023, the Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy S23+ and Galaxy S23 will be available countrywide.
The recommended retail price for Galaxy S23 Ultra is R31,999, Galaxy S23 Plus is R23,999 and Galaxy S23 is R21,999.
Pre-order bonuses
Pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S23 series and get an upgraded memory size of 512GB HMV (High-Memory Variant) plus a Galaxy Tab S6 Lite WiFi (SM-P613) when you purchase the 256GB. The offer starts on 2 February to 6 March 2023.
The R10 000 trade-in offer allows customers to save a fair portion of the cost provided the device they want to trade in is up to standard. This offer includes the discounted Samsung Care Plus offer once-off fee of R499 across Galaxy S23 Ultra, S23+ & S23. Applicable from 02 Feb to 30 April 2023.
