Samsung launches a few smartphones each year, from the Galaxy S range at the beginning of the year, to the Galaxy Z ranges towards the later half of the year, along with a few Galaxy A devices throughout.
The Galaxy S22 series launched at the beginning of 2022, which means its predecessors are due very soon and there have been plenty of rumours surrounding what we might be able to expect.
Here is everything we have heard so far about the Samsung Galaxy S23 range.
Samsung Galaxy S23 release date and price
- 1 February 2023
- Available from 17 February?
Samsung has confirmed its next Galaxy Unpacked event will take place on 1 February 2023 and while we don’t know for sure what will be announced, a pre-register page has launched on Samsung’s website for the Galaxy S23 series. It’s therefore pretty safe to assume we will see the announcement of the S23 series during the event.
A Samsung executive also previously told a Korean news outlet “the S23 series will be shown during our own Unpacked event in the United States, which will be held in February.”
In terms of availability and pricing, a past report suggested the Galaxy S23 be available from 17 February 2023 and there have been suggestions of an increase in price. Nothing is official yet though.
For reference, the Galaxy S22 range starts at £769 in the UK and $799 in the US, while the S22+ starts at £949 in the UK and $999.99 in the US and the S22 Ultra starts at £1149 in the UK and $1199.99 in the US.
Galaxy S23 design
- Galaxy S23: 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6mm, 167g, IP68
- Galaxy S23+: 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6mm, 195g, IP68
- Galaxy S23 Ultra: 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9mm, 233g, IP68
Most rumours suggest the Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23+ will offer a similar design to the S22 Ultra by ditching the camera island on the rear and offering the lenses on their own. Otherwise most images show the Galaxy S23 and S23+ offering the same design as each other – as well as similar to their predecessors – with rounded edges and a centralised punch hole camera at the top of their displays. The S23 will be smaller of course, but it looks like the two devices will share an identical design aside from physical size.
Nieuwe Mobiel
The S23 Ultra meanwhile, is expected to have a squarer design, whilst also sporting a built-in S Pen like the S22 Ultra. Based on the leaked images, it doesn’t look like there will be a huge difference between the S22 Ultra and the S23 Ultra, but we have a separate featuring comparing their rumoured differences if you’re interested.
We have also compared the rumoured differences of the three S23 models so you can check out exactly how they might differ in that feature here.
Galaxy S23 display
- Ultra: 6.8in, Quad HD+, 1Hz-120Hz
- S23+: 6.6in, Full HD+, 48Hz-120Hz
- S23: 6.1in, Full HD+, 48Hz-120Hz
Based on leaked specifications, it looks like the display sizes of the Samsung Galaxy S23, S23+ and S23 Ultra will be similar to the Galaxy S22, S22 Plus and S22 Ultra, respectively.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is said to have a 6.1-inch display, while the S23+ is claimed to have a 6.6-inch display. Both are rumoured to have a Full HD+ resolution and both a refresh rate between 48Hz and 120Hz, according to the spec sheet, which is actually different from the S22 and S22+’s 10Hz to 120Hz.
Nieuwe Mobiel
The S23 Ultra meanwhile, is rumoured to have a 6.81-inch display with a Quad HD+ resolution and a refresh rate between 1Hz and 120Hz. The S23 and S23+ are both expected to have flat displays, while the S23 Ultra is expected to have a curved display.
It was initially suggested the Galaxy S23 Ultra could come with a quad-edge display, though the more recent leaked images don’t suggest that will be the case. The S22 Ultra has curved edges on the left and right, while a quad-edge display would imply the top and bottom could be curved too.
Galaxy S23 hardware and specs
- Galaxy S23: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 8GB RAM, 256/512GB storage, 3900mAh
- Galaxy S23+: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 8GB RAM, 256/512GB storage, 4700mAh
- Galaxy S23 Ultra: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 8/12GB RAM, 256/512GB/1TB storage, 5000mAh
The Samsung Galaxy S line typically runs on the latest Qualcomm and Exynos processors, depending on the region. It’s been claimed however, that Samsung will ditch Exynos for the S23, sticking with Qualcomm only.
The Qualcomm chip the S23 is likely to use is the next Snapdragon platform that was announced in November – the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. It’s been claimed the S23 line up will run on a unique version of this chip though, with a higher clock speed than the standard offering and it’s also been said this won’t be the last time we see a custom chip.
Should Samsung continue to offer Exynos chips in some regions, it’s the Exynos 2300 that has been mentioned. Rumour has it that chip can’t compete with the Qualcomm equivalent in all aspects though.
In terms of battery, it’s claimed the S23 will have a 3900mAh battery, the S23+ will have a 4700mAh capacity and the S23 Ultra will have a 5000mAh battery.
The leaked specs suggest the S23 and S23+ will have 8GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage, while the S23 Ultra will have a choice of 8GB or 12GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage. It’s also claimed the S23+ and S23 Ultra will offer faster charging speeds up to 45W, while the S23 will top out at 25W.
Galaxy S23 cameras
- Galaxy S23: 50MP main, 12MP ultra wide, 10MP telephoto, 12MP selfie
- Galaxy S23+: 50MP main, 12MP ultra wide, 10MP telephoto, 12MP selfie
- Galaxy S23 Ultra: 200MP main, 12MP ultra wide, 2x10MP telephoto, 12MP selfie
There have been claims the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra will offer a 200-megapixel HP2 sensor.
There’s also been talk that the Galaxy S23 could offer an improved front camera, moving from the 10-megapixel snapper that we’ve seen consistently over the last couple of years, to a 12-megapixel snapper.
Based on the leaked spec sheets for all three devices, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra will have a quad rear camera, while the S23 and S23+ will have triple rear cameras.
The setup appears to be as follows:
The S23 Ultra is claimed to have a 200-megapixel main sensor with a 12-megapixel ultra-wide sensor and two 10-megapixel telephoto sensors.
The S23 and S23+ are said to have the same ultra-wide sensor, along with one 10-megapixel telephoto sensor and a 50-megapixel main sensor.
It’s also been claimed the Galaxy S23 Ultra will have a big improvement in the quality of the portrait video that it can capture. It’s said it will be good for recording portrait videos with a resolution of 4K and a refresh rate of 30fps, as well as be even better at separating the foreground from the background for an improved bokeh effect.
Samsung Galaxy S23 rumours: What’s happened so far?
Here is everything we have heard so far about the Samsung Galaxy S23. We will drop any new stories in here as they appear.
26 January 2023: Samsung Galaxy S23’s special Snapdragon chip probably won’t be a one-off
Leaker Yogesh Brar says that the “Snapdragon for Galaxy” program will continue into the future – at least until Samsung believes that its own Exynos chips can do a better job. In other words, the custom Qualcomm chip expected inside the S23 won’t be the last.
23 January 2023: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra tipped for a huge portrait video upgrade
A leak claims that Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S23 Ultra flagship phone will have a big improvement in the quality of the portrait video that it can capture.
A Weibo leaker claimed that the Galaxy S23 Ultra will be good for recording portrait videos with a resolution of 4K and a refresh rate of 30fps. It was also claimed the new camera will be even better at separating the foreground from the background for an improved bokeh effect.
23 January 2023: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra hands-on and pre-order images look convincing, leaked unboxing video less so
Trusted online leaker, Evan Blass, posted two pre-order sheets showing the S23 and S23 Plus, and the S23 Ultra separately. You can see the tweet here.
19 January 2023: Upgraded Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 again tipped for Samsung’s Galaxy S23
9to5Google reported that documentation it’s seen confirms that the existence of a new “Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy” chip. That chip will have a base clock speed of up to 3.36GHz.
18 January 2023: The Samsung Galaxy S23 lineup may include a ‘significant price hike’
A report by 9to5Google claimed that prices for the Samsung Galaxy S23, S23+ and S23 Ultra leaked in Australia and show some notable increases.
18 January 2023: Complete specs for Samsung Galaxy S23, Plus and Ultra leak for all to see
The entire specs for the Samsung Galaxy S23, S23+ and S23 Ultra appeared online giving us a very detailed look at what we can expect
16 January 2023: Reservation page for Samsung Galaxy S23 and unannounced Galaxy Book is live
You can reserve the next Samsung “Galaxy smartphone” on a dedicated pre-order-style page on Samsung.com already. The website also allows you to put in a reservation for a new Galaxy Book – which is also expected to be announced on 1 February at Galaxy Unpacked.
16 January 2023: Massive Samsung Galaxy S23 pics leak shows Ultra and Plus models from every angle
Following the images of the standard model, Dutch website Nieuwe Mobiel published a range of photos of the Samsung Galaxy S23+ and the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
12 January 2023: Latest Samsung Galaxy S23 picture leak is the biggest yet
Roland Quandt and WinFuture published a range of images showing off what is said to be the Samsung Galaxy S23 from all angles.
11 January 2023: Samsung Galaxy S23 launch confirmed, Unpacked teaser videos also show camera
Samsung officially confirmed the next Galaxy Unpacked event would take place on 1 February 2023. It also revealed a teaser video revealing three spotlights, while leaked teaser videos that appeared around the same time show the camera setup expected for the Galaxy S23 line up.
9 January 2023: Samsung Galaxy S23 to launch 1 February, next Unpacked leaked by, er, Samsung itself
A teaser posting has been found on an official Samsung webpage that reveals the date of the next Galaxy Unpacked will be 1 Febraury 2023. It is expected that the Samsung Galaxy S23, S23+ and S23 Ultra will all launch that day.
27 December 2022: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra promotional images leak
91Mobiles has got its hands on what it claims to be marketing material for the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S23+ and S23 Ultra.
23 December 2022: Samsung Galaxy S23 colours leak ahead of launch
According to a report by SamMobile, there will be various colours of each of the different variants of the new Samsung phones but the signature colours will stand out. The S23+’s signature colour is said to be pink, the S23 Ultra is said to be green and the S23 signature colour is said to be light gold or pink gold.
21 December 2022: Has the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2023 date just been leaked?
A reliable leaker has suggested the date of 1 February for the launch of the Galaxy S23 family.
12 December 2022: The Samsung Galaxy S23’s 8K video capture might be silky smooth
A report by leaker Ice Universe suggests that the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra will offer even smoother 8K video capture. It’s said to have the same capabilities as the S22 Ultra but with a 30fps option.
12 December 2022: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra specs confirmed by Chinese regulator
Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S23 Ultra popped up in a Chinese TENAA regulatory filing, confirming some specs and causing confusion about some others.
28 November 2022: Samsung has confirmed when it’ll announce the Galaxy S23 lineup
In an interview with a Korean news outlet, a Samsung executive confirmed that “the S23 series will be shown during our own Unpacked event in the United States, which will be held in February”.
28 November 2022: Samsung Galaxy S23 touted to get iPhone 14-like satellite features
A report claimed Samsung is testing a new satellite communications feature using 66 low-orbit communication satellites from Iridium.
It’s thought that the company wants to allow users to transmit test messages and small images “at hundreds of kbps”, potentially opening the door to normal messaging services.
18 November 2022: Samsung’s Galaxy S23 might get a unique Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip
A screenshot shared by Ice Universe suggests the Samsung Galaxy S23 lineup may get a special version of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. It showed what appears to be a Galaxy S23 Ultra running a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 with a clock speed of 3.36GHz. The chip that everyone else will get runs at 3.2GHz.
14 November 2022: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra camera tested against S22 Ultra and Pixel 7 Pro
Ice Universe posted what he claims to be a sample photograph taken with the rear camera of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, along with comparison shots taken using a Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra and a Google Pixel 7 Pro.
4 November 2022: Samsung Galaxy S23 might launch sooner than expected with early February date suggested
Korean news site Chosun is suggesting Galaxy Unpacked is going to happen in the first week of February with an event in San Francisco, with devices available from 17 February 2023.
3 November 2022: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra camera specs leak and it isn’t good news
According to Yogesh Brar, the Samsung Galaxy S23 will come with 10-megapixel 10x periscope camera as well as a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens.
Another 10-megapixel 3x telephoto camera is set to round things out alongside a 200-megapixel main camera.
3 November 2022: Samsung’s Galaxy S23+ breaks cover in early Geekbench tests
The Samsung Galaxy S23+ appeared in early Geekbench tests with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and 8GB RAM.
28 October 2022: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra’s night photos said to be much improved
Ice Universe tweeted claiming that it “can be confirmed that S23 Ultra’s night photos are very strong.”
They go on to add that they’re “much better” than the photos taken from last year’s Galaxy S22 Ultra flagship.
19 October 2022: Samsung Galaxy S23 spec leak outs its cameras, CPU, and more
Yogesh Brar posted some of the specifications expected for the Galaxy S23.
18 October 2022: Leaked Samsung Galaxy S23 benchmarks can’t match iPhone 14 Pro
Early Geekbench 5 numbers for the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S23 are promising, but not exceptional – especially beside Apple’s iPhone 14 Pro.
10 October 2022: The Samsung Galaxy S23 might be getting a teeny tiny battery
According to Digital Chat Station, the Galaxy S23 will sport a battery with a rated value of 3,785mAh and a typical capacity of 3,900mAh.
6 October 2022: Samsung Galaxy S23 case leak may confirm camera bump changes
Universal Ice published some images of Galaxy S23 cases, suggesting rumours of the changes to the camera housing are accurate with individual sensors instead of an island.
4 October 2022: Samsung Galaxy S23 specs leak reveals battery and camera info
According to GalaxyClub, the Samsung Galaxy Plus and Ultra are said to have 4,700mAh and 5,000mAh batteries respectively.
GalaxyClub also claimed that the ultra-wide camera on the rear of the S23 and S23 Plus will be nigh-on identical to the current generation equivalent. The telephoto will be similar, too. The new handsets will get an improved 12-megapixel front camera though, it is said.
29 September 2022: Now Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra renders have appeared online
OnLeaks published renders of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra following on from the S23 Plus. It is reportedly a fraction larger than the currently available S22 Ultra, measuring 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.8mm and has “the slimmest bezel ever”.
Samsung will also make tweaks to the screen’s brightness, colour accuracy and HDR performance it is suggested.
28 September 2022: Samsung Galaxy S23 leak reveals major camera design change
SmartPrix and OnLeaks published some renders of what is said to be the Galaxy S23 Plus, with a rear camera redesign ditching the housing and moving to individual sensors.
The leak also suggested the Galaxy S23 Plus will have a slight increase in size from the S22 Plus. It’s said to be a fraction of a millimetre taller and wider, and offer a 6.6-inch display.
22 August 2022: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra could be almost identical to S22 Ultra
Leaker Ice Universe (@UniverseIce) suggested there will be very little difference in terms of design of the S23 Ultra compared to its predecessor.
The succession of tweets claims the device will continue to offer a 6.8-inch display with a 3088 x 1440 resolution, have a 5000mAh battery, run on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and measure 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9mm.
It’s also claimed to have a 200-megapixel main camera.
9 August 2022: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra codename and model numbers appear
According to a leak, the S23 Ultra’s codename is “DM3” and the model number is “SM-S918”. Other model numbers related to the device include: SM-S918BDS, SM-S918U, SM-S918U1, and SM-S918W.
It’s also claimed the S23 Ultra will have a 5000mAh battery and run on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 platform.
2 August 2022: Rumours suggest the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra will launch with Isocell HP2 camera sensor
Ice Universe claimed the Samsung Galaxy S23 might feature a yet-to-be-announced sensor that sits between the 200MP HP1 and HP2. It’s speculated that since the Isocell HP1 and HP3 have 0.64μm and 0.56μm sized pixels, the HP2 will likely find itself in the middle with 0.60μm.
28 July 2022: Qualcomm suggests S23 line will all use Snapdragon chips
In its Q3 2022 earnings call Qualcomm said: “The way you should think about it is Snapdragon will power their Galaxy product line, their Galaxy flagship products. And what I can say at this point is we were 75 per cent on Galaxy S22 before the agreement. You should be thinking about we’re going to be much better than that on Galaxy S23 and beyond.
“It’s a multiyear agreement. And it’s – that’s probably what I can tell you. You should think about us powering their devices globally.”
11 July 2022: Samsung Galaxy S23 could be powered exclusively by Qualcomm – Exynos set to be ditched from global variants
Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed Samsung will stick solely with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors on the next S series devices, suggesting it will ditch ts Exynos chipsets for international variants.
22 June 2022: Samsung Galaxy S23 could get improved front camera
GalaxyClubNL reported sources have said that the Galaxy S23 will have a new 12MP selfie camera, compared to the 10MP that Galaxy phones have had for a few years now.
3 February 2022: Galaxy S23 Ultra could come with quad-edge display
It’s been suggested the Galaxy S23 Ultra could come with quad-edge display.
