Samsung Galaxy S23+

Samsung Galaxy S23+: A Few Weeks In – Solid Performance Where It Counts

I've spent the better part of the last month putting the Samsung Galaxy S23+ through its paces, and it’s solidified its place as a seriously compelling contender in the premium smartphone space. Priced in that upper-mid-range tier, it’s targeting users who want a flagship experience without necessarily shelling out for the absolute top-of-the-line. After daily use involving everything from heavy multitasking and gaming to photography and media consumption, I’ve got a pretty clear picture of where this phone shines and where it might leave you wanting more.

Navigating the Current Market

The Galaxy S23+ feels like a strategically smart move by Samsung. In a market increasingly saturated with ultra-premium devices boasting ever-escalating price tags, the S23+ occupies a sweet spot. It offers a significant chunk of the S23 Ultra’s capabilities without the absolute bleeding-edge (and price) associated with it. From my perspective, Samsung is playing a clever game here, offering a genuine high-end experience to a broader audience. The pricing feels mostly justified given the performance and features, although the omission of a charger in the box still feels like a pinch.

Design and Hardware: Refined and Comfortable

Picking up the S23+ for the first time, the immediate impression is one of refinement. The flat edges and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back give it a decidedly premium feel. It sits comfortably in my hand – the 6.6-inch size hits a good balance between screen real estate and manageable grip. At 196 grams, it has a reassuring heft without feeling overly bulky. The materials feel top-notch, and I haven't babied it, yet it still looks pristine. While I haven't intentionally stress-tested its durability, it certainly feels like it can handle the rigors of daily life. The IP68 rating provides peace of mind against accidental splashes and dust.

Display: A Visual Treat

The display is undoubtedly one of the standout features. The Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel is simply gorgeous. Brightness is exceptional; even under direct sunlight, I had no trouble seeing the screen clearly. Media consumption is a joy – colours are vibrant, blacks are deep, and the HDR10+ support makes compatible content pop. Gaming feels incredibly smooth thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate, and scrolling through social media or webpages is a buttery experience. For my daily use, whether it’s reading articles, watching videos, or navigating maps, the display consistently delivers a top-tier visual experience. The adaptive refresh rate, which can scale down to conserve battery, is a welcome addition.

Performance: Smooth Operator

Under the hood, the customized Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset is a powerhouse. In my testing, this phone has handled everything I’ve thrown at it with ease. Gaming sessions on demanding titles like Genshin Impact were consistently smooth with high graphics settings, and I didn't experience any noticeable frame drops or stuttering. Multitasking is a breeze – switching between numerous apps, including resource-intensive ones, is instantaneous. I’ve found that the 8GB of RAM is more than sufficient for my needs. Temperature management is also commendable. Even during extended gaming sessions or heavy video editing, the phone only gets mildly warm, never uncomfortably hot. It's a smooth and responsive experience across the board.

Camera System: Versatility and Quality

The camera system on the S23+ is genuinely impressive and has become a go-to for capturing moments. The 50MP main sensor consistently produces sharp, detailed images with excellent dynamic range. I particularly appreciate the improvements in low-light performance – shots taken in dimly lit environments retain a good level of detail and clarity thanks to Samsung's "Nightography." I've tested it extensively in various scenarios, from bright daylight landscapes to indoor portraits and nighttime cityscapes, and the results have been consistently pleasing. The 3x optical zoom is incredibly useful for getting closer to the action without sacrificing image quality, as evidenced by some great close-ups I managed to grab at a recent event. Video recording is also a strong point, with stable footage even when shooting handheld. The 8K video option is a nice addition for future-proofing, though I find myself mostly sticking to the excellent 4K recording. Compared to other phones in this price range, the S23+ holds its own admirably, offering a versatile and reliable camera experience for everyday use.

Battery & Charging: All-Day Endurance

Battery life on the S23+ has been a pleasant surprise. The 4700mAh battery comfortably gets me through a full day of moderate to heavy use. In my testing, which includes a mix of web browsing, social media, video streaming, and some gaming, I typically end the day with 20-30% battery remaining. On lighter usage days, it can easily stretch into the next morning. The 45W fast charging is a welcome feature, although not the absolute fastest on the market, it still gets the phone from zero to a significant charge in a reasonable amount of time – I've seen it go from near empty to over 50% in about 30 minutes. The wireless charging capability adds convenience, and the reverse wireless charging is a handy bonus for topping up accessories like earbuds. Power management seems well-optimized, contributing to the solid battery endurance.

Software: Refined and Feature-Rich

Running Android 13 with Samsung's One UI 5.1 out of the box (and with the promise of updates up to Android 17), the software experience on the S23+ is polished and feature-rich. Navigating the interface feels intuitive, and there are plenty of customization options to tailor the phone to your preferences. I appreciate the added functionalities and thoughtful touches that One UI brings, without feeling overly bloated. Samsung's commitment to long-term software updates is a significant plus, ensuring the phone stays current and secure for years to come. The integration of Samsung's ecosystem of apps and services is seamless, although there are occasionally redundant apps alongside Google's offerings.

Value Analysis: Hitting the Sweet Spot

Analyzing the value proposition, the Samsung Galaxy S23+ strikes a good balance. You're getting a truly premium experience in most aspects – display, performance, camera, and battery life – without the stratospheric price tag of some other flagship devices. For someone who wants a top-tier phone for everyday life, capturing memories, and enjoying media without compromise, the S23+ is a compelling option. However, if you're a niche user demanding the absolute best zoom capabilities or have a strong preference for a headphone jack (which is absent here), you might consider alternatives. Compared to competitors in its price range, the S23+ offers a well-rounded package that’s hard to fault.

Conclusion: A Solid Recommendation

Overall, my time with the Samsung Galaxy S23+ has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s a dependable, high-performing smartphone that excels in the areas that matter most to everyday users. The stunning display, powerful processor, capable camera system, and solid battery life make it a joy to use. While the omission of a charger and the lack of a headphone jack might be minor drawbacks for some, they don't detract significantly from the overall experience. If you're looking for a premium Android phone that delivers consistent performance and a flagship-level experience without breaking the bank, the Samsung Galaxy S23+ should definitely be on your shortlist. It’s a phone I can confidently recommend.