The new Samsung Galaxy S series is here, and the question of which model to buy can be confusing, especially considering the similar Galaxy S23 and the Galaxy S23 Plus. The first Galaxy Unpacked event for 2023 has brought multiple new products. While the flagship smartphones are the main attraction, Samsung also focused heavily on its upcoming Galaxy Book 3 laptop series.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 Plus are the cheaper models in the flagship series, with multiple similarities between the two devices. However, there are also a handful of differences between the two smartphones, including a $200 difference in their starting prices. An in-depth look at these similarities and differences should help buyers decide which phone is better for them.
The Galaxy S23 Plus Is Better In A Few Areas
Starting with the similarities, the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 Plus are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset, a modified, faster version of the standard processing package. The Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 Plus are available in a single 8GB RAM configuration. Both models also use the same Dynamic AMOLED 2X display technology with an FHD+ resolution, a 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate, and a peak brightness level of 1750 nits.
The similarities also extend to the camera configuration - a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide angle camera, a 10MP telephoto unit or 3x optical zoom and 30x Space Zoom, and a 12MP front-facing camera. Both can record in 8K at 30fps and in 4K at 60fps. The camera software features like Director's View, Adaptive Pixel, Selfie Night Portrait, and Nightography are also identical. Other similarities include an IP68 dust and water resistance rating, ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, Face Unlock, and Wi-Fi 6E. They are also available in the same color options, so there isn't much that separates them. But, the differences start with the screen size.
Those who prefer a compact device will find the Galaxy S23's 6.1-inch display the better option, while those who want more screen estate will want the S23 Plus' 6.6-inch screen. The size also allows Samsung to squeeze a bigger battery into the Plus iteration. The Galaxy S23 packs a 3900mAh battery and charges at 25W, while the Galaxy S23 Plus has a larger 4700mAh battery with 45W fast charging. The available storage options are also different. While the Galaxy S23 is available in 128GB and 256GB variants, its bigger sibling has 256GB of base storage and up to 512GB.
Another key difference is the lack of an Ultra Wideband chip on the Galaxy S23, as Samsung has again decided to make this exclusive to the Galaxy S23 Plus and Galaxy S23 Ultra. So for an extra $200, the Galaxy S23 Plus offers a larger display, double the base storage, a bigger battery capacity, faster charging, and an Ultrawide band chip. If not having these features isn't a dealbreaker, the standard Galaxy S23 model is more than up to the task.
Source: Samsung