TechPhonesAndroid PhonesSamsung Galaxy S23 Plus review: the pick of the pack or just too pricey?The large flat-screen Samsung S23 flagship is now pricey considering the competition, so is the Plus worth it?When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)T3 VerdictThere’s a lot to love about the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus: its flat screen is more practical to use than the curved one of the S23 Ultra; the battery life is really impressive for this generation; and there’s all the brightness, power and software ease-of-use you could wish for. However, compared to its predecessor there’s just not much that’s new, save for the improved design and battery life, and the higher asking price has given the competition greater opportunity to swoop in on Samsung’s success and pose a genuine threat.Reasons to buy+Lovely flat-screen design and distinct camera arrangement+Smooth software performance+Solid battery lifeReasons to avoid-It’s really expensive, especially considering Pixel 7 Pro-No longer the camera champ, look at Xiaomi 13 Pro-The S23 Ultra is the all-in optionWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
TechPhonesAndroid PhonesSamsung Galaxy S23 Plus review: the pick of the pack or just too pricey?The large flat-screen Samsung S23 flagship is now pricey considering the competition, so is the Plus worth it?When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)T3 VerdictThere’s a lot to love about the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus: its flat screen is more practical to use than the curved one of the S23 Ultra; the battery life is really impressive for this generation; and there’s all the brightness, power and software ease-of-use you could wish for. However, compared to its predecessor there’s just not much that’s new, save for the improved design and battery life, and the higher asking price has given the competition greater opportunity to swoop in on Samsung’s success and pose a genuine threat.Reasons to buy+Lovely flat-screen design and distinct camera arrangement+Smooth software performance+Solid battery lifeReasons to avoid-It’s really expensive, especially considering Pixel 7 Pro-No longer the camera champ, look at Xiaomi 13 Pro-The S23 Ultra is the all-in optionWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
The large flat-screen Samsung S23 flagship is now pricey considering the competition, so is the Plus worth it?
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)T3 VerdictThere’s a lot to love about the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus: its flat screen is more practical to use than the curved one of the S23 Ultra; the battery life is really impressive for this generation; and there’s all the brightness, power and software ease-of-use you could wish for. However, compared to its predecessor there’s just not much that’s new, save for the improved design and battery life, and the higher asking price has given the competition greater opportunity to swoop in on Samsung’s success and pose a genuine threat.Reasons to buy+Lovely flat-screen design and distinct camera arrangement+Smooth software performance+Solid battery lifeReasons to avoid-It’s really expensive, especially considering Pixel 7 Pro-No longer the camera champ, look at Xiaomi 13 Pro-The S23 Ultra is the all-in option
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
T3 VerdictThere’s a lot to love about the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus: its flat screen is more practical to use than the curved one of the S23 Ultra; the battery life is really impressive for this generation; and there’s all the brightness, power and software ease-of-use you could wish for. However, compared to its predecessor there’s just not much that’s new, save for the improved design and battery life, and the higher asking price has given the competition greater opportunity to swoop in on Samsung’s success and pose a genuine threat.Reasons to buy+Lovely flat-screen design and distinct camera arrangement+Smooth software performance+Solid battery lifeReasons to avoid-It’s really expensive, especially considering Pixel 7 Pro-No longer the camera champ, look at Xiaomi 13 Pro-The S23 Ultra is the all-in option
T3 VerdictThere’s a lot to love about the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus: its flat screen is more practical to use than the curved one of the S23 Ultra; the battery life is really impressive for this generation; and there’s all the brightness, power and software ease-of-use you could wish for. However, compared to its predecessor there’s just not much that’s new, save for the improved design and battery life, and the higher asking price has given the competition greater opportunity to swoop in on Samsung’s success and pose a genuine threat.
T3 Verdict
There’s a lot to love about the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus: its flat screen is more practical to use than the curved one of the S23 Ultra; the battery life is really impressive for this generation; and there’s all the brightness, power and software ease-of-use you could wish for. However, compared to its predecessor there’s just not much that’s new, save for the improved design and battery life, and the higher asking price has given the competition greater opportunity to swoop in on Samsung’s success and pose a genuine threat.
Reasons to buy+Lovely flat-screen design and distinct camera arrangement+Smooth software performance+Solid battery lifeReasons to avoid-It’s really expensive, especially considering Pixel 7 Pro-No longer the camera champ, look at Xiaomi 13 Pro-The S23 Ultra is the all-in option
Reasons to buy+Lovely flat-screen design and distinct camera arrangement+Smooth software performance+Solid battery life
Lovely flat-screen design and distinct camera arrangement
Smooth software performance
Solid battery life
Reasons to avoid-It’s really expensive, especially considering Pixel 7 Pro-No longer the camera champ, look at Xiaomi 13 Pro-The S23 Ultra is the all-in option
It’s really expensive, especially considering Pixel 7 Pro
No longer the camera champ, look at Xiaomi 13 Pro
The S23 Ultra is the all-in option
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
With theSamsung Galaxy S23 rangeyou have a choice: go all-in for thecurved-screen S23 Ultrawith its built-in stylus control addition; go small-scale with theflat-screen and more pocketable S23; or, if you like the idea of kind-of smooshing those two handsets together for a large-scale, flat-screen and stylus-free handset then it’s the Galaxy S23 Plus that’ll appeal to you the most. That’s what this review is all about.Having used and loved the top-end Galaxy S23 Ultra for a couple of weeks prior, I arrived at the S23 Plus later down the line than I expected. I’ve also arrived to it with a heap of questions, especially given its position in context of thebest Android phonesaround right now.While I saw theprevious S22 Plus as the sweet spotin the 2022 range, for 2023 the tweaked design of the S23 Plus is… well, it’s about all that’s really different about it. And with a price rise over its predecessor, plus hot tickets such as theXiaomi 13 Prounexpectedly bossing things in the camera department, doesSamsung’s ‘Plus’ model has as obvious a place any more?Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus: Price & Availability(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)Available right now, the Galaxy S23 Plus is priced from £1,049/$999/AU$1,649. That’s for the 256GB version, which climbs upwards from there. I would prefer a 128GB option for a smaller asking price really.Oh, and before I forget to mention it,Samsung’s storeis the only place you’ll be able tobuy the S23 Plus in interesting ‘secret’ colours. I’ve got the green model in for review, which isn’t quite so exciting overall compared to the Samsung Store’s exclusive Sky Blue, Lime, Red and Graphite options.Today’s best Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus deals6 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆$27.78View$100 Credit$1,199.99View$1,199.99ViewShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best pricesSamsung Galaxy S23 Plus review: What’s new?(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)If you’re aGalaxy S22 Plusowner then you’ll inevitably be wondering what’s new about the 2023 model. The answer, as I alluded to above, is not a whole lot.What Samsung has done really well here, however, is give the Galaxy S23 range a more unified look and feel. The rear design of the Plus is an echo of the larger-scale Ultra model (and smaller-scale S23 too), each handset featuring three distinctive protruding cameras and looking like part of the same range. I like that cohesion.In other areas the Galaxy S23 Plus isn’t quite a carbon copy of its predecessor, but it’s subtle. There’s around half a millimetre of size adjustment in the design, but I can’t notice that whatsoever. The cameras are virtually identical, with the selfie camera seeing a bigger change in the sensor used for this generation.Internally there’s the latestQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processoron board, so a little more power, and the battery is now 4,700mAh (up from 4,500mAh of the previous model), but otherwise that’s about your lot. These subtle changes are still positives though.Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus review: Design & Display(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)Just because Samsung hasn’t changed a whole lot isn’t an instantly bad thing, though. I actually really enjoy using the S23 Plus because its screen size feels ideal in my hand and, better still, it’s a flat screen. That latter feature makes it much easier to use withAndroidgesture controls in my opinion. I kind of prefer it to the S23 Ultra in that regard.Just like its predecessor the OLED panel used in the Plus is a real shining star. It’s really bright – Samsung claims up to 1750 nits, which is like top-tier TV levels of bright – while its 1080 x 2340 resolution across that 6.6-inch diagonal measure has never left me wanting for more. There’s a 120Hz refresh rate too, so smooth animations are order of the day.I’ve been using the Galaxy S23 Plus for a couple of weeks, including taking it away on holiday to South Africa where it’s been put through the mill a bit. Despite Gorilla Glass Victus 2 featuring both front and rear, however, I’ve found the screen side can still get scratched. There’s no screen protector included in the box, nor a case, so that’s something to consider to keep your new Galaxy looking pristine.Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus review: Performance(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)I didn’t rush into this Galaxy S23 Plus review because, well, there’s been gazillions of phones launching. What withMobile World Congress 2023and new handsets such as the excellentXiaomi 13 Pro, I instead opted to take my time.It makes sense to spend more time. As I’ve learned from reviewing countlessSamsung phonesover the years, they can take a bit of time to settle down when it comes to battery life. So if you buy an S23 Plus and think ‘eek, the battery life!’ then give it a few days and you’ll find it improves. I’ve actually found the S23 Plus’s 4,700mAh battery to outlast even the larger-capacity S23 Ultra in my typical kind of use-case, which has been a pleasant surprise.In terms of raw power it’s pretty clear that Samsung has gone straight to the top with the S23 Plus. Its inclusion ofQualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processormakes that obvious – and that’s just as powerful as you’ll find in the step-upS23 Ultra model. Interestingly Qualcomm is the processor that you’ll get in all regions, as Samsung puts its Exynos options to rest and goes full Snapdragon.It’s a sturdy relationship to have, too, with this particular chipset further customised for Samsung’s use (there’s overclocking to give it even more power). In short that makes the Galaxy S23 Plus, just as I said of the S23 Ultra, among the most powerful phones on the market right now.So how does all this perform in the real world? Everything loads fast. Games run at decent frame-rates. There’s no overheating concerns. But, in the same breath, I don’t reallyfeela major difference here compared to if I picked up anS22 Plusfrom last year (aphone I argued was best of the bunchthen and, in that light, might be even better now).Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus review: Cameras(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)Main (24mm): 50-megapixel, f/1.8 aperture, optical stabilisation (OIS)Zoom (70mm): 3x zoom with 10MP, f/2.4, OISWide-angle (13mm): 12MP, f/2.2Selfie (26mm): 12MP, f/2.2There’s been an increasing shift for phone-makers to ditch the ultra-zoom lenses on their flagships, something I’ve seen more and more in 2023. But that’s not something the Galaxy S23 Plus needed to contemplate as Samsung had never squeezed in a zoom lens greater than 3x for this device (greater focal lengths are the reserve of the Ultra).But it’s that zoom which is my main complaint about the S23 Plus. It’s the same 10-megapixel unit as per last year and, well, it’s feeling a little limp compared to some of the competition now. The kind of detail you’ll get from the zoom lacks when compared to the field, especially considering the same-pricedXiaomi13 Pro as one example. And seeing as I found it the weak link lens in the earlier S22 Plus model, it feels like a missed opportunity here.Image1of12(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)Otherwise, however, the Galaxy S23 Plus is an excellent camera phone. No, it doesn’t get the 200-megapixel main camera of its S23 Ultra bigger brother, but the 50-megapixel main sensor on offer here is perfectly adept at delivering detail in all manner of conditions.As I’ve experienced first-hand during my holiday while using this device, whether it’s a dim-lit wine cellar, or a brightly lit mountain scene, the Galaxy S23 Plus just lets you point, shoot, and delivers great-looking results. That simplicity of use is one of its key plus points, no doubt, with dynamic range that pulls detail into a well-balanced exposure, and night modes that are easy to use and deliver great results.All in all, then, the S23 Plus’s camera setup remains impressive, but for the series to really push forward next generation the S24 Plus will need to do a little more work and rethink its sensor choices for the wide-angle and zoom lenses at a minimum.Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus review: Verdict(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)In many ways I really love theSamsung GalaxyS23 Plus. Its flat screen is more practical to use than the curved one of the S23 Ultra. Its size is more sensible for me compared to the smaller S23, plus the battery life is really impressive for this generation. There’s all the brightness, power and software ease-of-use you could wish for too.But much as I love so much about the S23 Plus, it’s hard to shake the sense that not quite enough has changed compared to its predecessor. The design is smarter, sure, but Samsung has missed the opportunity to really upgrade the cameras here (okay, so I took a bunch of great holiday pictures and that makes me happy), yet the asking price has shot up to a point where the competition arguably now offers more.Also considerIf you want a similar size handset that’s the same kind of price, then the Xiaomi 13 Pro delivers a stronger camera setup. If you want to spend a little less, however, and don’t mind a simpler (yet arguably better) camera arrangement thenGoogle’s Pixel 7 Pro is a great alternative that’ll leave you with more cash in the bank.Today’s best Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, Xiaomi 13 Pro and Google Pixel 7 Pro dealsSamsung Galaxy S23 Plus$27.78ViewSee all pricesGoogle Pixel 7 Pro$395.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best pricesTOPICSsamsung galaxySamsung
With theSamsung Galaxy S23 rangeyou have a choice: go all-in for thecurved-screen S23 Ultrawith its built-in stylus control addition; go small-scale with theflat-screen and more pocketable S23; or, if you like the idea of kind-of smooshing those two handsets together for a large-scale, flat-screen and stylus-free handset then it’s the Galaxy S23 Plus that’ll appeal to you the most. That’s what this review is all about.Having used and loved the top-end Galaxy S23 Ultra for a couple of weeks prior, I arrived at the S23 Plus later down the line than I expected. I’ve also arrived to it with a heap of questions, especially given its position in context of thebest Android phonesaround right now.While I saw theprevious S22 Plus as the sweet spotin the 2022 range, for 2023 the tweaked design of the S23 Plus is… well, it’s about all that’s really different about it. And with a price rise over its predecessor, plus hot tickets such as theXiaomi 13 Prounexpectedly bossing things in the camera department, doesSamsung’s ‘Plus’ model has as obvious a place any more?Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus: Price & Availability(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)Available right now, the Galaxy S23 Plus is priced from £1,049/$999/AU$1,649. That’s for the 256GB version, which climbs upwards from there. I would prefer a 128GB option for a smaller asking price really.Oh, and before I forget to mention it,Samsung’s storeis the only place you’ll be able tobuy the S23 Plus in interesting ‘secret’ colours. I’ve got the green model in for review, which isn’t quite so exciting overall compared to the Samsung Store’s exclusive Sky Blue, Lime, Red and Graphite options.Today’s best Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus deals6 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆$27.78View$100 Credit$1,199.99View$1,199.99ViewShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best pricesSamsung Galaxy S23 Plus review: What’s new?(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)If you’re aGalaxy S22 Plusowner then you’ll inevitably be wondering what’s new about the 2023 model. The answer, as I alluded to above, is not a whole lot.What Samsung has done really well here, however, is give the Galaxy S23 range a more unified look and feel. The rear design of the Plus is an echo of the larger-scale Ultra model (and smaller-scale S23 too), each handset featuring three distinctive protruding cameras and looking like part of the same range. I like that cohesion.In other areas the Galaxy S23 Plus isn’t quite a carbon copy of its predecessor, but it’s subtle. There’s around half a millimetre of size adjustment in the design, but I can’t notice that whatsoever. The cameras are virtually identical, with the selfie camera seeing a bigger change in the sensor used for this generation.Internally there’s the latestQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processoron board, so a little more power, and the battery is now 4,700mAh (up from 4,500mAh of the previous model), but otherwise that’s about your lot. These subtle changes are still positives though.Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus review: Design & Display(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)Just because Samsung hasn’t changed a whole lot isn’t an instantly bad thing, though. I actually really enjoy using the S23 Plus because its screen size feels ideal in my hand and, better still, it’s a flat screen. That latter feature makes it much easier to use withAndroidgesture controls in my opinion. I kind of prefer it to the S23 Ultra in that regard.Just like its predecessor the OLED panel used in the Plus is a real shining star. It’s really bright – Samsung claims up to 1750 nits, which is like top-tier TV levels of bright – while its 1080 x 2340 resolution across that 6.6-inch diagonal measure has never left me wanting for more. There’s a 120Hz refresh rate too, so smooth animations are order of the day.I’ve been using the Galaxy S23 Plus for a couple of weeks, including taking it away on holiday to South Africa where it’s been put through the mill a bit. Despite Gorilla Glass Victus 2 featuring both front and rear, however, I’ve found the screen side can still get scratched. There’s no screen protector included in the box, nor a case, so that’s something to consider to keep your new Galaxy looking pristine.Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus review: Performance(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)I didn’t rush into this Galaxy S23 Plus review because, well, there’s been gazillions of phones launching. What withMobile World Congress 2023and new handsets such as the excellentXiaomi 13 Pro, I instead opted to take my time.It makes sense to spend more time. As I’ve learned from reviewing countlessSamsung phonesover the years, they can take a bit of time to settle down when it comes to battery life. So if you buy an S23 Plus and think ‘eek, the battery life!’ then give it a few days and you’ll find it improves. I’ve actually found the S23 Plus’s 4,700mAh battery to outlast even the larger-capacity S23 Ultra in my typical kind of use-case, which has been a pleasant surprise.In terms of raw power it’s pretty clear that Samsung has gone straight to the top with the S23 Plus. Its inclusion ofQualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processormakes that obvious – and that’s just as powerful as you’ll find in the step-upS23 Ultra model. Interestingly Qualcomm is the processor that you’ll get in all regions, as Samsung puts its Exynos options to rest and goes full Snapdragon.It’s a sturdy relationship to have, too, with this particular chipset further customised for Samsung’s use (there’s overclocking to give it even more power). In short that makes the Galaxy S23 Plus, just as I said of the S23 Ultra, among the most powerful phones on the market right now.So how does all this perform in the real world? Everything loads fast. Games run at decent frame-rates. There’s no overheating concerns. But, in the same breath, I don’t reallyfeela major difference here compared to if I picked up anS22 Plusfrom last year (aphone I argued was best of the bunchthen and, in that light, might be even better now).Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus review: Cameras(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)Main (24mm): 50-megapixel, f/1.8 aperture, optical stabilisation (OIS)Zoom (70mm): 3x zoom with 10MP, f/2.4, OISWide-angle (13mm): 12MP, f/2.2Selfie (26mm): 12MP, f/2.2There’s been an increasing shift for phone-makers to ditch the ultra-zoom lenses on their flagships, something I’ve seen more and more in 2023. But that’s not something the Galaxy S23 Plus needed to contemplate as Samsung had never squeezed in a zoom lens greater than 3x for this device (greater focal lengths are the reserve of the Ultra).But it’s that zoom which is my main complaint about the S23 Plus. It’s the same 10-megapixel unit as per last year and, well, it’s feeling a little limp compared to some of the competition now. The kind of detail you’ll get from the zoom lacks when compared to the field, especially considering the same-pricedXiaomi13 Pro as one example. And seeing as I found it the weak link lens in the earlier S22 Plus model, it feels like a missed opportunity here.Image1of12(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)Otherwise, however, the Galaxy S23 Plus is an excellent camera phone. No, it doesn’t get the 200-megapixel main camera of its S23 Ultra bigger brother, but the 50-megapixel main sensor on offer here is perfectly adept at delivering detail in all manner of conditions.As I’ve experienced first-hand during my holiday while using this device, whether it’s a dim-lit wine cellar, or a brightly lit mountain scene, the Galaxy S23 Plus just lets you point, shoot, and delivers great-looking results. That simplicity of use is one of its key plus points, no doubt, with dynamic range that pulls detail into a well-balanced exposure, and night modes that are easy to use and deliver great results.All in all, then, the S23 Plus’s camera setup remains impressive, but for the series to really push forward next generation the S24 Plus will need to do a little more work and rethink its sensor choices for the wide-angle and zoom lenses at a minimum.Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus review: Verdict(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)In many ways I really love theSamsung GalaxyS23 Plus. Its flat screen is more practical to use than the curved one of the S23 Ultra. Its size is more sensible for me compared to the smaller S23, plus the battery life is really impressive for this generation. There’s all the brightness, power and software ease-of-use you could wish for too.But much as I love so much about the S23 Plus, it’s hard to shake the sense that not quite enough has changed compared to its predecessor. The design is smarter, sure, but Samsung has missed the opportunity to really upgrade the cameras here (okay, so I took a bunch of great holiday pictures and that makes me happy), yet the asking price has shot up to a point where the competition arguably now offers more.Also considerIf you want a similar size handset that’s the same kind of price, then the Xiaomi 13 Pro delivers a stronger camera setup. If you want to spend a little less, however, and don’t mind a simpler (yet arguably better) camera arrangement thenGoogle’s Pixel 7 Pro is a great alternative that’ll leave you with more cash in the bank.Today’s best Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, Xiaomi 13 Pro and Google Pixel 7 Pro dealsSamsung Galaxy S23 Plus$27.78ViewSee all pricesGoogle Pixel 7 Pro$395.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best pricesTOPICSsamsung galaxySamsung
With theSamsung Galaxy S23 rangeyou have a choice: go all-in for thecurved-screen S23 Ultrawith its built-in stylus control addition; go small-scale with theflat-screen and more pocketable S23; or, if you like the idea of kind-of smooshing those two handsets together for a large-scale, flat-screen and stylus-free handset then it’s the Galaxy S23 Plus that’ll appeal to you the most. That’s what this review is all about.Having used and loved the top-end Galaxy S23 Ultra for a couple of weeks prior, I arrived at the S23 Plus later down the line than I expected. I’ve also arrived to it with a heap of questions, especially given its position in context of thebest Android phonesaround right now.While I saw theprevious S22 Plus as the sweet spotin the 2022 range, for 2023 the tweaked design of the S23 Plus is… well, it’s about all that’s really different about it. And with a price rise over its predecessor, plus hot tickets such as theXiaomi 13 Prounexpectedly bossing things in the camera department, doesSamsung’s ‘Plus’ model has as obvious a place any more?Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus: Price & Availability(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)Available right now, the Galaxy S23 Plus is priced from £1,049/$999/AU$1,649. That’s for the 256GB version, which climbs upwards from there. I would prefer a 128GB option for a smaller asking price really.Oh, and before I forget to mention it,Samsung’s storeis the only place you’ll be able tobuy the S23 Plus in interesting ‘secret’ colours. I’ve got the green model in for review, which isn’t quite so exciting overall compared to the Samsung Store’s exclusive Sky Blue, Lime, Red and Graphite options.Today’s best Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus deals6 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆$27.78View$100 Credit$1,199.99View$1,199.99ViewShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best pricesSamsung Galaxy S23 Plus review: What’s new?(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)If you’re aGalaxy S22 Plusowner then you’ll inevitably be wondering what’s new about the 2023 model. The answer, as I alluded to above, is not a whole lot.What Samsung has done really well here, however, is give the Galaxy S23 range a more unified look and feel. The rear design of the Plus is an echo of the larger-scale Ultra model (and smaller-scale S23 too), each handset featuring three distinctive protruding cameras and looking like part of the same range. I like that cohesion.In other areas the Galaxy S23 Plus isn’t quite a carbon copy of its predecessor, but it’s subtle. There’s around half a millimetre of size adjustment in the design, but I can’t notice that whatsoever. The cameras are virtually identical, with the selfie camera seeing a bigger change in the sensor used for this generation.Internally there’s the latestQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processoron board, so a little more power, and the battery is now 4,700mAh (up from 4,500mAh of the previous model), but otherwise that’s about your lot. These subtle changes are still positives though.Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus review: Design & Display(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)Just because Samsung hasn’t changed a whole lot isn’t an instantly bad thing, though. I actually really enjoy using the S23 Plus because its screen size feels ideal in my hand and, better still, it’s a flat screen. That latter feature makes it much easier to use withAndroidgesture controls in my opinion. I kind of prefer it to the S23 Ultra in that regard.Just like its predecessor the OLED panel used in the Plus is a real shining star. It’s really bright – Samsung claims up to 1750 nits, which is like top-tier TV levels of bright – while its 1080 x 2340 resolution across that 6.6-inch diagonal measure has never left me wanting for more. There’s a 120Hz refresh rate too, so smooth animations are order of the day.I’ve been using the Galaxy S23 Plus for a couple of weeks, including taking it away on holiday to South Africa where it’s been put through the mill a bit. Despite Gorilla Glass Victus 2 featuring both front and rear, however, I’ve found the screen side can still get scratched. There’s no screen protector included in the box, nor a case, so that’s something to consider to keep your new Galaxy looking pristine.Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus review: Performance(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)I didn’t rush into this Galaxy S23 Plus review because, well, there’s been gazillions of phones launching. What withMobile World Congress 2023and new handsets such as the excellentXiaomi 13 Pro, I instead opted to take my time.It makes sense to spend more time. As I’ve learned from reviewing countlessSamsung phonesover the years, they can take a bit of time to settle down when it comes to battery life. So if you buy an S23 Plus and think ‘eek, the battery life!’ then give it a few days and you’ll find it improves. I’ve actually found the S23 Plus’s 4,700mAh battery to outlast even the larger-capacity S23 Ultra in my typical kind of use-case, which has been a pleasant surprise.In terms of raw power it’s pretty clear that Samsung has gone straight to the top with the S23 Plus. Its inclusion ofQualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processormakes that obvious – and that’s just as powerful as you’ll find in the step-upS23 Ultra model. Interestingly Qualcomm is the processor that you’ll get in all regions, as Samsung puts its Exynos options to rest and goes full Snapdragon.It’s a sturdy relationship to have, too, with this particular chipset further customised for Samsung’s use (there’s overclocking to give it even more power). In short that makes the Galaxy S23 Plus, just as I said of the S23 Ultra, among the most powerful phones on the market right now.So how does all this perform in the real world? Everything loads fast. Games run at decent frame-rates. There’s no overheating concerns. But, in the same breath, I don’t reallyfeela major difference here compared to if I picked up anS22 Plusfrom last year (aphone I argued was best of the bunchthen and, in that light, might be even better now).Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus review: Cameras(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)Main (24mm): 50-megapixel, f/1.8 aperture, optical stabilisation (OIS)Zoom (70mm): 3x zoom with 10MP, f/2.4, OISWide-angle (13mm): 12MP, f/2.2Selfie (26mm): 12MP, f/2.2There’s been an increasing shift for phone-makers to ditch the ultra-zoom lenses on their flagships, something I’ve seen more and more in 2023. But that’s not something the Galaxy S23 Plus needed to contemplate as Samsung had never squeezed in a zoom lens greater than 3x for this device (greater focal lengths are the reserve of the Ultra).But it’s that zoom which is my main complaint about the S23 Plus. It’s the same 10-megapixel unit as per last year and, well, it’s feeling a little limp compared to some of the competition now. The kind of detail you’ll get from the zoom lacks when compared to the field, especially considering the same-pricedXiaomi13 Pro as one example. And seeing as I found it the weak link lens in the earlier S22 Plus model, it feels like a missed opportunity here.Image1of12(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)Otherwise, however, the Galaxy S23 Plus is an excellent camera phone. No, it doesn’t get the 200-megapixel main camera of its S23 Ultra bigger brother, but the 50-megapixel main sensor on offer here is perfectly adept at delivering detail in all manner of conditions.As I’ve experienced first-hand during my holiday while using this device, whether it’s a dim-lit wine cellar, or a brightly lit mountain scene, the Galaxy S23 Plus just lets you point, shoot, and delivers great-looking results. That simplicity of use is one of its key plus points, no doubt, with dynamic range that pulls detail into a well-balanced exposure, and night modes that are easy to use and deliver great results.All in all, then, the S23 Plus’s camera setup remains impressive, but for the series to really push forward next generation the S24 Plus will need to do a little more work and rethink its sensor choices for the wide-angle and zoom lenses at a minimum.Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus review: Verdict(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)In many ways I really love theSamsung GalaxyS23 Plus. Its flat screen is more practical to use than the curved one of the S23 Ultra. Its size is more sensible for me compared to the smaller S23, plus the battery life is really impressive for this generation. There’s all the brightness, power and software ease-of-use you could wish for too.But much as I love so much about the S23 Plus, it’s hard to shake the sense that not quite enough has changed compared to its predecessor. The design is smarter, sure, but Samsung has missed the opportunity to really upgrade the cameras here (okay, so I took a bunch of great holiday pictures and that makes me happy), yet the asking price has shot up to a point where the competition arguably now offers more.Also considerIf you want a similar size handset that’s the same kind of price, then the Xiaomi 13 Pro delivers a stronger camera setup. If you want to spend a little less, however, and don’t mind a simpler (yet arguably better) camera arrangement thenGoogle’s Pixel 7 Pro is a great alternative that’ll leave you with more cash in the bank.Today’s best Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, Xiaomi 13 Pro and Google Pixel 7 Pro dealsSamsung Galaxy S23 Plus$27.78ViewSee all pricesGoogle Pixel 7 Pro$395.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best pricesTOPICSsamsung galaxySamsung
With theSamsung Galaxy S23 rangeyou have a choice: go all-in for thecurved-screen S23 Ultrawith its built-in stylus control addition; go small-scale with theflat-screen and more pocketable S23; or, if you like the idea of kind-of smooshing those two handsets together for a large-scale, flat-screen and stylus-free handset then it’s the Galaxy S23 Plus that’ll appeal to you the most. That’s what this review is all about.
Having used and loved the top-end Galaxy S23 Ultra for a couple of weeks prior, I arrived at the S23 Plus later down the line than I expected. I’ve also arrived to it with a heap of questions, especially given its position in context of thebest Android phonesaround right now.
While I saw theprevious S22 Plus as the sweet spotin the 2022 range, for 2023 the tweaked design of the S23 Plus is… well, it’s about all that’s really different about it. And with a price rise over its predecessor, plus hot tickets such as theXiaomi 13 Prounexpectedly bossing things in the camera department, doesSamsung’s ‘Plus’ model has as obvious a place any more?
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus: Price & Availability
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
Available right now, the Galaxy S23 Plus is priced from £1,049/$999/AU$1,649. That’s for the 256GB version, which climbs upwards from there. I would prefer a 128GB option for a smaller asking price really.
Oh, and before I forget to mention it,Samsung’s storeis the only place you’ll be able tobuy the S23 Plus in interesting ‘secret’ colours. I’ve got the green model in for review, which isn’t quite so exciting overall compared to the Samsung Store’s exclusive Sky Blue, Lime, Red and Graphite options.
Today’s best Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus deals6 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆$27.78View$100 Credit$1,199.99View$1,199.99ViewShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus deals6 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆$27.78View$100 Credit$1,199.99View$1,199.99ViewShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus deals
6 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆
6 Amazon customer reviews☆☆☆☆☆
☆☆☆☆☆
$27.78View$100 Credit$1,199.99View$1,199.99View
$27.78View
$27.78View
$27.78View
$27.78
$27.78
$100 Credit$1,199.99View
$100 Credit
$100 Credit
$100 Credit
$100 Credit
$100 Credit
$1,199.99View
$1,199.99View
$1,199.99
$1,199.99
$1,199.99View
$1,199.99View
$1,199.99View
$1,199.99
$1,199.99
Show More Deals
Show More Deals
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus review: What’s new?
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
If you’re aGalaxy S22 Plusowner then you’ll inevitably be wondering what’s new about the 2023 model. The answer, as I alluded to above, is not a whole lot.
What Samsung has done really well here, however, is give the Galaxy S23 range a more unified look and feel. The rear design of the Plus is an echo of the larger-scale Ultra model (and smaller-scale S23 too), each handset featuring three distinctive protruding cameras and looking like part of the same range. I like that cohesion.
In other areas the Galaxy S23 Plus isn’t quite a carbon copy of its predecessor, but it’s subtle. There’s around half a millimetre of size adjustment in the design, but I can’t notice that whatsoever. The cameras are virtually identical, with the selfie camera seeing a bigger change in the sensor used for this generation.
Internally there’s the latestQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processoron board, so a little more power, and the battery is now 4,700mAh (up from 4,500mAh of the previous model), but otherwise that’s about your lot. These subtle changes are still positives though.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus review: Design & Display
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
Just because Samsung hasn’t changed a whole lot isn’t an instantly bad thing, though. I actually really enjoy using the S23 Plus because its screen size feels ideal in my hand and, better still, it’s a flat screen. That latter feature makes it much easier to use withAndroidgesture controls in my opinion. I kind of prefer it to the S23 Ultra in that regard.
Just like its predecessor the OLED panel used in the Plus is a real shining star. It’s really bright – Samsung claims up to 1750 nits, which is like top-tier TV levels of bright – while its 1080 x 2340 resolution across that 6.6-inch diagonal measure has never left me wanting for more. There’s a 120Hz refresh rate too, so smooth animations are order of the day.
I’ve been using the Galaxy S23 Plus for a couple of weeks, including taking it away on holiday to South Africa where it’s been put through the mill a bit. Despite Gorilla Glass Victus 2 featuring both front and rear, however, I’ve found the screen side can still get scratched. There’s no screen protector included in the box, nor a case, so that’s something to consider to keep your new Galaxy looking pristine.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus review: Performance
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
I didn’t rush into this Galaxy S23 Plus review because, well, there’s been gazillions of phones launching. What withMobile World Congress 2023and new handsets such as the excellentXiaomi 13 Pro, I instead opted to take my time.
It makes sense to spend more time. As I’ve learned from reviewing countlessSamsung phonesover the years, they can take a bit of time to settle down when it comes to battery life. So if you buy an S23 Plus and think ‘eek, the battery life!’ then give it a few days and you’ll find it improves. I’ve actually found the S23 Plus’s 4,700mAh battery to outlast even the larger-capacity S23 Ultra in my typical kind of use-case, which has been a pleasant surprise.
In terms of raw power it’s pretty clear that Samsung has gone straight to the top with the S23 Plus. Its inclusion ofQualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processormakes that obvious – and that’s just as powerful as you’ll find in the step-upS23 Ultra model. Interestingly Qualcomm is the processor that you’ll get in all regions, as Samsung puts its Exynos options to rest and goes full Snapdragon.
It’s a sturdy relationship to have, too, with this particular chipset further customised for Samsung’s use (there’s overclocking to give it even more power). In short that makes the Galaxy S23 Plus, just as I said of the S23 Ultra, among the most powerful phones on the market right now.
So how does all this perform in the real world? Everything loads fast. Games run at decent frame-rates. There’s no overheating concerns. But, in the same breath, I don’t reallyfeela major difference here compared to if I picked up anS22 Plusfrom last year (aphone I argued was best of the bunchthen and, in that light, might be even better now).
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus review: Cameras
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
There’s been an increasing shift for phone-makers to ditch the ultra-zoom lenses on their flagships, something I’ve seen more and more in 2023. But that’s not something the Galaxy S23 Plus needed to contemplate as Samsung had never squeezed in a zoom lens greater than 3x for this device (greater focal lengths are the reserve of the Ultra).
But it’s that zoom which is my main complaint about the S23 Plus. It’s the same 10-megapixel unit as per last year and, well, it’s feeling a little limp compared to some of the competition now. The kind of detail you’ll get from the zoom lacks when compared to the field, especially considering the same-pricedXiaomi13 Pro as one example. And seeing as I found it the weak link lens in the earlier S22 Plus model, it feels like a missed opportunity here.
Image1of12(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
Image1of12(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
Image1of12
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
Otherwise, however, the Galaxy S23 Plus is an excellent camera phone. No, it doesn’t get the 200-megapixel main camera of its S23 Ultra bigger brother, but the 50-megapixel main sensor on offer here is perfectly adept at delivering detail in all manner of conditions.
As I’ve experienced first-hand during my holiday while using this device, whether it’s a dim-lit wine cellar, or a brightly lit mountain scene, the Galaxy S23 Plus just lets you point, shoot, and delivers great-looking results. That simplicity of use is one of its key plus points, no doubt, with dynamic range that pulls detail into a well-balanced exposure, and night modes that are easy to use and deliver great results.
All in all, then, the S23 Plus’s camera setup remains impressive, but for the series to really push forward next generation the S24 Plus will need to do a little more work and rethink its sensor choices for the wide-angle and zoom lenses at a minimum.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus review: Verdict
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
In many ways I really love theSamsung GalaxyS23 Plus. Its flat screen is more practical to use than the curved one of the S23 Ultra. Its size is more sensible for me compared to the smaller S23, plus the battery life is really impressive for this generation. There’s all the brightness, power and software ease-of-use you could wish for too.
But much as I love so much about the S23 Plus, it’s hard to shake the sense that not quite enough has changed compared to its predecessor. The design is smarter, sure, but Samsung has missed the opportunity to really upgrade the cameras here (okay, so I took a bunch of great holiday pictures and that makes me happy), yet the asking price has shot up to a point where the competition arguably now offers more.
Also consider
If you want a similar size handset that’s the same kind of price, then the Xiaomi 13 Pro delivers a stronger camera setup. If you want to spend a little less, however, and don’t mind a simpler (yet arguably better) camera arrangement thenGoogle’s Pixel 7 Pro is a great alternative that’ll leave you with more cash in the bank.
Today’s best Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, Xiaomi 13 Pro and Google Pixel 7 Pro dealsSamsung Galaxy S23 Plus$27.78ViewSee all pricesGoogle Pixel 7 Pro$395.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, Xiaomi 13 Pro and Google Pixel 7 Pro dealsSamsung Galaxy S23 Plus$27.78ViewSee all pricesGoogle Pixel 7 Pro$395.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, Xiaomi 13 Pro and Google Pixel 7 Pro dealsSamsung Galaxy S23 Plus$27.78ViewSee all pricesGoogle Pixel 7 Pro$395.99ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, Xiaomi 13 Pro and Google Pixel 7 Pro deals
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus$27.78ViewSee all pricesGoogle Pixel 7 Pro$395.99ViewSee all prices
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus$27.78ViewSee all prices
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus$27.78ViewSee all prices
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
$27.78View
$27.78
$27.78
See all prices
Google Pixel 7 Pro$395.99ViewSee all prices
Google Pixel 7 Pro$395.99ViewSee all prices
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Google Pixel 7 Pro
$395.99View
$395.99
$395.99
See all prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
TOPICSsamsung galaxySamsung
TOPICS
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
This case turns your iPhone or Android phone into an e-reader, but there’s a catchActually, there are a couple…
Actually, there are a couple…
Traeger’s new Woodridge pellet barbecues have got me excited for grilling seasonTraeger debuts three new wood pellet grills
Traeger debuts three new wood pellet grills
How to watch the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct and what to expectWe should get a deep dive and more details on the Switch 2 in April
We should get a deep dive and more details on the Switch 2 in April
