Android News / Phone Comparisons: Samsung Galaxy S23+ vs Samsung Galaxy S22+
By Kristijan Lucic
April 13, 2023
The Samsung Galaxy S23+ is one of the company’s flagship smartphones at the moment. It’s the middle-of-the-road model, between the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 Ultra. This handset basically lives in the Galaxy S23 Ultra shadow, even though it’s a great phone, as we were able to find out during our time with the device. That being said, we will compare it to its predecessor here, just to see how they compare, and if it’s worth upgrading. We’ll compare the Samsung Galaxy S23+ vs Samsung Galaxy S22+.
These two phones are very similar, in a lot of ways. There are some differences worth noting, though, and we’ll try to do that here. We’ll first list their specifications, side-by-side, and will then move to compare them across a number of other categories. We’ll talk about their designs, displays, performance, battery life, cameras, and audio performance. So, let’s get started, shall we?
Specs
| Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Samsung Galaxy S22+ | |
| Screen size | 6.6-inch fullHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display (curved, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, LTPO, 1,750 nits peak brightness) | 6.6-inch fullHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display (120Hz adaptive refresh rate, LTPO, 1,750 nits peak brightness) |
| Screen resolution | 2340 x 1080 | 2340 x 1080 |
| SoC | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Samsung Exynos 2200 |
| RAM | 8GB (LPDDR5X) | 8GB (LPDDR5) |
| Storage | 256GB/512GB, non-expandable (UFS 4.0) | 128GB/256GB, non-expandable |
| Rear cameras | 50MP (f/1.8 aperture, 24mm lens, 1.0um pixel size, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF) 12MP (ultrawide, f/2.2 aperture, 13mm lens, 120-degree FoV, 1.4um pixel size) 10MP (telephoto, f/2.4 aperture, 70mm lens, 1.0um pixel size, OIS, 3x optical zoom, PDAF) | 50MP (f/1.8 aperture, 24mm lens, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF, 1.0um pixel size) 10MP (f/2.4 aperture, 70mm lens, telephoto, 1.0um pixel size, OIS, PDAF, 3x optical zoom) 12MP (ultrawide, f/2.2 aperture, 13mm lens, 120-degree FoV, 1.4um pixel size) |
| Front cameras | 12MP (f/2.2 aperture, 26mm lens, Dual Pixel PDAF) | 10MP (f/2.2 aperture, 1.22um pixel size, 26mm lens, Dual Pixel PDAF) |
| Battery | 4,700mAh, non-removable, 45W wired charging, 15W Qi wireless charging, 4.5W Wireless PowerShare Charger not included | 4,500mAh, non-removable, 45W wired charging, 15W Qi wireless charging, 5W Wireless PowerShare Charger not included |
| Dimensions | 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6mm | 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6mm |
| Weight | 196 grams | 195/196 grams |
| Connectivity | 5G, LTE, NFC, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, USB Type-C | 5G, LTE, NFC, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi, USB Type-C |
| Security | In-display fingerprint scanner (ultrasonic) | In-display fingerprint scanner (ultrasonic) |
| OS | Android 13 One UI 5.1 | Android 12 One UI 4.1 |
| Price | $999.99/$1,119.99 | $664.99 |
| Buy | Samsung | Samsung |
Samsung Galaxy S23+ vs Samsung Galaxy S22+: Design
These two phones are quite similar design-wise. In fact, it would be difficult to set them apart if not for the rear camera differences. They both have three cameras, and they’re placed in the same spot, but the setups look different. The Galaxy S23+ has three cameras that protrude directly from the backplate. The Galaxy S22+, on the other hand, has a dedicated camera island, which connects to the phone’s frame.
From the front, the two phones look very similar. They both have curved corners, and rounded display corners. The bezels are very thin all around, on both phones, while a display camera hole sits up top. Even the buttons are on the same side. Both phones have a frame made out of aluminum, though they do come with different glass on the back. The Galaxy S23+ has Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the back, while the Galaxy S22+ includes Gorilla Glass Victus+.
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The two phones are almost identical in terms of height, and the same goes for width. Well, the Galaxy S23+ is technically a bit taller and wider, but the difference is so small, you won’t even notice it. They’re both 7.6mm thick, and weigh the same. They weigh 196 grams. IP68 certification is also included with both phones, while both devices are quite slippery. Using a case may not be a bad idea, at all. They are definitely premium-feeling phones, that’s for sure.
Samsung Galaxy S23+ vs Samsung Galaxy S22+: Display
The displays on these two phones are basically identical, right down to their peak brightness. They both feature a 6.6-inch fullHD+ (2340 x 1080) Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. That is a 120Hz panel that supports HDR10+ content. It gets up to 1,750 nits of peak brightness, though do note you can reach that only via the automatic brightness setting. The manual slider will get you up to 1,200 nits.
This display has a 19.5:9 aspect ratio, and we’re looking at a 393 ppi, in both cases. The Galaxy S23+ does have better display protection, as it includes Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The Galaxy S22+ features Gorilla Glass Victus+. The difference here is really small. Both devices have flat displays, by the way, unlike their ‘Ultra’ siblings.
That display looks the same on both phones, though that’s not a bad thing, as it looks great. It’s more than bright enough, and the viewing angles are great. It is quite vivid, and more than sharp enough, even though we’re looking at “only” fullHD+ resolution here. The blacks are deep, and the touch response is also great. Scrolling is quite smooth, and we don’t really have any major complaints here. You can even fine-tune both displays via the phone settings.
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Samsung Galaxy S23+ vs Samsung Galaxy S22+: Performance
The Galaxy S23+ is fueled by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor. It includes 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM and utilizes UFS 4.0 flash storage. The Galaxy S22+ comes with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC, and includes 8GB of LPDDR5 RAM, along with UFS 3.1 flash storage. The Galaxy S23+ definitely has the advantage in this regard, in every way imaginable. Does that mean it’s utterly superior performance-wise? Well, no, not really.
Both phones perform really well. The Galaxy S22+ is immensely powerful too, and you won’t really see a great difference in day-to-day performance. The processor inside the Galaxy S23 is not only more powerful, but better with power consumption, and it also gets less hot during intense tasks. The Galaxy S23+ also has the advantage in the RAM and storage departments, so it’s more future-proof, in case you’re worried about that sort of thing.
We did notice fewer stutters on the Galaxy S23+ during intense gaming sessions, with graphically-intensive games. It also did get slightly less warm during strained usage, but the difference wasn’t that big, to be quite honest. The Galaxy S23+ will stay fluid for longer, though, of course. It may be worth getting over the Galaxy S22+ just for the sake of its upgraded performance-related components.
Samsung Galaxy S23+ vs Samsung Galaxy S22+: Battery
The Samsung Galaxy S23+ features a 4,700mAh battery on the inside. The Galaxy S22+ has a 4,500mAh battery included. So, the Galaxy S23+ not only has a larger battery, but better power consumption in general. That has to mean it offers better battery life, right? Well, yes, it does. We were able to push the Galaxy S23+ over the 8-hour screen-on-time mark, while the Galaxy S23+ always lingered between 6 and 6.5 hours.
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Do note that your mileage may vary, however. Another thing to note is that this does not include gaming, we only played games for testing purposes. The Galaxy S23 Ultra does offer a lot more in the battery life department, even though the Galaxy S23+ should be able to match that, based on specs alone. So, that’s a bit weird. Still, the Galaxy S23+ does offer noticeably better battery life than its predecessor.
When it comes to charging, they’re identical. Both phones support 45W wired, 15W wireless, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. Do note that you won’t get a charger in the box, though. So, if you’d like to take full advantage of what either phone has to offer, charging-wise, you’ll need to get a proper PD3.0 charging brick separately.
Samsung Galaxy S23+ vs Samsung Galaxy S22+: Cameras
Both of these phones feature a 50-megapixel main camera, a 12-megapixel ultrawide unit (120-degree FoV), and a 10-megapixel telephoto camera (3x optical zoom). Are the sensors here the same? Yes. Is the performance identical? No. The Galaxy S23+ does offer better camera performance in a number of ways. We did notice some improvements in the HDR department, and also in low light.
Low-light images do churn out more details more often than not. They’re also better balanced in general. You’ll hardly be able to see a difference during the day, however, as both phones do a great job. Both devices tend to provide vivid photos, which do look slightly processed, but in a good way. Not many people love bland, close-to-real-life images. So, this is what most users will prefer.
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The Galaxy S23+ also offers better selfie camera performance. The video recording didn’t change much, but the footage from the Galaxy S23+ does seem to be slightly more stable during harsher shaking. The difference is so small, though, that it’s not even worth noting. They’re both quite good in that regard, but not to the level of the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Audio
Both phones feature a set of stereo speakers tuned by AKG. Speakers on both phones are very, very good. They are loud enough, and also detailed enough. There’s even some bass in both cases, and the sound is well-balanced. The difference between them is very small, but the Galaxy S23+ does seem to provide slightly clearer sound with slightly more powerful bass. It could be just a placebo effect, though.
You will not find an audio jack on either phone. There is a Type-C port on each of them, so you can connect your wired headphones that way. If you opt for Bluetooth, however, do note that the Galaxy S23+ supports Bluetooth 5.3, while the Galaxy S22+ has support for Bluetooth 5.2.
FAQs
Phone Comparisons: Samsung Galaxy S23+ vs Samsung Galaxy S22+? ›
The bottom line: Don't upgrade to the Galaxy S23 if you have a Galaxy S22. The changes aren't noticeable enough to warrant an upgrade. Battery life is the only meaningful change you'll notice between the two phones, but I'd only recommend upgrading if you can get the S23 for free through a trade-in deal.
Is it worth upgrading to S23 Plus from S22 Plus? ›The bottom line: Don't upgrade to the Galaxy S23 if you have a Galaxy S22. The changes aren't noticeable enough to warrant an upgrade. Battery life is the only meaningful change you'll notice between the two phones, but I'd only recommend upgrading if you can get the S23 for free through a trade-in deal.
Is Samsung S23 Plus better than S22 Plus? ›It seems that the Galaxy S23 Plus improves on many important aspects of the Galaxy S22 Plus and perfects the Samsung formula. Vastly improved performance and much better battery life are the main strengths the Galaxy S23 Plus introduces over the Galaxy S22 Plus, and those aren't small upgrades by any means.
What is the difference between S22+ and 23+? ›The only difference in durability is that the newer model comes with Corning's latest Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back, while the Galaxy S22+ features Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection. As a result, the Galaxy S23+ offers improved drop protection on rough surfaces like concrete.
How is S23 better than S22? ›With the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 chipset on the S23, you can now unlock higher frame rates and enjoy sharper, more vivid graphics. Along with the boosted 3,900mAh battery, there's a new and improved cooling system in place which is two times larger than that found on the Galaxy S22.
Is S23 plus worth buying? ›Whether the improvements are worth the extra money is subjective, but if I were cross-shopping here, I'd go with the S23+. Performance is identical between the two phones, and having used last year's Galaxy S22 Ultra for quite some time, I know none of the S23 Ultra's extra bells and whistles matter much to me.
Should you upgrade to S23 from S22? ›And if you didn't already have a Galaxy S22 Ultra, then the Galaxy S23 Ultra is a no-brainer. It's incredibly powerful with the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor, you get a 200MP main camera, at least 256GB storage with 8GB RAM, a huge battery, and a gorgeous, crisp display.
What is the best price of Samsung S23? ›| Store | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Flipkart | Samsung galaxy s23 5g (cream, 128 gb)(8 gb ram) | ₹67,000 |
| Amazon.in | Samsung galaxy s23 5g (cream, 8gb, 128gb storage) | ₹74,998 |
| samsung | Galaxy s23 green 8 gb ; 128 gb | ₹74,999 |
| Croma Retail | Samsung galaxy s23 5g (8gb ram, 128gb, cream) | ₹74,999 |
With its striking screen and top notch camera, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G has much to recommend it. It's great for gaming and streaming video in particular.
What is the cons of S22 plus? ›- Performance not best in class.
- Average battery life.
- Low light photography can be better.
Does S22+ have better battery life than S22? ›
The middle child out of the bunch, the Galaxy S22 Plus in the series, comes with a 4,500 mAh battery. Similarly to the Galaxy S22, this is another 300 mAh decrease from the device's last-year predecessor, and we see the same differences between current model and the one from last year.
Will S22 drop in price when S23 comes out? ›That changes with the Galaxy S22 series. At the Galaxy Unpacked event for the Galaxy S23 series and Galaxy Book 3 series, Samsung announced the Galaxy S22 will now start at $699, a hundred dollars off of its launch price.
What is the advantage of S22+ over S22? ›The Galaxy S22+ is the perfect middleground between the larger Ultra and smaller S22. It features a bigger, brighter display, but is easier to handle than the S22 Ultra's phablet-sized screen.
Should i buy the S22 or S23? ›Durability-wise, the S23 has a bit of an edge over the S22. It includes the newest Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back, whereas the S22 used just Gorilla Glass Victus Plus. Both phones use Samsung's Armor Aluminum for improved protection against drops, and they're each IP68 certified.
What is the major difference between S22 and S23? ›...
Samsung Galaxy S22 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S23 5G.
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy S22 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Memory | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Battery | 3700 mAh, Li-ion Battery | 3900 mAh, Li-ion Battery |
| Price | ₹49,990 | ₹74,998 |
The Galaxy S23 does not have an SD card slot
Unfortunately, this isn't surprising for Samsung. The last mainline Galaxy S phone with SD card slot support was the Galaxy S20.
Quick answer: As one of largest and near-heaviest non-foldable phone, sitting at 163.4-by-78.1-by-8.9 mm and 234g, the Galaxy S23 Ultra can be difficult to adjust to, but most should be able to adapt. However, those with especially small hands or poor grip strength should consider the S23+ instead.
Why buy Samsung S23? ›Brighter display: With 1750 nits of peak brightness, the Galaxy S23 is among the brightest phones to use today. This much brightness can help with legibility under the noon Sun. The 6.1-inch 120Hz variable refresh rate AMOLED display is a great means to consume content as well.
How long does the S23 plus battery last? ›S23: up to 22 hours. S23 Plus: up to 27 hours.
How to get S23 for free? ›Best Buy. Best Buy is currently the only retailer offering an unlocked version of the S23 and S23+ for free. If you don't want your phone tied to your service plan, these Best Buy trade-ins are your only option.
Is the S23 worth upgrading? ›
If you're someone who is going to take advantage of the improved camera or 8K video capabilities, it's likely worth upgrading to the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. If you're not into photography or gaming, an older model or the standard Samsung Galaxy S23 may be perfectly fine for you.
Will S23 have SIM card? ›The Galaxy S23 Series offers a Dual SIM slot and also has eSIM support. User may use up to two physical SIMs or 1 eSIM & 1 physical SIM at the same time. The Galaxy S23 Series lets you store multiple eSIM profiles, but only one can be used at a time.
What is the best Samsung Galaxy S23? ›Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
The biggest and fanciest of the trio, the Galaxy S23 Ultra may not have as many year-over-year upgrades beyond a better chipset and a huge 200MP camera sensor, but it's still going to be the best phone of 2023, S Pen and all.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is a series of high-end Android-based smartphones designed, developed, manufactured, and marketed by Samsung Electronics as part of its flagship Galaxy S series. The phones were announced and unviled on 1 February 2023 at the Galaxy Unpacked in-person event and were released on 17 February 2023.
How much is Samsung S23 in US? ›| 256GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 12GB RAM | 1TB 12GB RAM |
|---|---|---|
| $ 1,199.99 | $ 1,619.99 | |
| $ 1,138.00 | ||
| $ 947.00 | $ 1,035.00 | |
| $ 1,199.99 | $ 1,619.99 |
Because due to outdated software, issues like battery drain issues might occur. So, updating your device to its latest version might fix the battery drain problem on your Samsung Galaxy S22. New updates always come as an improved version of the previous software version.
Is the S22 plus too big? ›So yes, the Galaxy S22 Plus is that golden middle ground: not too small, and not too large, it has a premium glass back, dissipates heat better than compact models, and battery life is far superior to a mini phone.
Which is better S22 or Plus? ›If you want a phone that will fit in your pocket and won't break the bank, the Galaxy S22 is the way to go. However, the Galaxy S22 Plus offers an improved battery with faster charging and a significantly larger display. You'll have to pay extra, but your money comes with its benefits.
Is S22 plus shatterproof? ›"Unlike the Samsung Galaxy S21, which featured a plastic back, the glass back of the Galaxy S22 shattered. In addition, the new curved sides of the S22 Ultra display made it more vulnerable to cracking in a side-impact drop," APP concluded. Samsung claims that S22's armor aluminum frame is its strongest ever.
How fragile is Samsung S22? ›Samsung's S22 devices are using Gorilla Glass Victus+, Corning's most durable glass. In addition to being more prone to damage than the iPhone 13 models in Allstate's testing, the Galaxy S22 devices are also more vulnerable than the prior-generation Galaxy S21 smartphones, which used a plastic backing.
What makes Samsung S22 better? ›
Overall, the Galaxy S22 has a very capable set of cameras that is right up there against the iPhone 13, except for the latter's more impressive videography chops. However, the Galaxy S22 offers the added versatility of a 3x telephoto camera that produces good results in both long-range and close encounters.
Will there be a big difference between S22 and S23? ›The only upgrade here is in maximum brightness really — the Galaxy S22 has 1,500 nits at peak, the Galaxy S23 can push it up to 1,750 nits. Sizes and dimensions stay the same, with both screens having a 6.1-inch diagonal, 19.5:9 aspect ratio. The resolutions are 1080 x 2340 on both, for a packed 425 PPI pixel density.
Is Samsung S23 worth buying? ›The Samsung Galaxy S23 is a giant among small phones, fixing many of its predecessor's flaws while retaining high standards in every other area. It offers much-improved battery life and more efficient performance to go along with one of the best software commitments in the game and an ever-reliable trio of cameras.
Is it worth getting the S22 Ultra or wait for the S23? ›It doesn't make much economic sense to spend so much on a device you wouldn't use up to 50% of its features. If you only use your phone for calls, web surfing, social media chatting, photography, and entertainment, the S22 Ultra is already a great device for this. You don't need to wait for the S23 Ultra.
Why is the S23 so expensive? ›The Galaxy S23 Ultra costs the same as its predecessor in the US, starting at $1199. However, the device is more expensive than last time in other regions—presumably due to inflation and an increase in the cost of manufacturing.
How long does the Galaxy S23 battery last? ›Samsung Official Estimates for S23 Series Battery Life (Video Playback): S23: up to 22 hours. S23 Plus: up to 27 hours. S23 Ultra: up to 26 hours.
Should i buy the Samsung S22 or S23? ›The Samsung Galaxy S23 is obviously the better phone than the Galaxy S22. The only question now is how much better it is. The Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus' improved cameras, faster processor and larger batteries are welcome upgrades, and it's nice that the regular Samsung S23 gets a brighter display.
Should i buy the new Galaxy S23 Ultra? ›The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra's amazing performance is worth the high price. Let's get right to the point: Samsung's Galaxy S23 Ultra is a boring upgrade compared to last year's S22 Ultra, but it's easily one of the best phones you can buy.
How many years will S22 Ultra last? ›Longer Android software support, Microsoft services integration, and more. Samsung announced that the Galaxy S22 series will get four major Android upgrades and five years of security updates, which is better than its competitors. But even more impressive is the speed of updates.
Why does S22 battery drain so fast? ›The One UI 5.1 update automatically switched all Galaxy S22 devices to Maximum Performance Mode, which is another reason for the battery drain, provided you were in a power-saving mode before the update. Phones with other keyboards being set as primary are unlikely to have the issue.
What is the cons of S22 Plus? ›
- Performance not best in class.
- Average battery life.
- Low light photography can be better.