S23 vs S22 Plus: Which Samsung Phone Reigns Supreme?
Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming, especially with so many fantastic options on the market. If you’re considering a Samsung Galaxy, you’ve likely stumbled upon the debate: which is better, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus or the newer S23?
This comparison aims to dissect the key differences and similarities between these two popular Samsung devices. We’ll delve into the specifications, performance, and features to help you determine which phone best suits your needs and budget. Prepare to discover which phone offers the best value for your money.
From the display and camera to the processor and battery life, we’ll leave no stone unturned in this comprehensive s22 plus vs s23 showdown. Get ready to explore the nuances that separate these two powerhouse smartphones and empower you to make an informed decision.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | s22 plus | s23 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.6 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Display Technology | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 / Exynos 2200 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB |
| Main Camera | 50MP Wide, 12MP Ultrawide, 10MP Telephoto | 50MP Wide, 12MP Ultrawide, 10MP Telephoto |
| Front Camera | 10MP | 12MP |
| Battery | 4500 mAh | 3900 mAh |
| Charging | 45W Wired, 15W Wireless | 25W Wired, 15W Wireless |
| Operating System | Android 12, upgradable | Android 13, upgradable |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.8 mm | 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- S22 Plus: Features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate. It offers vibrant colors and smooth scrolling but can be susceptible to glare in direct sunlight.
- S23: Boasts a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, also with a 120Hz refresh rate. Slightly smaller than the S22 Plus, it offers excellent brightness and improved outdoor visibility.
- Winner: S23
Processor
- S22 Plus: Powered by either a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 processor (depending on the region). Performance is strong but can sometimes exhibit thermal throttling under heavy loads.
- S23: Equipped with a custom-tuned Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor, offering significant performance gains and improved efficiency compared to its predecessor.
- Winner: S23
Camera System
- S22 Plus: Features a triple-lens camera system with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens. Delivers good image quality in various conditions, but low-light performance isn’t the best compared to newer models.
- S23: Also has a triple-lens camera system, but with refinements to the software processing. Provides improved low-light performance and enhanced detail compared to the S22 Plus.
- Winner: S23
Battery Life
- S22 Plus: Comes with a 4,500mAh battery. Battery life is decent, but can sometimes struggle to last a full day with heavy usage.
- S23: Has a slightly smaller 3,900mAh battery, but thanks to the more efficient processor, it offers similar or even better battery life than the S22 Plus.
- Winner: S23
Design
- S22 Plus: Features a glass and aluminum design with a camera bump that blends into the frame. It feels premium, but can be prone to fingerprints.
- S23: Adopts a refined design with a flatter frame and individual camera lenses, giving it a cleaner and more modern look.
- Winner: S23
Software & Updates
- S22 Plus: Launched with Android 12 and will receive updates. Samsung promises several years of software support.
- S23: Ships with Android 13 and is guaranteed to receive more updates than the S22 Plus, ensuring longer-term software support.
- Winner: S23
Charging Speed
- S22 Plus: Supports 45W fast charging, allowing for relatively quick charging times.
- S23: Also supports 25W fast charging, slower than the S22 Plus.
- Winner: S22 Plus
Price
- S22 Plus: Typically available at a lower price point, especially in the used or refurbished market.
- S23: Is the newer model and will be more expensive.
- Winner: S22 Plus
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Processor | s23 |
| Display Size | s22 plus |
| Battery Life (Real-World) | s23 |
| Front Camera | s23 |
| Software | s23 |
| Overall Performance | s23 |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both phones utilize Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology, providing vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles.
- Water Resistance: Both the Galaxy S22 Plus and the S23 come with an IP68 rating, offering protection against dust and water submersion.
- 5g Connectivity: Both devices support 5G, ensuring fast download and upload speeds where 5G networks are available.
- Wireless Charging: Both phones support wireless charging, allowing for convenient charging without the need for cables.
- Software Updates: Both phones will receive consistent software updates from Samsung, ensuring the latest features and security patches.
- Camera Features: Both phones share features like Night Mode and Single Take, improving photo and video capabilities.
S22 Plus Vs S23 Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The Samsung Galaxy S23 boasts a significant performance upgrade thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy processor, a custom-tuned chip that offers improved CPU and GPU performance over the S22 Plus’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming experiences. The S23 handles graphically demanding games with greater ease, providing higher frame rates and reduced stuttering. The S22 Plus, while still capable, experiences more noticeable lag during intensive tasks and may struggle with the latest, most demanding mobile games.
Camera Capabilities
The S23 introduces refined camera hardware and improved image processing algorithms. While both phones offer excellent photo quality, the S23 typically captures images with more detail, better dynamic range, and improved low-light performance. The S23’s Nightography features are particularly noteworthy, delivering brighter and clearer photos in challenging lighting conditions. The S22 Plus takes excellent photos as well, but the S23 offers a noticeable step up in overall camera quality, especially in challenging scenarios. The S23’s video recording is also improved, with better stabilization and clarity.
Battery Life and Charging
The S23 often offers better battery life than the S22 Plus, despite having a similar battery capacity. This improvement is largely attributed to the more efficient processor in the S23. Users can expect to get a full day of moderate to heavy usage from the S23 without needing to recharge. Both phones support fast charging, but the S23 might have a slight advantage in terms of charging speed, though it’s often negligible. Wireless charging is also supported on both devices, providing convenient charging options.
Design and Build Quality
Both phones share a similar premium design, featuring glass front and back panels with an aluminum frame. However, the S23 often features a more refined design, with slightly updated aesthetics and potentially more durable materials. The S23’s camera bump design is more integrated and less prominent than that of the S22 Plus, contributing to a cleaner overall look. Both devices are generally well-built and offer a premium feel, but the subtle design tweaks on the S23 give it a slight edge in terms of aesthetics and build quality.
Display Quality and Features
The display quality is excellent on both devices, featuring vibrant colors, high brightness levels, and smooth scrolling thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate. However, the S23 may have slightly improved peak brightness, making it easier to see the screen in direct sunlight. Both phones use AMOLED displays, providing deep blacks and excellent contrast. The S23 might also have slightly thinner bezels, contributing to a more immersive viewing experience, though the difference is minimal. Both displays support HDR10+ for enhanced video playback.
Pricing and Value for Money
The S23 typically launches at a higher price point than the S22 Plus. However, the S22 Plus is often available at a significantly reduced price, particularly in the used or refurbished market. When considering value for money, the S22 Plus can be an excellent choice, especially if you prioritize saving money without sacrificing too much performance or features. While the S23 offers tangible improvements, the S22 Plus still provides a premium experience at a potentially more affordable price, making it a competitive option for budget-conscious consumers.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy s22 plus If…
- You prefer a larger display for media consumption and gaming.
- You want a slightly larger battery capacity.
- You prioritize faster wired charging speeds.
- You can find it at a significantly lower price.
Buy s23 If…
- You want the latest processor for improved performance and efficiency.
- You desire a more compact and pocketable phone.
- You value an upgraded front-facing camera.
- You want the latest software and feature enhancements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in processing power?
The S23 utilizes the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, a custom-tuned processor offering improved performance compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 found in the S22 Plus. The S23’s processor allows for significantly faster application loading, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming performance, resulting in a more responsive user experience. This translates to overall faster speed and efficiency.
How does camera quality compare between the S22 Plus and S23?
The S23 offers improved camera performance, especially in low-light conditions and dynamic range. While both phones take excellent photos, the S23 captures more detail and offers better image processing. The S23’s Nightography features are particularly impressive, providing brighter and clearer shots in challenging environments. The S23 offers a noticeable step up in overall camera quality, making it a stronger choice for photography enthusiasts.
Is the battery life significantly different?
The S23 generally provides better battery life due to its more efficient processor. Users can expect a full day of moderate to heavy usage from the S23. While the S22 Plus offers good battery life, the S23’s optimized power consumption allows it to last longer on a single charge. This difference is especially noticeable with power-intensive tasks like gaming or video streaming.
What about the design and build materials?
Both phones share a similar premium design with glass front and back panels and an aluminum frame. However, the S23 often features a slightly more refined design, with updated aesthetics and potentially more durable materials. The S23’s camera bump design is more integrated. Both devices feel premium, but the S23 has subtle design tweaks for a cleaner look and potentially better durability.
How does the display quality compare?
Both phones have excellent AMOLED displays with vibrant colors, high brightness, and a 120Hz refresh rate. The S23 might have slightly improved peak brightness, making it easier to see in sunlight, and potentially thinner bezels. Both displays support HDR10+ for enhanced video playback. The difference between the displays is minimal, with both offering a premium viewing experience.
Which phone offers better value for money?
The S23 launches at a higher price, while the S22 Plus is often available at a significantly lower price, especially used or refurbished. The S22 Plus is a great value option if you prioritize savings without sacrificing too much performance. If budget is a primary concern, the S22 Plus offers excellent value, while the S23 provides incremental improvements for a higher price.
Are there any significant differences in software?
Both phones run Samsung’s One UI based on Android. While they receive similar software updates, the S23 generally comes with a newer version of Android out-of-the-box. The S23 may also receive updates for a longer period. The software experience is largely the same, but the S23 benefits from the latest features and security updates for a longer duration.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S23 offers significant improvements in performance, camera capabilities, and battery life over the S22 Plus. While the S22 Plus remains a capable device, the S23 provides a more refined user experience with its upgraded processor, enhanced camera system, and optimized software. The S23 is the superior choice for those seeking the best overall experience.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S23