Samsung has introduced the Galaxy S23 Ultra, S23+, and S23, marking the start of a new era for premium Galaxy phones. With a powerful camera and AI, users can capture cinematic Nightography videos with ease.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform provides a future-ready gaming experience and sustained play, thanks to Samsung’s partnership with Qualcomm. The Galaxy S23 series features innovative design and utilizes the most recycled materials of any Galaxy phone, furthering Samsung’s commitment to sustainability.
TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics comments
“The most impactful technology is measured, not just by what it enables for people today, but also how it contributes to a better future. Galaxy S23 Ultra and the entire Galaxy S series line-up are the new standard-bearers of a trustworthy premium smartphone experience that merges industry-leading innovation and future-forward sustainability.”
A Camera with the Most Megapixels and Extensive Creative Controls, From Day to Night
The Galaxy S23 Ultra makes photography accessible for all levels with its advanced camera system. It is designed for optimal performance in various lighting conditions, delivering exceptional detail. Nightography capabilities revolutionize the way the Galaxy S series captures photos and videos in different environments.
Whether it’s filming a concert, taking a selfie, or capturing a group shot, images and videos come out sharp. The new AI-powered ISP algorithm corrects visual noise in low-light images, enhancing object details and color tone for stunning results.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra boasts a major upgrade with its Adaptive Pixel 200MP sensor, capturing moments with unparalleled precision. With pixel binning technology, it can handle multiple high-resolution processes simultaneously.
Recognizing the increasing importance of selfie cameras, the S23 Ultra, S23+, and S23 feature fast autofocus and the first Galaxy Super HDR selfie camera, increasing frame rate from 30 fps to 60 fps for clearer front-facing images and videos. This is a Samsung Galaxy first.
For those seeking creative control and versatility, the Galaxy S series provides a range of tools that enhance the photography experience. The exclusive Expert RAW app offers DSLR-style image shooting and editing in RAW and JPEG without needing heavy camera equipment.
With the app, users can try Multi-Exposure photo art or capture a clear view of the Milky Way using Astrophoto settings. Additionally, the new zoom capabilities on the Galaxy Watch 5 series’ Camera Controller app allow users to easily frame the perfect shot from their wrist.
Other camera improvements include:
- Doubled OIS angles in all directions, from 1.5 to 3 degrees, for sharp images in low-light, close-up, or motion conditions.
- Stunning detail in photos and videos with Galaxy’s 2nd-gen Adaptive Pixel sensor and updated pixel binning technology, offering 200MP, 50MP, and 12MP output options.
- More cinematic 8K video at 30fps with a wider angle.
- Advanced AI that analyzes each detail in the frame, including minute facial features, for a more accurate reflection of a person’s dynamic characteristics.
- Enhanced video experience with the new 360 Audio Recording feature on Galaxy Buds2 Pro, which creates multi-dimensional sound.
On Galaxy S23+ and Galaxy S23, the iconic Galaxy camera also gets an upgraded look. The contour housing has been removed, marking a new era of essential Galaxy design that makes the entire series stand out.
Premium Performance Makes Way for the Future of Mobile Gaming
The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers exceptional performance and battery life for creators and gamers. The Qualcomm Snapdragon® 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform enhances performance and the 5,000mAh battery lasts over 20% longer than its predecessor. Mobile gaming experiences are improved with enhanced graphics and sustained play.
The GPU is 40% faster and the NPU is optimized by 40% for photography, videography, low-latency gaming, and more. The device is ready to support real-time ray tracing for lifelike renderings, and the larger Vapour Cooling Chamber prevents slowdown during extended gaming sessions.
The expansive 6.8-inch edge display offers a large, flat surface area with reduced curvature for the brightest visual experience. The Enhanced comfort feature allows users to adjust color tones and contrast levels to reduce eye strain, and Vision Booster adjusts to four levels of lighting to combat brightness and glare.
Sustainability Advances the Essence of Samsung Galaxy
The Galaxy S23 series is setting a new standard for technology that is both premium and environmentally friendly. Made with increased use of recycled materials, including pre-consumer recycled aluminum, glass and post-consumer recycled plastics from discarded fishing nets, water barrels and PET bottles, the new series also boasts the first-to-market Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which offers enhanced durability and contains an average of 22% pre-consumer recycled content.
In addition, the S23 series packaging is made entirely from 100% recycled paper. With UL ECOLOGO® certification, the series is recognized for its reduced environmental impact.
For long-term use, the Galaxy S23 series offers four generations of OS upgrades and five years of security updates. And with programs like Samsung Care+, users can maintain their device’s premium experience even with accidental damages and repairs.
User-Friendly Security and Privacy Enable an Open, Personalised Experience
The Galaxy S23 series prioritizes security and privacy for its users. The end-to-end Samsung Knox protection is built into every device. The Security and Privacy Dashboard on the Galaxy S23 series gives users full control over who has access to their data and how it’s being used.
With just a glance, users can easily detect any potential risks to their personal data and receive suggestions to adjust settings for added security. They can also specify which apps and programs can access their data and how it can be utilized.
For enhanced protection, the Galaxy S23 series features Knox Vault, which isolates critical information from the rest of the device, including the operating system, offering an added layer of security against vulnerabilities. This feature was first introduced in the Galaxy S22 series.
More Freedom and Flexibility for Connected Lifestyles
The Galaxy S series offers a premium experience with the innovative Galaxy S23 Ultra, along with the Galaxy Book 3 Ultraxi and Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, connecting devices for an ultimate, cutting-edge experience.
The devices have added benefits such as Multi Control II for easy connectivity, enhanced text usability, and collaboration features such as Google Meet and Samsung Notes for video calls. The ecosystem is secure with end-to-end protection provided by Samsung Knox and a Security and Privacy Dashboard.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Availability
The Galaxy S23 series comes in four matte hues inspired by nature: Phantom Black, Cream, Green, and Lavender. The Galaxy S23 Ultra, S23+, and S23 will be available nationwide (in South Africa) in carriers, online retailers, and unlocked versions on the Samsung website starting February 24th, 2023.
Customers can pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S23 series and receive an upgraded 512GB storage variant and a Galaxy Tab S6 Lite Wi-Fi when they purchase the 256GB model. This offer runs from February 2nd to March 6th, 2023.
Customers can save a significant amount on the cost of their new Galaxy S23 device by participating in the R10,000 trade-in offer. This offer is available if the device they want to trade in meets the required standards, and it also includes a discounted one-time fee of R499 for Samsung Care Plus across the Galaxy S23 Ultra, S23+, and S23. The offer is valid from February 2nd to April 30th, 2023.
The recommended retail price for the Galaxy S23 Ultra is R31,999, the S23 Plus is R23,999, and the S23 is R21,999.
Check out the official introduction film for the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra below:
For more information about Galaxy DM, please visit Samsung Mobile Press or the Samsung Galaxy website.
Take note:
- Expert RAW must be downloaded separately from the Galaxy Store, for free, before use. Expert RAW app is available on Galaxy S23 series (S23 Ultra, S23+, S23), Galaxy S22 Series (S22 Ultra/S22+/S22), S21 Ultra, S20 Ultra, Z Fold4, Z Fold 3, Z Fold 2, Note 20 Ultra.
- All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided (including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product) are subject to change without notice.
- 360 Audio Recording will be available on Galaxy Buds2 Pro paired with a Galaxy smartphone running One UI 5.0 or above with LE Audio support, including Galaxy S23 series. Requires installation of the latest software versions of the Galaxy smartphone and Galaxy Buds devices. To activate the feature, go to Samsung Camera app > tap Camera settings after selecting Video mode > tap Advanced video options > turn on 360 Audio Recording.
- Estimated against the usage profile of an average/typical user. Independently assessed by Strategy Analytics between 2021.12.08–12.20 in USA and UK with pre-release versions of SM-S901, SM-S906, SM-S908 under default setting using 5G Sub6 networks (NOT tested under 5G mmWave network). Actual battery life varies by network environment, features and apps used, frequency of calls and messages, number of times charged, and many other factors.]
- Display measurements are diagonal, and actual viewable area is less due to rounded corners and camera hole.
- The four levels of lighting include turning-off option. (Off – Level 1- Level 2 – Level 3)
- Discarded fishing nets are purchased through Samsung’s partner that works with local fishermen who collect them from the Indian Ocean and neighboring coastal areas. Samsung does not directly recover fishing nets from the ocean.
- UL ECOLOGO® Certified products and services are verified for reduced environmental impact based on environmental performance criteria throughout its life cycle, including energy reduction, materials, health, environment, manufacturing and operations. Galaxy S23 series met the UL 110 which is the UL Environmental Standard for Mobile Phones Sustainability.
- Availability and timing of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates may vary by device model and market. Devices eligible for four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates currently include Galaxy S23 series (S23 Ultra/S23+/S23), Galaxy S22 series (S22/S22+/S22 Ultra), S21 series (S21/S21+/S21 Ultra/S21 FE), Z Fold4, Z Flip4, Z Fold3, Z Flip3, and Tab S8 series (Tab S8/Tab S8+/Tab S8 Ultra).
- The Galaxy Book 3 Ultra is not available in South Africa.
- Samsung Multi control works on Galaxy tablets with One UI 4.1 or above, Galaxy phones with One UI 5.1 or above and Galaxy Book series devices launched in 2021 or later with either Samsung Settings v1.5 (Intel) or Samsung Settings v3.3 (ARM). Some models may have limited feature support and both phone and PC must be signed into same Samsung account.
- S pen support is available on Galaxy S23 Ultra. S Pen support is not available on Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23+.
- Recommended retail price only. Prices may vary per retailer.
- Terms and conditions apply on offers.
Watch this space for updates in the Technology category on Running Wolf’s Rant.
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