Samsung Galaxy S23 Series Flagship Smartphones Are Here

Samsung Electronics has formally and officially launched its new Galaxy S23 series for this year. Just like the previous Galaxy S Series, especially the few recent ones, there are three models in the lineup - Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23+, and the S-Pen equipped Galaxy S23 Ultra. At first look, they look pretty identical to last year's Galaxy S22 series, but on the inside and taking a closer look, there are actually few tweaks and upgrades here and there. 

As you might have already expected, these three smartphones have some similar and different specs and features. Let's start with the same specs that can be found on all of them. First is the processor, all phones are powered by what Samsung calls "Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy". What does this mean? Basically it means it is a slightly overclocked variant of Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 as opposed to standard Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 on other devices. 

Second is, all Galaxy S23's are equipped with Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display with 140Hz refresh rate and 240Hz touch sampling rate. And then on the display's punch-hole is a 12MP front camera, yes on all three as well. Software-wise, there is Android 13 with OneUI 5.1 on top. All phones are IP68 water and dust certified and 5G-ready. And in case you wonder, users of any of the phones will enjoy up to four years of major OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates. 

In terms of color options - all models will be available in the same Phantom Black, Cream, Green, and Lavender colorways. And if you are thinking of using external storage, none of these phones support microSD card, but don't worry storage options start at 128GB and go as high as a whopping 1TB. 

Samsung Galaxy S23 specs:

• 6.1-inch FullHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display
• 120Hz refresh rate
• 240Hz touch sampling rate
• Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor
• 8GB RAM
• 128GB / 256GB internal storage
• No microSD card support
• 50MP + 12MP + 10MP triple rear camera with ultrawide and telephoto lenses
• 12MP front camera
• Android 13 with OneUI 5.1
• WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS
• Dual SIM
• 4G LTE
• 5G
• Samsung Knox, Samsung Knox Vault
• IP68 water and dust certification
• 25W fast charge
• 3900mAh battery

Samsung Galaxy S23+ specs:

• 6.6-inch Full HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display
• 120Hz refresh rate
• 240Hz touch sampling rate
• Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor
• 8GB RAM
• 256GB / 512GB Internal storage
• No microSD card support
• 50MP + 12MP + 10MP Triple rear camera with ultrawide and telephoto lenses
• 12MP front camera
• Android 13 with OneUI 5.1
• WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS
• Dual SIM
• 4G LTE
• 5G
• Samsung Knox, Samsung Knox Vault
• IP68 water and dust certification
• 45W Fast Charge
• 4700mAh batter

Among the great and powerful specs and performance that the Galaxy S23 Ultra offers, Samsung emphasizes more on its camera prowess. It got four camera system on its back where the primary lens is pegged at a whopping 200MP with Adaptive Pixel sensor. Whether you are a professional photographer or just an enthusiast, and loves to take photos in different lighting conditions, you are all covered. 

Samsung said this device and its camera technology uses pixel binning to support multiple levels of high-resolution processing at once. 

Among the three, the S23 Ultra has the largest battery pack coming in at 5000mAh. This also supports 45W Fast Charge system. And then of course there is the S-Pen exclusive to this model. 

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra specs:

• 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display
• 120Hz refresh rate
• 240Hz touch sampling rate
• Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor
• 12GB RAM
• 256GB / 512GB / 1TB internal storage
• No microSD card support
• 200MP + 12MP + 10MP + 10MP quad rear camera with ultra-wide and telephoto lenses, up to 10X Optical Zoom
• 12MP front camera
• Android 13 with One UI 5.1
• WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS
• Samsung Knox, Samsung Knox Vault
• 4G LTE
• 5G
• Dual SIM
• IP68 Water and Dust Certification
• 45W Fast Charge
• 5000Mah battery

Pricing and special deals

As for the Galaxy S23 Series' pricing in the Philippines, the standard S23 will retail for Php53,990 (128GB) and Php57,990 (256GB). The S23+, on the other hand will have 68,990 (256GB) and Php76,990 (512GB) price stickers. The Galaxy S23 Ultra's SRP starts at Php81,990 for the 256GB model, the 512GB variant is for Php89,990 and then Php103,990 for the 1TB model. 

Starting today, Pinoy fans can start pre-ordering the phones until February 23. Those who will pre-order any of the phones through samsung.com website will be able to enjoy discounts up to Php76,000 including a free Memory Upgrade worth Php8,000. This means, they will instantly get the higher memory variant for the price of the lower variant within the same model lineup. 

Trade-In is still available and according to Samsung, those who will trade-in their old devices can also get savings up to Php13,000 on top of their old phone's residual value. In addition, they will also get an e-voucher worth up to Php5,000, a 50% discount on the Galaxy Buds2 Pro, and 30% off on the Galaxy Watch5 series. Wait, there is more! Additionally, pre-order takers will also get a free 1-year Samsung Care+ coverage which is valued at Php5,999, and earn double Samsung Rewards points. 

Samsung also announced an samsung.com exclusive offer in which the Galaxy S23 Ultra 1TB will be offered as part of the limited-edition Samsung Galaxy VIP bundle with total savings of Php38,000. This VIP Bundle will come with Galaxy S23 Ultra 1TB, Galaxy Watch5 Pro 46mm, Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Super Fast Wireless Duo Charger, Galaxy S23 Ultra Leather Cover, and 1-year Samsung Care+ for a price of just Php119,378.