Samsung has revealed its new Galaxy S23 smartphones, which will go head-to-head with Apple’s latest iPhone 14 once they hit the market. Shown off during the tech company’s live-streamed Galaxy Unpacked event on Wednesday, the roster is composed of three phones at varying price points: the standard S23, the S23+ and the S23 Ultra.
All three phones pack the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, a Qualcomm-produced chip that bills itself as having a 35% faster CPU than its previous iteration, as well as operating at 40% greater efficiency. Samsung says that the new chip aids in providing smartphone users with “premium experiences, including groundbreaking AI.”
Across the lineup, the latest Galaxy phones are made of out more recycled materials than any other hardware the company has put out.
Those seeking a comparably lower price point will likely aim for the standard S23, which retails for $799 USD. The slightly larger S23+, meanwhile, is going for $1,000 USD.
At $1,200 USD, Samsung is touting the 6.8-inch (173 mm) S23 Ultra as its most capable phone to date, particularly lending itself to a high-quality, AI-assisted camera. The new Ultra’s 200 MP Adaptive Pixel camera is bigger than that of the S22 but retains the same overall size of the phone.
An AI-powered image processing algorithm steps in to optimize photos captured in less than stellar conditions, adjusting elements such as “object details and color tone.” The new Samsung-exclusive Expert RAW app assists image shooting and editing in RAW and JPEG in the style of a DSLR with the ease of a smartphone.
Among the other key features on the S23 Ultra are a 5000mAh battery and ray tracing support, the latter of which allows users to keep up with the cutting-edge world of mobile gaming. Game scenes will look more lifelike thanks to light-tracking technology, while a larger vapor chamber will keep the phone cool during long sessions.
Throughout usage, an improved version of comfort feature on the Ultra will allow for the adjustment of contrasts and tones to avoid straining users’ eyes, particularly at night or under the glare of the sun. These Ultra-exclusive features may be handy, but only really for those who truly value the visual experience of using their phone, for instance, like how graphics are rendered. For those who simply care less, the S23 or S23+ should suffice.
The Galaxy S23 series will come in colorways: Phantom Black, Cream, Green and Lavender. All three phones will be available on Samsung website, in-store and at participating retailers on February 17.
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