GALAXY S23+ (Problems & Best Features After Several Weeks)

It has been two weeks since Samsung shipped the S23+ and one month since I first held one in my hands. It is time to talk about the nuances, best cases, hidden features, and hidden flaws.

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Please comment below with any questions you might have. Thank you all for watching! I appreciate you!

ADDITIONAL REVIEW NOTES:
DESIGN
I like the boxy edges, but it does make the phone feel a bit larger
The corners may feel a bit aggressive until you get used to it
Improved over last year, with matching floating cameras for a cohesive flagship lineup

Some may say the minimal style is boring. I like it

I like the matte back. Less slippery

Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and Armor Aluminum

IP68

6.6” super AMOLED
120Hz works really well

FHD+, but looks great

I was coming from the Pixel 7 pro, so the ultrasonic FP sensor is always great
Feels larger and moves around during setup
Fastest, most accurate, and most secure

Bezels

I always kind of liked curved displays, but this flat display is great because you can get a cheap tempered glass screen protector and it will never scratch

Starting at 256GB is nice. I migrated all my files and photos over when I set it up

Very fast performance

Overall a very familiar device, which is good. Subtle welcomed changes, while keeping the things that worked

PERFORMANCE
Fastest android chip on the market
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Samsung
Stepping away from Exynos

CAMERA TEST
A very familiar setup - not much new here
Now a 12MP selfie lens with autofocus
50MP Wide - Samsung claims to have improved the dynamic range by 4x
12MP Ultrawide
Unfortunately the ultrawide focus is fixed, so no macro mode
3x Optical
Up to 30x max digital zoom

Upgraded 12MP selfie lens - 4k60 capabilities
Excited to try out the night selfie portrait
Astrophoto

8K30 video without much crop

SPEAKER TEST

BATTERY TEST
Full battery at 9:20AM, 10min screen time

IMPROVEMENTS
Magsafe case from Peak Design
Reduce animations? Sometimes things feel slower
Change the wallpaper with each mode (work mode, etc)
Unlike the Pixel, I don’t enable the FaceID on samsung phones - it just isn't necessary
Switch to Google Messages to chat with other android users and receive iPhone reactions without annoying texts. Instead…
When you set up the phone, decline any apps you don’t need. This phone comes with some cluttering software

I can make a video about the top hidden features like object eraser, etc.

WHAT’s MISSING
Less camera hardware than ultra
No s-pen
Lower resolution display

If you like bigger phones, but not massive ultra phones, this is great.

They held their price constant over the past three years despite inflation, but competition has caught up. The pixel 7 pro has a better camera in my opinion and other advantages while costing $250 less. It’s a tough space, but if you like Samsung, this is a compelling buy.

If you buy it, I am confident you will like it. Personally, I will be sticking with my Pixel 7 Pro

Probably not worth upgrading from the S22+ or the Pixel 7 Pro

Disclaimer: This video is purely based on my experiences, research, and opinions. You and only you are responsible for your actions. I made this channel to advise viewers and I truly hope to help you all out. I love making these videos and connecting with my viewers!
One or more of the products shown in this video may have been sent to me at no cost. This does not influence my opinions; I always cover both pros and cons.
This channel is monetized via YouTube ads as well as some affiliate links. If a purchase is made after clicking the link, I will receive a small commission at no extra charge to the buyer. Thank you all for watching!

[soritic]

I've never seen a reviewer test out the camera quality in different social media apps, thank you!! I also didn't know that there were MagSafe compatible cases for android. I appreciate this review for the S23 the most out of the rest

[venkatehgunda]

I bought my S23+ recently during pre-order with AT&T trade-in at no cost. Loving it so far. Got wireless charger and 2 official cases using pre-order promotions. Using Student discount, Rakuten & honey extensions, I was able to get an additional $300 back, so for buying this phone, Samsung paid me approx. $230 😅 after the tax.

[emerge]

3:49 tips from me: if you accidentally lowered the screen brightness till its too dark to see (especially when you're outside), just activate the assistant (either Google or Bixby) and sound command "set brightness to 50%"

[SlickSniper]

S10 to S23+ and I'm loving it. I watched your s23+ video from just before launch and it settled it for me. The battery life and performance are superb for me. Really enjoying this phone so far.

[masonrunnels]

So a heads up with the night selfie thing. The reason I would assume it does this blur effect you're getting is actually just a by product of how it works. Night mode works like long exposure photography. Essentially allowing the e-shutter to be "open" long enough for more light to hit the sensor, thus making the image brighter. And since shutter speed effects motion blur, you gain the blur because no matter how steady your hand is, the phone will still move slightly, so the light bouncing from your face to the camera is coming in a different angle which achieves this effect. I call this ghosting. So if u absolutely need to use that camera for night selfies then get a tripod. But for it to supposed to be used in this capacity it's definitely an oversight. I mean it's a phone. Normal people don't wanna take night selfies exclusively with a tripod lol. Also I am writing this on an S23+ and I am in the film industry. So I should know cameras or what in the world am I doing lol.

[Gravage]

I traded in my Pixel 7 Pro for this phone. I like this one much better. The battery life (especially the idle drain) is much better than any other Android phone I have ever owned (and I have owned a LOT of flagship Android phones). I used to go straight for the Ultra every year, but I got tired of lugging that thing around and trying to fit it in places like my pocket or motorcycle cubby and I never used the S-Pen. While I'd love to have the zoom lens from the Ultra, this phone checks all of the other boxes for me.

[ZotmundSzele]

Samsung convinced me this time. There's literally nothing missing from this device, maybe 12GB RAM could have been better. Other than that: perfect!

[davidmmuench]

Thanks for showing the Plus some love!
I traded in my S21 Ultra for the S23+. I found that I rarely used the S-Pen "that I got separately" 🙄 & camera on the S21 Ultra & I prefer flat screens. You're right about screen protectors on flat screens. They're cheaper than the ones for curved screens & they're easier to put on.
So far I'm enjoying mine.

*Edited for those special people.

[scottread]

I went from S20+ to S23+ and found it to be a wonderful update. My first Snapdragon processor and I love it.

[fluoxetine.]

Watching from my S23+. Thank you for reviewing this phone! I'm very glad I switched from S21+ with the Exynos chipset.

[DroidTrucker]

Thanks for the detailed video, it's greatly appreciated as I feel like the "plus" model is so often overlooked and underrated by most tech YouTubers. I'm currently using the S21+ and very happy with the device. Guess I'll keep it a while longer until more significant changes are made.

[fromann]

I have a couple comments. First of all, I bought the S23 Ultra with a Mous magsafe compatible case and I'm loving it. Second of all I am also a Google messages user, and I love it that you pointed out that we can stick it to our Apple friends! Plus it really is the best messaging experience I've ever had.

[reklavier]

I got this phone on launch and it's my first Samsung phone/android flagship and I am loving it! Battery is great for my usage, design is elegant, gorgeous display, loud and clear stereo speakers, one ui is beautiful and fluid, performance is always smooth and fast and the cameras are so fun and versatile. Best HDR I saw on a smartphone. Tip: you can do macro with the 3x lens. It's just stunning!

[nightshade]

I put my s23+ in "light" performance mode, and use game boost to crank it up while gaming. I'm getting 11-12 hr screen on time with no noticable performce degradation (messaging, web, email, slack, etc, all don't need lots of performance). Thats including, gaming, dex, slack, email, usual stuff, screen at 50% brightness

[SQ]

I ordered this fantastic S23 Plus 3 hours ago.
Will be delivered tomorrow 😊

And now I have it, and after heave usage i can say it is a amazing device.
A little more boxy and the grip is perfect.

Camera's are spot on. Stereo speakers also spot on.

The screen is brilliant.
In fact, this S23 Plus is worth the money.

[smashbro]

I decided to get the S23+. A lot of people will say just get the Ultra because it's not that much more expensive ($250 more here in Canada). Even less of a big deal if you like to keep phones long term like I do. But it's still money that I don't find myself needing to spend. I agree that it's "worth it", but as someone who would never use the S-pen, it just didn't seem right to spend more for it (I know it's not the only thing you're getting but certainly the defining feature).

[MrPackers]

I'm really happy with my s23+. The Discover Innovation case is also nice because it has a sliding lens cover to protect the rear camera lenses.

[khalidlatif]

Thank you doing this video on Samsung S23 Plus, as many YouTuber are only covering the Ultra.
I think the Plus is too similar to the normal S23, and should have features that should make it outstand it compare to the S23 or S23 Ultra.
1) It should have QHD Plus instead of FHQ Plus Screen.
2) It should have been £100 cheaper
3) The S23 and S23 Plus should come with SD Slot.
4) It's main Camera should have been 108 pixels from the S22 Altra

[Hiddnman]

Traded my 22 ultra for this 23+ in cream white and am loving it so far! 512gb storage option too

[areis]

I had bought the S22+ about 3 months ago, but I wasn't too happy with the battery. Over night, it would lose around 15-20% battery (without doing anything). With the launch discount, I ended up having to pay only like 20 or 30€ for the S23+ (with . Battery is perfect for me. I get around 4 days of battery life (my usage is definitely not that intensive. I don't use my phone for media consumption, except when I'm on the go, where I listen to audiobooks and such, but since I work from home, I tend to use my PC for media consumption). Really happy with the trade. :)