Samsung Galaxy S22 5G vs Galaxy S23: The Ultimate Showdown

The Samsung Galaxy S series consistently sets the bar for Android smartphones. The S22 5G was a powerhouse, but the S23 arrives with significant upgrades. This comprehensive comparison dives deep into both devices to help you decide which one deserves your money.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Galaxy S23 is the clear winner, offering a brighter display, significantly improved performance thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, and better battery life. While the S22 remains a capable device, the S23's advancements make it a worthwhile upgrade for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy S22 5G Samsung Galaxy S23
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (7CA) Cat20 2000/200 Mbps, 5G (5+ Gbps DL)HSPA, LTE (up to 7CA), 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 66, 71, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - USA1, 7, 25, 28, 41, 66, 71, 78, 258, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - USA
Launch
Announced2022, February 092023, February 01
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, February 25Available. Released 2023, February 17
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus+), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus+), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frame
Dimensions146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm (5.75 x 2.78 x 0.30 in)146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm (5.76 x 2.79 x 0.30 in)
SIMNano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)
Weight167 g / 168 g (mmWave) (5.89 oz)168 g (5.93 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) Armor aluminum frame with tougher drop and scratch resistance (advertised)IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) Armor aluminum frame with tougher drop and scratch resistance (advertised)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass Victus+Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~425 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~425 ppi density)
Size6.1 inches, 90.1 cm2 (~87.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 90.1 cm2 (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeDynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak)Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (HBM), 1750 nits (peak)
 Always-on displayAlways-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.8 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) - EuropeOcta-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) - ROWOcta-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetExynos 2200 (4 nm) - EuropeQualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) - ROWQualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
GPUXclipse 920 - EuropeAdreno 730 - ROWAdreno 740
OSAndroid 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8Android 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1 - 128GB only UFS 4.0
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, auto-HDR, panoramaLED flash, auto-HDR, panorama
Single10 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.24", 1.22µm, Dual Pixel PDAF12 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), Dual Pixel PDAF
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 10 MP, f/2.4, 70mm (telephoto), 1/3.94", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55" 1.4µm, Super Steady video50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 10 MP, f/2.4, 70mm (telephoto), 1/3.94", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55" 1.4µm, Super Steady video
Video8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, HDR10+
Single10 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.24", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF12 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.2", 1.12µm, dual pixel PDAF
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 32-bit/384kHz audio Tuned by AKG32-bit/384kHz audio Tuned by AKG
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2, OTGUSB Type-C 3.2, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 Samsung DeX, Samsung Wireless DeX (desktop experience support) Bixby natural language commands and dictation Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified)Samsung DeX, Samsung Wireless DeX (desktop experience support) Bixby natural language commands and dictation Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified)
Battery
Charging25W wired, PD3.0 15W wireless (Qi) 4.5W reverse wireless25W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 30 min 15W wireless (Qi) 4.5W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Ion 3700 mAhLi-Ion 3900 mAh
Misc
ColorsPhantom Black, White, Pink Gold, Green, Graphite, Sky Blue, Violet, Cream, Bora PurplePhantom Black, Cream, Green, Lavender, Graphite, Lime
ModelsSM-S901B, SM-S901B/DS, SM-S901U, SM-S901U1, SM-S901W, SM-S901N, SM-S9010, SM-S901E, SM-S901E/DSSM-S911B, SM-S911B/DS, SM-S911U, SM-S911U1, SM-S911W, SM-S911N, SM-S9110, SM-S911E, SM-S911E/DS
Price$ 172.63 / C$ 304.00 / £ 186.11 / € 198.01$ 237.95 / C$ 336.75 / £ 255.00 / € 322.41 / ₹ 49,990
SAR1.03 W/kg (head)     1.15 W/kg (body)0.95 W/kg (head)     0.88 W/kg (body)
SAR EU1.21 W/kg (head)     1.59 W/kg (body)0.96 W/kg (head)     1.30 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 85h Endurance rating 101h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -26.4 LUFS (Good) -27.0 LUFS (Good)
Performance AnTuTu: 745496 (v8), 881428 (v9) GeekBench: 3682 (v5.1) GFXBench: 69fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 1231075 (v9) GeekBench: 4950 (v5.1) GFXBench: 110fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Samsung Galaxy S22 5G

  • More affordable
  • Compact size
  • Excellent display
  • Capable camera

  • Older chipset
  • Shorter battery life
  • Can get warm under load

Samsung Galaxy S23

  • Superior performance
  • Brighter display
  • Improved battery life
  • Latest Snapdragon chipset
  • Faster charging

  • Higher price
  • Slightly larger size

Display Comparison

The Galaxy S23 boasts a noticeable upgrade in display brightness, reaching 1198 nits compared to the S22's 982 nits. Both feature excellent contrast ratios (Infinite nominal) and vibrant colors, but the S23's increased brightness makes it more usable outdoors. Both have a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for smooth scrolling.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer excellent camera systems, but the S23 benefits from software optimizations and potentially improved sensor processing. While detailed camera comparisons require extensive testing, initial impressions suggest the S23 captures slightly more detailed and vibrant images, especially in challenging lighting conditions. Both offer excellent video recording capabilities.

Performance

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the S23 provides a substantial performance leap over the Exynos 2200 (Europe) or Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (ROW) in the S22. Expect faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and significantly improved gaming performance on the S23. The S23's CPU architecture is also more efficient, contributing to better battery life.

Battery Life

The S23 demonstrates a clear advantage in battery life. The Active use score of 11:27h is a significant improvement over the S22's endurance rating. Both support 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging, but the S23 charges to 50% in just 30 minutes, a notable convenience.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G? Those on a tighter budget who still want a premium Samsung experience. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy S23? Anyone seeking top-tier performance, a brighter display, and longer battery life, especially those who prioritize photography and gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Galaxy S23 worth upgrading from the S22?
If you prioritize performance, battery life, and a brighter display, then yes, the S23 is a worthwhile upgrade. However, if you're happy with your S22 and on a budget, it's still a capable phone.
❓ Which chipset does the Galaxy S23 have?
The Galaxy S23 uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for all regions.