The Galaxy S23 is the smaller, lower-storage-entry option; the Galaxy S23+ gives you a larger display, a higher stated battery capacity, faster wired charging in Samsung Japan’s specifications, and 256GB starting storage in Samsung’s US comparison. At US launch in 2023, the S23 started at $799.99 and the S23+ at $999.99—a $200 gap. Those are historical launch prices, not current quotes.
Galaxy S23 vs S23+: what is different?
The core choice is compactness versus a larger screen and more capacity. Samsung lists the same rear-camera arrangement and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy for both models, so the listed camera set and platform do not distinguish them.
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| Specification | Galaxy S23 | Galaxy S23+ |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X | 6.6-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Dimensions and weight (Samsung Japan) | 70.9 × 146.3 × 7.6mm; 168g | 76.2 × 157.8 × 7.6mm; 196g |
| Typical battery capacity | 3,900mAh | 4,700mAh |
| US storage configurations listed by Samsung | 128GB or 256GB; 8GB RAM | 256GB or 512GB; 8GB RAM |
| Listed rear cameras (Samsung US) | 50MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto | 50MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto |
| Mobile platform | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy |
Samsung’s US specifications list the display sizes and typical battery capacities. Samsung Japan supplies the dimensions and weights; regional specifications and availability can differ. Samsung notes that rounded display corners reduce the visible screen area. Samsung US specifications · Samsung Japan specifications
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The Galaxy S23 is the smaller and lighter phone. In Samsung Japan’s specifications it is 70.9mm wide, 146.3mm tall and 168g; the S23+ is 76.2mm wide, 157.8mm tall and 196g. Both are listed at 7.6mm thick. That difference matters most if one-handed reach, a narrow pocket or lower weight is a priority. The S23+ trades that compact feel for a 6.6-inch screen, compared with 6.1 inches on the S23.
#1 Best Overall
- It offers a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with adaptive 48-120 Hz refresh rate plus up to ~ 1750 nits peak brightness and “Vision Booster,” meaning the screen stays bright and viewable even in strong sunlight — great if you use your phone outdoors a lot.
How do battery capacity and charging compare?
The S23+ has a higher typical battery capacity: 4,700mAh versus 3,900mAh for the S23. Capacity alone does not establish how long either phone will last. Samsung says actual battery life varies with network environment, usage and other factors.
Samsung Japan describes different wired-charging tiers. With the specified adapters and under Samsung’s stated laboratory conditions, the S23 can reach about 50% in 30 minutes with a 25W adapter, while the S23+ can reach about 65% in 30 minutes with a 45W adapter. These are not general real-world guarantees; actual charging speed varies. Samsung’s Japan article says the adapter and cable are sold separately in that market. Samsung Japan’s charging and product details
Rank #2
- CAPTURE THE NIGHT IN LOW LIGHT: Whether you're headed to a concert or romantic night out, there's no such thing as bad lighting with Night Mode; Galaxy S23+ lets you capture epic content in any setting with stunning Nightography
- HIGH CAMERA RESOLUTION: Create crystal-clear content worth sharing with the 50MP high-resolution camera of Galaxy S23+; Whether you're posting or printing, Galaxy S23+ always does the moment justice
- FASTEST MOBILE PROCESSOR AVAILABLE: Whether you're working hard, playing hard or doing both at the same time, smoothly switch between apps with our fastest processor ever
- ADAPTIVE DISPLAY: Watch your content comfortably as Adaptive Vision Booster helps your screen adapt to your environment; Whether out in direct sunlight or in bed with the lights off, the contrast on Galaxy S23+'s expansive screen still looks amazing
- CONVENIENT COLLABORATION: Whether you're having a video meeting with your team or your friends, use Google Meet to start a video chat on your Tab*** & then continue the call on your phone as you head out the door
How much does each model cost, and is the S23+ worth the extra $200?
Samsung announced US launch starting prices of $799.99 for the Galaxy S23 and $999.99 for the S23+ in 2023, a $200 difference. The launch configurations began at 128GB for S23 and 256GB for S23+; the announcement also listed 256GB S23 and 512GB S23+ options. These figures describe US launch pricing, not what either phone costs now. Samsung’s 2023 US launch announcement
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Whether the S23+ is worth paying more for depends on what you will use: a larger screen, higher stated battery capacity, the 45W charging tier described for Japan, and 256GB base storage in Samsung’s US comparison. If compact size is more important, or 128GB is enough, the S23 is the better fit. For a purchase today, compare current offers for the same storage tier, device condition, seller and regional compatibility; no current market price is established here.
Rank #3
- CAPTURE THE NIGHT IN LOW LIGHT: Whether you’re headed to a concert or romantic night out, there’s no such thing as bad lighting with Night Mode; Galaxy S23+ lets you capture epic content in any setting with stunning Nightography
- HIGH CAMERA RESOLUTION: Create crystal-clear content worth sharing with the 50MP high-resolution camera of Galaxy S23+; Whether you’re posting or printing, Galaxy S23+ always does the moment justice
- FASTEST MOBILE PROCESSOR AVAILABLE: Whether you’re working hard, playing hard or doing both at the same time, smoothly switch between apps with our fastest processor ever
- UNLOCK SMOOTH GAMING: Game at full throttle and smoothly switch between apps; Get more done with our fastest processor ever combined with massive internal storage; And if you’re on the move, keep going with a screen that adapts to your environment
- POWER TO KEEP MOVING YOU FORWARD: Confidently binge-watch, game or surf without worrying about your phone dying; The impressive 4,700mAh battery* will keep you going longer**
Which Galaxy S23 should you choose?
- Choose the Galaxy S23 if you want the smaller, lighter phone and are comfortable with its US-listed 128GB entry configuration.
- Choose the Galaxy S23+ if you prefer the larger display, want the higher stated battery capacity, or need at least 256GB based on Samsung’s US configurations.
- Compare the same storage and condition when checking current prices. The $200 difference above is only the historical US launch gap, not a prediction of today’s price difference.
Samsung’s listed rear-camera system and mobile platform are the same on both models. There is no independent comparative camera test or battery-endurance result established here, so those specifications should not be read as proof that one takes better photos or lasts a particular number of hours.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- CAPTURE THE NIGHT IN LOW LIGHT: Whether you're headed to a concert or romantic night out, there's no such thing as bad lighting with Night Mode; Galaxy S23+ lets you capture epic content in any setting with stunning Nightography
- HIGH CAMERA RESOLUTION: Create crystal-clear content worth sharing with the 50MP high-resolution camera of Galaxy S23+; Whether you're posting or printing, Galaxy S23+ always does the moment justice
- FASTEST MOBILE PROCESSOR AVAILABLE: Whether you're working hard, playing hard or doing both at the same time, smoothly switch between apps with our fastest processor ever
- ADAPTIVE DISPLAY: Watch your content comfortably as Adaptive Vision Booster helps your screen adapt to your environment; Whether out in direct sunlight or in bed with the lights off, the contrast on Galaxy S23+'s expansive screen still looks amazing
- CONVENIENT COLLABORATION: Whether you're having a video meeting with your team or your friends, use Google Meet to start a video chat on your Tab*** & then continue the call on your phone as you head out the door
Rank #4
- CAPTURE THE NIGHT IN LOW LIGHT: Whether you're headed to a concert or romantic night out, there's no such thing as bad lighting with Night Mode; Galaxy S23+ lets you capture epic content in any setting with stunning Nightography
- HIGH CAMERA RESOLUTION: Create crystal-clear content worth sharing with the 50MP high-resolution camera of Galaxy S23+; Whether you're posting or printing, Galaxy S23+ always does the moment justice
- FASTEST MOBILE PROCESSOR AVAILABLE: Whether you're working hard, playing hard or doing both at the same time, smoothly switch between apps with our fastest processor ever
- ADAPTIVE DISPLAY: Watch your content comfortably as Adaptive Vision Booster helps your screen adapt to your environment; Whether out in direct sunlight or in bed with the lights off, the contrast on Galaxy S23+'s expansive screen still looks amazing
- CONVENIENT COLLABORATION: Whether you're having a video meeting with your team or your friends, use Google Meet to start a video chat on your Tab*** & then continue the call on your phone as you head out the door
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
