Is a smaller smartphone still relevant in 2023, at a time when our smartphones have become convergence devices? The concept of a small smartphone has changed over the last couple of years. In 2022, Apple ditched the iPhone mini model after the 12 and 13 mini, and opted instead for a Plus Model with the iPhone 14. It was an acknowledgement that devices with displays under 6 inches don’t cut it anymore. ASUS was the only brand that launched a mainstream Android device with a sub-6-inch display – the ASUS 8Z, in the recent past. What’s clear now is 6.1-inches is the new standard for small smartphones and that’s where Samsung’s Galaxy S23 lands. Is small still beautiful in the smartphone world? We certainly think so; here’s why:
Design; updated
There’s a subtle design tweak in the new Samsung Galaxy S23 that takes over from last year’s S22. Samsung has ditched the ‘Contour cut’ camera design for a more elegant and minimal rear camera design. It’s the same as the design language of the S23 Ultra (and the S22 Ultra before it). It’s a clever move and standardises the design across all three S23 models that also includes the S23+, the middle child in the line-up. The device weighs just under 170 gm; it’s about the same weight as its predecessor despite a larger (3900 mAh) battery under the hood. We checked out the cream colour variant, but we prefer the green and lavender options in the current line-up that also includes an elegant phantom black. The device feels less slippery in your hand than the S22 but attracts more than the occasional fingerprint.
Small joys
Displays have been Samsung’s forte. The S23 features an improved display over the S22. It’s the same 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display (1080 x 2340 pixels / 425 PPI) as the S22 but Samsung had bumped up the peak brightness from 1300 nits to 1750 nits. It’s now on par with the S23+ and the Ultra devices. Colours are vivid and gaming is immersive on this display. The larger battery makes a visible difference in everyday performance. You should get through a full day even with extensive multi-media usage. There’s no charging brick in the box though.
Raw power
The S23 is powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor that has been custom developed for all the S23 devices. The device notched up an impressive score of 4908 in our Geekbench (multi-core) test that put in the same league as the Ultra. We tested the 8GB/128GB variant. Samsung is offering the 8GB/256GB at the same price as the 8GB/128GB version. The other reason you should consider the 256GB option is the faster UFS (Universal Flash Storage) 4.0 on the 256 and 512GB options. Surprisingly, Samsung has opted for UFS 3.1 on the 128GB version
Selfie fiends unite
The S23 sticks to the same triple camera set up as it’s predecessor. You get a 50MP primary lens, a 10MP telephoto lens (up to 3X optical zoom) and a 12MP Ultra-wide lens. The newer processor makes a marginal difference in overall camera performance especially in lowlight but it’s not in the same league as the formidable S23 Ultra. The big change is the selfie camera that’s the same as the 12MP Dual Pixel selfie shooter on the S23 Ultra. Selfies are sharper, the S23 aces portrait selfies too.
Small yet powerful
It’s good to see brands like Samsung, Apple and Google still betting big on small. If you’re in the market for a smaller smartphone that is easier to use with one hand, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is one of your best bets. You can skip this upgrade if you already use an S22. Samsung has improved the selfie cam, the battery performance and the screen brightness, while the next gen Snapdragon processor gives this device extra bite. One more reason why the S23 makes for a great small smartphone.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 starts at Rs 79,999 and comes in Cream, Lavender, Green and Phantom Black. Samsung is offering
