Samsung S23 vs. S22: Which Galaxy Phone is Worth Buying?

In the everlasting battle between Apple and Samsung, both giants have continuously launched smartphones to outdo each other. While Apple enjoys more popularity in the market, Samsung is often regarded as the more innovative brand. This article provides a detailed comparison between the Galaxy S23 and its predecessor, the Galaxy S22, highlighting their innovative features and helping you decide which phone offers the best value for your money.
That’s because Samsung launched Galaxy S22 in 2022, so what innovative features could Samsung have added to their flagship phone in 2023? So, if you are contemplating purchasing it, we have a Galaxy S23 vs. S22 comparison to help you get the best value for money!
Galaxy S22 Vs. S23: Specs
Specifications | Samsung Galaxy S23 | Samsung Galaxy S22 |
Performance | Snapdragon 8 Generation 2 | Snapdragon 8 Generation 1 |
Rear Camera | 50 MP - 12 MP - 10 MP | 50 MP - 12 MP - 10 MP |
Front Camera | 12 MP | 10 MP |
Battery | 3900 mAh | 3700 mAh |
OS | Android v13 | Android v12 |
Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
Graphics | Adreno 740 | Adreno 730 |
Brightness | 1750 nits | 1300 nits |
Samsung S22 Vs. S23: Price
When comparing the Samsung Galaxy S23 to the S22 from the Samsung S series, one aspect that can make it challenging to determine if the upgrade is worth it is the need for price comparison. These are high-end and expensive phones, mainly because they have been launched recently. Refurbished Samsung S22 retails for around A$469, but the prices increase with each variant.
On the other hand, the Refurbished Galaxy S23 starts from A$629 and goes over A$929, depending on which variant you choose.
Samsung S23 vs. S22: Design & Display
When comparing the Samsung S23 vs. S22, the design and display are key factors. The Galaxy S22 features a distinct camera island, whereas the Galaxy S23 adopts a cleaner look with three standalone camera modules, giving it a more premium feel.
Both models have a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and FHD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels). However, the S23 features Gorilla Glass Victus 2, making it more durable against drops than the Gorilla Glass Victus on the S22.
Brightness levels also differ—the S22 peaks at 1300 nits, while the S23 reaches 1750 nits, making it more visible in direct sunlight. Samsung brands this as “Watch Outside with Clarity” to highlight its improved outdoor visibility.
Color options vary slightly:
- Galaxy S22: Bora Purple, Sky Blue, Phantom Black.
- Galaxy S23: Green, Phantom Black, Cream, Lavender.
If you prioritize durability, better brightness, and a refined design, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is the better choice.
Samsung S22 vs. S23: Durability & IP Rating
Both the Samsung Galaxy S22 and S23 come with IP68 water and dust resistance, meaning they can withstand submersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes in fresh water. However, wireless charging is disabled when the device is wet.
When it comes to screen protection, the Galaxy S23 has an edge with Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which offers better drop resistance than the Gorilla Glass Victus+ used on the S22. Both models feature an Armor Aluminum frame, ensuring durability against drops and scratches.
For those prioritizing ruggedness and longevity, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is the more reliable option due to its enhanced screen durability and stronger build.
Samsung Galaxy S22 vs. S23: Cameras
With users looking for the best camera phone, camera quality plays a crucial role in the Samsung S22 vs. S23 comparison. Both phones feature a 50MP primary sensor, 10MP telephoto lens, and 12MP ultrawide camera, delivering high-resolution images. Samsung’s AI-powered Nightography enhances low-light shots, making both models great for night photography.
Front Camera Upgrade
The Galaxy S23 has a 12MP selfie camera, an improvement over the 10MP front camera on the S22. If you prioritize high-quality selfies, the S23 is the better choice.
Camera Block
Both models have a 50MP wide sensor, maintaining similar camera hardware. However, Samsung has optimized image processing on the S23 for better detail and color accuracy.
Low-Light Performance
The S22 produces brighter low-light images, while the S23 enhances color saturation, exposure, and sharpness. If you prefer natural brightness, the S22 performs better, but for richer colors and enhanced detail, the S23 has the edge.
Improved Stabilization
A major improvement in the Samsung S23 vs. S22 camera comparison is video stabilization. The S23 offers enhanced video stability, especially at Full HD 60fps, reducing motion blur and ensuring smoother footage.
8K Video Recording
Both models support 8K video recording, but the S23 records at 30fps, compared to 24fps on the S22. This results in smoother, more cinematic video quality on the S23.
Expert RAW & Audio Enhancements
The S23 features an Expert RAW upgrade, improving image quality and editing flexibility. Unlike the S22, the S23 supports 360-degree audio recording and additional shooting modes, enhancing the professional photography experience.
Both models deliver flagship-level camera performance, but if you're after better selfies, improved stabilization, and smoother 8K video, the Samsung Galaxy S23 stands out as the best camera phone.
Galaxy S23 vs. S22: Performance
The Samsung Galaxy S23 outperforms the S22 with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and 8GB RAM, delivering up to 41% faster performance for seamless multitasking and gaming. It also features an advanced cooling system, preventing overheating during heavy use, unlike the S22, which lacks this upgrade.
Battery life is another improvement. The S23 has a 3,900mAh battery with super-fast charging, while the S22 comes with a 3,700mAh battery, making the S23 more power-efficient. Additionally, Ray Tracing technology in the S23 enhances gaming with realistic lighting effects, further solidifying its position as the best gaming phone for those seeking high-performance gameplay.
Galaxy S22 vs. S23: Software
Software plays a key role in the Samsung S22 vs. S23 comparison, directly impacting the user experience. The Galaxy S22 runs on One UI 5 with Android 13, while the S23 comes with an upgraded One UI 5.1 on the same Android version.
Both models receive five years of security updates and four years of software support, meaning the S22 will be updated until Android 16, while the S23 extends to Android 17. The S23 also offers 360-degree audio recording and high-res shooting in Expert RAW, enhancing its photography capabilities.
Galaxy S22 vs. S23: Processor
Performance is another major difference. The S23 features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, while the S22 runs on Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. The S23’s Octa-core 3.36GHz Kryo Prime processor offers better efficiency, faster speeds, and improved gaming performance compared to the S22’s Octa-core 3.00GHz Cortex-X2 chip.
With faster processing and optimized power consumption, the Galaxy S23 ensures smoother gaming, video streaming, and extended battery life, making it a more efficient and reliable choice.
Samsung Galaxy S23 vs. S22: Battery and Charging
Battery life and fast charging are key factors in the Samsung S22 vs. S23 comparison. The S23 features a 3,900mAh battery, while the S22 has a 3,700mAh battery, making both models strong contenders among the best battery-life phones.
The S22 provides up to 12 hours of screen time and takes one hour to charge with a 25W charger. In contrast, the S23 offers up to 22 hours of screen time but requires around 1 hour and 21 minutes to fully charge with the same charger.
Both models support wired and wireless charging, but the S23 has an advantage with super-fast charging, ensuring quicker power-ups and longer battery endurance.
Samsung S22 Vs. S23: Pros & Cons
Every smartphone has its pros and cons. For this reason, we are breaking down the pros and cons so that you can make the right decision.
Phone | For | Against |
Samsung Galaxy S23 | Longer battery life | No UltraWideBand support. |
Good for multitasking | ||
Super-fast charging | The GPU is very quick to throttle under load to 60% of its max performance | |
Better processing power | No external memory spot | |
No overheating | ||
Top-notch performance, the fastest Android chip inside. | Takes longer to charge | |
Samsung Galaxy S22 | Same megapixels across all cameras as the newer iPhone. | Small battery (short battery life) |
Low-light photography can be better | ||
Strong build quality | ||
Elegant Design | Limited color options | |
Non-removable battery | ||
No external memory slot |
Conclusion
When comparing the Samsung Galaxy S22 vs. S23, it's important to consider both new or refurbished smartphones, as they offer a cost-effective alternative without compromising quality. Refurbished Samsung phones undergo a thorough inspection and testing process to ensure high performance while providing significant savings.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your budget and tech preferences. Whether you opt for the latest model or a certified refurbished device, both phones deliver a premium experience with reliable performance, long battery life, and advanced features.
Head onto Phonebot and check out all the upcoming phones in Australia this year.
Posted by Zedd

Zedd
Zedd is a tech enthusiast and an avid reader/writer. He has tested 100s of devices and prides himself on being an Android and iOS expert.