Technologies
Is Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Worth the Upgrade? It Depends
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. See how older Samsung phones compare to help make your decision.
This story is part of Samsung Event, CNET’s collection of news, tips and advice around Samsung’s most popular products.
Samsung’s Galaxy S23 just launched in February, so you may be wondering: Is it worth the upgrade? Truth is, there isn’t one answer that can be applied to everyone. The age and condition of your current phone, your budget and whether your device will support new versions of Android should all factor into your decision.
The Galaxy S23, which starts at $800, has a 6.1-inch screen and a 50-megapixel main camera, just like the Galaxy S22. But the S23 has a larger battery, a new processor and slightly updated camera algorithms that improve the way photos are processed. While these changes are appreciated, the Galaxy S23 is generally a minor improvement over the Galaxy S22. The upgrade is worth it if you’re looking to replace a phone you’ve had for several years, ideally one that’s more than two years old. Even the Galaxy S21, which launched in 2021, likely still has enough life left to make it through another year.
Buying decisions will always vary depending on your needs and budget. But if you’re a current Samsung user considering making the jump, here’s what to know about how the Galaxy S23 compares to older devices.
Galaxy S23 vs. Galaxy S22
The Samsung Galaxy S22.
Lisa Eadicicco/CNETWith the Galaxy S23, Samsung addressed my biggest concern about the Galaxy S22: its short battery life. The new phone has a larger battery (3,900 mAh compared to 3,700), which has made a difference in my testing.
Otherwise, compared to the Galaxy S22, you’re getting a new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor that’s been optimized for the new Galaxy lineup specifically, while the Galaxy S22 runs on last year’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip. Performance is faster, especially when exporting video. But you probably won’t notice much of a jump in everyday use, since most modern processors are well-equipped to handle gaming, multitasking and other run-of-the-mill tasks.
The Galaxy S23’s cameras are largely the same as the Galaxy S22’s, except the algorithms have been updated to improve processing in low light conditions. The selfie camera also has a slightly higher resolution (12 megapixels versus 10), although I didn’t notice much of a difference. There’s nothing about the Galaxy S23’s camera that feels hugely different from the previous generation, although I did notice that low-light portraits looked better.
The phone launches with Android 13 and Samsung’s One UI 5.1 software, both of which are available for the Galaxy S22 series.
The bottom line: Don’t upgrade to the Galaxy S23 if you have a Galaxy S22. The changes aren’t noticeable enough to warrant an upgrade. Battery life is the only meaningful change you’ll notice between the two phones, but I’d only recommend upgrading if you can get the S23 for free through a trade-in deal.
Galaxy S23 vs. Galaxy S21
Samsung’s Galaxy S21.
Sarah Tew/CNETThe differences between the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S21 are more noticeable, but you can probably hold onto your S21 for another year before upgrading.
The Galaxy S23 has a noticeably improved camera since it inherits the 50-megapixel sensor that debuted on the Galaxy S22. As I wrote in my review, the Galaxy S22’s cameras offer better color, contrast and low-light performance compared to the Galaxy S21.
The Galaxy S21 also runs on a processor that’s now two years old, compared to the brand-new chip in the Galaxy S23. That said, if you’re just using your phone for simple tasks like video calls, playing games and checking social media, the older Snapdragon 888 chip is probably holding up just fine.
The bottom line: If your Galaxy S21 still feels fast and the battery life is satisfactory, you can wait another year before upgrading. Samsung supports three generations of Android operating system updates for the Galaxy S21, meaning it will get new platform-wide software updates until 2024.
Galaxy S23 vs. Galaxy S20
Samsung’s Galaxy S20.
Angela Lang/CNETWhether you should upgrade from the Galaxy S20 isn’t as straightforward of an answer. There’s enough to gain that would justify making the jump, but the Galaxy S20 also still has plenty to offer.
By upgrading, you’ll get a faster chip, an improved camera with significantly better low-light performance and a fresh design. Since the Galaxy S20 launched in 2020 with Android 10, it’ll no longer be eligible for new Android OS updates moving forward.
Samsung committed to providing three generations of updates for the Galaxy S20 lineup, making Android 13 the last one. That means you’ll have to upgrade to get future versions of Android and the new features that come along with these updates. The company does, however, still provide monthly security updates for the Galaxy S20.
At the same time, the Galaxy S20 is still a very capable phone. Even though you won’t get the option to shoot photos at a 50-megapixel resolution like on the Galaxy S23, you’ll still get a triple-camera setup on the Galaxy S20. The Galaxy S20 also has a 30x digital zoom like the Galaxy S23, so you won’t miss out on getting close-up shots.
But keep in mind that the Galaxy S20 has a larger battery and a slightly bigger screen than the Galaxy S23. And most importantly, the Galaxy S20 has a microSD card slot for adding more storage, which the Galaxy S23 does not.
The bottom line: The updates in the Galaxy S23 will feel significant enough to justify the upgrade, but you also don’t need to if you’re happy with your Galaxy S20. Hang onto the S20 if you’re happy with its performance, battery life and if you value keeping that microSD card slot over having a better camera. Just remember you won’t get the next version of Android.
Galaxy S23 vs. Galaxy S10
The Samsung Galaxy S10 lineup.
Angela Lang/CNETGalaxy S10 owners: it’s time to upgrade. Not only will the camera and processor feel like a huge step up, but you’ll get 5G and the latest version Android.
If you purchased the Galaxy S10 at launch back in 2019, the processor and battery are now four years old. That means your phone may be starting to feel sluggish, and the battery probably struggles to get through a day. The Galaxy S10’s battery is also smaller than the Galaxy S23’s (3,400 mAh capacity versus 3,900) and the S23’s processor is more power efficient — so the battery gains should be meaningful. Your Galaxy S10 also doesn’t support 5G, unless you splurged on the 6.7-inch Galaxy S10 5G, which started at $1,300 when it launched.
But more importantly, the Galaxy S10 no longer receives Android version updates. Like the Galaxy S20, the Galaxy S10 was eligible for three generations of new Android releases. That would make last year’s Android 12 update the last one since the Galaxy S10 launched with Android 9. (You will, however, still get quarterly security updates if you have the regular Galaxy S10, S10 Plus, S10E or S10 5G.)
While software support and battery life are among the biggest reasons to upgrade, you’ll also get a much better camera on the Galaxy S23. Samsung’s camera has come a long way over the last four years, now offering a higher resolution main sensor (50 megapixels versus 12 megapixels on the Galaxy S10), enhanced performance in low light and a closer digital zoom (up to 30x on the Galaxy S23 compared to 10x on the Galaxy S10).
One thing to keep in mind, however, is that you’ll lose the beloved microSD card slot by upgrading to the Galaxy S23. So be sure to pick a storage capacity that makes sense for your needs since you won’t be able to expand it.
The bottom line: Yes, if you have a Galaxy S10 it’s worth upgrading to the Galaxy S23. You’ll get 5G support, access to new versions of Android, longer battery life, a faster new processor and a much-improved camera. But be prepared to say goodbye to the microSD card slot.
Galaxy S23 vs. Galaxy S9
The Samsung Galaxy S9.
James Martin/CNETThere are many reasons to upgrade from the Galaxy S9 — so many, in fact, it’s hard to know where to start. All of the points mentioned above for the Galaxy S10 also apply to the Galaxy S9. Samsung’s five-year-old phone lacks 5G, and its processor and battery have likely started to show their age. You’ll also no longer receive Android version updates.
But there are plenty of other benefits to be had from upgrading. The camera is among the biggest changes; the Galaxy S9 only has one rear 12-megapixel camera, and the Galaxy S9 Plus has an additional 12-megapixel telephoto camera. The Galaxy S23 has a higher resolution 50-megapixel main camera, along with a 10-megapixel telephoto camera and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens for capturing a wider field of view. The Galaxy S23’s selfie camera also has a higher resolution (12 megapixels versus the S9’s 8), along with other improvements like better low-light capture.
If you have the standard 5.8-inch Galaxy S9, you’ll also get a larger screen since the Galaxy S23 has a 6.1-inch display. The Galaxy S23 also has twice the storage in the base model compared to the Galaxy S9, but there’s no microSD card slot in Samsung’s new phone for adding more storage.
The bottom line: There are a bunch of reasons to upgrade if you have a Galaxy S9. You’ll get a significantly improved camera with multiple lenses, much faster performance, longer battery life, new versions of Android and 5G support.
Overall, it’s worth upgrading if you have a phone that’s more than two years old. Galaxy S20 owners can probably get another year out of their device if it’s in good condition, but the Galaxy S23 also offers enough improvements to justify the upgrade. If you have a Galaxy S10 or earlier, the answer to whether you should upgrade is a resounding yes.
Samsung Galaxy S23 vs. older Galaxy phones
| Galaxy S23 | Galaxy S22 | Galaxy S21 | Galaxy S20 | Galaxy S10 | Galaxy S9 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch AMOLED; 2,340×1,080 resolution; 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate | 6.1-inch AMOLED; 2,340×1,080 resolution; 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate | 6.2-inch AMOLED;2,400×1,080 resolution; 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate | 6.2-inchAMOLED; 3,200×1,440 resolution; 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate | 6.1-inch AMOLED; 3,040×1,440 resolution | 5.8-inch AMOLED; 2,960×1,440 resolution |
| Pixel density | 425 pixels per inch | 425 pixels per inch | 421 pixels per inch | 563 pixels per inch | 550 pixels per inch | 570 pixels per inch |
| Dimensions (inches) | 2.79 x 5.76 x 0.3 in | 2.78 x 5.74 x 0.3 in | 2.80 x 5.97 x 0.31 in | 2.72 x 5.97 x 0.311 in | 5.9 x 2.77 x 0.31 in | 5.81 x 2.70 x 0.33 in |
| Dimensions (millimeters) | 70.9 x 146.3 x 7.6 mm | 70.6 x 146 x 7.6 mm | 71.2 x 151.7 x 7.9mm | 69.1 x 151.7 x 7.9 mm | 149.9 x 70.4 x 7.8 mm | 147.7 x 68.7 x 8.5 mm |
| Weight (grams, ounces) | 168 g (5.93 oz) | 167 g(5.93 oz) | 171 g(6.03 oz) | 5.75 oz (163 g) | 5.53 oz (157 g) | 5.75 oz (163 g) |
| Mobile software | Android 13 | Android 12 | Android 11 | Android 10 | Android 9 | Android 8 |
| Camera | 50-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (telephoto) | 50-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (telephoto) | 64-megapixel (telephoto), 12-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) | 12-megapixel (wide-angle), 64-megapixel (telephoto), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) | 12-megapixel (wide-angle), 16-megapixel (ultrawide), 12-megapixel (telephoto) | 12-megapixel |
| Front-facing camera | 12-megapixel | 10-megapixel | 10-megapixel | 10-megapixel | 10-megapixel | 8-megapixel |
| Video capture | 8K at 30fps | 8Kat 24 fps | 8K at 24fps | 8K at 24fps | 4K at 60fps | 4K at 60 fps |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 |
| RAM/storage | 8GB RAM + 128GB; 8GB RAM + 256GB | 8GB RAM + 128GB8GB RAM + 256GB | 8GB RAM + 128GB | 8GB RAM + 128GB | 8GB RAM + 128GB; 8GB RAM + 512GB | 4GB RAM + 64GB; 4GB RAM + 128GB; 4GB RAM + 256GB |
| Expandable storage | None | None | None | Yes (Up to 1TB) | Yes (Up to 512GB) | Yes (Up to 400GB) |
| Battery | 3,900 mAh | 3,700 mAh | 4,000 mAh | 4,000mAh | 3,400mAh | 3,000 mAh |
| Fingerprint sensor | In-display | In-display | In-display | In-display | In-display | Back |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
| Headphone jack | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Special features | 5G (mmw/Sub6), IP68 rating, wireless PowerShare to charge other devices | 5G (mmw/Sub6), 120Hz display, IP68 rating, 25W wired charging, 15W wireless charging | IP68 rating, 5G-enabled, 30x Space Zoom, 10W wireless charging, 120Hz display | 5G enabled; 120Hz refresh rate; water resistant (IP68) | Wireless PowerShare; hole punch screen notch; water resistant (IP68); Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 | Dual-aperture camera, water-resistant (IP68); super slo-mo video; wireless charging; iris scanning |
Technologies
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Thursday, Aug. 21
Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for Aug. 21.
Looking for the most recent Mini Crossword answer? Click here for today’s Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.
There are a lot of Qs in today’s Mini Crossword. 1-Across threw me for a while, but eventually it dawned on me. Need answers? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.
If you’re looking for today’s Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visit CNET’s NYT puzzle hints page.
Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini Crossword
Let’s get to those Mini Crossword clues and answers.
Mini across clues and answers
1A clue: Common queries, informally
Answer: FAQS
5A clue: Only four-letter country with a «Q» in its name
Answer: IRAQ
6A clue: TV’s «The White ___»
Answer: LOTUS
8A clue: Something you might «Mark as read»
Answer: EMAIL
9A clue: Late
Answer: TARDY
Mini down clues and answers
1D clue: ___ mignon
Answer: FILET
2D clue: Burnt toast has a strong one
Answer: AROMA
3D clue: Only five-letter country with a «Q» in its name
Answer: QATAR
4D clue: Likely inspiration for the mythical kraken
Answer: SQUID
7D clue: Sneaky
Answer: SLY
Technologies
Everything from Made by Google 2025: Pixel 10, Pixel Watch 4, Pixel 10 Pro Fold Announced
Here’s what you missed at Google’s big event that included new phones, watches, earbuds, Gemini AI features and numerous celebrity cameos.
Even though the Pixel 10 leaks and rumors felt as if they arrived in a steady firehose before today’s Made by Google event — compelling the company to release a teaser video pre-announcing the new phone’s existence a month ago — Google still delivered details it somehow managed to keep private until it was ready to share.
And that delivery was refreshingly fun for a tech event. The Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon led the proceedings in a very late-night talk show format, bringing on several special guests from media, sports and yes, Google’s own experts to show off the products and features they’ve been working on for today’s announcements.
Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL are real
Surprise, Google announced new phones! OK, this was the least surprising part of the event, but it still feels good to finally know what exists and when it’s coming. Preorders for the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL begin today and will be in stores and shipping starting August 28.
-
I’m Stoked That Google Made the Pixel 10 a $799 Value-Packed Feature Monster
-
I Tested Google’s Pixel 10 Pro XL in Paris, and I’m Impressed
-
Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL First Look: Familiar Design, New AI Tricks
-
Google Launches the Full Pixel 10 Line, Including the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL
Pixel 10 Pro Fold opens the next chapter of foldables
Folding phones so far have shared an Achilles Hinge: small particulates like sand can get inside the case and really mess things up. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is one of the first to have an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning you can take it to the beach.
-
Pixel 10 Pro Fold Is Tougher, Smarter and Totally Dust Resistant
-
Forget the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Foldables Should Look Like the Microsoft Surface Duo
-
Google’ Pixel 10 Pro Fold Is Here
Pixel Watch 4 talks to Gemini and is your new health coach
The Pixel Watch 4 includes new fitness options like real-time guidance while exercising. And if you forgot to start a workout, the watch (with AI help) can detect the activity in the background and remind you of it later, giving you credit for the effort you made. It’s also the only smartwatch that can detect a loss of pulse and call emergency services automatically.
-
Well Played, Google: The Pixel Watch 4 May Give Apple Watch Loyalists a Wandering Eye
-
Pixel Watch 4 First Look: Google Just Raised the Bar
-
The Pixel Watch 4 Is Here. Can It Finally Beat Apple?
Pixel Buds 2a are more affordable earbuds
Joining the Pixel Buds 2 Pro in the market are Pixel Buds 2a, an affordable ($130) pair of wireless earbuds that feature active noise cancellation, a smaller and lighter for all, and a twist-to-adjust stabilizer feature for setting a comfortable fit.
-
Google’s New Pixel Buds 2A Look a Lot Like the Pro 2, but Cost Way Less
-
Meet the Pixel Buds 2A: Google’s Budget Answer for ANC Buds
Pixel Buds Pro 2 owners will see new features
Coming in a software update next month, Pixel Buds Pro 2 owners will be able to answer calls or send them to voicemail with a nod or shake of the head. You’ll be able to talk to Gemini live in noisy locations, and benefit from adaptive audio that applies noise cancellation while letting important sounds come through. At the other end, a new feature will protect your hearing from very loud sounds.
Magic Cue is a Gemini assistant that pulls data from your correspondence
In the rollout of all the various AI technologies in the industry, the current stretch goal is «agentic» interactions with software: Having an AI that knows all sorts of details about you and can act to get the important stuff in front of you when needed. (And do it in a privacy-first way, one would hope.)
Magic Cue is Google’s implementation. It’s a new Gemini-based feature that can look through your earlier messages, emails and photos to pull details about things like restaurant reservations and flight times. Magic Cue runs on the Pixel device itself, so sensitive data stays private and not shared to the cloud.
A lot of Gemini AI intelligence is still coming soon
At the start of the event, Fallon sat down in typical talk-show format with Rick Osterloh, senior vice president of platforms and devices, to chat about Gemini and the marvels of AI. Aside from Magic Cue, which will be shipping on the Pixel 10 phones, a lot of the features and products we’ve been hearing about are still on the horizon.
«For instance, Gemini could do something like plan a team celebration dinner for 12 people tonight,» he said. «It might go find a restaurant that’ll accommodate that group…. Look for a karoake place nearby and maybe even order custom T-shirts for the celebration.»
And when will that be possible? Fallon asked. «A lot sooner than people think,» Osterloh replied. «This kind of thing is coming this year.»
The Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL can zoom to 100x with AI help
Pro Res Zoom on the Pixel 10 Pro phones pushes zooming far beyond what would seem to be possible with typical small cameras. Usually when you zoom beyond the optical limits of the cameras, details get fuzzy as the software upscales the image. With Pro Res Zoom, when you go beyond 30x zoom, it uses generative AI to build a sharper version. CNET’s Andrew Lanxon got both impressive and head-scratching results while making photos in Paris using the Pixel 10 Pro XL.
Camera Coach uses AI to encourage better photos
Smartphone cameras have employed AI for several years, such as identifying subjects in order to blur the background for Portrait modes or quickly snapping several shots at multiple exposures and blending them together to create well-balanced lighting throughout. Now Google is using AI to help you take better photos.
Camera Coach is a new feature in the Pixel Camera app that looks at the scene in front of the lens and generates multiple suggestions for how to improve the photo before it’s captured. To show this off, podcaster Alex Cooper brought Fallon out to be her model and sat him down on a couch. When she activated the feature, Camera Coach suggested that she move the camera closer to the subject, position his head in the upper portion of the frame, lower the camera to eye level and turn on Portrait mode.
«To all the girls that are watching, I personally know how hard it is to train your boyfriend or your husband to get that perfect shot,» said Cooper. «And now Camera Coach can just train all the boys for us.»
Pixel 10 supports Qi2 magnetic charging
The Qi2 spec includes not just faster charging but also an array of magnets on the back for connecting to accessories. Sound familiar? The presenters mentioned Apple’s MagSafe system, then paused with the realization that they probably shouldn’t have name-checked it during the Google event. On the Pixel 10 phones, it’s called Pixelsnap and should work with accessories made for Apple’s ecosystem too.
Pixel 10 will be available in Mexico
In an impressive segment demonstrating Gemini live translation during a phone call, musician Karen Polinesia, who speaks Spanish, announced that for the first time, the Pixel 10 will be available for sale in Mexico.
This article is being updated; stay tuned for more.
Technologies
Today’s NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for Aug. 21, #332
Here are hints and the answers for the NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for Aug. 21, No. 332.
Looking for the most recent regular Connections answers? Click here for today’s Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Strands puzzles.
To solve today’s Connections: Sports Edition, focus on the endings of some of the words. That should help you see how they connect. Read on for hints and the answers.
Connections: Sports Edition is out of beta after making its debut on Super Bowl Sunday on Feb. 9. That’s a sign that the game has earned enough loyal players that The Athletic, the subscription-based sports journalism site owned by the Times, will continue to publish it. It doesn’t show up in the NYT Games app but now appears in The Athletic’s own app. Or you can continue to play it free online.
Read more: NYT Connections: Sports Edition Puzzle Comes Out of Beta
Hints for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups
Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.
Yellow group hint: What you want to do.
Green group hint: Football abbreviations.
Blue group hint: Home to hoops.
Purple group hint: Hidden hockey team names.
Answers for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups
Yellow group: Objective.
Green group: NFL teams, on scoreboards.
Blue group: NBA arenas ending with «Center.»
Purple group: Ends with an NHL team.
Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English Words
What are today’s Connections: Sports Edition answers?
The yellow words in today’s Connections
The theme is objective. The four answers are aim, goal, mark and target.
The green words in today’s Connections
The theme is NFL teams, on scoreboards. The four answers are CHI, MIA, MIN and NO. (Chicago, Miami, Minnesota and New Orleans.)
The blue words in today’s Connections
The theme is NBA arenas ending with «Center.» The four answers are Barclays, Chase, Delta and Kia.
The purple words in today’s Connections
The theme is ends with an NHL team. The four answers are geoducks, spoilers, superstars and Vikings. (Ducks, Oilers, Stars and Kings.)
-
Technologies3 года agoTech Companies Need to Be Held Accountable for Security, Experts Say
-
Technologies2 года agoBest Handheld Game Console in 2023
-
Technologies2 года agoTighten Up Your VR Game With the Best Head Straps for Quest 2
-
Technologies4 года agoVerum, Wickr and Threema: next generation secured messengers
-
Technologies4 года agoGoogle to require vaccinations as Silicon Valley rethinks return-to-office policies
-
Technologies4 года agoBlack Friday 2021: The best deals on TVs, headphones, kitchenware, and more
-
Technologies4 года agoOlivia Harlan Dekker for Verum Messenger
-
Technologies4 года agoiPhone 13 event: How to watch Apple’s big announcement tomorrow