Technologies

Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Faces Its Biggest Challenge, and It Isn’t Apple

Premium phones keep appealing to consumers, but with carrier deals declining, that could change.

Consumers have flocked to Samsung’s top phones for their cutting-edge features, and the new Galaxy S23 phones continue that tradition, especially with a 200 megapixel main camera on its top-tier Galaxy S23 Ultra. But they’ve also been popular thanks to generous discounts from Samsung itself and US carriers eager to lure in new customers.

Those deals, however, are about to dry up.

Over the last few years, the wireless carriers have been essentially subsidizing the price tag of premium smartphones to get customers to sign up for lengthy three-year contracts. That’s helped people afford the most expensive phones as sales of cheaper handsets continue to decline.

But Verizon and AT&T both said they’ll be reducing their promotional discounts for phones going forward, representing a shake-up in the phone-carrier dynamic. That could have a big impact on whether US consumers still see top-of-the-line handsets across all brands as a good purchase, with Samsung particularly feeling the pain.

«It’s even more concerning for Samsung, as they are leaning on premium devices growth to navigate through the tough road ahead,» said IDC research director Nabila Popal, pointing to Samsung’s president and head of mobile experience T.M. Roh telling Reuters of the company’s focus on selling high-end phones in developed and up-and-coming markets.

That isn’t to say consumers are getting a bad deal with the new Galaxy S23 phones, which start at $800 for the base model and go up to $1,200 for the S23 Ultra. Samsung was smart to keep its prices level with last year’s models, Popal said, so consumers are paying the same for a better chipset and cameras.

But there’s little doubt that the priciest phones had continued to be appealing to consumers because of carrier-supported trade-in offers and promotions. «If they decrease, it would definitely have a negative impact on the industry,» Popal said.

Samsung isn’t the only company navigating a troubled phone market, though its rival Apple is dealing with entirely different challenges. iPhone sales dropped 8% during the holiday season, partially due to COVID-19 shutdowns and protests in parts of China where Apple’s phones are built, leading to supply shortages of the company’s top-tier iPhone 14 Pro series. People couldn’t get enough iPhones.

For Samsung, the challenge will be continuing to convince people that its phones are worth the high cost without as many carrier discounts softening the blow to consumer wallets. At Samsung Unpacked and the launch of the new S23 series, Roh was optimistic that the challenging economy could be the time for expensive phones to shine.

«When times get hard, then people would be more cautious in the choices that they make,» Roh told CNET Senior Editor Lisa Eadicicco through a translator. «In other words, they would be looking for greater value to be gained.»

Samsung’s newest top-tier phones may be a trial balloon for other phonemakers with launches planned for later in the year, as the macroeconomic conditions and lower subsidies add more uncertainty to the flagship phone market. Regardless, the S23 phones will help keep Samsung competitive until its next set of devices arrive, which are expected to be new versions of its Z-line of foldables, which have traditionally come out in August.

«An expected portfolio expansion of 5G and foldable smartphones throughout 2023 will help Samsung consolidate revenue growth and sustain leadership in a contracting market,» said David McQueen, research director at global technology intelligence firm ABI Research.

Whether those 5G or foldable features are considered good value in an age of shrinking deals remains a big question.

Technologies

Verum Messenger Launches an AI Mini-Series

Verum Messenger has unveiled a new project — a mini-series created using Verum AI. The story consists of 7 episodes and will be released on the messenger’s social media channels.

The plot revolves around a global corporation seeking to take control of digital communications and a group of heroes who use Verum Messenger as a tool of resistance. Beyond the story itself, the series highlights the app’s key features, technologies, and advantages.

Combining entertainment with a showcase of the Verum ecosystem, the project presents a dynamic digital series designed for the modern era.

The first episode premieres today, with the remaining episodes to be released over time.

Stay tuned for more.

Watch on YouTube
Watch on Instagram

Technologies

Verum Finance: Earn While You Communicate — The Super App That Pays You

Verum has officially launched Verum Finance, an innovative financial application that transforms a private messenger into a true financial super app. News of the launch was also featured on the respected platform Dealroom.co.

Verum Finance can now be used both within Verum Messenger and as a standalone application for iPhone and iPad. When users sign in to Verum Finance with their Verum Messenger account, all balances, settings, and account data are automatically synchronized for maximum convenience.

Users can now do more than communicate securely and protect their data — they can also generate passive income directly within the ecosystem.

What Verum Finance Offers

• Top up your balance with a bank card, Apple Pay, or USDT
• Send money instantly anywhere in the world
• Issue and manage debit cards (virtual and physical)
• Full Apple Pay support
• Exchange assets and withdraw funds quickly

One of the most unique features is the built-in cryptocurrency mining system inside Verum Messenger.

The application utilizes your device’s resources and allows you to earn cryptocurrency in the background — passively, while chatting, traveling, or simply using the messenger.

Maximum Privacy + Real Freedom

• Registration without a phone number, email address, or passport
• End-to-end encryption and full control over your data
• Lifetime free VPN
• eSIM connectivity in more than 150 countries
• Reliable offline communication mode
• Support for 12+ languages for users worldwide

Everything is available in one place: secure communication, financial tools, earning opportunities, and privacy protection.

Users can access the full experience directly within Verum Messenger or switch to the dedicated Verum Finance app for iOS. All data is synchronized automatically between the two applications.

Why Download Verum Today

While many messaging platforms collect user data and expose users to restrictions, Verum offers greater independence and the opportunity to earn.

With a one-time purchase of the feature package, users receive lifetime access to privacy tools, VPN, eSIM services, cryptocurrency mining, and financial features.

This is more than just a messenger.

It is your personal tool for financial and digital freedom.

Download Verum Finance and Verum Messenger today — start communicating securely and begin earning tomorrow.

Download Links:

→ App Store (iPhone / iPad): Verum Finance
→ App Store (Verum Messenger): Verum Messenger

Technologies

Verum Finance: A Super App for Private Finance Integrated Into a Messenger

Verum Finance has announced the launch of a new financial application that allows users to manage their money directly within the secure Verum Messenger ecosystem.

The project has already attracted attention from major media outlets. A dedicated feature was published by Forbes Türkiye, while one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, MEXC, covered the launch. Yahoo Finance had previously reported on the evolution of Verum Messenger into a comprehensive financial ecosystem.

What Verum Finance Offers

Verum Finance transforms a messenger into a complete financial platform. Users can:

• Manage their balance and top up using bank cards or USDT
• Send money instantly to other Verum users
• Issue and use debit cards, including Apple Pay support
• Exchange assets and withdraw funds
• Access all these services without installing separate banking applications

A strong emphasis is placed on privacy. The platform offers registration without a phone number or email address, end-to-end encryption, and full user control over personal data.

Recognition from Forbes Türkiye

In a dedicated article, Forbes Türkiye highlighted Verum Finance as a notable example of modern privacy-driven fintech. The publication emphasized the growing trend of financial services moving from standalone banking applications into unified messaging ecosystems — a model that has proven successful in Asia through platforms such as WeChat and Alipay and is now expanding globally.

Support from the Crypto Community

Alongside the Forbes Türkiye coverage, news about the launch of Verum Finance was also featured by MEXC, one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges. This reflects growing interest in the project from both traditional business media and the cryptocurrency community.

A Strategic Vision

“We are building more than a payments application and more than a messenger. Verum is a unified secure ecosystem where communication, finance, and privacy tools work together,” the company stated.

Verum Finance is now available for iPhone and iPad users. The application complements Verum Messenger, which offers anonymous chats, voice and video calls, VPN services, eSIM connectivity, and other tools designed to enhance digital freedom.

Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im

Verum Messenger: https://verum.im