Technologies

Samsung Galaxy S23 Deals: Big Trade-In Credits, Gift Card Offers and More

Samsung’s new flagship devices are here and you can already save on one.

This story is part of Samsung Event, CNET’s collection of news, tips and advice around Samsung’s most popular products.

The new Galaxy S23, S23 Plus and S23 Ultra hit shelves just last month, and are the latest models in Samsung’s flagship phone series. And if you’re looking to get your hands on one of these cutting-edge devices, there’s no reason to pay more than you have to. There are tons of deals and offers out there at both carriers and retailers that can save you hundreds on one of these sleek new phones, especially if you have an old phone to trade in or need a new service plan. We’ve rounded up some of the best offers available at the moment below so you can get a new S23 in your hands for less. And with the release of the new S23 models, you can also find some great deals on the previous-gen Galaxy S22 right now as well.

Unveiled at the company’s Unpacked event last month, Samsung’s refreshed Galaxy S lineup includes the Galaxy S23, S23 Plus and S23 Ultra. All three models retain the same screen sizes as the 2022 models at 6.1, 6.6 and 6.8 inches, respectively, with a refined external design and some modest upgrades to the camera hardware, battery sizes and internal storage of the larger two models. A special version of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, optimized for the new Galaxy S23 lineup, powers the new phones, which the company claims should result in faster performance.

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Whether you want to be the first to get your hands on one of Samsung’s latest phones or maybe it’s just time to upgrade from an older phone, we’ll help you save some cash on your S23 purchase. Note that the below deals and bonuses are all limited in time and could change at a moment’s notice.

How much does the Galaxy S23 cost?

The three models of the Galaxy S23 are available in various storage configurations. US pricing for each model starts at:

Samsung Galaxy S23: $800
Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus: $1,000
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: $1,200

Note that Samsung has improved the base storage for the Galaxy S23 Plus and S23 Ultra, doubling it to 256GB instead of the 128GB found in the S22 models. The base-spec Galaxy S23 model remains at 128GB, however. Both the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 Plus offer 8GB of RAM, while the Galaxy S23 Ultra comes with 12GB of RAM.

What colors does the Galaxy S23 come in?

As always, Samsung has clothed its latest phones in an attractive array of colors. This time, there’s a selection of nature-inspired colors including phantom black, cream, green and lavender. All three S23 phones are available in those four colors regardless of where you buy them from, though Samsung is also offering four colors exclusive to its own online store. Those colors are lime, graphite, sky blue and red.

Best Galaxy S23 deals

Samsung

Free Samsung credit + trade-in offers

Go straight to the source for your Galaxy S23 order and nab as much as $100 in free Samsung credit to spend on accessories. You’ll also gain access to Samsung’s online-exclusive colors. Better yet, if you’ve got an old phone to trade in, you can get as much as $750 toward your new unlocked device.

Samsung has some attractive carrier offers, too, with as much as $800 off with an eligible trade-in. Finally, many of these offers can be further enhanced with discounts for students, educators, first responders, government workers and/or military members, veterans and their families (see Samsung’s site for discount details).

See at Samsung

Best Buy

Up to $800 off with trade-in

Best Buy is offering savings on both unlocked and carrier models of the S23 lineup if you’ve got an older device to trade in. Those who don’t want to be tied to a carrier or service plan can save up to $600 through Best Buy’s trade-in program. Or you can save up to $800 with an eligible trade-in and qualified activation on service plan from Verizon, AT&T or T-Mobile.

See at Best Buy

Verizon

Up to $800 off with trade-in + bundle deals

Verizon’s Galaxy S23 deal offers as much as $800 off with an eligible trade-in on an Unlimited plan, and the carrier is even accepting old or damaged phones. Switchers to Verizon will get a further $200 Verizon gift card, too. Other offers include a free Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Tab S7 FE 5G with purchase, though it’s worth noting these cellular-enabled devices each require a new line to be added, and 50% off Galaxy Buds 2 when bundled with your phone purchase.

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AT&T

Up to $800 off with trade-in + 50% off accessories

Buy your Galaxy S23 device on a qualifying installment agreement with AT&T and trade in your old device for up to $800 off. Better yet, to be eligible for that discount, the device you hand over can be a Galaxy S, Note, or Z series smartphone from any year, in any condition, or a phone from another brand so long as it’s worth $35. The discount will be applied via monthly bill credits over 36 months. Plus, you can get 50% off any Samsung accessory alongside your phone purchase.

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T-Mobile

Up to $800 off with trade-in or new line

New and existing customers can save up to $800 on any Galaxy S23 model when either trading in or adding a new line on a Magenta Max plan. Those not on a Magenta Max plan can still save up to $800 with a qualifying trade-in or new line on an eligible plan.

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Xfinity

$500 off or $800 off with trade-in

Xfinity is offering new customers $500 off their Galaxy S23 when porting in a number on a new line on a 24-month plan. And both new and existing customers can save up to $800 with a qualifying trade-in.

See at Xfinity

Walmart

Up to $1,250 off with trade-in

Walmart is offering the Galaxy S23 series with various carrier deals. Phones activated on an eligible installment plant with AT&T or Verizon will benefit from a $250 discount, plus up to $1,000 off via bill credits (AT&T only) with an eligible trade-in. Walmart also has prepaid deals with Straight Talk and Total by Verizon offering six months of free service for new customers on an unlimited plan.

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Google Fi

Up to $899 off with trade-in

Google Fi is offering its own trade-in program where you can save up to $799 on the Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus, or up to $899 on the S23 Ultra. Though unlike some other carriers, Google Fi is only accepting newer devices in good condition. The discount is applied via month bill credits over 24 months, and if you cancel service before then, you’ll have to pay the remaining balance yourself.

See at Google Fi

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Technologies

iOS 17 Cheat Sheet: Your Questions on the iPhone Update Answered

Here’s what you need to know about new features and upcoming updates for your iPhone.

Apple’s iOS 17 was released in September, shortly after the company held its Wonderlust event, where the tech giant announced the new iPhone 15 lineup, the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2. We put together this cheat sheet to help you learn about and use the new features in iOS 17. It’ll also help you keep track of the subsequent iOS 17 updates.

iOS 17 updates

Using iOS 17

Getting started with iOS 17

Make sure to check back periodically for more iOS 17 tips and how to use new features as Apple releases more updates.

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

+15 More

See all photos

Technologies

Get Ready for a Striking Aurora That Could Also Disrupt Radio Communications

Don’t expect the storm to cause a lingering problem, though.

A geomagnetic storm is threatening radio communications Monday night, but that doesn’t mean you should be concerned. In fact, it may be an opportunity to see a colorful aurora in the night sky.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a geomagnetic storm watch after witnessing a coronal mass ejection from the sun on Saturday. The watch, which was issued over the weekend and will expire after Monday, said the onset of the storm passing over Earth on Sunday night represented a «moderate» threat to communications. As the storm continues to pass through, it could deliver a «strong» threat on Monday night that could cause radio communications to be temporarily disrupted during the worst of it.

Even so, NOAA said, «the general public should not be concerned.»

A coronal mass ejection occurs when magnetic field and plasma mass are violently expelled from the sun’s corona, or the outermost portion of the sun’s atmosphere. In the vast majority of cases, the ejection occurs with no real threat to Earth. However, in the event the ejection happens in the planet’s direction, a geomagnetic storm occurs, and the Earth’s magnetic field is temporarily affected.

In most cases, geomagnetic storms cause little to no disruption on Earth, with radio communications and satellites affected most often. In extreme cases, a geomagnetic storm can cause significant and potentially life-threatening power outages — a prospect that, luckily, the planet hasn’t faced.

Switching poles

Every 11 years, the sun’s magnetic poles switch, with the north pole and south pole swapping positions. During those cycles, the sun’s activity ramps up as it gets closer to pole-switching time. The height of its activity is called solar maximum, and scientists believe we either may be entering the solar maximum or may be already in it.

During periods of heightened solar activity, sunspots increase on the sun and there’s an increase in coronal mass ejections, among other phenomena. According to NOAA, solar maximum could extend into October of this year before the sun’s activity calms and it works towards its less-active phase, solar minimum.

Even when geomagnetic storms hit Earth and disrupt communications, the effects are usually short-lived. Those most affected, including power grid operators and pilots and air traffic controllers communicating over long distances, have fail-safe technologies and backup communications to ensure operational continuity.

But geomagnetic storms aren’t only about radios. In most cases, they also present unique opportunities to see auroras in the night sky. When the storms hit, the plasma they carry creates a jaw-dropping aurora, illuminating the night sky with brilliant colors. Those auroras can be especially pronounced during the most intense phases of the storm, making for nice stargazing.

If you’re interested in seeing the aurora, you’ll need to be ready. The NOAA said the «brunt of the storm has passed» and even if it lingers into Tuesday, there won’t be much to see after Monday night.

Technologies

Last Total Solar Eclipse for 20 Years Is Coming: How to See and Photograph It

It’s your last chance until 2044.

Get your eclipse glasses ready, Skygazers: the Great American Eclipse is on its way. On April 8, there’ll be a total eclipse over North America, the last one until 2044.

A total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, blocking the sun and turning an otherwise sunny day to darkness for a short period of time. Depending on the angle at which you’re viewing the eclipse, you may see the sun completely shrouded by the moon (called totality) or some variation of it. The more off-angle you are and the further you are from the path of the eclipse, the less likely you’ll be to see the totality.

The 2024 total solar eclipse will happen on Monday, April 8. The Great American Eclipse will reach the Mexican Pacific coast at 11:07 a.m. PT (2:07 p.m. ET), and then traverse the US in a northeasterly direction from Texas to Maine, and on into easternmost Canada. If you want a good look at it, but don’t live in the path of totality, you shouldn’t wait much longer to book accommodation and travel to a spot on the path.

Or how about booking a seat in the sky? Delta Airlines made headlines for offering a flight that allows you to see the entire path of totality. Its first eclipse flight, from Austin, Texas, to Detroit sold out quickly. But as of Monday, Delta has added a second flight from Dallas to Detroit, which also covers the path of totality. The airline also has five flights that will offer prime eclipse viewing.

Not everyone can get on one of those elusive eclipse-viewing flights. Here’s a look at other options to nab a chance to see this rare sight and what to know about it.

Total solar eclipse path

The eclipse will cross over the Pacific coast of Mexico and head northeast over mainland Mexico. The eclipse will then make its way over San Antonio at approximately 2:30 p.m. ET on April 8 and move through Texas, over the southeastern part of Oklahoma and northern Arkansas by 2:50 p.m. ET.

By 3 p.m. ET, the eclipse will be over southern Illinois, and just 5 minutes later, will be traveling over Indianapolis. Folks in northwestern Ohio will be treated to the eclipse by 3:15 p.m. ET, and it will then travel over Lake Erie and Buffalo, New York, by 3:20 p.m. ET. Over the next 10 minutes, the eclipse will be seen over northern New York state, then over Vermont. By 3:35 p.m. ET, the eclipse will work its way into Canada and off the Eastern coast of North America.

Best places to watch the Great American Eclipse

When evaluating the best places to watch this year’s total eclipse, you’ll first want to determine where you’ll have the best angle to see the totality. The farther off-angle you are — in other words, the farther north or south of the eclipse’s path — the less of an impact you can expect.

Therefore, if you want to have the best chance of experiencing the eclipse, you’ll want to be in its path. As of this writing, most of the cities in the eclipse’s path have some hotel availability, but recent reports have suggested that rooms are booking up. And as more rooms are booked, prices are going up.

So if you want to be in the eclipse’s path, and need a hotel to do it, move fast. And Delta’s eclipse-viewing flight from Dallas to Detroit has just four seats left at the time of publication.

Eclipse eye safety and photography

As with any solar eclipse, it’s critical you keep eye safety in mind.

During the eclipse, and especially during the periods before and after totality, don’t look directly at the sun without special eye protection. Also, be sure not to look at the sun through a camera (including the camera on your phone), binoculars, a telescope or any other viewing device. This could cause serious eye injury. Sunglasses aren’t enough to protect your eyes from damage.

If you want to view the eclipse, you’ll instead need solar viewing glasses that comply with the ISO 12312-2 safety standard. Anything that doesn’t meet that standard or greater won’t be dark enough to protect your eyes. Want to get them for free? If you’ve got a Warby Parker eyeglasses store nearby, the company is giving away free, ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses at all of its stores from April 1 until the eclipse, while supplies last.

If you don’t have eclipse viewing glasses handy, you can instead use indirect methods for viewing the eclipse, like a pinhole projector.

Read more: A Photographer’s Adventure With the Eclipse

In the event you want to take pictures of the eclipse, attach a certified solar filter to your camera. Doing so will protect your eyes and allow you to take photos while you view the eclipse through your lens.

There’s also a new app to help you both protect your eyes and take better photos of the eclipse on your phone. Solar Snap, designed by a former Hubble Space Telescope astronomer, comes with a Solar Snap camera filter that attaches to the back of an iPhone or Android phone, along with solar eclipse glasses for protecting your eyesight during the event. After you attach the filter to your phone, you can use the free Solar Snap Eclipse app to zoom in on the eclipse, adjust exposure and other camera settings, and ultimately take better shots of the eclipse.

2024 eclipse compared to 2017

The last total solar eclipse occurred in 2017, and many Americans had a great view. Although there are plenty of similarities between the 2017 total solar eclipse and the one coming April 8, there are a handful of differences. Mainly, the 2024 eclipse is going to cover more land and last longer.

The 2017 eclipse started over the northwest US and moved southeast. Additionally, that eclipse’s path was up to 71 miles wide, compared with a maximum width of 122 miles for this year’s eclipse. Perhaps most importantly, the moon completely covered the sun for just 2 minutes, 40 seconds in 2017. This year, maximum totality will last for nearly four-and-a-half minutes.