Technologies
Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Base, Plus and Ultra: A Spec-By-Spec Comparison of Each Phone
Samsung’s Galaxy S23 lineup is made up of three phones that are each unique in their own way. Let’s see how they compare against each other.

Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S24 lineup is rumored to launch early this year. But the Galaxy S23 series, unveiled at the company’s Unpacked event last February, is still the reigning flagship lineup and still has phones worth considering in 2024, especially if and when the price drops.
The S23 lineup consists of three models: the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23 Plus and the top-specced Galaxy S23 Ultra. What are the differences between each model?
Starting prices for the phones, at least in the US, remain the same as 2022, with the base Galaxy S23 starting at $800 (£849, AU$1,349), bumping up to $1,000 (£1,049, AU$1,649) for the Galaxy S23 Plus and maxing out at $1,200 (£1,249, AU$1,949) for the Galaxy 23 Ultra.
Samsung has increased prices in the UK and Australia, among other countries and regions. For example, the starting price of the base Galaxy S23 has increased in the UK by £80 compared to the launch price of the Galaxy S22. In Australia, the base S23 model received a AU$100 bump.
The three devices share a similar glass and aluminum design. They use the same processor (the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2), have the same display adaptive refresh rate (up to 120Hz) and 12-megapixel selfie camera. The three phones support ultrawideband, a radio technology that powers features such as using digital car keys and lost item tracking.
The S23 is the smallest of the three, weighing 168 grams (5.93 ounces) with a 6.1-inch AMOLED display. The S23 Plus has a 6.6-inch screen and the S23 Ultra has a 6.8-inch display. They weigh 195 grams (6.88 ounces) and 234 grams (8.25 ounces) respectively.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a four-camera module, with a 200-megapixel main camera, two 10-megapixel telephoto cameras and a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens. According to Samsung’s product pages, these sensors have improved resolution (obviously), but also improve the phone’s low-light photography by combining sets of smaller pixels into larger individual ones that can capture more light.
The S23 and S23 Plus have identical triple-camera setups on the rear. Both include a telephoto lens, which should help capture faraway subjects. You can learn more about the camera specs in our chart below.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra’s new Note-like features set it apart from both the rest of the S23 lineup and other premium phones made by competitors such as Apple and Xiaomi. It’s the second time a Galaxy S Ultra phone has come with a stylus included in the box. There’s also a slot for storing it on the phone — just like Samsung’s all-but-discontinued Note series. S Pen fans who bought the Galaxy S21 Ultra had to pay for the stylus separately and find a specific phone case that could store it.
For more information on the similarities and differences between the Samsung Galaxy S23 lineup, look at our specs chart below.
Galaxy S23 lineup compared
Galaxy S23 | Galaxy S23 Plus | Galaxy S23 Ultra | |
---|---|---|---|
Display size, resolution, refresh rate | 6.1-inch AMOLED; 2,340×1,080 pixels; 120Hz | 6.6-inch AMOLED; 2,340×1,080 pixels; 120Hz | 6.8-inch AMOLED; 3,088×1,440 pixels; 120Hz |
Display pixel density | 425 ppi | 393 ppi | 500 ppi |
Size (inches) | 2.79 x 5.76 x 0.3 in | 3 x 6.21 x 0.3 in | 3.07 x 6.43 x 0.35 in |
Size (millimeters) | 70.9 x 146.3 x 7.6 mm | 76.2 x 157.7 x 7.6 mm | 78 x 163.3 x 8.9 mm |
Weight (grams, ounces) | 168 g (5.93 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 234 g (8.25 oz) |
Operating system | Android 13 | Android 13 | Android 13 |
Rear cameras | 50-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (telephoto) | 50-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (telephoto) | 200-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) 10-megapixel (telephoto) 10-megapixel (telephoto) |
Front camera | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel |
Video capture | 8K | 8K | 8K |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
RAM and storage options | 8GB RAM + 128GB; 8GB RAM + 256GB | 8GB + 256GB;8GB + 512GB | 8GB + 256GB; 12GB + 256GB; 12GB + 512GB; 12GB + 1TB |
Battery capacity and charging rate | 3,900 mAh (25W wired charging) | 4,700 mAh (45W wired charging) | 5,000 mAh (45W wired charging) |
Charging port | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
Other features | 5G (mmw/Sub6), IP68 rating, wireless PowerShare to charge other devices | 5G (mmw/Sub6), IP68 rating, wireless PowerShare to charge other devices, UWB for finding other devices | 5G (mmw/Sub6), IP68 rating, wireless PowerShare to charge other devices, integrated S Pen, 100x Space Zoom, 10x Optical Zoom, UWB for finding other devices |
US price | $800 (8GB/128GB) | $1,000 (8GB/256GB) | $1,200 (12GB/256GB) |
UK price | £849 (8GB/128GB) | £1,049 (8GB/256GB) | £1,249 (12GB/256GB) |
Australian price | AU$1,349 (8GB/128GB) | AU$1,649 (8GB/256GB) | AU$1,949 (12GB/256GB) |
Technologies
Memorial Day Deal: We Love These Twelve South Charging Devices and They’re Now Up to $50 Off
Never run out of battery, thanks to these fantastic Memorial Day deals from Twelve South.

If you’re like me, to get through the day you probably need your earbuds, phone and devices. That also means constantly scanning for electrical outlets and strategizing which gadget deserves to be charged first. Thankfully, there are gadgets that can take care of more than one precious device at a time, and they can be had for less this Memorial Day. Twelve South is now offering its wares for up to $50 off, and Amazon is matching many of its offers.
The Twelve South 2-in-1 ButterFly wireless charger is one of the highlights of this sale. It’s now down to just $80, saving you $50 off its usual asking price of $130. This portable charger lets you power two devices while you’re on the go, and it can fold up, so you can put it in your pocket or purse for safekeeping. Twelve South is also behind the ButterFly SE, a more budget-friendly alternative that works with iPhones and Apple Watches. This is down to $70 right now and saves you $30.
Twelve South also makes MagSafe chargers capable of charging even more devices, such as the HiRise 3 Deluxe, which is now only $80. This MagSafe charger is perfect for ensuring your phone, smartwatch and earbuds can all be powered at once.
Finally, the PlugBug with FindMy is the perfect USB-C charger for anyone who wants a traditional charging block that can be easily tracked. The 50-watt version is now just $60, bringing it down from its usual price of $70. We suggest looking through the entire set of deals available at Twelve South and Amazon, because selection might vary.
If you’re in need of a charging device but aren’t sure if these deals are for you, check out our list of Memorial Day deals under $25, which features some standout offers.
Why this deal matters
Twelve South makes a variety of chargers that are perfect for your smartphone, earbuds, smartwatch and other devices. Its Memorial Day sale offers ample opportunity to save, and Amazon is matching many of the markdowns as well.
Technologies
Memorial Day Deal: My Favorite iPhone Portable Charger Is 25% Off at Amazon
The Anker 622 MagGo snaps neatly onto the back of my iPhone and goes everywhere I do. Grab it now for less than $35 for Memorial Day.

Like most people, I take my phone with me wherever I go and use it for just about every aspect of my life. And like most folks, I also live in constant fear that my iPhone’s battery will die on me right when I need it most. The Anker 622 MagGo, which CNET ranked as the best magnetic power bank with an integrated stand, has alleviated that concern.
And right now for Memorial Day, it’s seeing a 30% discount on Amazon. That drops the price down to just $34, making it an excellent value. The charger comes in a variety of colors, with Interstellar Gray being the cheapest at the moment when you apply the on-page coupon. Misty Blue and Buds Green are down to $36, which is still a pretty great deal.
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Here’s why I’ve stuck with this little charger for so long
Have you seen people walk around with a loop of cable hanging from their pocket to their phone? I’ve been there and hooked that loop on too many chairs and table corners. Never again. The ring of magnets in the Anker 622 MagGo aligns with the MagSafe magnets in every iPhone since the iPhone 12, latching securely and charging without wires. (The notable exception is the iPhone 16E, which does not offer MagSafe but does charge wirelessly using Qi technology. The Anker 622 MagGo will charge the iPhone 16E but won’t latch to it magnetically.)
It’s also compact — a little backpack feeding power to the phone while you’re holding it or have it stashed in a pocket, even a jeans pocket if your fit isn’t too tight.
Those features alone would have convinced me but the Anker 622 also includes a fold-out back flap that props up my iPhone and can also hold the phone in its wide orientation for StandBy mode. With a power adapter such as the Anker Nano Pro (not included) and a charging cable, I’ve taught long classes with the phone angled to help me keep track of the time without checking my watch.
Essential Anker 622 MagGo specs
Here’s what you need to know.
- Battery capacity: 5,000 milliamp hours
- Voltage: 1.55 volts
- Output: 7.5-watt Magnetic (compatible with MagSafe-equipped devices, iPhone 12 and later) or 20-watt USB-C port. Can charge only one device at a time.
- Input: The same single USB-C is also how you recharge the device.
- Size: 4.13-inch by 2.61 inches by 0.5 inch
- Weight: 5 ounces
- Included: Magnetic battery, 60cm (23.6 inches) USB-C to USB-C cable
- Warranty: 24 months
MagSafe-compatible charging
I’ve owned several battery chargers and each one has some sort of compromise. They’re bulky. They require a cable. They charge wirelessly but don’t include a magnet to keep the phone in place so it’s hard to maintain that connection. There’s always something.
The Anker 622 is half an inch thick and snaps onto the back of my iPhone using the MagSafe-aligned magnets. I don’t have to turn it on to start charging — power flows as soon as the connection is made.
Now, this isn’t the highest-capacity (5,000 mAh) or fastest portable charger. That’s fine. What I usually need is a way to eke out a few more hours of battery life on my iPhone. I can typically get a full top-off of my iPhone 15 Pro.
Making a stand
The other appealing feature of the Anker 622 MagGo for me is its built-in stand. Honestly, it doesn’t look like it should work well: It’s a fabric-covered set of plastic pieces that lie flush against the case, folds in two places and attaches to the back of the unit with a magnetic strip when extended. Yet I’ve had no problems with the stability of my iPhone 15 Pro or even the larger iPhone 15 Pro Max size.
This also lets me use standby mode by turning the iPhone to landscape orientation (the magnets are strong enough to hold the phone in place) when it’s on a table or desk.
Smart port placement matters
The charger gets its juice from a single USB-C port, which is positioned on the edge of the case, not the bottom. That means you can replenish it while the stand is open — many chargers’ ports are stuck on the bottom.
That USB-C port also acts as a charger for other devices when you plug in a cable, such as when your Apple Watch needs a boost.
How the Anker 622 MagGo compares to similar power banks
Before getting the Anker 622 MagGo, I carried an Anker PowerCore III 10K Wireless, which doubles the battery capacity, includes a USB-A port and charges wirelessly but without magnets to hold the phone in place. That meant if I didn’t use a cable, the phone and charger needed to be stable and level; too often I’d find the iPhone slid off its wireless perch and not charged. It’s also larger and heavier. I still use it, but it’s the power bank that goes into my carry-on suitcase as a backup charger.
Since I’ve owned this Anker 622 MagGo, the company has released a few updated models. The $55 Anker 633 (currently on sale for $45) packs 10,000 mAh into a slightly thicker brick, includes a USB-A port in addition to USB-C and has a metal kickstand for resting the phone upright.
You can also consider getting the chunkier Anker MagGo Power Bank that delivers 10,000 mAh and follows the same idea of compact magnetic charging and a convenient kickstand. Its main appeals are faster 15-watt magnetic charging and Qi2 compatibility, plus a small display on the side that reports the battery capacity and an estimate of the remaining battery in hours.
For more smart buys, check out this amazing multitool and a portable TV that can go anywhere. And if you happen to be gift shopping, check out our roundup of the best gifts for grads and the best tech gifts for anyone, anytime of year.
Technologies
Memorial Day Deal: The Apple Watch SE Returns to Its Best Price of 2025 So Far
Buy the Apple Watch SE for just $169 before the deal ends.

Memorial Day deals are in full swing right now and one of our top-rated smartwatches is on sale. The Apple Watch SE has dropped to its best price of the year, albeit one that might not last for long. If an Apple Watch SE is on your wish list, this deal is for you — order today, and you’ll pay just $169 for the 40mm version in your choice of case and band combinations.
Given the sometimes volatile pricing, we suggest ordering as soon as possible. This is your chance to pick up a solid smartwatch at a price that won’t break the bank.
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The Apple Watch SE is a great wearable. It also makes an excellent first smartwatch for kids. Features include crash detection, heart rate monitoring and activity tracking. Apple also says this model is carbon-neutral when you choose the Sport Loop band.
Looking to compare prices on Apple Watches? We’ve rounded up the best Apple Watch bargains. And if you’re hoping for a new iPhone to pair with that watch, we’ve rounded up our favorite iPhone deals, too.
Why this deal matters
We’re big fans of Apple’s smartwatches but not everyone can pay to put the company’s premium models on their wrist. The Apple Watch SE offers many of the same features on a budget, and this is your chance to get it for even less than usual. This is the lowest price we’ve seen this model fall to in the last few months, which makes now the perfect time to order yours.
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