Samsung Galaxy S23+ Galaxy S23+ Review

The Samsung Galaxy S23+ at $399 is a storage powerhouse with flagship roots. You get a massive 512GB, a 50MP camera, and smooth performance. The big catch is it's only 4G, which feels outdated. Battery and camera performance aren't top-tier either. Recommended if you need tons of space and don't care about 5G. Skip it if you want a balanced, modern mid-range phone.

Alright, let's talk about the Samsung Galaxy S23+. This phone is a bit of an odd duck in 2024. It's a flagship from last year, but it's now sitting at a price point that makes it a serious contender for anyone who wants premium specs without the premium price tag. With a 512GB storage option and that classic Samsung design, it's aimed at users who prioritize having a ton of space for photos, apps, and files, and who want a polished Android experience without the latest bells and whistles.

What makes it interesting right now is that price. At $399, this is a flagship-level phone with a massive amount of storage hitting the mid-range market. You're getting a 6.6-inch display, 8GB of RAM, and that 50MP camera system, all wrapped up in a package that, according to our database, scores highly in 'social proof' and 'features' compared to other phones. People seem to trust it and like what it offers on paper.

But there's a catch, and it's in the specs. The processor is listed as 'unknown', which is unusual, and it's only 4G. In a world where 5G is becoming the standard, that's a significant limitation. This phone is for someone who values storage and camera features over having the absolute fastest network speeds or the most cutting-edge chip. It's a trade-off, and at this price, it's one worth examining closely.

Performance is a mixed bag here. The phone lands in the 77th percentile for performance overall, which is solid. That suggests the 'fastest mobile processor available' (likely a Snapdragon from the S23 generation) is still holding up well for everyday tasks like app switching, social media, and light gaming. You shouldn't have any issues with lag or stuttering in normal use.

However, the percentile scores tell a more nuanced story. The battery score is in the 39th percentile, and the connectivity score is in the 34th. That 4,700mAh battery might be 'impressive' on paper, but real-world data suggests it doesn't stand out compared to other phones. And the 4G-only connectivity is a clear performance bottleneck for anyone who downloads large files, streams high-quality video on the go, or lives in an area where 5G coverage is good. For basic use, it's fine. For anything data-intensive, you'll feel the difference.

The value proposition here is crystal clear: you're getting flagship-level storage and a flagship brand name for $399. That's a steal if your primary need is space. Compared to new mid-range phones at this price, you'll often find 128GB or 256GB. The S23+ doubles or quadruples that.

But you're paying for that storage by accepting compromises elsewhere. The 4G connectivity and the middling battery/camera scores mean you're not getting a balanced, top-tier experience. It's a specialist device. If you compare it to its listed competitors, like the Google Pixel or a newer OnePlus, you'll likely get better cameras, 5G, and a more modern processor, but with less storage. So the value is fantastic for a storage-hungry user, and less compelling for someone who wants a well-rounded modern phone.

Let's look at a couple of the key competitors. The Google Pixel 10, even at a higher price, will almost certainly demolish this in camera performance and offer clean Android with 5G. If photography is your main thing, the S23+'s 37th percentile camera score suggests you should look at the Pixel instead.

The OnePlus 15 is another interesting match. OnePlus typically offers strong performance and fast charging at competitive prices. You'd likely get a more balanced package with 5G and a known, current processor, though again, probably with less storage than this 512GB monster.

Then there's the elephant in the room: the iPhone 15. It's a different ecosystem, but at a similar unlocked price point, it offers 5G, a known processor (the A16), and typically excellent build quality. The S23+ wins on storage capacity and maybe on price, but loses on connectivity and modern chip certainty. The trade-off is between massive Android storage and a more complete, modern feature set.

You should skip the Galaxy S23+ if you live in a city with good 5G coverage and use your phone as your primary internet device on the go. The 4G limitation will quickly become frustrating. Also skip it if camera quality is your main focus—the low percentile score suggests it's not a standout. And if you're a power user who needs all-day battery life without charging, the 39th percentile battery score indicates you might be disappointed.

Instead, look at phones like the Google Pixel 8a for its excellent camera software, a current OnePlus Nord for its balance of speed and value, or even hunt for a discounted Samsung Galaxy S23 FE or S24 model that includes 5G. You'll sacrifice some storage, but gain a much more modern and complete feature set.

If you need a phone with enormous storage and you're okay with 4G, this is a fantastic deal. Students, photographers who shoot a lot, or anyone who just hates managing storage will love having 512GB at their fingertips for $399. The performance is still smooth, and it's a proper Samsung flagship from last year.

But if you're a typical user who streams video, uses maps, and downloads apps frequently on the go, the 4G limitation will feel archaic. You should skip this and look at a modern mid-range phone like a Pixel 8a, a OnePlus Nord, or even a discounted 5G Samsung model. The battery and camera scores also suggest they aren't standout features, so if those are priorities, this isn't your best bet.