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Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. Galaxy S23: Is It Time to Upgrade?

Photo credit: www.androidcentral.com

The next base-model Galaxy flagship

While specifics about the Samsung Galaxy S25 remain largely speculative, credible leaks suggest a solid foundation for the upcoming flagship. Anticipated features include a familiar design, the introduction of a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, and the debut of One UI 7.

For

  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor with bespoke Oryon cores (rumored)
  • One UI 7 (Android 15) set for immediate availability with a promise of seven years of OS upgrades
  • New Galaxy AI features (expected)
  • Larger screen dimensions with a slightly reconfigured form factor (rumored)

Against

  • Potentially higher pricing owing to the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset (rumored)
  • Expected availability not set until mid-January 2025
  • Possible thermal management issues and battery performance concerns stemming from the Snapdragon 8 Elite

Still going strong in 2024

The Samsung Galaxy S23 continues to perform admirably in 2024, closely resembling the more recent Galaxy S24. Significant software updates, including the upgrade to One UI 6, have been beneficial, showcasing advanced Galaxy AI functionalities. While many users find ample value in the S23, the allure of the Galaxy S25 may prompt some to consider an early upgrade.

For

  • Capable Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor
  • Continued support for multiple OS upgrades
  • Excellent battery longevity
  • More affordable compared to the Galaxy S24 and the forthcoming Galaxy S25

Against

  • Slow wired charging capabilities
  • Aging camera technology
  • Limited retail availability

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series arrives amid pressing challenges, including delays with One UI 7, based on Android 15, and scrutiny over the company’s innovation track record. While definitive details on the Galaxy S25 remain under wraps, early insights hint at a substantial upgrade featuring a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, enhanced display size, design updates, and significant software enhancements. The pivotal question remains: will these improvements entice Galaxy S23 owners to transition to the new model? This article aims to outline the distinctions between the two devices in anticipation of the upcoming launch.

Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. Galaxy S23: Design

For those who have followed Samsung’s recent phone releases, clarity around the Galaxy S25’s design emerges. Recent models, including the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6, have showcased a shift toward a flatter, more angular design aesthetic. Latest renderings suggest the S25 will adopt a similar approach, likely featuring a box-shaped profile with matte aluminum edges and updated lens covers around the rear camera system, reminiscent of the Galaxy Z Fold 6.

The exact size of the Galaxy S25 remains uncertain, but speculation suggests a chassis around 146.94 x 70.46 x 7.25 mm, slightly smaller than its predecessor, the Galaxy S24, and the previous Galaxy S23. Anticipated weight is about 168 grams. Durability may be bolstered by a robust IP68 rating for water and dust resistance and the inclusion of Gorilla Glass.

One of the most notable potential upgrades is the display area. While the Galaxy S23 features a 6.1-inch AMOLED display, the upcoming S25 may transition to a 6.3-inch screen, aligning with the industry trend toward larger displays, as evidenced by Apple’s recent iPhone size increases.

Despite the smaller screen on the S23, it is expected that both devices will feature similar display specifications, including a 120Hz AMOLED panel with variable refresh rates and high brightness levels.

Color offerings for the Galaxy S25 are projected to include at least four options: Moon Night Blue, Silver Shadow, Sparkling Blue, and Sparkling Green. In contrast, the Galaxy S23 was available in various shades, including Cobalt Violet and Amber Yellow, leading to speculation that Samsung may introduce exclusive colors for the upcoming series.

Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. Galaxy S23: Hardware and Specs

Those anticipating a substantial camera enhancement with the Galaxy S25 may face disappointment, as early reports suggest the new model will utilize the same camera system as the Galaxy S24, which in turn mirrors the S23’s setup. However, some reports imply that there is a possibility of Samsung switching to Sony sensors for improved performance, though consensus among leakers is still pending.

Should the Galaxy S25 retain the Galaxy S24’s camera assets, users can expect a 50MP primary shooter, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens providing 3x optical zoom. Nevertheless, enhancements may still occur via advancements in image processing and computational photography features.

Samsung Galaxy S25
Samsung Galaxy S23
Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite or Exynos 2500 (rumored)
Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy

Display: 6.3-inch AMOLED screen (rumored)
Display: 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X (1080×2340), 120Hz refresh rate (48-120Hz), Up to 1,750 nits

Memory: Unknown
Memory: 8GB

Storage: 128GB, 256GB (assumed)
Storage: 128GB, 256GB

Battery: 5,000mAh (rumored)
Battery: 3,900mAh

Charging: USB-C wired, wireless, reverse wireless; exact wattage unknown
Charging: 25W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless

Operating System: One UI 7, Android 15
Operating System: One UI 5.1, Android 13 (upgradable)

Rear Cameras: 50MP wide, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP telephoto (rumored and/or assumed)
Rear Cameras: 50MP, f/1.8 primary; 12MP, f/2.2 ultrawide; 10MP, f/2.4 telephoto with 3x optical zoom

Front Camera: 12MP hole-punch camera (rumored and/or assumed)
Front Camera: 12MP, f/2.2 hole-punch camera

Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC (assumed)
Connectivity: 5G (sub-6, mmWave), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, Wi-Fi 6E

Dimensions: 146.9 x 70.4 x 7.2mm (rumored)
Dimensions: 70.86 x 146.3 x 7.62mm

Weight: 167g (assumed)
Weight: 168.1g

IP Rating: IP68 (assumed)
IP Rating: IP68

Colors: Moon Night Blue, Silver Shadow, Sparkling Blue, and Sparkling Green (rumored)
Colors: Phantom Black, Cream, Green, Lavender, Graphite, Lime

The exact specifications for memory and storage are not yet confirmed, but it is anticipated that the Galaxy S25 will support 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring it remains competitive within the flagship market.

Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. Galaxy S23: Performance and Software

Performance and software improvements are critical focus areas for the Samsung Galaxy S25. Expectation is that it will feature the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, touted as a next-generation successor to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Dubbed “Elite,” this chipset incorporates custom Oryon cores, paralleling Qualcomm’s laptop-grade Snapdragon X Elite technologies, setting the stage for potentially unmatched performance in Galaxy devices.

However, impacts on thermal management and battery longevity remain uncertain. Some rumors suggest the S25 could include a sizable 5,000mAh battery, aimed at extending device usage. Additionally, the costly Snapdragon 8 Elite chip may contribute to an increase in the device’s retail price.

The existing Galaxy S23 still features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which, although it will be two years old by the time the S25 arrives, remains robust and capable of handling modern applications. Users can anticipate the eventual upgrade to One UI 7 and continued receipt of various Galaxy AI features for some time.

One UI 7 is a wildcard for the S25, with the development experiencing significant delays, which has sparked concerns over stability at launch. Nevertheless, if successful, the new software will serve as a distinguishing aspect of the S25.

Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. Galaxy S23: Should You Upgrade?

As anticipation builds around the mid-January launch of the Galaxy S25, current Galaxy S23 users must weigh the merits of upgrading. Transitioning from the S23 to the S25 just two years later could prove challenging, especially if the advances in design and camera capabilities are underwhelming. Nonetheless, enhancements such as the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, a bigger display, and new software innovations may provide compelling reasons for some to consider an upgrade.

It’ll soon be the latest and greatest

Samsung generally implements minor improvements from year to year, yet the Galaxy S25 might present enough innovations over the Galaxy S23 to persuade users to switch. Among the expected updates are a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, increased screen size, and an enhanced battery capacity.

Not done yet

Although the Samsung Galaxy S23 has aged, its performance remains robust, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and the implementation of emerging Galaxy AI features. With a few more software updates on the horizon, the S23 still holds considerable viability in the current smartphone landscape.

Source
www.androidcentral.com

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