GALAXY S23+ (Problems & Best Features After Several Weeks)
The Samsung Galaxy S23+ has been on the market for a while now, and users have had ample time to test its performance, camera, battery life, and overall user experience. While the device boasts impressive features, it also has some drawbacks that have surfaced after prolonged usage. In this in-depth review, we will discuss the best features of the Galaxy S23+ and the problems that users have encountered over time.
Best Features of Samsung Galaxy S23+
1. Stunning Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display
One of the standout features of the Galaxy S23+ is its 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. With FHD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels) and a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, the screen delivers sharp, vibrant, and smooth visuals. Whether you are gaming, watching videos, or scrolling through social media, the display experience is nothing short of premium.
2. Flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Performance
Samsung made a significant move by equipping the Galaxy S23+ with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy worldwide. This processor offers better efficiency, increased performance, and improved thermal management compared to its predecessor.
Smooth multitasking
Excellent gaming performance
No overheating issues under normal use
For everyday use, the phone performs flawlessly, handling demanding apps and games with ease.
3. Excellent Camera System
Samsung has refined the camera system of the Galaxy S23+, featuring:
50MP primary sensor with OIS
12MP ultra-wide sensor
10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom
12MP front camera
Camera Strengths:
Excellent daylight photography with accurate colors
Improved low-light performance
Great video stabilization (supports 8K video recording at 30fps)
Super HDR for more balanced photos
The camera software enhancements and AI processing result in better photos compared to the Galaxy S22+.
4. Impressive Battery Life & Faster Charging
With a 4700mAh battery, the Galaxy S23+ offers excellent endurance. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2’s efficiency contributes to a battery life of around 7-8 hours of screen-on time under mixed usage.
45W fast wired charging (0-65% in 30 minutes)
15W wireless charging
Reverse wireless charging (4.5W)
5. Refined One UI 5.1 & Long Software Support
Samsung’s One UI 5.1 (based on Android 13) offers a refined experience with:
Smoother animations & better optimizations
Improved customization features (lock screen customizations, widgets, etc.)
Samsung DeX for a desktop-like experience
Samsung also promises 4 years of major OS updates and 5 years of security patches, ensuring longevity.
6. Gorilla Glass Victus 2 & IP68 Water Resistance
Samsung has improved durability with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back, offering better scratch and drop resistance. Additionally, the IP68 certification ensures dust and water resistance up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
Problems with the Samsung Galaxy S23+
1. Overheating Issues During Intensive Use
While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is more efficient, some users have reported overheating issues when:
Recording 4K/8K videos for an extended period
Playing high-end games (Genshin Impact, PUBG, COD Mobile) at max settings
Using the camera for long durations
This could be due to thermal throttling limitations in Samsung’s cooling system.
2. Limited Base Storage (No Expandable Option)
Samsung ditched the microSD card slot years ago, and the S23+ still lacks expandable storage. The base model comes with 256GB of storage, which might not be enough for users who:
Record high-resolution videos
Install large apps and games
Store lots of media files
3. Slow 45W Charging Compared to Competitors
While 45W wired charging is an improvement, competitors like OnePlus and Xiaomi offer 80W-120W charging speeds.
Full charge takes about 65-70 minutes, whereas some rivals offer 100% charge in under 30 minutes.
4. Shutter Lag in Camera
A long-standing issue with Samsung’s flagship cameras is shutter lag, especially in low-light conditions.
Moving objects often result in blurry shots
Slow capture speed compared to iPhones
Samsung’s software updates might fix this, but it remains a noticeable issue.
5. Speaker Quality Is Good, But Not the Best
The stereo speakers (tuned by AKG) provide decent sound quality, but they are not the best in the segment.
Lacks bass depth compared to iPhones
Distortion at high volumes
No dedicated audio jack
For a premium smartphone, a slightly better speaker system would have been appreciated.
6. Fingerprint Sensor Can Be Inconsistent
Samsung’s ultrasonic fingerprint scanner is fast and secure, but some users have reported inconsistencies in:
Fingerprint recognition after prolonged use
Issues with dry or wet fingers
Slower response compared to optical sensors
While software updates might improve accuracy, some users may prefer Face Unlock for quicker access.
7. One UI Can Be Heavy on RAM Usage
Samsung’s One UI 5.1 offers a lot of features, but it is still one of the heavier Android skins.
RAM consumption is high, even with 8GB or 12GB RAM
Background apps get killed aggressively at times
Occasional UI stutters when switching apps
While optimizations have improved, some users prefer a cleaner Android experience.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Galaxy S23+?
The Samsung Galaxy S23+ is undoubtedly a solid flagship smartphone with premium features, powerful performance, excellent cameras, and long-term software support. However, it is not perfect, and some drawbacks might be deal-breakers for certain users.
Who Should Buy the Galaxy S23+?
✅ If you want a balanced flagship with a great display, cameras, and battery life.
✅ If you prefer Samsung’s software experience & long-term updates.
✅ If you need IP68 water resistance & a premium design.
✅ If you don’t mind slower charging compared to competitors.
Who Should Avoid the Galaxy S23+?
❌ If you need ultra-fast charging (OnePlus 11, Xiaomi 13 Pro are better options).
❌ If you want expandable storage.
❌ If overheating under heavy use is a major concern.
❌ If you prefer stock Android over One UI.
Final Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
The Samsung Galaxy S23+ remains one of the best flagship phones in 2023, despite its minor flaws. If you can overlook some thermal issues, slow charging, and minor software bugs, it is a top-tier Android device worth considering.
What do you think about the Galaxy S23+? Are you experiencing any issues? Let us know in the comments below!
