Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely Evaluate – the last word digicam cellphone?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely flagship has been the digicam cellphone to beat for fairly some time, however with the units getting higher and higher with each iteration, it’s maybe truthful to say that every new model is simply a slight enchancment on the final.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely at a look:

• 200MP extensive digicam, 1/1.3” sensor, f/1.7 aperture, multi-directional PDAF, OIS
• 12MP extremely extensive digicam, 1/2.55” sensor, f/2.2 aperture, Twin Pixel PDAF
• 10MP telephoto digicam, 1/3.52” sensor, f/2.4 aperture, Twin Pixel AF, OIS, 3x zoom
• 10MP telephoto digicam, 1/3.52” sensor, f/4.9 aperture, Twin Pixel AF, OIS, 10x zoom
• ‘Area Zoom’ – 30x/100x tremendous decision digital zoom
• 8K video 30fps, 4K video 60fps
• 6.8-inch show, Quad HD+ (3088 x 1440) AMOLED at 500ppi, 120Hz
• Working system – Android 13
• Processor – Snapdragon 8 Era 2 Octacore
• 8GB/12GB reminiscence, 256GB-1TB capability

Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely {Hardware}, Design and Options

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely, which follows on from final 12 months’s S22 Extremely doesn’t evolve the machine an excessive amount of, although as soon as once more it accommodates an array of fantastic options which needs to be very interesting to the fanatic photographer.

The massive information is the leap in decision rely for the primary digicam, with the S23 Extremely being the primary Samsung to boast a 200 megapixel sensor. We have now seen smartphones with this measurement of sensor earlier than, certainly, Samsung has made sensors for different producers of this decision earlier than, however that is the primary time the corporate has put one in its personal branded telephones. Meaning you get a lift from final 12 months’s 108 megapixel machine.

As we’d anticipate, photographs are usually not output at 200MP by default, though you’ll be able to shoot in tremendous excessive decision mode when you actually wish to. Because of pixel binning, the usual 12 MP decision is what you’ll see and anticipate for nearly your entire pictures.

In entrance of the 200MP sensor is an f/1.7 stabilised lens, whereas there are three extra cameras additionally obtainable to select from. There’s a 12MP extremely extensive f/2.2 mixture, and two telephoto lenses, each with 10 megapixel sensors behind them. One presents 3x zoom and an f/2.4 lens, whereas the opposite is a 10x zoom with an f/4.9 aperture. There’s additionally ‘house zoom’ – a type of digital zoom which implies you’ll be able to attain 30x or 100x when you want it.

With 4 lenses obtainable, this places the S23 Extremely forward of most different flagship smartphones, with units such because the iPhone 14 Professional and the Google Pixel 7 Professional solely boasting 3 choices.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely with stylus, Picture: Amy Davies

As traditional, a spread of storage choices can be found to select from, beginning at 256GB and rising as much as 1TB, with an acceptable bump in value every time. There’s two RAM choices, with a less expensive 8GB model obtainable to go together with the 256GB storage capability, or you’ll be able to plump for 12GB with any storage possibility. It’s typically price spending extra when you suppose you’ll want the additional storage, significantly as reminiscence with this cellphone can’t be expanded. It’s price choosing the bigger RAM when you can too, significantly when you intend to do issues like shoot 8K or 4K video, or use it for different non-photographic functions, resembling gaming.

Design smart, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely is similar to its predecessor. The display screen has the identical specs, coming in at 6.8” and boasting Quad HD+ decision. This makes the cellphone very giant and due to this fact very tough to make use of one handed for most individuals. On the plus facet it means your pictures and movies actually pop and look vibrant. Whether or not you want a really giant smartphone is a matter of private desire, nevertheless it’s maybe a disgrace to not see a smaller display screen machine – with the identical digicam setup – obtainable for individuals who may want it.

The perimeters of the S23 Extremely have been squared off only a contact in comparison with its predecessor to offer only a trace of a bigger display screen when taking a look at it. It’s not one thing that’s instantly apparent, even when trying on the two telephones facet by facet. Both manner, it’s a properly smooth and trendy strategy to design, albeit just a little on the slippy facet – a case is just about a should.

That mentioned, when you do will be inclined for clumsiness, the excellent news is that not solely is the S23 Extremely IP68 rated for waterproofing and dustproofing, it additionally incorporates a Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 display screen which ought to seen it simply capable of stand up to scratches and dents.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely photograph gallery view, Picture: Amy Davies

Video recording is obtainable at as much as 8K decision, with an improved 30fps body fee (24fps was obtainable for the S22 Extremely). 8K places it forward of most different fashions available on the market, although it’s one thing we’re beginning to see on more moderen smartphones, even together with cheaper choices such because the OnePlus 11. 4K and Full HD video recording – is in fact additionally obtainable. “Tremendous Regular” video stabilisation is simply obtainable in QHD (2560 x 1440) and Full HD, with a crop utilized to video recording when Tremendous Regular is enabled.

Identical to the Samsung Galaxy S22 Extremely, the S23 Extremely is fitted with a 5000mAh battery, with that extremely giant physique being one other profit for long-lasting battery. We discovered throughout our checks that cellphone simply lasted a full day, even when utilizing it steadily for pictures and movies. More often than not it lasts for extra like two and even probably into a 3rd day when you’re a comparatively gentle consumer.

Quick charging is supported, as is wi-fi charging, however, as is fairly frequent today, there’s no charger supplied within the field – solely a cable – so you’ll need to put money into these individually when you don’t have already got a fast-charging plus and/or a wi-fi charging machine.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely with S-Pen Stylus, Picture: Amy Davies

An “S Pen” stylus was included for the primary time within the Extremely vary with the S22 Extremely, so it’s no shock to see it additionally sticking round right here. The “Observe” vary of smartphones is now discontinued, so once more it makes good sense that that is the place you’ll discover the stylus. Primarily that is positioned as being helpful for making handwritten notes and doodles, however from a pictures perspective you can too use it as a distant set off. This is available in helpful if you wish to shoot selfies or group pictures from a distance. Doubtlessly you may additionally use it for different situations, resembling low gentle or close-up capturing from a tripod, too.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely Digicam App

Samsung smartphones have, for a very long time, had a well-featured and expansive native digicam app which provides you a lot of alternative relying on the best way you may wish to shoot.

By default, the Picture mode is what launches, and it’s more likely to be the mode that most individuals use more often than not. From this mode you’ll be able to entry all the completely different lenses, in addition to activate digital zooming as much as 100x (known as Area Zoom).

Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely photograph mode, Picture: Amy Davies

On this mode, your pictures will likely be output as commonplace at 12MP. However when you faucet an icon on the high of the display screen, you can too swap to recording in 50MP and even 200MP. Observe that if you choose both of those resolutions then you’ll be able to solely use the 1x lens (since solely the sensor behind this lens has a excessive sufficient decision sensor to facilitate this).

You may as well swipe to the left to pick a Portrait mode, which permits shallow depth of area results to be created (for each human and non-human topics), whereas swiping to the fitting begins up the Video mode. In case you faucet on “Extra” you’ll see a bunch of different modes which you’ll be able to choose, together with Panorama, Meals, Evening and so forth.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely photograph modes, Picture: Amy Davies

There’s additionally a Professional mode which provides you management over a lot of completely different capturing parameters, together with shutter velocity, ISO, publicity compensation, and white steadiness. You should utilize all 4 of the lenses in Professional mode, and it’s right here that you simply’ll discover the power to document in uncooked format. You’ll be able to shoot in the usual 12MP output, or you’ll be able to swap to 50MP when you’d want.

An “Knowledgeable RAW” app will be accessed by way of the “Extra” tab, however it’s a separate app which must be downloaded. Tapping on it can take you to the separate app, but when the cellphone is locked then you definitely’ll have to unlock it first. With this app, the parameters are just about the identical as within the “Professional” mode, that means you’ll be able to change quite a lot of settings and shoot in uncooked format. The distinction is, in keeping with Samsung, that the ExpertRAW app offers a wider dynamic vary when in comparison with utilizing the usual app, even in Professional mode.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely digicam choices, Picture: Amy Davies

It additionally consists of different choices, resembling a number of exposures, and there’s useful settings resembling a digital stage to assist preserve your pictures straight. You’ll be able to edit your pictures on this app utilizing Adobe Lightroom, in case you have a Artistic Cloud subscription.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely Efficiency – Picture High quality

Final 12 months’s Samsung Galaxy S22 Extremely was so good, that we knew that the corporate must go some approach to topping it. The excellent news is that it has carried out it – however the not so excellent news is that it’s a must to actually study the images to see the distinction. If due to this fact, you’re considering an improve will likely be an enormous increase to your pictures, you is perhaps left just a little upset.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely pattern photograph from the ultra-wide digicam, 1/684s, f/2.2, ISO50, 13mm equal. Amy Davies

Photographs straight from the Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely’s foremost (200MP) sensor present extra element than final 12 months’s S22 Extremely foremost (108MP) sensor. However, that’s actually solely apparent when you’re evaluating like-for-like photographs shot on the identical time and also you zoom in intently.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely pattern photograph from the extensive digicam, 1/322s, f/1.7, ISO10, 23mm equal. Amy Davies

Most individuals merely received’t do this. There’s additionally a really slight enchancment in colors from the S23 Extremely, however once more, it’s not sufficient to be vastly noticeable in isolation.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely pattern photograph from the 3x telephoto digicam, 1/2016s, f/2.4, ISO50, 69mm equal. Amy Davies

General, photographs show a wonderful impression of element at the usual 12MP output, with them standing up comparatively properly to close-scrutiny. Colors are rendered properly, albeit maybe a bit oversaturated in some circumstances for some tastes.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely pattern photograph from the 10x telephoto digicam, 1/722s, f/4.9, ISO50, 230mm equal. Amy Davies – See: 30x zoom right here.

The two telephoto lenses are moderately helpful, with the 3x possibility offering one of the best outcomes. The 10x is good to have, however it’s much more smudgy than the others.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely pattern photograph utilizing the 100x telephoto zoom, 1/624s, f/4.9, ISO50, 230mm equal (with 10x digital). Amy Davies. See: 30x zoom right here.

The Area Zoom is actually a advertising gimmick, which, until you might be completely determined to get that near a topic and may dwell with the blurry outcomes, might be probably not price partaking with too typically.

Shot utilizing the primary digicam, utilizing portrait mode offers engaging bokeh. 1/33s, f/1.7, ISO500, 23mm equal, Picture: Amy Davies

In case you shoot within the “Professional” or “ExpertRAW” app, then you definitely’ll discover that colors are just a little extra muted. Colors between the completely different lenses are moderately properly matched, so if you’re capturing from the identical vantage level it’s best to discover that your entire photographs look comparable.

Macro pictures with the S23 Extremely makes use of the ultra-wide digicam. 1/52s, f/2.2, ISO125, 13mm equal, Picture: Amy Davies

The cellphone additionally copes properly with synthetic gentle to provide well-balanced colors utilizing its automated white steadiness setting within the normal Picture mode.

200MP photograph taken with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely, 1/50s, f/1.7, ISO200, 23mm equal. This can be a 26MB picture.

Capturing at 200MP is a fairly pointless train in most situations. Whereas in some areas of a shot it does render just a little extra element, it additionally introduces extra smudging and blur in different areas of the shot. It would additionally depart you with big file sizes (over 30MB, in comparison with round 3-5MB for many strange pictures). Except maybe you wish to print your photographs to the dimensions of a billboard, it’s not a mode we’d suggest partaking all that steadily. It’s additionally price noting you can’t activate macro focusing (because it depends on the extremely extensive lens) when you shoot with 200MP, so it’s not appropriate for close-ups.

Portrait mode used on a non-human. 1/107s, f/1.7, ISO10, 23mm equal. Picture: Amy Davies

As we’d anticipate, it’s from the commonplace lens that we see one of the best outcomes, however the others additionally put in a superb efficiency.

Lego pictures macro taken with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely. 1/100s, f/2.2, ISO64, 13mm equal. Picture: Amy Davies

The ultra-wide is one of the best performer of the three extra ones, being a helpful width for issues resembling landscapes and structure, in addition to macro pictures.

Low-light evening mode utilizing the ultra-wide digicam. 1/8s, f/2.2, ISO1000, 13mm equal. Amy Davies.

Low gentle photographs are taken care of by the cellphone’s “Evening” mode, which is each selectable and robotically prompts when low gentle ranges are detected.

Low-light evening mode utilizing the extensive digicam. 1/17s, f/1.7, ISO1250, 23mm equal. Amy Davies.

Right here we see one of the best outcomes from the usual lens, which produces superb photographs. The ultra-wide additionally does moderately properly right here, as does the 3x, whereas the 10x might be finest left alone in very darkish situations.

Portrait with the 3x telephoto digicam, 1/50s, f/2.4, ISO100, 69mm equal, photograph: Amy Davies

The Portrait mode additionally does a superb job of blurring backgrounds to go away a pure impact.

Evening portrait with the primary digicam, 1/10s, f/1.7, ISO1600, 23mm equal, photograph: Amy Davies

Evening and Portrait can be utilized collectively for low-light folks pictures, however the 3x possibility right here is nowhere close to pretty much as good because the 1x possibility. There’s much less of a disparity in high quality when capturing in daylight / good gentle.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely Worth for Cash

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely is a flagship smartphone with a flagship value level to match. It’s one of the vital costly smartphones you’ll be able to at present purchase, with its most cost-effective value of £1,249 arguably placing it out of attain of many. Nonetheless, when you think about how good it’s – you can argue, when you felt so inclined, that it might nonetheless be thought-about good worth for cash.

It’s truthful to say that you do get an terrible lot on your money. You get 4 lenses, a implausible display screen, 8K video recording. Nonetheless, what you don’t get is a large improve from the S22 Extremely – so when you’ve already bought a type of, it’s in all probability not price forking out right here. Moreover, if you wish to save a bit of money, choosing the older mannequin could be a sensible transfer at this level.

In case you’re coming from an older or utterly completely different mannequin of cellphone, it would make sense to go for the Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely and think about it an funding. A smartphone pretty much as good as that is maybe much less more likely to date as shortly as mid-range / lesser ready telephones, that means you’ll preserve it for longer earlier than swapping or upgrading.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely Verdict

Samsung retains the crown of “finest smartphone for photographers” with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely, offering a implausible all-rounder which copes properly in quite a lot of completely different conditions and comes with a well-featured native digicam app.

Straight from the smartphone, photographs are nice, with a lot of element, vibrant colors and a spread of focal lengths to select from. With the ability to document in uncooked format, use a “Professional” mode to vary settings, together with all the same old smartphone modes – like Portrait and Evening mode – signifies that there’s little or no to compromise on right here.

Video additionally performs properly, and though 8K might be not one thing that the common client will use, having it obtainable reveals off precisely what Samsung can do at this stage. One of the best outcomes are seen at 4K, or if you’d like the smoothest outcomes and don’t have a gimbal, at Full HD with tremendous easy stabilisation switched on.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Extremely cameras

Talking of selling gimmicks, a 200MP sensor and a 100x house zoom. These are daring claims to placed on a spec sheet (and corresponding promoting marketing campaign) which in actual life are typically wholly pointless. Sure, you may get a lot of wonderful element out of the cellphone, however who is definitely inspecting their smartphone photos at that stage of scrutiny. They appear nice in your cellphone display screen and that’s crucial factor.

After all, all of that comes at a value – and it’s a excessive one. If you would like one of the best of one of the best and also you’ve bought the money to spend on it, then you definitely received’t be upset. In case you’ve already bought an Samsung Galaxy S22 Extremely, don’t anticipate to be blown away by the distinction, however when you’ve bought an older cellphone or one thing else fully, then you may additionally think about it well worth the funding.

In case you’re not eager to spend such an enormous quantity on a smartphone, there’s loads of different wonderful choices on the market – for instance the Google Pixel 7 Professional, OnePlus 11 and, in fact for individuals who want iOS, there’s additionally the iPhone 14 Professional.

Discover extra choices in our information to one of the best digicam telephones for pictures.

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iPhone 14 Professional vs Samsung S23 Extremely: which smartphone is finest for photographers?

iPhone vs Android: Which is best for pictures?

Greatest smartphones for video in 2023

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