The Samsung Galaxy S23 5G entered the market as a compact flagship designed for users who prefer powerful smartphones without the bulk of oversized displays. Although newer models have arrived since its launch, the Galaxy S23 5G continues to remain one of the most balanced and reliable premium phones even in 2025. It offers a combination of flagship performance, excellent build quality, dependable cameras and a comfortable in-hand feel that many users still prefer over larger devices. This detailed review breaks down its design, display quality, camera system, performance strengths and battery behavior based on long-term real-world usage.
Design and Build Quality
Samsung crafted the Galaxy S23 5G with an emphasis on simplicity, durability and comfort. Its compact 6.1-inch form factor remains one of the few truly pocket-friendly premium smartphones available today. The flat metal frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection give it a sturdy and premium feel, while the matte finish on the back prevents fingerprints and smudges better than glossy designs. The phone is also IP68 rated, offering strong resistance against dust and water, which makes it dependable for daily outdoor use, rain, and accidental splashes.
Despite its small size, the S23 5G does not feel outdated or compromised in any way. The minimalistic camera island blends into the frame with Samsung’s newer design language, giving the phone a modern, clean look. Whether used with one hand while commuting or slipped into a small pocket, the comfort and ease of handling remain unmatched in its segment.
Display Quality
The Galaxy S23 5G uses a 6.1-inch Full HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, which continues to be one of the most impressive displays in its size category. With its 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate, peak brightness levels that make outdoor visibility effortless, and rich color calibration, the display elevates both multimedia consumption and everyday tasks. Watching HDR content feels immersive, reading text feels crisp, and animations appear fluid across the interface.
Even today, many compact phones fall short in display brightness or color accuracy, but the S23 5G manages to maintain flagship-tier standards. Its balance between size and visual quality is one of the key reasons it remains a popular choice among users who value a premium experience in a small footprint.
Camera Performance
Samsung’s camera tuning on the Galaxy S23 5G is built around clarity, consistency and dynamic range. The primary 50 MP sensor captures detailed and vibrant images across different lighting conditions. Daylight photos come out sharp with balanced exposure, and Samsung’s processing ensures colors look lively without appearing oversaturated. The 12 MP ultra-wide lens delivers broad scene coverage with minimal distortion, making it ideal for landscapes, architecture and group shots. The 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom retains clarity even when shooting distant subjects, which is rare for a compact flagship.
In low-light scenarios, the phone performs comfortably, especially using the Super Night mode that brings out shadows and maintains controlled highlights. While it may not match the extreme detail levels of ultra-premium camera-centric models, it performs reliably and consistently enough for travel photography, social media and everyday usage. The 12 MP front camera produces well-exposed selfies with accurate skin tones and strong facial detail, making video calls and online meetings crisp and clear.
Read more: The Xiaomi 15 Ultra 5G
Performance and Software Experience
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, the Galaxy S23 5G delivers powerful performance even with heavy multitasking, gaming and long sessions of content creation. Apps launch quickly, animations remain responsive, and the phone handles high-end games without stuttering or overheating under normal conditions. Even two years after launch, the chipset remains capable of running modern apps smoothly.
Samsung’s One UI adds polish and functionality with features like enhanced multitasking controls, clean interface elements and reliable long-term updates. With Samsung’s extended software update policy, the S23 5G continues to receive regular security patches and major Android version updates, ensuring the device stays secure and future-ready for users who plan to keep the phone for several years.
Battery Life and Charging Behavior
The Galaxy S23 5G packs a 3900 mAh battery, which might seem modest compared to larger phones, but Samsung’s optimization allows it to last through a full day of moderate use. Even with mixed tasks such as browsing, social media, messaging, video streaming and occasional photography, the battery comfortably covers a full working day for most users. Heavy gaming or long 5G usage may drain it faster, but not to an alarming extent.
Charging is supported at 25W, which is not the fastest in its class, yet it delivers consistent and safe charging performance. A full charge typically takes around one hour, while a 30-minute top-up provides a significant boost for users in a hurry. Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging add convenience, especially for those who use accessories like earbuds or smartwatches.
Real-World Usage and Long-Term Impressions
The true strength of the Galaxy S23 5G lies in its practicality. Over time, many phones begin to show signs of slowing down or aging, but the S23 5G maintains its snappy performance, stable thermals and smooth software experience. The compact design makes it ideal for long-term comfort, avoiding hand fatigue that often comes with larger devices. Its cameras consistently perform well for everyday photography, and the display remains one of the best in the compact flagship category.
For users who value portability, one-handed usability and balance over sheer size and extreme specifications, the Galaxy S23 5G remains one of the most sensible premium smartphones to buy even today.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S23 5G continues to deliver a refined flagship experience in a size that is rare to find in premium smartphones. It combines an excellent display, strong cameras, reliable performance, premium build quality and dependable battery life into one compact package. While the battery size and charging speed may not appeal to heavy power users, the overall experience makes it an excellent choice for those who value comfort, quality and long-term usability.
If you’re searching for a premium compact smartphone that performs exceptionally well across everyday tasks and maintains its elegance over time, the Galaxy S23 5G remains one of the best-balanced choices available.
