The Samsung Galaxy S23 launched on February 1, 2023

Samsung announced the Galaxy S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra on January 31, 2023, at an online event called Galaxy Unpacked. The phones became available for purchase the next day, February 1, 2023. Pre-orders had opened the day before the announcement, so people who reserved one could receive it on launch day.

The S23 lineup replaced the S22 series, which had launched a year earlier in February 2022. Samsung typically releases new flagship phones in early February each year, so the S23 followed that pattern.

Key Takeaways

  • The Samsung Galaxy S23 became available for purchase on February 1, 2023, one day after the official announcement.
  • Pre-orders opened on January 30, 2023, allowing early buyers to receive phones on launch day.
  • Three models launched together: the standard S23, the S23+, and the S23 Ultra.
  • Samsung announced the phones at a Galaxy Unpacked event held online on January 31, 2023.

What changed from the S22 to the S23

The main upgrade in the S23 was the processor. Samsung switched from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (in the S22) to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which was faster and more power-efficient. The camera system stayed largely the same across the lineup, though the S23 Ultra kept its 200-megapixel main sensor while the standard S23 used a 50-megapixel sensor.

Battery capacity remained similar to the S22 models. The S23 had a 4,000 mAh battery, the S23+ had 4,820 mAh, and the S23 Ultra had 5,000 mAh. The real difference was that the new processor used less power, so phones lasted longer on a single charge despite the same battery size.

The design was nearly identical to the S22. The phones kept the same flat edges, similar weight, and comparable screen sizes. If you held an S22 and S23 side by side, they looked almost the same.

Pricing at launch

The Samsung Galaxy S23 started at $799 for the base 128GB model. The S23+ began at $999, and the S23 Ultra started at $1,199. These were the same prices Samsung had set for the S22 lineup the year before.

Storage options varied by model. The S23 came in 128GB and 256GB. The S23+ and S23 Ultra offered 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB options. Prices increased with each storage tier.

Where you could buy the S23 on launch day

Samsung sold the S23 directly through its own website. Major carriers including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile also had the phones in stock on February 1. Retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart carried all three models.

Carrier versions sometimes came with different software or bloatware compared to the unlocked Samsung version. If you bought through a carrier, the phone was locked to that network unless you paid it off and requested an unlock code. Unlocked versions from Samsung or retailers worked on any carrier.

Regional availability and delays

The S23 launched in most major markets on February 1, 2023, but some regions received phones a few days later. Supply constraints in early 2023 meant some retailers ran out of certain colors or storage options within the first week, though new stock arrived regularly.

If you ordered online after launch day, shipping times ranged from a few days to two weeks depending on the retailer and your location. In-store pickup was often faster if your local store had stock.

How the S23 compares to phones released before and after

The S23 sat between the S22 (released February 2022) and the S24 (released January 2024). The S24 brought more significant changes, including a new processor and improved camera software, but the S23 remained a capable phone for several years after launch.

If you bought an S23 in 2023, Samsung committed to four years of major Android updates and five years of security patches. That meant the phone would receive Android 24, 25, 26, and 27 as those versions rolled out, plus monthly security updates through early 2028.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still buy a Samsung Galaxy S23 new?

Yes, though availability depends on the retailer. Samsung's website may have limited stock of certain colors and storage options. Carriers and retailers like Best Buy and Amazon still sell new S23 phones, though selection is smaller than at launch. Used and refurbished S23 phones are widely available at lower prices.

Is the S23 still worth buying in 2024 or 2025?

The S23 remains a solid phone if you find one at a discount. It runs current Android versions, receives security updates through 2028, and the processor handles everyday tasks without lag. If you need the latest camera features or the newest processor, the S24 or S25 would be better choices, but the S23 is not outdated.

What was the difference between pre-ordering and buying on launch day?

Pre-orders opened January 30 and closed January 31. People who pre-ordered could pick up or receive their phones on February 1. Anyone who ordered after launch day faced shipping delays or had to wait for stock to arrive at their local store. Pre-order customers sometimes received small gifts like Samsung accessories, though this varied by retailer.

Did the S23 have any major problems at launch?

No widespread hardware defects were reported in the first weeks after launch. Some users reported minor software bugs that Samsung fixed through updates, but these were not unique to the S23. The phone was considered stable and reliable from day one.