The summary of ‘Samsung Galaxy S23 vs S20 (3 Generations Worth the Upgrade?)’

This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.

00:00:0000:34:43

The YouTube video dissects the diminishing allure of annual smartphone upgrades, using Samsung's Galaxy models—specifically comparing the S20 and S23—as a case study. The presenter highlights how significant hardware improvements before 2018 justified yearly upgrades, but post-2019, advancements have slowed due to various economic and societal factors. Detailed comparisons are drawn between the S20 and S23 regarding design, battery efficiency, and overall performance.

Key points include the S23's enhanced battery life and efficiency thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, fixes to overheating issues prevalent in older models, and the addition of eSIM technology and improved connectivity features like Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. The video also praises the software improvements in Samsung's One UI, which enhances user convenience through modes and battery protection features.

The design of the S23 receives mixed reviews; while appreciated for its matte black finish and practical build, it also faces criticism for less user-friendly elements compared to the S20's smooth edges.

In terms of performance, the S23 showcases significant advancements, including improved haptics, call quality, speaker sound, and camera quality—though some minor issues like shutter lag persist. The subtraction of the SD card slot is seen as a drawback, yet the presenter values the faster internal storage speeds.

Conclusions drawn state that while the S23 offers valuable upgrades and is a solid investment if coming from a device older than the S20, it may not justify the cost if upgrading directly from an S20.

00:00:00

In this part of the video, the creator discusses the diminishing excitement around yearly smartphone updates, specifically using the Samsung Galaxy S20 as an example to illustrate that recent advancements have been less compelling. They point out that before 2018, there were significant hardware improvements each year that justified frequent upgrades, but post-2019, this trend has slowed, partly due to economic, health, and lifestyle changes.

They then pose the question of whether upgrading from the S20 to the S23 is worth it, especially given three generations’ gap. They promise to compare various features like the processor, memory, and cameras in detail.

The presenter mentions that the video is focused on the regular S23 model, contrasting it with the Ultra model often reviewed by large influencers. They appreciate the S23’s matte black design, likening it to an iPhone with a boxier feel but noting it lacks the smooth edges of the S20, which aided in one-handed gestures.

There are preferences mentioned for the S20’s smooth design and ease of swiping gestures, which are slightly hindered on the S23. The video also highlights minor details like the 0.1-inch size difference, impacting how the phone feels in hand and its ease of use, particularly when typing on the keyboard.

00:05:00

In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the design aspects and battery efficiency of the Samsung Galaxy S23 compared to the S20. The S23 is slightly thicker and wider, with a camera placement that is prone to smudging and collecting dirt. The older S20 has a smaller camera array that is easier to clean. The speaker mentions that higher resolutions like 1440p are unnecessary for such a small screen and kill battery life, thus preferring to keep the display at 1080p. The S23’s variable refresh rate helps conserve battery by adjusting between 24Hz and 60Hz, unlike the fixed refresh rates of the S20. The video also highlights the improved efficiency of the S23’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, manufactured by TSMC, which resolves overheating and performance throttling issues present in previous Samsung-manufactured chips.

00:10:00

In this part of the video, the presenter discusses the generational improvements in smartphones since the Samsung Galaxy S20, highlighting the Snapdragon 865 chipset’s efficiency. Despite big jumps in performance scores in newer models like the S21 and S22, these improvements often resulted in inefficient power consumption and poorer battery life. The focus then shifts to the all-encompassing role of the SoC (System on a Chip), which handles various functions including image signal processing and connectivity. Upgrades in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 bring enhancements in AI processing and battery efficiency. Benchmark tests like Geekbench and speedometer reflect these advancements, especially in web browsing speed. The presenter addresses the controversial reduction in RAM from 12GB to 8GB in the S23, noting that the new RAM is faster and more power-efficient. The base model also sees a storage upgrade to UFS 4.0, improving internal read and write speeds. Lastly, while the removal of the SD card slot is seen as a downgrade by some, the presenter appreciates the convenience and speed of having all storage on internal memory, especially for media management.

00:15:00

In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the benefits and features of Samsung’s One UI, focusing particularly on the storage options and the functionality of new features like modes or routines. They highlight how the modes, such as tether and max battery life, automate various settings for convenience. They also mention enhancements in one-handed operation with One Hand Operation Plus, which simplifies navigation on larger screens. Additionally, the speaker praises the battery performance of the S23, emphasizing its impressive standby life and efficient battery management compared to older models like the S20. They detail the importance of battery protection features and share insights into optimizing battery health for longevity.

00:20:00

In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses various improvements and features of the Samsung S23. Key highlights include:

– **Battery Life and Charging:** Keeping the battery at 100% can yield five to six hours of screen on time, but the user prefers the battery protection feature for better standby endurance.
– **Fingerprint Scanner:** Major improvements from the S21, including a 77% larger scanning area and 50% increased speed, result in better accuracy and user experience.
– **Speakers:** The S23 offers richer bass and better sound compared to the S20, although it might be slightly quieter.
– **eSIM Technology:** The S23 includes eSIM capabilities, which the S20 lacked, adding convenience for international travelers.
– **Connectivity Upgrades:** Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 are new additions, promising better radio efficiency and faster connectivity.
– **Haptics and Call Quality:** The phone maintains high-quality haptics and reliable call quality, with enhanced waterproofing and wireless charging.
– **Camera Enhancements:** Improved image signal processing and faster data handling offer better clarity and performance in complex scenarios, although some issues like shutter lag from Samsung’s software prioritizing image quality persist.

00:25:00

In this part of the video, the speaker discusses various aspects of camera settings and performance on Samsung Galaxy phones, particularly in low-light conditions. They explain how adjusting the ISO and shutter speed can affect photo quality, making it blurry if the subject or camera is not still. The speaker commends Apple for simpler user experience compared to Samsung’s complex and often duplicated settings across various apps like Camera Assistant and Expert Raw. They also note improvements in the Samsung Galaxy S23’s camera over previous models, highlighting sharper sensors, better dynamic range, and improved digital processing. Additionally, the new selfie camera in the S23 offers a significant upgrade, although some issues like unexpected yellow tints in selfies still occur.

00:30:00

In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses their experience with the Samsung S23, highlighting the improvements over the S20. They note better photo quality, sharper images, and improved portrait mode, thanks to the new sensor and enhanced processing capabilities from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Additionally, they share that they purchased the phone for about $200 through Samsung’s trade-in offers and other discounts. The speaker emphasizes that while the S23 is a solid upgrade with efficiency improvements and a four-year Android OS update promise, it may not be worth the investment at near retail price if you already own an S20. However, they strongly recommend upgrading if you own anything older than an S20.

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