The Galaxy S23 range is likely to take part in Samsung’s next Unpacked event, which the company just announced will take place on February 1st. This year a new range will compete directly with Apple iPhone 14 and Google Pixel 7.
Samsung didn’t provide details on Tuesday about what to expect from the event. But the company usually releases new Galaxy S phones during the first quarter, including the Galaxy S22 last year. The message follows leakslike this report from Korean newspaper JoongAng Daily, which suggested an early February debut for the Galaxy S23.
If Samsung follows its previous model, we can expect to see three versions of its new phone: Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23 Plus and Galaxy S23 Ultra. Samsung’s invitation includes an image of three projectors ranging in size from small to medium to large, possibly hinting at as much.
Samsung Galaxy S22, S22 Plus and S22 Ultra.
Lisa Eadicico/CNET
Rumors from known distributors Ice universe and Steve Hemmerstoffer suggest that the new phones will have circular cutouts on the back for the camera lenses. The Galaxy S22 Ultra there is already a camera like this. But a leak from Hemmerstoffer suggests it could trickle down to the Plus model, replacing the camera module currently found on the Galaxy S22 Plus. The spotlights on the event invite could be a subtle nod to this design change if it turns out to be accurate.
Samsung opened reservations on Tuesday in the US for its upcoming devices. The company will offer $50 in Samsung credit if you request to reserve one device or $100 for two devices. The offer is valid until February 1st and no payment information is required.
The company is expected to announce its new Galaxy S range at a time when macroeconomic issues have affected phone sales in general. December reports from market researchers Counterpoint Research and IDC point to weaker-than-previous global supply growth for 2023.
Besides a slightly updated camera notch on the new phones, we look forward to seeing Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor in the Galaxy S23 range and possibly Samsung’s 200-megapixel camera sensor in the S23 Ultra.