Samsung Galaxy S23 5G Dual SIM Smartphone - 8GB+128GB - Phantom Black

I had my heart set on a Google Pixel 8 for the pure Android experience, but once I started reading reviews, they unveiled some shortcomings that put me off. In addition, they're not sold in NZ through official channels.

My preference is for a phone that is small and light and I wanted a phone that was guaranteed to get several years of security updates. My previous phone was a Huawei P30, which was a fantastic phone, and I'd still be using it if it hadn't stopped receiving Android security updates. In the end, my final choice came down to the Samsung Galaxy S23 or the iPhone 15. The iPhone 15 has a slightly better camera and it feels bette...view more I had my heart set on a Google Pixel 8 for the pure Android experience, but once I started reading reviews, they unveiled some shortcomings that put me off. In addition, they're not sold in NZ through official channels.

My preference is for a phone that is small and light and I wanted a phone that was guaranteed to get several years of security updates. My previous phone was a Huawei P30, which was a fantastic phone, and I'd still be using it if it hadn't stopped receiving Android security updates. In the end, my final choice came down to the Samsung Galaxy S23 or the iPhone 15. The iPhone 15 has a slightly better camera and it feels better in the hand, but it costs a lot more. Also, I use a lot of Google services, so it made sense to stick with Android.

The decision became a no-brainer when the S23 256GB model was offered on promotion at 25% off RRP. I don't actually need 256GB of storage, but the 256GB model uses a faster type of SSD storage than the 128GB model and the promotional pricing meant it only cost a bit more than the 128GB model.

So far, I'm loving the phone. I think green is the best of the colour options. My only criticism is the glossy frame, which feels slippery in the hand and gets covered in fingerprints. I wish it had a matte frame like the iPhone 15. I was planning to use the phone "naked" but the glossy frame means a case is essential.

Delighted with phone. A noticeable difference in how long the battery lasts between the S20 and S23. Battery technology significantly improved. Another great feature is it is easy to see the screen when outside in full sunlight. Delighted with phone. A noticeable difference in how long the battery lasts between the S20 and S23. Battery technology significantly improved. Another great feature is it is easy to see the screen when outside in full sunlight.

Great Service as always from PB Tech. This phone is perfect for my small hands and a lot lighter.
It fits into my pocket without falling out as well. Also perfect for the navigation and answer the
phone in my car. Great Service as always from PB Tech. This phone is perfect for my small hands and a lot lighter.
It fits into my pocket without falling out as well. Also perfect for the navigation and answer the
phone in my car.

I had a specific need in the phone. (ability to use a real sim and an esim at the same time. Looked at lots of phones and the wording around sim capability can be sketchy. Staff at PBTech were great in helping work out the actual model that would meet my needs. Thanks to them. S23 is a nice unit on top of that .
One last thing, the 'smart' software to migrate from Samsung... nice! I had a specific need in the phone. (ability to use a real sim and an esim at the same time. Looked at lots of phones and the wording around sim capability can be sketchy. Staff at PBTech were great in helping work out the actual model that would meet my needs. Thanks to them. S23 is a nice unit on top of that .
One last thing, the 'smart' software to migrate from Samsung... nice!

Great phone, great pictures, great performance Great phone, great pictures, great performance

The Camera quality is great and the storage size is really good too The Camera quality is great and the storage size is really good too

My mum needed a newer phone which would accommodate dual sim, so I suggested a S23 would do her well. And it has, she loves it and it works great for her both here and overseas (the reason a dual sim upgrade was required). We got her a great deal on it here, PB Tech is definitely a great place to find tech bargins My mum needed a newer phone which would accommodate dual sim, so I suggested a S23 would do her well. And it has, she loves it and it works great for her both here and overseas (the reason a dual sim upgrade was required). We got her a great deal on it here, PB Tech is definitely a great place to find tech bargins

I love this phone, I've had it for about a month. Great camera and is fast.
My only complaint is that I wish there was a headphone jack. I love this phone, I've had it for about a month. Great camera and is fast.
My only complaint is that I wish there was a headphone jack.

Great phone, brilliant camera, easy to use, does everything I'd need from a phone. Great phone, brilliant camera, easy to use, does everything I'd need from a phone.

Does everything I want, nice quality, works well Does everything I want, nice quality, works well

No complaints so far! No complaints so far!

I upgraded my S20FE after it accidentally got ran over several times, I was going to get the S23FE but ended up getting the S23 due to smaller size. Removing samsung Health from the device more than doubled battery life from 1 day to around 3 days... I upgraded my S20FE after it accidentally got ran over several times, I was going to get the S23FE but ended up getting the S23 due to smaller size. Removing samsung Health from the device more than doubled battery life from 1 day to around 3 days...