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Samsung Galaxy S23 series creators reveal design story
Launched back on February 1st, the Samsung Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23 Plus, and Galaxy S23 Ultra offer a premium smartphone experience to consumers. Recently, Samsung Newsroom talked to the creators of the Galaxy S23 series to get to know the design story.
Here’s how the Samsung Galaxy S23 series’ distinct design came about:
Design theme – “Create the Essentials”
If too many unnecessary details are incorporated, resources can be wasted during the production process, so Samsung Galaxy S23 creators decided to retain only the bare essential design features, based on the true identity of the device.
The Samsung Galaxy S series is a product lineup built on the true essence of what premium design can be. For the Galaxy S23 series, we deliberated extensively on what elements would not only make for a great design but also how they would impact the world at large.
Signature design
Vanilla and Plus Galaxy S23 variants introduce thin bezels that are slim and balanced on all sides for users to better focus on their screens, while a curved metal frame both protects the screen and provides the user with a comfortable grip.
Adding to this, the camera contour cut design seen on the last year’s Galaxy S22 and S22+ was removed, and all three models of the Galaxy S23 series are now equipped with a single camera design to deliver even more consistency across the lineup.
The Galaxy S23 Ultra brings reduced side edges and extended flat surfaces even further. It not only provides a better grip but also provides more space in which the S Pen can be utilized and ultimately maximize the benefits of the large screen.
Camera’s distinct design
Samsung believes the camera design of a device has become a powerful way to distinguish a product and express brand identity. The Galaxy S23 series camera layout has stayed the same since the Galaxy S21 series in order to foster a unique design identity.
Meanwhile, the external part of the camera is a glossy metal while the internal parts have been processed with smooth hairlines to convey the camera’s powerful performance. The design of the inner elements, including the form, texture, and color, is inspired by traditional camera lenses.
Colors are inspired by nature
The Galaxy S23 series comes in four colors that are based on a concept Samsung calls “Shades of Nature”. The Green shade is reminiscent of a tranquil forest while Phantom Black embodies the silent strength of nature, and the bright Cream shade is warming to look at while Lavender captures the energetic nature of everyday life.
Besides, the company developed four additional colors under the concept of “Shades in Dream”. Exclusively available on Samsung.com, the Lime, Skyblue, Red, and Graphite provide online customers with some upbeat and futuristic shades.
You can read the entire design story at Samsung Newsroom.
Apple doesn’t want to enter the Samsung-led foldables market without technological uniqueness. The company has been absent from the rapidly growing foldable segment, which recently welcomed a triple foldable handset from Huawei.
According to Kipost, Apple is seeking its own supply chain of ultra-thin glass technology. The company desires to have its own control over some particular aspects. The move is to differentiate technological innovation from Samsung.
Samsung is expected to supply OLED panels for foldable Apple products. Ultra-thin glass, which is a crucial component in foldable screens, is largely controlled by Samsung D. The reason is the company’s saturation in the international market.
Apple doesn’t reportedly want everything to be done by display manufacturers. If it happens, the company won’t have anything to differentiate its product from rivals. The desire is necessary as Apple is already too late in the market.
Apart from ultra-thin glass, the US tech giant is looking to attain control over supply chain management too. The company is also exploring backplate technology, to ensure critical areas of demonization without any hurry.
UTG is a key material used in foldable displays, which is responsible for flexibility and durability. Backplate in foldable devices often refers to the component that supports the display, which should be durable for long-lasting products.
The report suggests Apple wants uniqueness in two crucial materials—UTG and backplates. This means Samsung Display won’t be able to breathe freely even after being the main foldable panel supplier for Apple’s future foldable devices.
Japan’s KDDI selected Samsung as the main vendor for 5G expansion. Samsung’s vRAN will be deployed by KDDI starting next year for 5G expansion. The company will provide 4G and 5G O-RAN-compliant vRAN solutions in Japan.
Samsung today confirmed selection by KDDI as a key 4G and 5G O-RAN compliant vRAN provider for their Open RAN deployment in Japan. The partnership with KDDI will help Samsung strengthen its role in Japan’s 5G expansion.
“Together with KDDI, we are thrilled to take this significant step and strengthen our presence in Japan,” said Junehee Lee, Executive Vice President, Head of Global Sales & Marketing, Networks Business at Samsung Electronics.
The South Korean tech giant noted that it’s bringing vRAN 3.0 solution, a full suite of O-RAN compliant radios supporting low- and mid-bands including advanced Massive MIMO radios and third-party radio integration support.
Kazuyuki Yoshimura, Chief Technology Officer of KDDI: “Today’s announcement represents KDDI’s dedication to bringing innovative technologies to Japan. We are proud to deliver a cutting-edge and reliable radio access network.”
Key features of Samsung CognitiV Networks Operations Suite (NOS) will also be offered. The features streamline the onboarding, deployment, and operation processes, enabling KDDI to transform its widespread network efficiently.
Beyond that Samsung and KDDI will expand the reach of Open RAN in the coming years. For now, KDDI’s Open RAN network will feature enhanced capabilities for improved energy efficiency, optimized performance, and intelligent automation.
Samsung Wallet getting an instant Tap to Transfer feature for Galaxy users. The latest addition unlocks instant and seamless money transfer. This move reiterates Samsung’s commitment to upscaling the Galaxy ecosystem.
The Tap to Transfer feature allows users of Samsung Wallet on Galaxy phones to instantly transfer money by tapping the backs of their devices together. The transfer process is powered by NFC technology embedded in Galaxy phones.
Samsung confirmed that the feature will be gradually supported through app updates in Samsung Wallet. The Tap to Transfer feature eliminates the need to ask for or input the recipient’s account number during transfers.
This seamless process will help Galaxy users save time and effort as well as reduce the risk of sending money to the wrong account. It’s an answer to Apple iOS 18’s Tap to Cash feature, which allows users to transfer funds with nearby ecosystem devices.
Samsung Wallet allows the recipient to set a representative account for receiving funds and can receive ‘Tap to Transfer’ payments even when their Galaxy’s screen is off – even without opening the Samsung Wallet app.
Here’s how it works:
The user who wants to send money enters the password for their registered account in Samsung Wallet, inputs the transfer amount, then taps their phone against the recipient’s phone and completes the transfer through the default unlock method.
The recipient’s account number transmitted during the ‘Tap to Transfer’ process is encrypted and sent to the sender. Instead of displaying the full account number, only the last four digits of the recipient’s mobile phone number are shown.
The feature is currently available in South Korea and supported by Woori Bank.