Strange Samsung Galaxy S23 rumor says release date could be pushed back
The Galaxy S23 could be delayed because Samsung can't figure out pricing
We may see a delay to the Samsung Galaxy S23 series' alleged release date because Samsung apparently can't make up its mind on how much to charge for the new devices.
Leaker The Galox on Twitter is claiming a "mid to late February release" for Samsung's new flagship phones, a little later than the early February release that previous rumors have alluded to. The tipster, who has a reasonable reputation for accuracy, claimed Samsung "deciding on a price for the devices is delaying this release."
Mid to late February release for the S23 seriesDeciding on a price for the devices is delaying this release. If it was up to me, $799, $899 & $1199 would be the prices. pic.twitter.com/bYzNW9HAd9December 16, 2022
Looking at the Galaxy S22, we have the basic model starting at $800, the Galaxy S22 Plus going for $1,000 and the Galaxy S22 Ultra starting at $1,200. We were expecting Samsung to keep these prices the same for the Galaxy S23 series, but if this leak is correct, Samsung may be trying to adapt to its rivals' pricing shifts.
With phones like the Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro offering similar levels of quality to the Galaxy S line but for hundreds of dollars less, Samsung may be trying to figure out if it can drop the S23 models' price a bit to be more competitive. At the same time, the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max cost more in markets outside the U.S. So perhaps Samsung's now considering raising the price of the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
Samsung Galaxy S23: What to expect
Although we've had no specific prices rumored for the Galaxy S23 series, yet, there have been plenty of other tips about what these new phones could offer. For instance, we should be getting a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and new 12MP selfie cameras for all models.
The basic S23 and S23 Plus are rumored to be getting a new design that will make them look more like the Galaxy S22 Ultra/Galaxy S23 Ultra. And as for the Galaxy S23 Ultra, its biggest new change is believed to be a 200MP main camera, replacing the 108MP sensor that Samsung's been using on its Ultra phones since they first launched in 2020.
Even if the launch is delayed as TheGalox suggests, it's not that long a wait to find out the truth of these rumors. Hopefully, Samsung makes a decision about Galaxy S23 series pricing quickly, and we're also crossing our fingers that the price will be going down for at least one of the models.
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Richard is based in London, covering news, reviews and how-tos for phones, tablets, gaming, and whatever else people need advice on. Following on from his MA in Magazine Journalism at the University of Sheffield, he's also written for WIRED U.K., The Register and Creative Bloq. When not at work, he's likely thinking about how to brew the perfect cup of specialty coffee.