Galaxy S23 release date: Certifications for three upcoming Samsung phones solidify anticipated early 2023 launch

Samsung appears to be on track to release the Galaxy S23 series in a familiar timeline. Three unannounced devices were recently spotted getting their certifications in India, hinting at an imminent launch.

SamMobile reports that the tech giant has recently received certifications from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for devices with model numbers SM-S911B/DS, SM-S916B/DS, and SM-S918B/DS. These identifiers are believed to belong to the regular Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23+, and Galaxy S23 Ultra, respectively. The BIS certifications were also spotted after the reported Galaxy S23+ battery, with model number EB-BS916ABY, appeared in the database of the Safety Korea agency last September.

It is not strange for a tech company to secure international certifications months ahead of the intended release date for an upcoming device. But the discovery of these certifications lines up with Samsung's previous launch windows. This further suggests that the Galaxy S23 lineup will be unveiled around the same time as its predecessors. The company hosted a Galaxy Unpacked event in early February this year for the Galaxy S22 series, which arrived in stores later that month.

Rumored technical specifications of the regular Galaxy S23 have also leaked, suggesting that Samsung is not implementing major upgrades next year. Well-known leaker Yogesh Brar reported that the device would still include a 6.1-inch FHD+ display with 120Hz refresh rate.

The same is expected for its cameras, which could still consist of a 50MP primary sensor with optical image stabilization, 12MP ultra-wide lens, 10MP telephoto sensor, and 10MP front-facing camera. However, Samsung is rumored to include a 200MP main camera in the Galaxy S23 Ultra model.

There is no expected increase in memory capacities, as the baseline Galaxy S23 is rumored to still offer 8GB RAM and 128GB/256GB storage options. But it could get a slight battery capacity improvement from 3700mAh to 3900mAh with the same 25W wired and 15W wireless fast charging.

While Apple and Google have already released multiple generations of flagship smartphones powered by their in-house SoCs, Samsung is not expected to follow the direction in time for the Galaxy S23 launch. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo shared his forecast last July that Qualcomm could be the "sole processor supplier" for the upcoming lineup, suggesting that Samsung may not use its Exynos 2300 on its own premium phones.

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