When the Galaxy S23 series launched, it was revealed that the smallest Galaxy S23 model's base storage variant isn't as fast as the others. The Galaxy S23+ and Galaxy S23 Ultra and the higher-end S23 models all feature UFS 4.0 storage chips, bringing nearly 2x better read and write speeds over UFS 3.1.
The 128GB Galaxy S23, however, uses UFS 3.1 storage like some older flagships, because Samsung doesn't make UFS 4.0 chips in a 128GB flavor. That has not gone down well with everyone, and many have been wondering if it will affect performance compared to the S23+ and S23 Ultra and hold the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip back from true greatness.
Well, as far as benchmarks are concerned, UFS 4.0 storage is notably faster for sure. But you simply will not notice the difference in practice. Having used both the Ultra and standard models, I certainly didn't notice it. The smallest Galaxy S23 feels just as fast and smooth and stutter-free as the Galaxy S23 Ultra when you're navigating through the user interface.
UFS 3.1 storage is still plenty fast
It also doesn't seem to fall behind in more intensive tasks, such as saving videos after editing them (I tested editing and saving 8K videos, which can take its toll on any smartphone) or loading most games (I found a delay of a second or so in some games, but it was too rare to matter). The same goes to processing photos in the gallery after you've captured a photo (this I tested in 50MP mode on both phones).
And that's great if you want to buy the most compact Galaxy S23 flagship's base storage variant. That's the cheapest in the entire series, with a price tag the same as the S22 in some markets, and really, you're not giving up anything remotely close to substantial by choosing the variant with 128GB storage.
But you will end up saving money, which, in today's economic climate, could mean a lot to some users (just because someone is buying a flagship phone doesn't mean their economic condition is great). So stop thinking about it and just go buy the phone.
The S23, along with the S23+ and S23 Ultra, is now available on Samsung.com and pretty much all major retailers in nearly 60 countries. And if you're not in a rush, look forward to our Galaxy S23 review in the next couple of days so you can make an informed purchase.
In countries where the Galaxy S23 series is still in the pre-order phase, you might even get a free upgrade to the 256GB storage variant. But you will need to check your local Samsung website to see exactly what kind of pre-order bonuses you are getting. In some markets, like India, there are no freebies, but even there Samsung is offering an excellent pre-order bonus of bundling a Galaxy Watch and a pair or Galaxy Buds at a crazy cheap price.
