Then and now: what’s changed in the past few years? (Android edition) – 2023

Nearly at the end of your phone contract? It’s a great time for an upgrade. Smartphones just keep getting better and better every single year. And 2023 has been no exception! Nowadays, you can bag yourself a great smartphone that’ll suit any kind of budget. So, here are a few of our favourites – and how they compare to their older version…

The biggest difference between the Pixel 6 and the Pixel 7 has been the shift to the brand-new Tensor G2 processor. This was designed especially for the 7 and gives you a load of extra oomph. You’ll be whizzing between apps – with zero lag – while photos and videos will look even better than before.

There’s been a fresh lick of paint, plus a slight change to the design too. You can pick from three fresh colours (Obsidian, Snow and Lemongrass), while a sleeker, slimmer build makes it more lightweight. Looking good!

Its OLED display also gets a boost. It can be a pain trying to see your screen on a sunny day sometimes. Even if those glorious, warm days are few and far between here. But with a display that’s 20% brighter than the Pixel 6, you won’t miss that all important text from the group chat. Face Unlock returns as well. So, you won’t have to worry about forgetting your all-important passcode.

If you’re a self-confessed selfie snapper, you’re in luck. The front camera’s been upgraded to 10.8MP (up from 8MP). Giving you Insta-ready shots right out of the box. And accessibility takes a front seat here too. Guided frame helps people with impaired vision to take the best possible selfies using audio instructions. Pretty smart.

The A54 got a big chip-based upgrade. It packs a new Exynos 1380 chip, which gives you 20% more CPU performance than last years A53. Plus, you get 26% better performance on the GPU side of things. And that means even more processing power for the things that matter. Whether you’re gaming on the go and aiming for that high score or streaming your favourite show on the morning commute. You can do it all without lag or slowdown!

You’ll have even more space to save all your photos, videos, docs, and music too. With a 256GB model now on shelves, that’s a whole lotta playlists and memories for you store. Speaking of photos, the camera now has a bigger sensor size and pixel size. Which gives you brighter snaps (and better photos in general) – especially when it’s a bit darker. So, you can really capture those big nights out and rowdy gigs in all their glory.

The biggest changes from the S22 to the S23 are found under the hood. With the latest version of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, you’ll have sharper graphics, plus higher and smoother frame rates. Which makes games run better, while being even more immersive. And with an improved cooling system your phone won’t feel hotter than the sun while you play. Nice.

It’s not just the physical features that have been bolstered though. The updated UI offers even more personalisation and customisation of your S23. Change how the clock appears. Or check out the massive library of new wallpaper and lock screen designs. You can even dig into the software nitty gritty and choose how your notifications show up if you want to. The choice is yours.

Samsung’s S23+ takes a real step up in durability. Lots of us have accidentally smashed a phone or two in our time – walking about with a cracked display for far too long afterwards. But with a screen made from Gorilla Glass Victus 2, this is their most rugged design yet. So, it shouldn’t be a big drama the next time you drop it on the kitchen floor.

You won’t be running out of juice anytime soon either. The battery has seen a mega upgrade, going from a 4500mAh one on the S22+, to a seriously hefty 4700mAh version. Giving you all day performance whether you’re texting, streaming, gaming, or video calling.

Then there’s the top-of-the-line S23 Ultra – with its cutting-edge camera setup and Nightography boost. Both combine to make Samsung’s most advanced camera system ever. The three-lens camera on the back features an ultra-high-resolution option, letting you shoot in even more detail. With a jump from 108MP to a belting 200MP making all the difference to your photos.

If you fancy yourself as a bit of a videographer too, you can whip up some professional looking content in an instant. Digital image stabilisation keeps things nice and steady – no shaky cam here – while enhanced noise control stops annoying background sounds from dominating your clip.

Recently got one of these phones? Let us know your favourite new feature in the comments down below!