Samsung Galaxy S23 now or wait for Galaxy S24?

Samsung recently unveiled their latest Samsung Galaxy S23 lineup of flagship phones. With cutting-edge specs and camera upgrades, the S23 series promises to be Samsung’s best yet. This poses the question – should you buy the just-released S23 now or wait it out and see what the Galaxy S24 brings next year? This guide will examine the key differences expected between the S23 and potential S24 to help decide which purchase timing makes more financial sense for your needs.

Introduction

The latest Galaxy S23, S23+ and S23 Ultra carry list prices of $799, $999 and $1,199 respectively. These phones deliver the top-shelf performance Samsung fans expect with the speedy new Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, vastly improved night photography capabilities, and the longest battery life in Galaxy history with the S23 Ultra variant.

While the S23 models feature mostly incremental upgrades over the preceding S22 series, rumors surrounding the Galaxy S24 lineup releasing early 2024 suggest more impactful changes like satellite connectivity for off-grid messaging, substantially faster charging speeds, and naming shakeups indicating product category mergers. The allure of more radical enhancements coming next year begs the question – should you invest in brand new S23 phones now or wait things out?

We’ll analyze the critical differences in expected hardware, pricing strategies, carrier promotions, resell values and more to determine if Galaxy faithful should upgrade today or hold off just a bit longer.

Key Hardware Differences

Given the Galaxy S24 remains about one year away from release, concrete details are limited. But early leaks indicate a few areas primed for major revamps:

New Chipset

The S23 runs the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 platform. But rumors point to the S24 debuting an unannounced next-gen chip delivering even faster processing speeds and improved power efficiency. Historically new Galaxy chipsets outperform predecessors by 10-15%.

200MP Camera

While the S23 and S23 Ultra boast respectable 50MP and 200MP camera systems respectively, insider tips say Samsung plans a new 200MP sensor for the entire S24 lineup, allowing incredibly detailed zooming and cropping flexibility.

Faster Charging

The S23 supports 45W wired charging that can boost phone power levels from 0 to 65% in just 30 minutes. But leaks suggest the S24 may integrate a whopping 65W charging velocity allowing 70% charges in as little as 20 minutes. This would finally match speeds smaller Android rivals offer.

Satellite Connectivity

Perhaps most intriguing, strong reports indicate the Galaxy S24 incorporates satellite communication hardware for basic messaging and emergency SOS abilities off traditional cell grids. This could position Samsung as the pioneer bringing satellite links to mainstream smartphones well ahead of the Apple iPhone.

While CPU performance, camera capabilities, charging rates and connectivity advances represent just a sampling of the advancements likely coming, they do signify substantially more impactful reasons to possibly wait on the S24 compared to the more iterative S23 upgrades.

Predicted Pricing Impacts

With roughly 12 months before the Galaxy S24 product launch, accurate pricing projections prove difficult. However, Samsung’s past actions provide clues into likely 2024 selling costs:

Modest Annual Price Hikes

In the last 5 years, Samsung raised Galaxy S base model MSRPs by $20-$50 annually. Following suit predicts Galaxy S24 starting prices landing around $850. Slight discounting on S23 devices today nets out to very similar numbers.

Regular Promotional Discounts

Samsung reliably rolls out major discounts and carrier activation incentives around Black Friday through the new year, slashing 20-30% or more off Galaxy phone purchases. The same aggressive holiday promotions expected to return makes current S23 deals strong bets.

Improved Resell Values

Buying the S23 now while still the latest/greatest and reselling in a year once the S24 emerges yields better residual value than holding an S22. Historically Galaxy phones less than 18 months old retain over 50% original pricing during upgrade cycles.

In totality, any incremental cost jumps moving from S23 models to S24 equivalents will get largely offset by the typical introductory price cuts extended during preorder periods. Savvy buyers find the best Galaxy phone economics purchasing the newest options each year then selling/trading them while still relatively current devices.

Top Carrier Deals Available Now

Wireless providers consistently rollout tempting offers to lure subscribers when hot new Galaxy devices hit shelves. Here stand the best S23 carrier deals that beat out what S24 promotions might realistically bring:

AT&T – Up to $1,000 off S23 series when trading in eligible devices on unlimited plans.

Verizon – Score up to $800 trade-in credits toward S23 purchases. Includes exclusive device colors.

T-Mobile – Receive up to $900 off ANY S23 model with no trade-in required, just account activation.

Google Fi – Service subscribers can select EITHER a $500 prepaid card OR a $450 Fi service credit with Galaxy S23 purchases.

Xfinity Mobile – 100% of device costs reimbursed over a 24 month period when combining eligible mobile/home services.

Spectrum Mobile – $200 gift card plus $100 service credit provided with any S23 model purchase.

These impressive S23 deals deliver significant upfront purchase discounts or monthly bill credits that cumulatively outweigh any perceived savings waiting a full year for S24 announcement specials down the line. Strike while the iron’s hot.

Which Upgrade Approach Makes Most Financial Sense?

Weighing whether to upgrade now or wait comes down to personal preferences and financially optimal timing. Let’s explore strategies:

Purchase the S23 Now

Buying today nets immediate access to Samsung’s latest innovations with some of the best promo offers. Trades while S22 retains decent value maximizes savings. Owners then sell their S23 toward the S25 in 2025.

Wait to Upgrade with the S24

Holding off avoids feeling behind by only a few months. But promos, resell potential and annual depreciation favor buying new models annually. Missing one cycle won’t damage finances much though if your current device remains satisfactory.

Wait and Buy the S25 Instead

If your phone needs remain fairly basic, riding out 24 full months with an S22 before upgrading to the Galaxy S25 proves most cost effective overall. Just depends how much you prioritize having the newest Samsung gear regularly.

No universally right or wrong options exist. Everyone’s usage needs, financial situations and personal priorities differ. Evaluate the pros and cons presented here against your own circumstances to decide which direction fits best.

Conclusion & Making Your Galaxy Purchase

Samsung structures technology innovation and carrier partnership programs to incentivize consumers upgrading to the latest Galaxy S models every year or two. This guide clearly substantiates how purchasing the freshly announced Galaxy S23 lineup today nets big financial wins over waiting. You gain immediate access to Samsung’s best phone experience yet with likely hundreds in bonuses or discounts extended from wireless providers hungry for your business. Then sell or trade that S23 next year just before the S24 arrives to align with when residual value proves highest and next wave of carrier deals emerge.

Ready to score Samsung’s newest revolutionary cameras, performance and productivity optimizations? Visit leading phone retailers such as Best Buy, Walmart or Samsung’s website to configure your ideal S23 model and benefit from the responsibility buyback and activation promotions running right now. Feel fully confident investing in 2023’s premier Android innovation knowing you’re making the smartest financial decision aligned to your mobile needs both today and into the future.

FAQs Around the Samsung Galaxy S23 vs S24

What are the release timeframes?

Galaxy S23 – February 2023 Galaxy S24 – Expected February/March 2024

How much more will the S24 cost? Any pricing bumps likely get offset by preorder carrier discounts. Expect comparable out-of-pocket costs to S23 models.

Will my S23 preorder bonuses disqualify me from S24 promos? Almost never. Carriers want to incentivize customers upgrading annually to the latest Samsung devices. Stack and save!

If I break my S23, am I stuck waiting on the S24? Nope! Purchase Samsung Care+ with your S23 for reasonable rates providing you 1-2 screen replacements or repairs during ownership.

Which colors come exclusively with which models?
The Galaxy S23 comes in Phantom Black, Cream, Green and Lavender. The S23+ adds Graphite and Sky Blue. And the S23 Ultra ships in Cream, Phantom Black, Green, Lavender and Lime. No S24 colorways announced yet.

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