![Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra render wideview](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/gDZtCUu5JL8T3F3X3wYPw4-415-80.png)
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is one of the most hotly anticipated phones of 2023. It's predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy S22 and its bigger brother, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, were widely regarded as some of the best phones you could buy.
Now, hints are dropping that suggest Samsung's new flagship could be a challenger, not just for best Android phone, but for best gaming phone. The newly released Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 could well make its way into the new devices, bringing a host of gaming credentials along with it.
The new chipset features a host of gaming-centric features, such as improved ray tracing, faster rendering for enhanced graphics, and faster CPU performance overall. It marks a new era for Qualcomm's processing technology, succeeding the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 that came before it.
"But wait," I hear you cry, "Samsung wasn't even announced as one of the manufacturers using the new chipset."
True. But that doesn't mean they aren't going to. As part of yesterdays launch event, Samsung announced an official partnership with Snapdragon Pro Series – a series of competitive e-sports tournaments hosted by Snapdragon.
In their announcement tweet, Snapdragon said, "ICYMI, [Samsung] is now the official presenting partner of the Snapdragon Pro Series. There's no better combo than Snapdragon Elite Gaming and Samsung flagship smartphones and we are so excited for you to experience it."
It was later retweeted by Samsung, who said, "Prepare to play on a whole new level."
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
Now, this might just be Samsung furthering their affiliation with e-sports. But it doesn't feel like that. This feels much more significant.
Speculation is already flying online, too. Respected leaker, Ice Universe, has shared a Geekbench score for a European Samsung Galaxy S23 variant, which shows it using the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. That's a big deal, as the Exynos chipset used in the EU market previously was riddled with issues. And, not only is this getting the new chipset, but Ice mentions that this is a high-frequency version which will be exclusive to Samsung.
Online news writer at T3.com, Sam has five years of experience in online and print journalism, with work featured in publications like Metro and Last Word on Sports. After years writing about music and football, Sam now turns his hand to bringing you news about new phones, smart home products, smart watches, laptops and TVs. Sam is a longtime fan and user of Apple products, including iPhones, MacBooks and Apple Watches.He’s also T3’s resident football expert, bringing you everything you need to know about the big games, including how to watch them. In his spare time, Sam is a keen guitarist, watch lover and (very) amateur golfer.
-
What are gorilla rows: the underrated strength exercise you’re not doing for a stronger back
It will also give your core a run for its money
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
iPhone 17 slated for one massive camera upgrade which photographers will love
The question is, will it be too technical for non-photographers?
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
First look at Oura Ring 4 shows Samsung Galaxy Ring could have a serious rival soon
It needs to launch sharpish though
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Samsung Galaxy Ring works on other Android phones – even iPhone could happen soon
There is a catch though
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 (G80SD) review: a top class 4K OLED monitor
This stellar display does gaming, streaming, and more
By David Nield Published
-
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro withdrawn from sale with a surprising explanation
There's a Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro problem - what's going on?
By Chris Hall Published
-
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 tipped to make Android tablets important again
A huge change to Samsung's Galaxy tablets has been confirmed
By Chris Hall Published
-
Huge Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra deal just hit Prime Day – $325 off 2024's best Android phone
The 5-star flagship gets 25% off before the end of the Prime Day sales
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Don't expect a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra at Unpacked, but it's not gone for good
Another foldable Samsung phone was rumoured, cancelled, and now potentially back on the cards.
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Samsung's huge Odyssey gaming monitor drops to lowest-ever price in 5-star deal
Pick up this giant 57-inch gaming monitor for a less
By David Nield Published