The new Galaxy S23 series from Samsung Electronics offers premium smartphone users an eco-conscious experience. The Galaxy S23 series embodies those values that Samsung also holds dear, such as resource circulation for a better future for all, by removing unnecessary components and placing quality first.
Samsung Newsroom talked to some of the designers of the Galaxy S23 series to find out more about how the new flagship range got its unique design.
High-End Design with an Eco-Friendly Focus
About “Create the Essentials,” the design theme for the Galaxy S23 series
Our primary goal was to develop a design that captured the essence of the smartphone. We decided to keep only the essential design features, based on the true identity of the device, as the basis for the design of the Galaxy S23 series because too many unnecessary details can waste resources during the production process.
This theme is in line with the overall design philosophy of the Samsung Galaxy
The Samsung Galaxy S series of smartphones was designed with premium design at its core in mind. We spent a lot of time thinking about the elements that would make for a great design and how they would affect the world as a whole for the Galaxy S23 series. We believe that designers should reflect these values in their plans as the world shifts its priorities toward eco-consciousness because we are in a time when resource circulation and eco-conscious activities are at the forefront of daily life. By making bold design choices and incorporating forward-looking concepts, our design strategy actively includes these concepts.
The goal of the Galaxy design team is to create designs that honor people and the planet
Five objectives can be used, to sum up, our strategy. In the first place, we want our designs to “create essence” so that the end user is happy. Second, we want to “create circularity” to boost efforts to circulate resources throughout the entire product lifecycle, from production to use and disposal. Thirdly, we want to “create standardization” to simplify our designs and, as a result, cut down on resource waste and manufacturing costs. Fourthly, we want to “create longevity” for our products by making sure they last longer and making designs that are easy to fix. Last but not least, we want to “create transparency” by being clear about the metrics of our design processes and focusing on eco-friendly activities. These five objectives serve as a guide for all Samsung Galaxy designers.
More information about how the design team is achieving these objectives
We ensure that our designs incorporate recycled materials by working closely with the material sourcing teams and focusing on the long-term vision rather than the immediate outcomes of each project. We also share our design plans and strategy with various internal stakeholders to give each project more life by bringing in new ideas and perspectives. To design with eco-consciousness at the forefront, we ensure that we reflect on all feedback.
Important to the team is working with such a genuine mission in mind
We live in a world where information can be shared anywhere, so short-term or temporary initiatives have no meaning. We welcome the chance to carefully consider the principles and efforts required to realize our vision and the most effective means of transparently communicating our strategy. We are motivated by our sense of mission as designers, and we hope that our customers will eventually come to understand and appreciate our determination.
The Galaxy’s Personality
More information about the two distinct designs you created for the Galaxy S23 series based on the target audience
Through simple line design and planes that eliminate all unnecessary elements, our design goal was to convey a consistent design identity across all three devices. The size and arrangement of even the more subtle parts, like the side keys, antenna slit, speaker hole, and mic hole, were carefully adjusted to match. In addition, the Galaxy S22 and S22+’s camera contour cut design was removed, and all Galaxy S23 models now have a single camera design to ensure even more consistency across the lineup.
The distinctive design of the Galaxy S23 series’ camera is just as noteworthy as its performance
To convey the camera’s powerful performance, the internal parts have been processed with smooth hairlines while the exterior part is made of shiny metal. The form, texture, and color of traditional camera lenses, which reduce light reflection, served as inspiration for the design of the camera’s internal components.
Color swatches for the future, inspired by nature
Introduce the Galaxy S23 series’ primary colors
The Galaxy S23 series is available in four colors that are based on a concept we call “Shades of Nature,” and some of its components were constructed using recycled materials1 to contribute to resource circulation. To further reflect this concept of environmental protection, the Galaxy S23 series is available in four colors. Phantom Black embodies the silent strength of nature, while Phantom Green is like looking at a peaceful forest. Lavender is like looking at a warm cream, and Lavender is like seeing the lively nature of everyday life.
More information regarding the recycled materials utilized in a portion of the back panel glass3 of the Galaxy S23 series
We were initially concerned that the color might become too dark because recycled materials based on plastic bottles typically have a yellowish tint. However, once the materials had been processed, we were surprised to discover that the recycled material contributed to the Cream shade’s more natural and organic appearance.
Built with the environment in mind
More information regarding the development of recycled materials for the Galaxy S23 series
The film that goes inside the back glass panel contains 80% recycled plastics sourced from discarded plastic bottles, and the front and back glass panels of the Galaxy S23 series devices contain an average of 22% pre-consumer recycled content. Additionally, aluminum byproducts from the manufacturing process were utilized for the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s side and volume keys. Additionally, the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s inner components, such as the S Pen cover and the lower speaker modules, have been constructed from recycled ocean-bound plastic derived from discarded fishnets and plastic bottles.
In addition, the Galaxy S23 series’ packaging box is made entirely of recycled paper, and the cover accessory also contains recycled or biodegradable materials. As a result, the design of the Galaxy S23 series reflects our commitment to resource circulation.
Over time develop more eco-friendly packaging designs
In 2018, we started using less plastic in our packaging designs. When we first started, we included fourteen different packaging components in a single package. Now, for the Galaxy S23 series, we have made significant progress to ensure that only six packaging components4 are included. We also made sure to use recycled paper in the construction of the packaging box itself. Even though 100% recycled pulp paper can be dusty and weaker than regular paper, we did a lot of research, changed how we made it and tested it a lot for quality to make sure it was the right mix for our product packaging.
Be concentrating on upcoming packaging designs
We will continue to concentrate on making high-quality packaging out of recycled paper. In addition to receiving recognition for our eco-conscious designs, our objective is to develop our pulp-based paper materials.
Samsung is committed to innovating in a way that does not take the resources of the planet for granted and instead repurposes discarded materials to give them a new purpose and provide users with genuine, significant value. Through forward-thinking design decisions, the Samsung Galaxy S series will continue to bridge the gap between eco-consciousness and usability.
