The sub-$250 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Infinix Note 11i and Samsung Galaxy A23 5G represent compelling options for users seeking 5G connectivity without breaking the bank. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device delivers the most well-rounded experience, focusing on performance, display quality, and battery life.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing 5G connectivity and a smoother overall experience, the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 695 chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage and better thermal management compared to the Infinix Note 11i’s Helio G85.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 2, 5, 30, 66, 77 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - USA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 15 | 2022, August 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 15 | Available. Released 2022, September 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 173.2 x 78.7 x 8.8 mm (6.82 x 3.10 x 0.35 in) | 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm (6.51 x 3.03 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 197 g (6.95 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~387 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.95 inches, 114.7 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, XOS 7.6 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF, OIS
5 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 16 MP | - |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm - USA
8 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm - International |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio (market/region dependent) |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer (USA only) |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green | Black, White, Peach, Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A236U, SM-A236U1, SM-A236B, SM-A236B/DS, SM-A236B/DSN, SM-A236E, SM-S236DL |
| Price | About 140 EUR | $ 84.44 / £ 129.00 / € 125.28 / ₹ 21,000 |
| SAR | - | 0.68 W/kg (head) 0.57 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.49 W/kg (head) 1.25 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 138h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1328:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-25.9 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 318821 (v9)
GeekBench: 1940 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Infinix Note 11i
- Potentially lower price point
- Acceptable battery life
- Functional for basic tasks
- Less powerful chipset
- Slower charging speed
- Less efficient processor
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G
- More powerful and efficient Snapdragon 695
- Faster 25W charging
- Brighter display for outdoor visibility
- Likely higher price
- Similar battery endurance to the Note 11i
- May still lack advanced camera features
Display Comparison
Both the Infinix Note 11i and Samsung Galaxy A23 5G feature displays with a 1328:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar visual pop. However, the Galaxy A23 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 508 nits, offering superior visibility in outdoor conditions. While both likely utilize LCD panels (based on market segment), the A23’s higher brightness is a tangible benefit for everyday use. Details regarding refresh rates are missing, but both are likely capped at 60Hz, typical for this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but specific details are lacking. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, Samsung generally employs more sophisticated image processing algorithms, potentially leading to better dynamic range and detail in photos taken with the A23 5G. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests these are largely marketing features and unlikely to deliver significant photographic value. The A23 5G’s 5G modem also enables faster uploads for sharing photos and videos.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G, fabricated on a 6nm process, offers a significant advantage over the Infinix Note 11i’s MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm). The 6nm node translates to improved power efficiency and reduced heat generation, allowing the Snapdragon 695 to sustain peak performance for longer periods. While both CPUs feature an octa-core configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver in the A23 versus 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 in the Note 11i – the Snapdragon’s architecture and process node provide a clear performance edge, particularly in graphically demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 138 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G’s 25W wired charging significantly outperforms the Infinix Note 11i’s 18W charging. This translates to faster top-ups, reducing downtime and providing greater convenience. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 695’s superior efficiency likely contributes to the A23 5G maintaining its endurance rating despite the faster charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Note 11i if you prioritize maximizing value and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like social media, calls, and light web browsing. Its lower price point makes it ideal for first-time smartphone users or those on a very tight budget. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G if you value a more responsive user experience, better 5G performance, and a slightly brighter display, even if it means spending a bit more. This phone is better suited for users who enjoy occasional gaming or multitasking.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 695 in the Galaxy A23 5G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 695 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. While not a dedicated gaming chip, its performance is significantly better than the Helio G85, offering a smoother experience for casual gaming.
❓ How much faster is the 25W charging on the Galaxy A23 5G compared to the 18W charging on the Note 11i?
While exact charging times depend on battery capacity (which isn't specified), 25W charging will noticeably reduce the time to reach 100% compared to 18W. Expect a difference of at least 30-60 minutes for a full charge, offering greater convenience for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
❓ Does the Galaxy A23 5G support carrier aggregation for improved 5G speeds?
The Snapdragon 695 supports carrier aggregation, which allows the phone to combine multiple 5G channels for faster and more reliable data speeds. This is a significant advantage over devices that lack this feature, especially in areas with limited 5G coverage.
