The sub-$200 5G smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Oppo A57e and Samsung Galaxy A23 5G both aim to deliver 5G connectivity at an accessible price point, but they take very different approaches to achieving this. The A57e relies on MediaTek’s Helio G35, while the A23 5G leverages Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 695 5G. This comparison dives deep into the specifications and real-world implications to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 695 chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage and better long-term responsiveness compared to the Oppo A57e’s Helio G35. While the A57e boasts faster 33W charging, the A23 5G’s overall package is more compelling.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 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 | 2022, August 31 | 2022, August 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 31 | Available. Released 2022, September 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 75 x 8 mm (6.44 x 2.95 x 0.31 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 | 187 g (6.60 oz) | 197 g (6.95 oz) |
| | IP5X (dust), IPX4 (water) resistance | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 600 nits | PLS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 12, ColorOS 12.1 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | 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 |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | 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 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4", 1.12µm | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 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 | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer (USA only) |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 50% in 30 min | 25W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Glowing Black, Glowing Green | Black, White, Peach, Blue |
| Models | CPH2387 | SM-A236U, SM-A236U1, SM-A236B, SM-A236B/DS, SM-A236B/DSN, SM-A236E, SM-S236DL |
| Price | About 180 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) |
Oppo A57e
- Faster 33W charging
- Potentially lower price point
- Decent battery endurance
- Less powerful Helio G35 chipset
- 12nm process is less efficient
- Likely struggles with demanding tasks
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G
- More powerful Snapdragon 695 5G chipset
- 6nm process for better efficiency
- Higher display brightness
- Slower 25W charging
- Potentially higher price
- Similar battery endurance to A57e
Display Comparison
Both the Oppo A57e and Samsung Galaxy A23 5G feature displays with a 1328:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar visual pop. However, the A23 5G edges ahead with a measured peak brightness of 508 nits, offering better visibility in direct sunlight. While neither display is expected to offer exceptional color accuracy, the A23 5G’s higher brightness provides a more usable experience in various lighting conditions. Details regarding panel technology (IPS vs. LCD) and refresh rates are missing, but given the price point, 60Hz is expected on both.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but specific details are lacking. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given Samsung’s generally stronger image processing algorithms, the A23 5G is likely to produce more consistently pleasing photos, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The prevalence of low-resolution auxiliary cameras (often 2MP) in this price segment suggests focusing on the main sensor’s quality is paramount, and Samsung typically delivers a more refined camera experience.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G’s Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) is a significant upgrade over the Oppo A57e’s MediaTek Helio G35 (12nm). The 6nm process node translates to better power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling, crucial for sustained performance. The Snapdragon 695’s CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver – is architecturally more advanced than the A57e’s Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53). This means the A23 5G will handle multitasking and demanding apps with greater ease. The A57e will likely struggle with heavier tasks, exhibiting noticeable lag.
Battery Life
Both devices share an endurance rating of 138 hours, indicating similar overall battery life. However, the Oppo A57e’s 33W wired charging is considerably faster than the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G’s 25W charging, allowing for a 50% charge in just 30 minutes. This faster charging is a significant convenience factor for users who frequently need to top up their battery. While the A23 5G’s battery efficiency from the 6nm chipset may offset the slower charging to some extent, the A57e offers a quicker path to a full charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A57e if your primary need is fast charging and you prioritize minimizing upfront cost, even if it means sacrificing performance. It’s suitable for very light users who primarily browse social media and make calls. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G if you want a more capable device for multitasking, occasional gaming, and a smoother overall user experience, and value the benefits of a more modern chipset.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 695 in the Galaxy A23 5G handle graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 695 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but expect to play at medium settings for a smooth experience. While not a dedicated gaming chip, its Adreno 619 GPU offers a significant improvement over the Helio G35’s capabilities, allowing for playable frame rates without excessive lag. The 6nm process also helps mitigate thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions.
❓ How much of a real-world difference will the 6nm process of the Snapdragon 695 make in daily use?
The 6nm process translates to improved power efficiency, meaning the Galaxy A23 5G will consume less battery for the same tasks compared to the Oppo A57e’s 12nm Helio G35. This results in longer battery life and less heat generation, leading to more consistent performance throughout the day. You’ll notice this difference particularly during prolonged use of apps like social media or video streaming.
❓ Is the 33W charging on the Oppo A57e a game-changer, or is it just a marketing gimmick?
The 33W charging is genuinely useful. Reaching 50% charge in 30 minutes is a significant time saver compared to the A23 5G’s 25W charging. If you frequently find yourself needing to quickly top up your phone, this is a compelling advantage. However, it doesn't negate the A23 5G's overall efficiency and performance benefits.
