Oppo's F-series consistently delivers stylish and feature-packed smartphones at competitive prices. The F21 Pro 5G and F23 are the latest contenders, both boasting 5G connectivity and appealing designs. But which one offers the better overall experience? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Oppo F23 takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster 67W charging. While both phones share the same capable Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, the F23's charging speed and potentially improved camera features (based on general F-series trends) make it the more compelling choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 12 | 2023, May 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 21 | Available. Released 2023, May 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 73.2 x 7.5 mm (6.30 x 2.88 x 0.30 in) | 165.6 x 76.1 x 8.2 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 173 g (6.10 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| | IPX4, dust and water resistant
RGB ring lights around the cameras (notifications, charging progress) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Schott Xensation glass | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ), 680 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, ColorOS 14 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, ColorOS 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP, f/3.3, 34mm (microscope)
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm | - |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | Panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm | 32 MP, f/2.4, 22mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1) |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, PD, 31% in 15 min, 100% in 63 min
Reverse wired | 67W wired, PD, 50% in 18 min (advertised) |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Rainbow Spectrum, Cosmic Black, Dawnlight Gold, Starlight Black | Cool Black, Bold Gold |
| Models | CPH2341, CPH2455 | CPH2527 |
| Price | About 330 EUR | About 270 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) |
Oppo F21 Pro 5G
- Sleek design
- Decent performance for the price
- Good front camera (32MP)
- Reverse wired charging
- Slower charging speed (33W)
- Potentially less advanced camera system
- May lack premium features
Oppo F23
- Significantly faster charging (67W)
- Potentially improved camera system
- Likely more premium build quality
- 5G Connectivity
- Potentially higher price
- May be slightly larger/heavier
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar AMOLED displays with a 90Hz or 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. The F23 might have a slightly larger display or improved peak brightness, but this requires further testing. Expect similar resolution (likely FHD+).
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely feature a triple-camera setup, the F23 is expected to have a more advanced main sensor and potentially improved image processing. The F21 Pro 5G likely has a 32MP front camera, while the F23 may offer a higher resolution or enhanced features. Low-light performance and video recording capabilities are areas to watch.
Performance
Sharing the same Snapdragon 695 5G chipset and CPU configuration, expect comparable performance in everyday tasks and moderate gaming. Neither phone is a powerhouse, but both should handle most apps and games without significant issues. RAM and storage configurations will be key differentiators here, with the F23 potentially offering more options.
Battery Life
The F21 Pro 5G has a 33W charging brick, while the F23 boasts a 67W charger. This is a significant difference, with the F23 charging considerably faster. Battery capacity is likely similar (around 5000mAh), meaning the F23 will spend less time plugged in.
Buying Guide
The Oppo F21 Pro 5G is a good option for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize a slightly more compact design and don't need the absolute fastest charging. The Oppo F23 is ideal for those who value quick charging, potentially better camera performance, and a slightly more premium feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Oppo F23 worth the extra money compared to the F21 Pro 5G?
If fast charging and potentially better camera performance are important to you, then yes. The 67W charging is a significant upgrade. However, if you're on a tight budget and don't mind slower charging, the F21 Pro 5G remains a solid option.
❓ What chipset do both phones use?
Both the Oppo F21 Pro 5G and F23 utilize the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, ensuring similar performance levels for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.