The budget 5G smartphone market is heating up, and the Oppo F23 and Samsung Galaxy A23 5G are two strong contenders. Both offer 5G connectivity and a range of features at an attractive price point, but which one comes out on top? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Oppo F23 takes the lead thanks to its significantly faster 67W charging. While the Galaxy A23 5G boasts impressive battery life and a potentially better display, the F23's charging speed and likely design advantages make it the more compelling choice for many.
| 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, 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, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 2, 5, 30, 66, 77 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - USA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, May 15 | 2022, August 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, May 18 | Available. Released 2022, September 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.6 x 76.1 x 8.2 mm (6.52 x 3.00 x 0.32 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 | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 197 g (6.95 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~392 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.72 inches, 109.0 cm2 (~86.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ), 680 nits (HBM) | PLS LCD, 120Hz |
| 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 13, upgradable to Android 14, ColorOS 14 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | 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, 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 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Panorama | - |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.4, 22mm (wide) | 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 stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1) | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | 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 | 67W wired, PD, 50% in 18 min (advertised) | 25W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cool Black, Bold Gold | Black, White, Peach, Blue |
| Models | CPH2527 | SM-A236U, SM-A236U1, SM-A236B, SM-A236B/DS, SM-A236B/DSN, SM-A236E, SM-S236DL |
| Price | About 270 EUR | $ 84.44 / £ 129.00 / € 125.28 / ₹ 21,000 |
| SAR | 1.19 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) | 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 F23
- 67W Fast Charging
- Potentially more stylish design
- Likely smoother ColorOS experience
- Potentially shorter battery life
- Camera performance unknown
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G
- Exceptional battery life (138h endurance)
- Good display brightness and contrast
- Samsung ecosystem integration
- Slow 25W charging
- Less modern design (likely)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.6-inch FHD+ display, but the Galaxy A23 5G's measured 508 nits brightness and 1328:1 contrast ratio suggest a slightly better viewing experience, especially in brighter environments. The Oppo F23 likely has a more modern design and potentially a higher refresh rate (spec not provided, but common for Oppo).
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is difficult to definitively assess without detailed testing. The Galaxy A23 5G likely benefits from Samsung's image processing expertise. The Oppo F23 may offer unique camera features or a different sensor setup. Both are expected to deliver decent image quality in good lighting conditions.
Performance
Powered by the same Snapdragon 695 5G chipset and CPU configuration, performance should be largely comparable in everyday tasks and moderate gaming. However, Oppo's ColorOS might offer slightly smoother animations and optimizations.
Battery Life
The Galaxy A23 5G shines here with an endurance rating of 138 hours, indicating exceptional battery life. The Oppo F23, while offering fast charging, likely has a smaller battery capacity and therefore shorter overall battery life.
Buying Guide
The Oppo F23 is ideal for users who prioritize fast charging and a potentially more stylish design. The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is a better fit for those who value long battery life and are deeply embedded in the Samsung ecosystem, potentially appreciating its software and display.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G has significantly better battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 138 hours.
❓ Is the Oppo F23 worth it for its fast charging?
Yes, if fast charging is a priority, the Oppo F23's 67W charging is a major advantage over the Galaxy A23 5G's 25W.
❓ Which phone is better for photography?
It's difficult to say definitively without detailed camera comparisons. Both phones are expected to offer decent image quality, but Samsung's image processing might give the A23 5G a slight edge.