Samsung Galaxy A23 5G vs OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite: The Ultimate Budget Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster 67W charging and generally competitive performance. While the A23 5G boasts impressive battery endurance, the Nord CE 3 Lite's charging speed and slightly improved display make it the more compelling choice for most users.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - 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 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, August 05 | 2023, April 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 02 | Available. Released 2023, April 11 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm (6.51 x 3.03 x 0.33 in) | 165.5 x 76 x 8.3 mm (6.52 x 2.99 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 197 g (6.95 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~391 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.72 inches, 109.6 cm2 (~87.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (typ), 680 nits (peak) |
| 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, One UI 6 | Android 13, OxygenOS 13.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| - | UFS 2.2 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| 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 | - |
| Triple | - | 108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.67", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 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 | 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.0µm |
| 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 | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio (market/region dependent) | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer (USA only) | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Virtual proximity sensing | - | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 25W wired | 67W wired, 80% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Peach, Blue | Pastel Lime, Chromatic Gray |
| Models | SM-A236U, SM-A236U1, SM-A236B, SM-A236B/DS, SM-A236B/DSN, SM-A236E, SM-S236DL | CPH2467, CPH2465 |
| Price | $ 84.44 / £ 129.00 / € 125.28 / ₹ 21,000 | £ 169.98 / € 209.99 |
| SAR | 0.68 W/kg (head) 0.57 W/kg (body) | 1.17 W/kg (head) 0.70 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) | AnTuTu: 412006 (v9) GeekBench: 2052 (v5) GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G
- Exceptional battery life
- Vibrant display with high contrast ratio
- Versatile camera system (potentially)
- Samsung's One UI
- Slower charging speed
- One UI can feel bloated
- Performance may not be as smooth as Nord CE 3 Lite
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite
- Blazing-fast 67W charging
- Slightly smoother user experience (OxygenOS)
- Modern design
- Competitive performance
- Battery life not as long as A23 5G
- Camera performance can be inconsistent
- May lack some of the A23 5G's camera features
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.6-inch FHD+ display, but the Nord CE 3 Lite generally offers slightly better color accuracy and brightness. The A23 5G's contrast ratio is impressive, but the Nord CE 3 Lite's panel feels more responsive. While the A23 5G boasts a 1328:1 contrast ratio, the Nord CE 3 Lite's display is often perceived as more visually appealing.
Camera Comparison
The A23 5G typically features a more versatile camera system with a higher resolution main sensor (often 50MP) and potentially an ultrawide lens. The Nord CE 3 Lite often has a 108MP main sensor, but image processing can vary. Both offer decent image quality in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance can be inconsistent. Video recording capabilities are similar.
Performance
Both devices are powered by the Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, ensuring decent performance for everyday tasks. However, OnePlus's OxygenOS often provides a slightly smoother and more optimized experience compared to Samsung's One UI, leading to a marginally faster feel in daily use. Gaming performance is comparable on both.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G shines in this category, boasting an exceptional endurance rating of 138 hours. The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite, while having a smaller battery, compensates with its incredibly fast 67W charging, capable of reaching 80% in just 30 minutes. This makes the Nord CE 3 Lite more convenient for users who don't want to wait long for a recharge.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is ideal for users prioritizing long battery life and a vibrant display. The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite is a better fit for those who value fast charging, a smoother user experience, and a slightly more modern design.