Samsung Galaxy A23 5G vs. A23: The Ultimate Budget Showdown

The Samsung Galaxy A series consistently delivers excellent value, and the A23 and A23 5G are prime examples. But with subtle differences, choosing between them can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison will dissect every aspect, from display quality to performance, to help you make the right decision.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Galaxy A23 5G edges out the A23 thanks to its 5G connectivity and slightly better performance from the Snapdragon 695. However, the A23 remains a strong contender, especially if 5G isn't a priority and you prefer a slightly more compact design. Both offer excellent value for their price.

PHONES
Phone Names	Samsung Galaxy A23 5G	Samsung Galaxy A23

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
5G bands	1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International	-
Speed	HSPA, LTE, 5G	HSPA, LTE
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G	GSM / HSPA / LTE
	2, 5, 30, 66, 77 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - USA	-

Launch
Announced	2022, August 05	2022, March 04
Status	Available. Released 2022, September 02	Available. Released 2022, March 25

Body
Build	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back	Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions	165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm (6.51 x 3.03 x 0.33 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 + Nano-SIM
Weight	197 g (6.95 oz)	195 g (6.88 oz)

Display
Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 5	Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution	1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)	1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)
Size	6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio)	6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	PLS LCD, 120Hz	PLS LCD, 90Hz

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)	Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver)
Chipset	Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)	Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)
GPU	Adreno 619	Adreno 610
OS	Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6	Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM	64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
	-	eMMC 5.1

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, panorama, HDR	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	50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF, OIS 5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Single	-	8 MP, f/2.2, (wide)
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
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	8 MP, f/2.2, (wide)
Video	1080p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	5.1, A2DP, LE	5.0, A2DP, LE
NFC	Yes	Yes (market/region dependent)
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
Radio	FM radio (market/region dependent)	FM radio
USB	USB Type-C 2.0	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, gyro, compass, barometer (USA only)	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass
	Virtual proximity sensing	Virtual proximity sensing

Battery
Charging	25W wired	25W wired
Type	Li-Po 5000 mAh	Li-Po 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Black, White, Peach, Blue	Black, White, Peach, Blue
Models	SM-A236U, SM-A236U1, SM-A236B, SM-A236B/DS, SM-A236B/DSN, SM-A236E, SM-S236DL	SM-A235F, SM-A235F/DS, SM-A235F/DSN, SM-A235M, SM-A235M/DS, SM-A235N
Price	$ 84.44 / £ 129.00 / € 125.28 / ₹ 21,000	£ 99.00 / ₹ 14,999
SAR	0.68 W/kg (head) 0.57 W/kg (body)	0.48 W/kg (head)
SAR EU	1.49 W/kg (head) 1.25 W/kg (body)	0.36 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body)

Tests
Battery life	Endurance rating 138h	Endurance rating 130h
Camera	Photo / Video	Photo / Video
Display	Contrast ratio: 1328:1 (nominal)	Contrast ratio: 1241:1
Loudspeaker	-25.9 LUFS (Very good)	-27.6 LUFS (Good)
Performance	AnTuTu: 318821 (v9) GeekBench: 1940 (v5.1) GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)	AnTuTu: 273554 (v9) GeekBench: 1632 (v5.1) GFXBench: 6.7fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Samsung Galaxy A23 5G

5G Connectivity
Slightly better performance
Brighter Display
Good Value

Slightly larger size
25W Charging is slow

Samsung Galaxy A23

More compact design
Good Value
Reliable Performance
Excellent Battery Life

No 5G
Slightly dimmer display
25W Charging is slow

Display Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G boasts a slightly higher peak brightness of 508 nits compared to the A23's 464 nits, resulting in better visibility outdoors. Both phones feature a 1328:1 contrast ratio, delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks. While the difference is minimal, the A23 5G's brighter screen gives it a slight advantage.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature a similar camera setup, typically including a 50MP main sensor, an ultrawide lens, a macro lens, and a depth sensor. Image quality is generally good in well-lit conditions, but low-light performance can be inconsistent. The A23 5G might offer slightly better image processing due to its more powerful chipset.

Performance

The A23 5G's Snapdragon 695 5G chipset offers a noticeable performance boost over the A23's Snapdragon 680 4G. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The 695's 6nm process also contributes to slightly better power efficiency.

Battery Life

Both phones offer impressive battery life, with endurance ratings of 138h and 130h respectively. Real-world usage will likely see similar battery performance, easily lasting a full day for most users. Both support 25W wired charging, which is relatively slow compared to some competitors.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G? Users who want future-proofed connectivity with 5G and a bit more processing power for smoother multitasking and gaming. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A23? Those prioritizing a slightly smaller form factor, and who don't need 5G, seeking a reliable and affordable smartphone experience.