The Samsung Galaxy A23 and Realme 9 Pro+ represent compelling options in the competitive mid-range smartphone market. While both aim to deliver a balanced experience, they take distinctly different approaches. The A23 prioritizes endurance and Samsung’s established ecosystem, while the 9 Pro+ focuses on delivering a more powerful processor and significantly faster charging speeds. This comparison will dissect the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and quick top-ups, the Realme 9 Pro+ is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 920 chipset offers a substantial performance uplift over the Snapdragon 680 in the A23, and the 60W charging dramatically reduces downtime. However, the A23’s longer endurance rating and Samsung’s software support remain compelling advantages.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE-A, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 04 | 2022, February 16 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 25 | Available. Released 2022, February 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back |
| Dimensions | 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm (6.51 x 3.03 x 0.33 in) | 160.2 x 73.3 x 8 mm (6.31 x 2.89 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD, 90Hz | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 430 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, Realme UI 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 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) | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | - |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | 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/6, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 25W wired | 60W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 44 min (advertised) |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Peach, Blue | Midnight Black, Aurora Green, Sunrise Blue, Free Fire Limited Edition |
| Models | SM-A235F, SM-A235F/DS, SM-A235F/DSN, SM-A235M, SM-A235M/DS, SM-A235N | RMX3392, RMX3393 |
| Price | £ 99.00 / ₹ 14,999 | € 289.90 / $ 390.00 / ₹ 25,999 |
| SAR | 0.48 W/kg (head) | 1.19 W/kg (head) 0.73 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.36 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 130h
|
Endurance rating 117h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1241:1 |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-27.6 LUFS (Good)
|
-25.3 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 273554 (v9)
GeekBench: 1632 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 6.7fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 495096 (v8), 416031 (v9)
GeekBench: 2335 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 27fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy A23
- Longer battery endurance (130h)
- Brighter display (464 nits)
- Samsung’s established software ecosystem
- Less powerful processor (Snapdragon 680)
- Slower charging (25W)
Realme 9 Pro+
- Faster processor (Dimensity 920)
- Significantly faster charging (60W, 44 min)
- Potentially better image processing
- Shorter battery endurance (117h)
- Contrast ratio is a nominal 'Infinite' value
Display Comparison
Both phones feature displays suitable for everyday use, but differ in key areas. The Realme 9 Pro+ boasts an 'Infinite' contrast ratio (nominal), suggesting a superior viewing experience with deeper blacks, though this is a marketing term. The Samsung Galaxy A23, while offering a measured contrast ratio of 1241:1, provides a respectable image. Brightness is where the A23 shines with 464 nits measured, potentially offering better visibility in direct sunlight. While the Realme’s peak brightness isn’t specified, the A23’s measured value gives it a tangible advantage for outdoor use. Neither manufacturer details PWM dimming rates, leaving potential concerns for users sensitive to flicker unresolved.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specs are limited in the provided data. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Realme 9 Pro+’s chipset likely provides more advanced image signal processing (ISP) capabilities, potentially leading to better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The A23’s camera performance will likely be adequate for casual photography, but the 9 Pro+ has the potential to deliver more detailed and vibrant images. The absence of information regarding optical image stabilization (OIS) on either device makes it impossible to assess stability for video recording.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is significant. The Realme 9 Pro+ is powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6nm), featuring a dual-core Cortex-A78 setup clocked at 2.5 GHz, designed for sustained performance. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy A23 utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) with a more modest octa-core configuration peaking at 2.4 GHz. The Dimensity 920’s architecture, with its higher-clocked, more powerful cores, translates to noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience. While both are 6nm chips, the Dimensity 920’s superior design provides a clear advantage in demanding tasks. The A23 will handle daily tasks adequately, but the 9 Pro+ offers a more future-proof experience.
Battery Life
The Realme 9 Pro+ and Samsung Galaxy A23 take different approaches to battery life. The A23 boasts an endurance rating of 130 hours, indicating excellent longevity on a single charge. The 9 Pro+, with a rating of 117 hours, falls slightly behind. However, the 9 Pro+ compensates with its 60W wired charging, capable of reaching 100% in a claimed 44 minutes, utilizing PD3.0. The A23’s 25W charging is significantly slower. This means while the A23 may last longer between charges, the 9 Pro+ can quickly replenish its battery, minimizing downtime. The trade-off is endurance versus convenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A23 if you need a phone that lasts a long time on a single charge and value the Samsung brand ecosystem. It’s ideal for users who prioritize battery life over raw processing power and prefer a more conservative software experience. Buy the Realme 9 Pro+ if you prefer a faster, more responsive phone for gaming and demanding apps, and you want to minimize charging times. It’s a better choice for users who frequently use their phone for multimedia and want a more modern charging solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 920 in the Realme 9 Pro+ get noticeably warmer during extended gaming sessions compared to the Snapdragon 680 in the A23?
While both chips are built on a 6nm process, the Dimensity 920 is a more powerful processor and will generate more heat under sustained load. However, Realme typically implements effective thermal management solutions, and the 9 Pro+ is likely to throttle performance before reaching dangerously high temperatures. The Snapdragon 680, being less powerful, will naturally run cooler, but at the cost of performance.
❓ Is the 60W charging on the Realme 9 Pro+ compatible with all USB-PD chargers, or is a specific Realme charger required to achieve the full 60W speed?
The Realme 9 Pro+ supports USB Power Delivery (PD) 3.0, meaning it *should* be compatible with many USB-PD chargers. However, to guarantee the full 60W charging speed, it’s recommended to use the included Realme charger or a certified USB-PD charger specifically rated for 60W output. Using a lower-wattage charger will result in slower charging times.
❓ Given the limited camera information, how much of a difference can I realistically expect in image quality between the two phones?
Without detailed sensor specs, it's difficult to quantify the difference. However, the Realme 9 Pro+'s Dimensity 920 chipset includes a more advanced Image Signal Processor (ISP). This ISP handles noise reduction, dynamic range, and color accuracy. Expect the 9 Pro+ to produce more detailed and vibrant images, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The A23 will likely be adequate for casual use, but the 9 Pro+ offers a higher potential for photographic quality.
