The Samsung Galaxy A23 series offers excellent value in the mid-range smartphone market. But with two versions – the standard A23 and the A23 5G – deciding which one is right for you can be tricky. This comprehensive comparison breaks down the key differences to help you make an informed choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy A23 5G edges out the standard A23 thanks to its 5G connectivity and slightly improved performance. While both offer great battery life and displays, the 5G model's future-proofing and faster speeds make it the better overall pick for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 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, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | - | 2, 5, 30, 66, 77 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - USA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 04 | 2022, August 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 25 | Available. Released 2022, September 02 |
| 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 | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 197 g (6.95 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, 90Hz | PLS LCD, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| 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, (wide), PDAF, OIS
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 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 |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (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 | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio (market/region dependent) |
| 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer (USA only) |
| | 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-A235F, SM-A235F/DS, SM-A235F/DSN, SM-A235M, SM-A235M/DS, SM-A235N | SM-A236U, SM-A236U1, SM-A236B, SM-A236B/DS, SM-A236B/DSN, SM-A236E, SM-S236DL |
| Price | £ 99.00 / ₹ 14,999 | $ 84.44 / £ 129.00 / € 125.28 / ₹ 21,000 |
| SAR | 0.48 W/kg (head) | 0.68 W/kg (head) 0.57 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.36 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) | 1.49 W/kg (head) 1.25 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 130h
|
Endurance rating 138h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1241:1 |
Contrast ratio: 1328:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-27.6 LUFS (Good)
|
-25.9 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 273554 (v9)
GeekBench: 1632 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 6.7fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 318821 (v9)
GeekBench: 1940 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy A23
- Excellent battery life
- Vibrant 120Hz display
- Good value for money
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks
- No 5G connectivity
- Slightly older chipset
- Performance can struggle with demanding games
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G
- 5G connectivity
- Improved performance
- Slightly better display
- Future-proof chipset
- Slightly higher price
- Camera improvements are marginal
- Still not a flagship performer
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.6-inch FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals. However, the A23 5G boasts a slightly higher peak brightness (508 nits vs 464 nits) and a marginally better contrast ratio (1328:1 vs 1241:1), resulting in a subtly more immersive viewing experience. Color accuracy is generally good on both.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are largely similar, featuring a 50MP main sensor, an ultrawide lens, a macro lens, and a depth sensor. However, the A23 5G's image processing algorithms are slightly more refined, resulting in marginally better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Video recording capabilities are comparable on both devices.
Performance
The A23 5G's Snapdragon 695 5G chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the A23's Snapdragon 680 4G. While both are capable of handling everyday tasks, the 695 offers smoother multitasking and better gaming performance. The A23 5G's CPU configuration (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) is more efficient for sustained performance compared to the A23's (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver).
Battery Life
Both phones pack a large 5000mAh battery, providing excellent all-day battery life. The A23 5G has a slightly better endurance rating (138h vs 130h), suggesting marginally better power efficiency, but real-world usage will likely be very similar.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy A23 is ideal for users who prioritize long battery life and a vibrant display, and don't need 5G connectivity. The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is the better choice for those who want faster speeds, future-proofing, and access to 5G networks, even if it comes at a slightly higher price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Galaxy A23 5G worth the extra money?
If you want 5G connectivity and slightly better performance, the A23 5G is worth the upgrade. However, if you're on a tight budget and don't need 5G, the standard A23 remains a solid choice.
❓ What is the difference between the processors in the two phones?
The A23 uses a Snapdragon 680 4G, while the A23 5G uses a Snapdragon 695 5G. The 695 offers improved performance and 5G capabilities.
