The Samsung Galaxy A series continues to be a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers. The A23 and A34 offer compelling features, but which one is the better pick? This detailed comparison will break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy A34 edges out the A23 thanks to its significantly brighter display, more powerful processor, and generally improved camera performance. While the A23 offers excellent battery life, the A34's upgrades make it the superior choice 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 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 04 | 2023, March 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 25 | Available. Released 2023, March 24 |
| 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) | 161.3 x 78.1 x 8.2 mm (6.35 x 3.07 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 199 g (7.02 oz) |
| | - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~390 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 106.9 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD, 90Hz | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) | Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 | Android 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1 |
| 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 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 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 | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | - |
| Triple | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@480fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 25W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Peach, Blue | Lime, Graphite, Violet, Silver |
| Models | SM-A235F, SM-A235F/DS, SM-A235F/DSN, SM-A235M, SM-A235M/DS, SM-A235N | SM-A346E, SM-A346B, SM-A346B/DS, SM-A346B/DSN, SM-A346E/DS, SM-A346E/DSN, SM-A346M, SM-A346M/N, SM-A346M/DSN, SM-A3460 |
| Price | £ 99.00 / ₹ 14,999 | € 169.99 / $ 175.00 / £ 164.99 / ₹ 23,999 |
| SAR | 0.48 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.36 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) | 0.55 W/kg (head) 1.49 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 130h
|
Endurance rating 133h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1241:1 |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-27.6 LUFS (Good)
|
-26.1 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 273554 (v9)
GeekBench: 1632 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 6.7fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 472126 (v9)
GeekBench: 2316 (v5.5), 2518 (v6)
GFXBench: 23fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy A23
- Excellent battery life
- Affordable price
- Good display quality
- Slower performance
- Lower brightness display
- Less refined camera
Samsung Galaxy A34
- Brighter display
- Faster performance
- Improved camera
- Modern design (IP67 water resistance)
- Slightly higher price
- Battery life marginally less than A23
Display Comparison
The A34 boasts a massive advantage with its 1009 nits peak brightness compared to the A23's 464 nits. This makes the A34 significantly easier to view outdoors. The A34 also claims an 'infinite' contrast ratio (though this is a nominal value), suggesting excellent black levels. Both phones feature FHD+ Super AMOLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks, but the A34's brightness is a game-changer.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer capable cameras, the A34 generally delivers better image quality, particularly in low light. The A34's image processing tends to be more refined, resulting in more natural-looking photos. Both phones feature multiple lenses, including ultrawide and macro, but the A34's main sensor is likely superior. Video recording capabilities are also improved on the A34.
Performance
The A34's MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chipset is noticeably faster than the A23's Snapdragon 680. Expect smoother multitasking, quicker app loading times, and better gaming performance on the A34. The Dimensity 1080's architecture (2x Cortex-A78 cores) is more efficient for demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Both phones offer excellent battery life, with endurance ratings of 130h and 133h respectively. In real-world usage, the difference is negligible. Both should easily last a full day, even with moderate to heavy use.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A23? Those prioritizing maximum battery life and a slightly lower price point. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A34? Users seeking a brighter, smoother experience with better performance and a more modern design.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A34 worth the extra money?
Yes, the A34's improved performance, brighter display, and better camera generally justify the higher price, especially if you value a smoother and more modern experience.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones offer exceptional battery life, with only a marginal difference in endurance ratings. You can expect a full day of use from either device.
