Samsung Galaxy F23 vs OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range 5G Contenders
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G emerges as the stronger choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 900, fabricated on a more efficient 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance edge, and the blazing-fast 65W charging significantly reduces downtime. While the F23 offers a respectable experience, the Nord CE 2’s advantages are hard to ignore.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy F23 | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G |
| 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Europe |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA - Europe |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 08 | 2022, February 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 16 | Available. Released 2022, February 22 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 165.5 x 77 x 8.4 mm (6.52 x 3.03 x 0.33 in) | 160.6 x 73.2 x 7.8 mm (6.32 x 2.88 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 173 g (6.10 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 (~409 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 120Hz | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+ |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G68 MC4 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, OxygenOS 13 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| - | UFS 2.2 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@480fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 16 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide), 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Virtual Proximity Sensing | - | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 25W wired | 65W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Aqua Blue, Forest Green | Gray Mirror, Bahama Blue |
| Models | SM-E236B, SM-E236B/DS | IV2201 |
| Price | About 190 EUR | £ 99.00 / € 182.18 |
| SAR | 1.24 W/kg (head) | - |
Samsung Galaxy F23
- Familiar Samsung One UI
- Reliable brand reputation
- Generally good software support
- Slower Snapdragon 750G chipset
- Slower 25W charging
- Potentially less efficient processor
OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G
- Faster Mediatek Dimensity 900 chipset
- Blazing-fast 65W charging
- More power-efficient processor
- OnePlus OxygenOS can be polarizing
- Camera processing may not appeal to all
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific panel details (like peak brightness or color gamut coverage) are absent, the focus here is on the underlying processing power impacting UI smoothness. Both likely utilize LCD panels given their price points. The real difference lies elsewhere.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, the market segment suggests both phones will feature a primary sensor around the 50MP mark. The image processing algorithms will be a key differentiator. Samsung typically leans towards vibrant, saturated colors, while OnePlus often aims for a more natural look. The absence of optical image stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests a reliance on software stabilization, which may struggle in low-light conditions. The 2MP macro cameras on both are largely marketing filler and offer limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core battleground is the chipset. The OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6nm) holds a clear advantage over the Samsung Galaxy F23’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8nm). The 6nm process allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, translating to better sustained performance and potentially less thermal throttling. The Dimensity 900’s CPU configuration – 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – also outpaces the Snapdragon 750G’s 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570 in raw clock speed and core architecture. This means faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive gaming experience on the Nord CE 2.
Battery Life
The OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G’s 65W wired charging is a game-changer. This allows for a full charge in approximately 30-40 minutes, a significant advantage over the Samsung Galaxy F23’s 25W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed effectively mitigates any potential capacity difference. Users who frequently find themselves needing a quick top-up will greatly appreciate the Nord CE 2’s charging prowess.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy F23 if you prioritize a familiar Samsung One UI experience and are comfortable with a slightly slower charging speed. It’s a solid all-rounder for everyday tasks. Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G if you value faster performance for gaming and demanding apps, and if minimizing charging time is a top priority. It’s the better option for power users and those who frequently rely on their phone throughout the day.