Samsung Galaxy F23 vs A53 5G: A Deep Dive into Performance, Display, and Value

Samsung's mid-range offerings often create a confusing landscape for buyers. The Galaxy F23 and A53 5G, while both falling into this category, represent distinct approaches. The F23 prioritizes efficiency with a Snapdragon chipset, while the A53 5G aims for a more premium experience with an Exynos processor and brighter display. This comparison will dissect the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing a brighter, more vibrant display and a slightly more polished software experience, the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is the better choice. However, those seeking longer battery life and a more thermally efficient processor, particularly for sustained gaming, will find the Galaxy F23 a compelling alternative.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy F23 Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66 - SM-A536U
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub62, 5, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - SM-A536U
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -2, 5, 48, 66, 77, 78, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - SM-A536V
Launch
Announced2022, March 082022, March 17
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, March 16Available. Released 2022, March 24
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions165.5 x 77 x 8.4 mm (6.52 x 3.03 x 0.33 in)159.6 x 74.8 x 8.1 mm (6.28 x 2.94 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight198 g (6.98 oz)189 g (6.67 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)
Size6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT LCD, 120HzSuper AMOLED, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570)Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm)Exynos 1280 (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 619Mali-G68
OSAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6Android 12, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, panorama, HDR
Quad-64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7X", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Single8 MP, f/2.2, (wide)32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@480fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single8 MP, f/2.2, (wide)32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radio, recordingNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer (market/region dependent)
 Virtual Proximity SensingVirtual proximity sensing
Battery
Charging25W wired25W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsAqua Blue, Forest GreenBlack, White, Blue, Peach
ModelsSM-E236B, SM-E236B/DSSM-A536B, SM-A536B/DS, SM-A536U, SM-A536U1, SM-A5360, SM-A536E, SM-A536E/DS, SM-A536V, SM-A536W, SM-A536N, SM-S536DL
PriceAbout 190 EUR$ 151.42 / £ 185.00 / € 169.14
SAR1.24 W/kg (head)0.75 W/kg (head)     1.58 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.89 W/kg (head)     1.60 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 113h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -26.5 LUFS (Good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 329802 (v8), 379313 (v9) GeekBench: 1891 (v5.1) GFXBench: 19fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Samsung Galaxy F23

  • More power-efficient Snapdragon 750G chipset
  • Potentially longer battery life during typical use
  • Likely better thermal management for sustained performance

  • Dimmer display compared to the A53 5G
  • Potentially less refined camera system
  • Less premium build quality

Samsung Galaxy A53 5G

  • Brighter and more vibrant display (830 nits)
  • More powerful Exynos 1280 processor
  • Potentially better camera performance

  • Less power-efficient chipset
  • Potential for thermal throttling under heavy load
  • Slightly shorter battery life during intensive tasks

Display Comparison

The Galaxy A53 5G boasts a significant advantage in display quality, achieving a measured peak brightness of 830 nits. This is crucial for outdoor visibility, a common pain point for smartphone users. While the F23’s display specs aren’t provided, it’s likely to be considerably dimmer. The A53’s 'Infinite' contrast ratio (nominal) suggests a VA panel, offering deeper blacks than the F23’s likely IPS LCD. This translates to a more immersive viewing experience, particularly with HDR content. The lack of LTPO technology on either device means refresh rate scaling isn't as efficient as on flagship models, but the A53's superior brightness makes it the clear winner for visual clarity.

Camera Comparison

Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, lacking specific details. However, given the market positioning, the A53 5G likely features a more sophisticated camera system. While sensor size and aperture data are missing, the A53’s higher price point suggests a larger main sensor and potentially better image stabilization (OIS). The F23 likely relies more on software processing to compensate for potentially inferior hardware. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of detail. Focusing on the main sensor performance is key, and the A53 likely holds an advantage.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Galaxy A53 5G utilizes Samsung’s Exynos 1280 (5nm), while the F23 features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G (8nm). The Exynos 1280, built on a smaller 5nm process, theoretically offers better power efficiency and transistor density. Its CPU configuration – 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 – provides a performance edge over the F23’s 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570. However, the 8nm Snapdragon 750G is known for its efficient power management, potentially leading to longer battery life during less demanding tasks. The A53’s GPU will also outperform the F23’s, but the F23’s thermal efficiency might allow for more sustained performance during extended gaming sessions, preventing significant throttling.

Battery Life

Both the Galaxy F23 and A53 5G achieve an Endurance rating of 113 hours, indicating similar overall battery life. However, this metric doesn't tell the whole story. The Snapdragon 750G’s 8nm process is more efficient than the Exynos 1280’s 5nm, suggesting the F23 will likely deliver longer screen-on time during typical usage. Both phones support 25W wired charging, meaning 0-100% charge times will be comparable, likely around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. The F23’s efficiency advantage could translate to fewer charging cycles over the device’s lifespan.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy F23 if you need a phone that prioritizes battery life and sustained performance under load, making it ideal for mobile gamers or users who frequently stream video. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G if you prefer a brighter, more visually appealing display for media consumption and a more refined overall user experience, even if it means slightly less endurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 1280 in the A53 5G tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 1280 is known to generate more heat than some of its competitors, particularly during demanding tasks like gaming. While Samsung has implemented thermal management solutions, users may experience some throttling after extended periods of gameplay. The F23’s Snapdragon 750G, being more efficient, is less prone to overheating.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using for detailed close-up shots?
Generally, no. 2MP macro cameras suffer from limited detail and poor image quality due to their small sensor size. They are primarily included for marketing purposes and rarely deliver satisfying results. Focusing on the main camera for close-up shots with digital zoom will yield far superior images.
❓ Can the Galaxy A53 5G reliably maintain 60fps in graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile?
The A53 5G can achieve 60fps in PUBG Mobile, but it may require lowering the graphics settings to medium or low to maintain a stable frame rate. The Exynos 1280 is capable, but the phone's thermal management could lead to frame drops during extended sessions. The F23, with its more efficient chipset, might offer more consistent performance at similar settings.
❓ How does the charging speed of 25W compare to faster charging technologies found in other smartphones?
25W charging is relatively slow compared to the 65W or 120W charging found in some competing smartphones. Expect a full charge to take around 1.5 to 2 hours. While not the fastest, it's adequate for overnight charging and won't significantly degrade battery health over time.