Samsung Galaxy M23 vs Galaxy A34: The Ultimate Comparison

Choosing a new Samsung mid-ranger can be tough. The Galaxy M23 and A34 both offer compelling features, but cater to slightly different needs. This detailed comparison breaks down everything you need to know to make the right choice.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Galaxy A34 edges out the M23 thanks to its brighter display, potentially better camera system, and slightly more powerful chipset. While the M23 offers good value, the A34 provides a more premium and well-rounded experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy M23 Samsung Galaxy A34
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, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2022, March 042023, March 14
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, April 08Available. Released 2023, March 24
Body
Build-Glass 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)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
Weight198 g (6.98 oz)199 g (7.02 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~390 ppi density)
Size6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 106.9 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT LCD, 120HzSuper AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570)Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 619Mali-G68 MC4
OSAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1Android 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 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
Single8 MP, f/2.2, (wide)-
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro)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)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@480fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@480fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP, f/2.2, (wide)13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.3, 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
 Virtual Proximity SensingVirtual proximity sensing
Battery
Charging25W wired25W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Ion 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsDeep Green, Light Blue, Orange CopperLime, Graphite, Violet, Silver
ModelsSM-M236B, SM-M236B/DS, SM-M236LSM-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£ 195.34€ 169.99 / $ 175.00 / £ 164.99 / ₹ 23,999
SAR EU0.78 W/kg (head)     1.09 W/kg (body)0.55 W/kg (head)     1.49 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 133h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -26.1 LUFS (Good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 472126 (v9) GeekBench: 2316 (v5.5), 2518 (v6) GFXBench: 23fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Samsung Galaxy M23

  • Brighter, more vibrant display
  • Potentially better camera system
  • Slightly more powerful chipset
  • Premium design and build quality
  • IP67 water and dust resistance

  • Slightly higher price
  • 25W charging (relatively slow)

Samsung Galaxy A34

  • More affordable
  • Good battery life
  • Decent 5G performance
  • Large display

  • Less bright display
  • Potentially weaker camera
  • Less powerful chipset
  • Plastic build

Display Comparison

The Galaxy A34 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 1009 nits peak brightness, making it much easier to view outdoors. Its contrast ratio is also excellent. The M23's display is adequate but lacks the same vibrancy and outdoor visibility. Both feature FHD+ resolution, but the A34's superior brightness gives it a clear advantage.

Camera Comparison

While both phones offer capable camera systems, the Galaxy A34 is expected to have a more versatile and higher-quality camera setup. Details on the M23's camera are less readily available, but the A34's reputation suggests better image processing and low-light performance. Both likely feature a main sensor, ultrawide, and macro lens.

Performance

The Galaxy A34's Dimensity 1080 generally outperforms the Snapdragon 750G in the M23. While both are capable of handling everyday tasks, the A34 offers smoother multitasking and slightly better gaming performance. The Dimensity 1080's 6nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.

Battery Life

Both phones offer excellent battery life, with the A34 achieving an endurance rating of 133h. The M23 also provides impressive battery performance, likely exceeding a full day of use. Charging speeds are identical at 25W wired.

Buying Guide

The Samsung Galaxy M23 is ideal for budget-conscious buyers prioritizing a decent 5G experience and reliable performance for everyday tasks. The Samsung Galaxy A34 is a better choice for users who value a vibrant display, improved camera capabilities, and a more polished overall design.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which phone has better 5G connectivity?
Both phones support 5G, but real-world performance will depend on network availability and carrier compatibility. The Snapdragon 750G in the M23 is a well-established 5G modem.
❓ Is the Galaxy A34 worth the extra money?
If you prioritize a better display, camera, and overall performance, the Galaxy A34 is worth the investment. However, if you're on a tight budget and primarily need a reliable 5G phone for basic tasks, the M23 remains a solid option.