Samsung Galaxy S23+ vs Galaxy A54: The Ultimate Showdown

Choosing a new Samsung phone can be tough, especially with so many great options. The Galaxy S23+ and A54 are both excellent devices, but cater to different users. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which one is right for you.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The S23+ offers significantly superior performance and a more premium experience thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and faster charging. However, the A54 provides incredible value with its long battery life and vibrant display, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy S23+ Samsung Galaxy A54
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (Dual SIM model only)GSM 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, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE-A (up to 7CA), 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 1, 7, 28, 41, 66, 71, 78, 258, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - USA25, 41, 66, 71 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - USA
Launch
Announced2023, February 012023, March 15
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, February 17Available. Released 2023, March 24
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), glass back (Gorilla Glass Victus 2), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame
Dimensions157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm (6.21 x 3.00 x 0.30 in)158.2 x 76.7 x 8.2 mm (6.23 x 3.02 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM and eSIM or Dual SIM (2 Nano-SIMs and eSIM, dual stand-by)· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight196 g (6.91 oz)202 g (7.13 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) Armor aluminum frame with tougher drop and scratch resistance (advertised)IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass Victus 2Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)
Size6.6 inches, 105.3 cm2 (~87.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeDynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1200 nits (HBM), 1750 nits (peak)Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1000 nits (HBM)
 Always-on display-
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)Exynos 1380 (5 nm)
GPUAdreno 740Mali-G68 MP5
OSAndroid 13, One UI 5.1Android 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 7
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 4.0-
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, auto-HDR, panoramaLED flash, panorama, HDR
Single-32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Triple50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS 10 MP, f/2.4, 70mm (telephoto), 1/3.94", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55" 1.4µm, Super Steady video50 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.X", 1.12µm 5 MP (macro)
Video8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 1080p@960fps, HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@480fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesDual video call, Auto-HDR, HDR10+-
Single12 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), Dual Pixel PDAF32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jack-No
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 32-bit/384kHz audio Tuned by AKG-
Comms
Bluetooth5.3, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer (USA only)
 Samsung DeX, Samsung Wireless DeX (desktop experience support) Bixby natural language commands and dictation Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified) Ultra Wideband (UWB) supportVirtual proximity sensing
Battery
Charging45W wired, PD3.0, 65% in 30 min (advertised) 15W wireless (Qi/PMA) 4.5W reverse wireless25W wired
TypeLi-Ion 4700 mAh, non-removable5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsPhantom Black, Cream, Green, Lavender, Graphite, LimeLime, Graphite, Violet, White
ModelsSM-S916B, SM-S916B/DS, SM-S916U, SM-S916U1, SM-S916W, SM-S916N, SM-S9160, SM-S916E, SM-S916E/DSSM-A546V, SM-A546U, SM-A546U1, SM-A546B, SM-A546B/DS, SM-A546E, SM-A546E/DS, SM-A5460, SM-A546M, SM-A546M/DS, SM-A546W
Price$ 780.00 / C$ 1,399.99 / £ 919.08 / € 1,185.89 / ₹ 94,999€ 210.00 / $ 119.11 / £ 169.95 / ₹ 28,999
SAR0.95 W/kg (head)     1.04 W/kg (body)0.81 W/kg (head)     0.67 W/kg (body)
SAR EU0.77 W/kg (head)     1.45 W/kg (body)0.69 W/kg (head)     1.34 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery lifeEndurance rating 111h Endurance rating 119h
CameraPhoto / Video Photo / Video
DisplayContrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker-26.5 LUFS (Good) -26.6 LUFS (Good)
PerformanceAnTuTu: 1234077 (v9) GeekBench: 5073 (v5.1) GFXBench: 110fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 506678 (v9) GeekBench: 2703 (v5.1), 2797 (v6) GFXBench: 25fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Samsung Galaxy S23+

  • Superior Performance
  • Faster Charging (45W)
  • Premium Build Quality
  • Better Camera System
  • More Refined Display

  • Higher Price
  • Potentially Shorter Battery Life (compared to A54)

Samsung Galaxy A54

  • Excellent Battery Life
  • Vibrant Display (980 nits)
  • More Affordable
  • Good Value for Money
  • IP67 Water Resistance

  • Slower Performance
  • Slower Charging (25W)
  • Less Premium Build
  • Camera Not as Advanced

Display Comparison

The S23+ boasts a slightly more refined display with better color accuracy and potentially higher peak brightness (though not explicitly stated, it's generally superior to the A54). The A54's 980 nits max brightness is impressive for its class, offering excellent outdoor visibility. Both have 'Infinite' contrast ratio, a marketing term indicating excellent contrast.

Camera Comparison

While both offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, the S23+ generally has a more advanced camera system with better image processing, low-light performance, and video recording capabilities. Expect sharper images, more detail, and better dynamic range from the S23+.

Performance

The S23+'s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is a clear winner here. It delivers significantly faster processing speeds and smoother multitasking compared to the A54's Exynos 1380. Expect noticeably better gaming performance and quicker app loading times on the S23+.

Battery Life

The A54 demonstrates excellent battery life, with an endurance rating of 119h. The S23+ has an endurance rating of 111h, which is still very good, but slightly less than the A54. The S23+'s 45W charging is significantly faster than the A54's 25W.

Buying Guide

The Samsung Galaxy S23+ is ideal for power users, gamers, and those who demand the best performance and camera capabilities. The Galaxy A54 is perfect for everyday users who prioritize battery life, a beautiful display, and a more affordable price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the S23+ worth the extra money?
If you prioritize performance, camera quality, and faster charging, then yes. The S23+ offers a significantly more premium experience. However, if you're on a budget, the A54 provides excellent value.
❓ Which phone has better water resistance?
Both phones have IP67 water resistance, meaning they can withstand submersion in fresh water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.