vivo T1x vs. Samsung Galaxy A23 5G: A Detailed Comparison of Budget 5G Contenders

The sub-$250 5G smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The vivo T1x and Samsung Galaxy A23 5G both aim to deliver 5G connectivity and a modern smartphone experience without breaking the bank. However, they take different approaches, with the T1x prioritizing processing power and charging speed, while the A23 5G focuses on a balanced experience with a known brand reputation.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing performance and fast charging, the vivo T1x is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 900 chipset offers a noticeable performance edge over the Snapdragon 695 in the Galaxy A23 5G. However, the A23 5G provides a more refined software experience and a slightly longer endurance rating, making it a solid choice for casual users.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo T1x Samsung Galaxy A23 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1x 2, 5, 30, 66, 77 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - USA
Launch
Announced2021, October 202022, August 05
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, November 01Available. Released 2022, September 02
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic frame, plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions164 x 75.3 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.96 x 0.33 in)165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm (6.51 x 3.03 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight189 g (6.67 oz)197 g (6.95 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)
Size6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~82.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120HzPLS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm)Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)
GPUMali-G68 MC4Adreno 619
OSAndroid 11, OriginOSAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro)-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, panorama, HDR
Quad-50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF, OIS 5 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)8 MP, f/2.0, 25mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm - USA 8 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm - International
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoFM radio (market/region dependent)
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
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, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer (USA only)
 -Virtual proximity sensing
Battery
Charging44W wired, 70% in 38 min25W wired
Type5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Aurora, SilverBlack, White, Peach, Blue
ModelsV2123ASM-A236U, SM-A236U1, SM-A236B, SM-A236B/DS, SM-A236B/DSN, SM-A236E, SM-S236DL
PriceAbout 230 EUR$ 84.44 / £ 129.00 / € 125.28 / ₹ 21,000
SAR-0.68 W/kg (head)     0.57 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-1.49 W/kg (head)     1.25 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 138h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: 1328:1 (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -25.9 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 318821 (v9) GeekBench: 1940 (v5.1) GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

vivo T1x

  • Faster charging (44W vs 25W)
  • More powerful processor (Dimensity 900)
  • Better performance for gaming and multitasking

  • Less established brand reputation
  • Potentially less refined software experience

Samsung Galaxy A23 5G

  • Established brand reputation (Samsung)
  • Potentially better image processing
  • Slightly brighter display

  • Slower processor (Snapdragon 695)
  • Slower charging (25W)

Display Comparison

Both the vivo T1x and Samsung Galaxy A23 5G feature displays with a 1328:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar visual pop. However, the A23 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 508 nits, providing better visibility in direct sunlight. While both likely utilize LCD panels (given the price point), Samsung’s display calibration typically offers more accurate color reproduction. The lack of high refresh rate support on either device is a common compromise in this segment, but the A23 5G’s higher brightness gives it a slight edge for outdoor use.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer a standard photo/video camera setup, but detailed sensor information is lacking. Given the price bracket, image quality will likely be similar in good lighting conditions. However, the A23 5G’s brand reputation suggests potentially more refined image processing algorithms, leading to more pleasing results for casual users. The presence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on the A23 5G (if equipped, which is likely given Samsung’s history) would provide a significant advantage in low-light photography and video recording, reducing blur and improving stability. We can assume both phones include a 2MP macro camera, which offers limited practical utility.

Performance

The vivo T1x’s Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6nm) significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) in CPU performance. The Dimensity 900’s octa-core configuration, featuring 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 cores, provides a substantial boost over the Snapdragon 695’s 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold cores. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive gaming experience. While both chipsets are 6nm, the Cortex-A78 architecture is inherently more powerful than the Kryo 660 Gold. The T1x is better suited for users who push their phones with demanding applications.

Battery Life

Both the vivo T1x and Samsung Galaxy A23 5G achieve an endurance rating of 138 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage scenarios. However, the T1x’s 44W wired charging is a significant advantage over the A23 5G’s 25W charging. The T1x can reach 70% charge in just 38 minutes, while the A23 5G will take considerably longer to fully charge. This faster charging speed is a major convenience factor for users who need to quickly top up their battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo T1x if you need a phone for demanding tasks like gaming or video editing, and value rapid 44W charging. This phone is ideal for users who frequently switch between apps and require a responsive experience. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G if you prefer a more established brand with a focus on battery longevity and a generally smoother, albeit less powerful, user experience. It’s a better fit for users who primarily browse, stream, and use social media.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Mediatek Dimensity 900 in the vivo T1x capable of handling graphically intensive games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
Yes, the Dimensity 900 is a capable chipset for gaming. While it won't deliver flagship-level performance, it can comfortably run PUBG and Call of Duty at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. The improved CPU and GPU performance compared to the Snapdragon 695 in the A23 5G will result in a smoother gaming experience.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G support VoLTE and VoWiFi for improved call quality and connectivity?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G supports both VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi), ensuring high-quality voice calls and seamless connectivity even in areas with weak cellular signals. This is a standard feature for Samsung devices and is crucial for a reliable calling experience.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the vivo T1x and the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G runs Samsung's One UI, which is known for its feature-rich interface and generally smooth performance. The vivo T1x likely runs Funtouch OS, which has improved over time but may include more pre-installed apps and a slightly less polished user experience. Samsung typically offers longer software support and updates.