Galaxy A23 5G Vs Galaxy S22 5G

Galaxy A23 5G
Galaxy A23 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£100.00

Versus £300.00 new

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Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£145.00

Versus £899.00 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G and the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G, both released in 2022, represent two distinct approaches to the modern smartphone experience. While the Galaxy A23 5G focuses on providing a large screen and long-lasting battery for daily utility, the Galaxy S22 5G is a compact flagship designed for high-end performance and advanced photography. Both devices operate on Samsung's One UI interface, ensuring a familiar software experience across both models, though they cater to very different user priorities in terms of hardware capabilities and physical size.

Scores

Durability

The Galaxy S22 5G and Galaxy A23 5G offer different strengths regarding their physical construction and long-term software support.

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S22 5G was launched with a commitment to four generations of Android OS updates and five years of security patches, meaning it remains current through 2026 and 2027. The Galaxy A23 5G follows a similar security schedule, though it may receive fewer major version updates over its lifespan compared to the flagship series.
  • Build Resilience: The S22 features a glass and aluminium frame with high-grade scratch resistance, while the A23 uses a durable plastic shell that is less prone to shattering if dropped.
  • Repairability: The A23's simpler internal design and plastic components often make it more straightforward to service for common issues like screen replacements, whereas the S22's tightly packed flagship internals require more specialised handling.

Year of Release

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance differences between these two devices are most noticeable when handling demanding applications or managing power throughout a busy day.

  • System Responsiveness: The Galaxy S22 5G is built for high-intensity tasks, allowing users to switch between multiple heavy apps, edit high-resolution video, or play demanding games without lag. In contrast, the Galaxy A23 5G is optimised for everyday reliability, handling web browsing, social media, and messaging smoothly, though it may slow down under heavy multitasking.
  • Battery Endurance: The Galaxy A23 5G features a significantly larger battery capacity, which easily supports more than a full day of heavy use for most owners. The Galaxy S22 5G has a smaller battery to maintain its compact size, which typically requires a mid-day charge for power users or those frequently using GPS and high-brightness settings.
  • Storage and Memory: While both offer various storage capacities, the S22 provides higher memory levels that help keep background apps active, whereas the A23 includes a slot for expandable storage, allowing users to add more space for photos and files later.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The viewing experience differs significantly due to the underlying display technologies and the physical dimensions of each handset.

  • Display Technology: The Galaxy S22 5G uses an AMOLED panel, which provides deep blacks, high contrast, and vibrant colours that make movies and photos look lifelike. The Galaxy A23 5G utilises an LCD screen, which offers natural colour reproduction and good clarity but lacks the intense contrast and true blacks found on the flagship model.
  • Outdoor Visibility: Users who spend a lot of time outdoors will find the S22's screen much easier to read in direct sunlight due to its higher peak brightness levels. The A23 remains legible in most conditions but may require shading in very bright environments.
  • Smoothness and Size: Both devices support a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring that scrolling through lists and animations feels fluid. However, the A23 provides a much larger canvas for reading and video, while the S22 is designed for easy one-handed use and pocketability.

Resolution

1080 x 2408

1080 x 2340

Screen type

PLS LCD

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Photography enthusiasts will notice a clear distinction in how these two devices capture images and video in various lighting conditions.

  • Versatility and Zoom: The Galaxy S22 5G features a sophisticated triple-camera system, including a dedicated telephoto lens for clear zoomed-in shots and an ultra-wide lens for landscapes. The Galaxy A23 5G relies on a high-resolution main sensor that performs well in daylight, but it lacks a dedicated zoom lens, meaning distant subjects may lose detail when cropped.
  • Low-Light Performance: The S22 excels in evening or indoor settings, using advanced processing to reduce grain and maintain detail in dark areas. The A23 produces functional photos in low light, but users may notice more noise and less sharpness compared to the flagship's output.
  • Video and Audio: For content creators, the S22 offers highly stable video recording and clearer microphone pickup for calls and voice memos. The A23 provides standard video capabilities suitable for casual social media sharing and family memories.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

8 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Practical daily features like connectivity and physical handling often determine which device feels right for a specific lifestyle.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy A23 5G includes a traditional headphone jack and a microSD card slot, features that are highly valued by users with wired headphones or large local media libraries. The Galaxy S22 5G has moved away from these ports, requiring wireless adapters or Bluetooth accessories, but it offers faster 5G and Wi-Fi standards for quicker data transfers.
  • Biometrics and Sensors: The S22 uses an advanced sensor hidden beneath the glass for secure unlocking, while the A23 integrates a reliable fingerprint scanner into the power button on the side.
  • Portability and Weight: The S22 is notably lighter and smaller, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a phone that fits easily into small pockets. The A23 is larger and heavier, providing a more substantial feel that some users find more secure to hold during long browsing sessions.

Weight

197 g

167 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.1

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

USB-C

Public sentiment on community forums highlights that the Galaxy S22 5G is frequently praised for its premium feel and exceptional camera quality, though many users express frustration with its limited battery life. Conversely, the Galaxy A23 5G is often commended for its impressive battery endurance and the inclusion of a headphone jack, though some find its larger size and LCD screen less refined than the flagship series.

Users who prioritise high-end photography, compact design, and the fastest possible app performance will likely find the Galaxy S22 5G aligns best with their needs. On the other hand, those who value a large screen for media consumption, a battery that lasts through long days, and the flexibility of expandable storage may lean toward the Galaxy A23 5G. Choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either model is a sustainable choice that helps reduce electronic waste while providing a reliable device. Ultimately, the decision rests on whether you prefer the compact power of a flagship or the long-lasting utility of a larger, more traditional smartphone.

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