Galaxy A23 5G Vs Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G

Galaxy A23 5G
Galaxy A23 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£100.00

Versus £300.00 new

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Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£247.00

Versus £1,364.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G represent distinct segments within Samsung's smartphone lineup. The Galaxy A23 5G, released in September 2022, is positioned as a feature-rich option for everyday use, while the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, launched in February 2022, was a flagship device designed for advanced users seeking premium capabilities. Both devices run on the Android operating system, offering access to a wide ecosystem of applications and services, though their hardware and software experiences differ significantly.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and Samsung's update policies are key factors.

  • Release and Software Support: The Galaxy A23 5G was released in September 2022 and typically receives fewer major Android OS updates compared to flagship models. It launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive up to two major OS updates and four years of security updates, likely extending its security support until around September 2026. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, released in February 2022, launched with Android 12 and was promised four major OS updates and five years of security updates, meaning it should receive updates up to Android 16 and security patches until February 2027.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy A23 5G features a plastic back and Gorilla Glass 5 on the front, offering a reasonable level of protection for daily use, though it lacks an official IP water and dust resistance rating. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, conversely, boasts a more robust construction with an Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, along with an IP68 rating for significant water and dust resistance.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing extended software support and a more resilient build for demanding environments may find the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G to offer a longer practical lifespan. The Galaxy A23 5G remains a viable option for those who prioritize a more recent release date within its segment and are comfortable with a shorter update cycle.

Year of Release

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of these two smartphones caters to different user expectations, primarily due to their internal hardware configurations.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: The Galaxy A23 5G handles daily tasks and moderately complex applications smoothly, providing a responsive experience for general use. However, it may show limitations with more demanding applications or intensive multitasking. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, designed as a flagship, offers significantly faster processing capabilities, ensuring smooth operation for heavy multitasking, graphic-intensive gaming, and professional applications without noticeable delays.
  • Storage and Multitasking: The Galaxy A23 5G is available with 64GB or 128GB of internal storage and supports microSD card expansion up to 1TB, offering flexibility for users who need additional space for media and files. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G comes with larger internal storage options, ranging from 128GB up to 1TB, and typically includes more RAM, which contributes to its ability to manage numerous applications simultaneously and switch between them seamlessly.
  • Battery Behavior: Both devices feature a 5000 mAh battery. The Galaxy A23 5G is noted for its long battery life, often lasting up to two days with typical usage, making it suitable for users who need extended power without frequent recharging. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G's battery performance is generally considered good for a full day of varied activity, though heavy use, especially with its high-resolution display and advanced features, may require more frequent charging.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience offered by the displays of the Galaxy A23 5G and Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G varies considerably, impacting clarity, brightness, and overall viewing pleasure.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy A23 5G features a 6.6-inch PLS LCD display with Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2408 pixels). This panel provides clear images and good viewing angles, suitable for everyday content consumption. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, on the other hand, boasts a larger 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Quad HD+ resolution (3088 x 1440 pixels), delivering exceptionally sharp details, deep blacks, and vibrant colors.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both devices offer a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. However, the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G's display can reach a peak brightness of 1750 nits, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions, and features an adaptive refresh rate that adjusts to content for optimized viewing and battery efficiency. The Galaxy A23 5G's display, while bright enough for most indoor and outdoor scenarios, does not reach the same peak brightness levels.
  • Viewing Experience: The larger, higher-resolution AMOLED display of the S22 Ultra 5G provides a more immersive and premium viewing experience, particularly for high-quality video content and detailed imagery. The A23 5G's LCD panel offers a solid experience for its segment, but without the same level of contrast and color richness.

Resolution

1080 x 2408

1440 x 3088

Screen type

PLS LCD

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Galaxy A23 5G and Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G are designed for different levels of photographic capability and versatility.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy A23 5G features a quad-camera setup with a 50-megapixel main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 5-megapixel ultrawide lens, and two 2-megapixel sensors for macro and depth. This setup performs well in good lighting conditions, producing colorful and detailed images. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G offers a more advanced quad-camera system, including a 108-megapixel main sensor with OIS, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and two 10-megapixel telephoto lenses (one with 3x optical zoom and another with 10x optical zoom). This configuration provides superior detail, dynamic range, and zoom capabilities.
  • Low-Light and Video Performance: While the Galaxy A23 5G's main camera is serviceable in some low-light situations, its ultrawide and other auxiliary lenses show reduced performance in dim conditions. Video recording is limited to 1080p at 30 frames per second. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G excels in low-light photography with advanced processing and larger sensors, and offers high-quality video recording up to 8K resolution at 24 frames per second, along with various slow-motion and stabilization features.
  • Front Camera and Features: The Galaxy A23 5G has an 8-megapixel front camera suitable for selfies and video calls. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G features a 40-megapixel front camera with autofocus, delivering highly detailed selfies and supporting 4K video recording.

Main camera

50 megapixels

108 megapixels

Front camera

8 megapixels

40 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several other practical features differentiate these two Samsung smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity. The Galaxy A23 5G includes Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, and retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, along with a USB-C 2.0 port. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G offers more advanced connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, and a USB-C 3.2 port, but it omits the 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Physical Design and Handling: The Galaxy A23 5G has a plastic build with a matte finish, weighing around 195-197 grams. Its design is practical and comfortable for everyday handling. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G features a more premium glass and aluminum construction, weighing approximately 228-229 grams, and has a more angular design reminiscent of the Galaxy Note series.
  • Unique Features: A significant differentiator for the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is its integrated S Pen stylus, offering enhanced productivity for note-taking, drawing, and navigation with low latency. The Galaxy A23 5G includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, while the S22 Ultra 5G features an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor and face recognition for biometric security.

Weight

197 g

228 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.8

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

USB-C

User feedback for the Galaxy A23 5G often praises its long-lasting 5000 mAh battery, which many users report can last up to two days on a single charge, and its smooth 120Hz display. The inclusion of a headphone jack and expandable storage are also frequently highlighted as practical advantages. Some common criticisms include its lower-resolution ultrawide camera and the absence of an official IP rating for water resistance.

For the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, users consistently commend its exceptional camera system, particularly the versatile zoom capabilities, and the vibrant, bright Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. The integrated S Pen is a significant draw for those who value its productivity features. However, some users have noted that the battery life, while generally good for a full day, can be inconsistent with heavy use, especially with 5G enabled, and that the device can experience performance throttling under sustained heavy loads.

Users prioritizing extended battery life, expandable storage, and a traditional headphone jack for everyday tasks and media consumption may find the Galaxy A23 5G to be a suitable choice. It offers a reliable experience for general use without the premium features. Conversely, individuals who require advanced camera capabilities, a top-tier display, robust performance for demanding applications, and the unique functionality of an integrated stylus will likely prefer the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G. This device caters to power users and creative professionals. Both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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