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:£167.00

Versus £1,174.01 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G (released August 2022) and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus 5G (released February 2022) are Android smartphones from different segments of Samsung's lineup. While both offer 5G connectivity and run on the Android operating system with Samsung's One UI, they cater to distinct user needs through differences in their display technology, processing power, and camera capabilities. This comparison will explore these practical distinctions to help you determine which device aligns best with your daily usage.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its build quality and the duration of software support it receives. Both devices offer a robust foundation, but their release timelines and intended market segments lead to differing longevity expectations.

  • Software Support: The Galaxy S22 Plus, being a flagship device, typically receives a longer period of major Android updates and security patches compared to the Galaxy A23 5G. While the A23 5G was promised four years of software support, the S22 Plus, released earlier in 2022, has already seen its software update support begin to wind down as of early 2026, having received updates up to Android 14.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy S22 Plus features a more premium construction with an Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both its front and back, offering enhanced resistance to drops and scratches. It also boasts an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, providing protection against submersion. The Galaxy A23 5G, while featuring Gorilla Glass 5 on its display for scratch protection, utilizes a plastic back and does not carry an official IP rating for water or dust resistance.
  • Expected Practical Lifespan: Users seeking the longest possible software longevity from the point of purchase might find the A23 5G to have a slightly longer remaining update cycle, given its later release within its product tier. However, the S22 Plus's superior physical durability and higher-grade components suggest it may withstand daily wear and tear more effectively over time.

Year of Release

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in smartphones is about how smoothly applications run, how quickly tasks are completed, and the overall responsiveness of the device. These two Galaxy phones offer different levels of capability for various user demands.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: The Galaxy S22 Plus is equipped with a more advanced processor, allowing for very quick app loading, seamless multitasking, and fluid navigation through the operating system. Users will experience a highly responsive interface, even with numerous applications open simultaneously. The Galaxy A23 5G, while capable of handling daily tasks efficiently, provides a solid but less powerful experience, suitable for general use and moderate multitasking.
  • Demanding Applications and Gaming: For graphically intensive games and demanding applications, the Galaxy S22 Plus delivers a smoother experience with higher frame rates and better thermal management during extended use, though some users have noted it can still warm up during prolonged heavy gaming sessions. The Galaxy A23 5G can run most games and apps, but users might notice reduced graphical settings or occasional stutters in more intensive scenarios.
  • Storage and Multitasking: The Galaxy S22 Plus typically comes with 8GB of RAM, contributing to its strong multitasking capabilities. It offers internal storage options of 128GB or 256GB, but without expandable storage. The Galaxy A23 5G is available with 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, with the added flexibility of microSD card expansion up to 1TB.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer distinct visual experiences tailored to their respective categories.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S22 Plus features a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. Its FHD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels) provides sharp and detailed visuals. The Galaxy A23 5G has a 6.6-inch PLS LCD display with an FHD+ resolution (2408 x 1080 pixels). While offering good clarity, LCD technology generally produces less vibrant colors and less intense blacks compared to AMOLED panels.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Galaxy S22 Plus boasts a significantly higher peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, ensuring exceptional visibility even in direct sunlight. The Galaxy A23 5G's display can get bright enough for comfortable outdoor viewing, but it does not reach the same high levels as the S22 Plus, which can impact readability in very bright conditions.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both phones offer a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, which contributes to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The S22 Plus's adaptive refresh rate can scale down to 48Hz (or even 10Hz for data transfer to the screen) to conserve battery life, while the A23 5G also provides a smooth 120Hz experience.

Resolution

1080 x 2408

1080 x 2340

Screen type

PLS LCD

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a key differentiator, with both devices offering multi-lens systems designed for various photographic situations, but with varying levels of sophistication and performance.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S22 Plus features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS. This combination allows for detailed photos, expansive landscape shots, and clear zoomed-in images. The Galaxy A23 5G comes with a quad-camera system: a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 5MP ultrawide, a 2MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. While the main sensor is capable, the auxiliary lenses offer less detail and versatility compared to the S22 Plus.
  • Photography Performance: The S22 Plus excels in various lighting conditions, producing images with excellent detail, dynamic range, and natural color reproduction, particularly in low-light scenarios. Its telephoto lens provides a significant advantage for capturing distant subjects. The A23 5G performs well in good lighting, capturing clear images with its main sensor, but its performance in challenging low-light environments and with its ultrawide and macro lenses is more modest.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The Galaxy S22 Plus supports high-resolution video recording up to 8K at 24fps and 4K at 60fps, along with advanced slow-motion capabilities. Its 10MP front camera captures detailed selfies and supports 4K video recording. The Galaxy A23 5G records video up to 1080p at 30fps and features an 8MP front camera, suitable for video calls and everyday selfies.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

8 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical features and design elements contribute to the overall user experience of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity. The Galaxy S22 Plus offers more advanced wireless capabilities, including Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2, along with Ultra-Wideband (UWB) support for enhanced spatial awareness. It features a USB-C 3.2 port. The Galaxy A23 5G supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.1, with a USB-C 2.0 port. Notably, the A23 5G retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is absent on the S22 Plus.
  • Biometric Security and Design: The Galaxy S22 Plus incorporates an in-display fingerprint sensor and supports facial recognition. Its design features slim, flat edges and a premium feel, weighing 195g and measuring 157.4 x 75.8 x 7.6 mm. The Galaxy A23 5G has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button and also offers facial recognition. It has a slightly larger and heavier build at 197g and 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm, with a matte plastic finish on the back.
  • Additional Features: The S22 Plus includes Wireless PowerShare, allowing it to wirelessly charge other compatible devices. Both devices support NFC for contactless payments.

Weight

197 g

195 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.6

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G and Galaxy S22 Plus 5G cater to different user priorities, reflecting their positions in Samsung's smartphone lineup. User feedback for the Galaxy S22 Plus often highlights its exceptional display quality, premium build, and powerful camera system as major strengths. However, some users have expressed concerns regarding its battery life, which can be average for a flagship, and potential performance throttling or heating during intensive gaming.

Conversely, the Galaxy A23 5G is frequently praised for its large, long-lasting battery and a smooth 120Hz display, offering a strong overall package for its category. Its expandable storage and the inclusion of a headphone jack are also appreciated by users. Some reports indicate occasional battery charging issues, but overall, it's considered a sturdy and capable device for everyday use.

Users prioritizing a premium feel, a highly vibrant and bright display, advanced camera capabilities with optical zoom, and top-tier processing power for demanding tasks will find the Galaxy S22 Plus 5G well-suited to their needs. Its robust build and water resistance also make it a durable choice. On the other hand, users who value extended battery life, expandable storage, the convenience of a headphone jack, and a solid performance for general use without the need for flagship-level processing or advanced camera features may lean towards the Galaxy A23 5G. Both devices offer a reliable Android experience, and choosing a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly alternative for either model, providing excellent functionality while supporting sustainable consumption.

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