Galaxy A23 5G Vs Galaxy S23+

Galaxy A23 5G
Galaxy A23 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£100.00

Versus £300.00 new

See options
Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:£257.00

Versus £1,199.99 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G, released in late 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, launched in early 2023, represent different segments within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While both devices operate on the Android platform with Samsung's One UI, the Galaxy A23 5G is positioned as a feature-rich option for everyday use, whereas the Galaxy S23 Plus offers a more advanced experience with enhanced performance and premium features.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its physical resilience and the duration of software support it receives.

  • Release Timeline and Software Support: The Galaxy A23 5G was released in August/September 2022, typically receiving around four years of software updates, including major Android versions and security patches. The Galaxy S23 Plus, launched in February 2023, benefits from a longer support window, generally receiving five years of security updates and four generations of OS upgrades, extending its usable life.
  • Build Quality and Protection: The Galaxy A23 5G features a plastic back and a display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, offering a reasonable level of scratch and drop resistance for daily handling. The Galaxy S23 Plus, on the other hand, incorporates more robust materials, including Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, along with an Armor Aluminum frame, providing enhanced durability against drops and scratches.
  • Environmental Resistance: A key differentiator in durability is the ingress protection (IP) rating. The Galaxy S23 Plus boasts an IP68 rating, signifying strong resistance to dust and water immersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. The Galaxy A23 5G does not carry an official IP rating, suggesting less protection against environmental elements.

Year of Release

2022

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in smartphones is about how smoothly devices handle daily tasks, from browsing and messaging to more demanding applications and multitasking.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy A23 5G is equipped with a processor that capably handles common applications and general smartphone usage, providing a responsive experience for everyday activities. For more intensive applications or complex games, users might notice occasional limitations. The Galaxy S23 Plus features a more advanced processor designed for high-demand tasks, ensuring smooth operation across demanding applications, graphic-intensive games, and seamless multitasking.
  • Storage and Multitasking Capabilities: The Galaxy A23 5G offers internal storage options of 64GB or 128GB, with the added flexibility of expandable storage via a microSD card, which can be beneficial for users with extensive media libraries. It comes with 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB of RAM, allowing for adequate multitasking. The Galaxy S23 Plus provides larger internal storage options, typically starting at 256GB and going up to 512GB, but it does not support expandable storage. It includes 8GB of RAM, contributing to its ability to manage numerous applications simultaneously without slowdowns.
  • Battery Endurance: The Galaxy A23 5G houses a 5000 mAh battery, which users often report can last up to two days on a single charge with typical usage, making it suitable for extended periods away from a power source. The Galaxy S23 Plus, with its 4700 mAh battery, combined with an efficient processor, also delivers excellent battery life, frequently lasting two days under normal use and performing well in continuous usage tests.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and its quality significantly impacts the user experience.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy A23 5G features a 6.6-inch PLS LCD display with a resolution of 2408x1080 pixels, offering clear visuals for general content consumption. The Galaxy S23 Plus comes with a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, providing vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a resolution of 2340x1080 pixels, which enhances the viewing experience with greater contrast and color accuracy.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy A23 5G's display has a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and a more fluid visual experience. However, its brightness levels may present challenges for visibility in direct sunlight. The Galaxy S23 Plus also features a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, which can dynamically adjust between 48Hz and 120Hz to optimize smoothness and battery efficiency. It offers a high peak brightness of up to 1750 nits, ensuring excellent outdoor visibility even in bright conditions.
  • Screen Size and Protection: Both devices offer a 6.6-inch screen size, providing ample space for media consumption and productivity. The Galaxy A23 5G's display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5. The Galaxy S23 Plus benefits from the more advanced Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering increased resistance to scratches and drops.

Resolution

1080 x 2408

1080 x 2340

Screen type

PLS LCD

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many smartphone users, influencing how they capture and share moments.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy A23 5G features a quad-camera setup with a 50-megapixel main sensor that includes optical image stabilization (OIS), a 5-megapixel ultrawide lens, and two 2-megapixel sensors for macro and depth. The Galaxy S23 Plus offers a triple-camera system, including a 50-megapixel main sensor with OIS, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS.
  • Photography Performance: In well-lit conditions, the Galaxy A23 5G's main camera captures detailed and vibrant images. However, its low-light performance and the quality of its ultrawide lens are less consistent. The Galaxy S23 Plus delivers strong photography performance across various lighting conditions, with its advanced processing enhancing image quality, particularly in low-light scenarios. The dedicated telephoto lens on the S23 Plus provides clear zoomed-in shots.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The Galaxy A23 5G supports video recording up to 1080p at 30 frames per second and includes an 8-megapixel front camera. The Galaxy S23 Plus offers more advanced video capabilities, including recording up to 8K at 30 frames per second and 4K at 60 frames per second, with improved video stabilization. Its front camera is a 12-megapixel sensor, providing higher resolution for selfies and video calls.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

8 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and device utility.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both smartphones support 5G connectivity, enabling faster mobile data speeds. The Galaxy A23 5G includes Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (Wi-Fi 5) and Bluetooth v5.1. It also retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, which can be convenient for wired audio accessories. The Galaxy S23 Plus features more advanced connectivity with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth v5.3, offering faster and more stable wireless connections. It uses a USB-C port for charging and data transfer but omits the traditional headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security and Design: The Galaxy A23 5G incorporates a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. Its design features a matte finish on the rear, with the camera module smoothly integrated into the case. The Galaxy S23 Plus utilizes an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, offering a seamless and modern unlocking experience. Its design is characterized by a premium build with a flat display and a sleek profile.
  • Dimensions and Weight: The Galaxy A23 5G measures 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm and weighs 197 grams. The Galaxy S23 Plus is slightly more compact and lighter at 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm and 196 grams, making it potentially easier to handle despite its flagship status.

Weight

197 g

196 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.6

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

User feedback for the Galaxy A23 5G often highlights its strong battery life, with many reporting two days of usage on a single charge, and its 120Hz display for smooth visuals. The inclusion of a headphone jack and expandable storage are also frequently praised. Common criticisms point to its camera performance in low-light conditions and the absence of an official IP water resistance rating.

The Galaxy S23 Plus receives consistent praise for its powerful performance, excellent battery life that can extend to two days for many users, and its vibrant, bright display. Its camera system is also well-regarded for producing high-quality photos and videos. Some users note that while it offers significant improvements, it can be overshadowed by the more feature-rich Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Users prioritizing extended battery life, expandable storage, and the convenience of a headphone jack for everyday tasks may find the Galaxy A23 5G well-suited to their needs. It offers a solid experience for general use and media consumption. For those who require top-tier performance for demanding applications and gaming, a more advanced camera system with optical zoom, superior display brightness for outdoor use, and enhanced durability with water and dust resistance, the Galaxy S23 Plus presents a compelling option. Both devices, especially when considering quality-assured refurbished options, provide an eco-friendly alternative for consumers seeking reliable technology.

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