Galaxy A25 Vs Galaxy S23

Galaxy A25
Galaxy A25
Starting at

Refurbished price:£121.00

Versus £272.58 new

See options
Galaxy S23
Galaxy S23
Starting at

Refurbished price:£186.84

Versus £1,019.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A25 and Galaxy S23 are distinct smartphones from Samsung's lineup, released in December 2023 and February 2023, respectively. While both operate on the Android platform with Samsung's One UI, they cater to different user expectations. The Galaxy S23 is positioned as a flagship device, offering advanced features and a premium experience, whereas the Galaxy A25 focuses on delivering a balanced set of capabilities for everyday use.

Scores

Durability

The expected lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its build quality, software support, and the materials used in its construction. These two Samsung models present different approaches to durability and longevity.

  • Software Support: The Galaxy A25 launched with Android 14, while the Galaxy S23 launched with Android 13. Both devices are expected to receive four years of major OS updates and five years of security updates. This means the Galaxy A25 will likely receive one additional major Android version update compared to the Galaxy S23, potentially extending its software longevity.
  • Build Materials: The Galaxy S23 features a more robust construction with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, along with an Armor Aluminum frame, contributing to its resistance against drops and scratches. It also boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The Galaxy A25 uses a glass front (Gorilla Glass 5) and a plastic back and frame, offering a more standard level of protection without an official IP rating for water and dust resistance.
  • Practical Lifespan: The premium materials and higher water resistance of the Galaxy S23 suggest it is designed to withstand more environmental stressors. However, the Galaxy A25's extended software update timeline provides a longer period of guaranteed software functionality and security.

Year of Release

2023

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in smartphones is determined by the efficiency of their internal components, impacting how smoothly applications run and how effectively the device handles multitasking.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 is equipped with a more advanced processor, which translates to noticeably faster app loading times, smoother transitions between applications, and a more responsive experience, especially with demanding games or complex tasks. The Galaxy A25's processor is designed for efficient everyday use, handling common applications and moderate multitasking without significant delays.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S23 typically comes with 8GB of RAM, providing ample capacity for seamless multitasking. The Galaxy A25 is available with 6GB or 8GB RAM options. For storage, the Galaxy S23 offers various internal storage configurations up to 512GB, while the Galaxy A25 provides 128GB or 256GB options, with the added benefit of expandable storage via a microSD card, a feature absent in the Galaxy S23.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A25 features a larger 5000 mAh battery, which generally provides extended usage time for typical daily activities. The Galaxy S23 has a 3900 mAh battery, and while its efficient processor contributes to optimized power consumption, heavy users may find themselves needing to recharge more frequently.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for user interaction, and differences in technology, resolution, and brightness can significantly impact the viewing experience.

  • Display Technology and Brightness: The Galaxy S23 features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a peak brightness of 1750 nits, offering exceptional clarity and visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The Galaxy A25 uses a Super AMOLED display with a peak brightness of 1000 nits, which provides vibrant colors and good visibility for indoor and most outdoor environments.
  • Size and Clarity: The Galaxy A25 has a larger 6.5-inch display, providing a more expansive viewing area for media consumption and productivity. The Galaxy S23 has a more compact 6.1-inch display, which can be more comfortable for one-handed use. Both devices offer a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels), ensuring sharp and detailed visuals.
  • Refresh Rate: Both smartphones feature a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smooth scrolling and fluid animations, enhancing the overall user experience.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, with differences in sensor technology, lens configurations, and software processing influencing the quality of photos and videos.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S23 offers a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) and Dual Pixel PDAF for fast autofocus, a 12MP ultrawide lens with a wide field of view, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This configuration allows for greater flexibility in capturing various scenes, from wide landscapes to distant subjects. The Galaxy A25 also features a 50MP main camera with OIS, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro lens.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S23 generally delivers higher quality images across different lighting conditions, with better detail, dynamic range, and color accuracy, particularly in low-light scenarios. The Galaxy A25 performs well in good lighting, producing decent photos, but may show limitations in challenging low-light environments.
  • Video and Audio: The Galaxy S23 supports 8K video recording, offering a higher resolution for video content, and its microphone quality is optimized for clear audio capture. The Galaxy A25 supports 4K video recording at 30fps. The Galaxy A25 includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is absent on the Galaxy S23, providing a direct connection for wired audio accessories. Both devices feature stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

13 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience, from connectivity to physical design.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Galaxy S23 features Wi-Fi 6E and a faster USB-C 3.2 port, enabling quicker data transfers and more advanced wireless networking. The Galaxy A25 supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and a USB-C 2.0 port. A notable difference is the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack and a microSD card slot for expandable storage on the Galaxy A25, features not present on the Galaxy S23.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S23 incorporates an ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor, offering a seamless and secure unlocking experience. The Galaxy A25 features a side-mounted capacitive fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button.
  • Physical Characteristics: The Galaxy S23 is more compact and lighter, with dimensions of 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm and a weight of 168g, making it easier to handle with one hand. The Galaxy A25 is larger and slightly heavier at 161 x 76.5 x 8.3 mm and 197g.

Weight

197 g

350 g

Screen size (in)

6.5

6.1

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

User feedback for the Galaxy S23 often highlights its compact size, powerful performance, and advanced camera system as key strengths. Users appreciate its premium build and the overall smooth experience it delivers. Common criticisms sometimes point to its battery life, which, while improved over predecessors, may still require careful management for very heavy users, and the absence of expandable storage or a headphone jack.

The Galaxy A25 receives praise for its large and vibrant display, extended battery life, and the convenience of expandable storage and a headphone jack. Users find it a reliable device for everyday tasks and media consumption. Some common concerns include its performance not matching flagship devices, particularly for intensive gaming, and its plastic build materials.

Users prioritizing a compact form factor, top-tier performance for demanding applications, advanced camera capabilities, and a premium, durable build will find the Galaxy S23 well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who value a larger display for media, extended battery life, the flexibility of expandable storage, and a traditional headphone jack for audio, and who primarily engage in everyday tasks and moderate multitasking, may prefer the Galaxy A25. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers seeking to make an informed and sustainable choice.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons