Galaxy A54 Vs Galaxy S23+

Galaxy A54
Galaxy A54
Starting at

Refurbished price:£119.00

Versus £499.00 new

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Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:£257.00

Versus £1,199.99 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A54 (released March 2023) and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus (released February 2023) are both Android-based smartphones from Samsung, offering distinct experiences for different user needs. While the Galaxy A54 is positioned as a capable mid-range device, the Galaxy S23 Plus represents a more advanced offering with enhanced performance and camera capabilities. Both devices run on the Android operating system with Samsung's One UI interface, providing a familiar user experience across the brand's ecosystem.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including software support, physical durability, and ease of repair.

  • Software Updates: The Galaxy A54 launched with Android 13 and is expected to receive four major OS upgrades and five years of security updates, extending its support until approximately 2027. The Galaxy S23 Plus, also launched with Android 13, is a flagship device and typically benefits from a similar or slightly longer software support window, ensuring it remains current with the latest features and security patches for an extended period.
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy A54 features Gorilla Glass 5 on both its front and back, paired with a plastic frame. In contrast, the Galaxy S23 Plus utilizes the more advanced Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for its front and back panels, along with an aluminum frame, offering a higher degree of scratch and drop resistance. Both devices offer water and dust resistance, with the A54 rated at IP67 and the S23 Plus at IP68, meaning the S23 Plus can withstand immersion in slightly deeper water.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy A54 has a repairability score of 8.4 out of 10, indicating it is a relatively accessible device for repairs. The Galaxy S23 Plus has a slightly lower score of 8.2 out of 10. While both are considered repairable, the A54 is noted to be marginally easier to service due to its internal arrangement.

Year of Release

2023

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone significantly impacts daily usage, from launching applications to handling demanding tasks. The Galaxy A54 and S23 Plus offer different levels of processing power.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy A54 is equipped with a processor that handles everyday applications and multitasking smoothly. For general use like web browsing, social media, and light gaming, users will find its performance responsive. The Galaxy S23 Plus, on the other hand, features a more advanced processor designed for high-demand tasks. This results in noticeably faster app loading, smoother transitions, and superior performance in graphically intensive games and complex applications.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both devices come with ample RAM, typically 8GB for the S23 Plus and 6GB or 8GB for the A54, allowing for efficient multitasking. However, the S23 Plus's more powerful processor and faster storage technology contribute to a more consistently fluid and responsive overall system experience, especially when switching between multiple heavy applications.
  • Storage Speed: The Galaxy S23 Plus utilizes faster storage technology, particularly in its higher capacity variants, which translates to quicker data read and write speeds. This can impact everything from app installation times to file transfers, making the S23 Plus more efficient for users who frequently manage large files or install many applications.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and both the Galaxy A54 and S23 Plus offer vibrant viewing experiences with some key distinctions.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy A54 features a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, providing rich colors and deep blacks with a Full HD+ resolution. The Galaxy S23 Plus boasts a slightly larger 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, also with Full HD+ resolution, which offers enhanced color accuracy and contrast, particularly noticeable in varied content.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: Both screens offer good brightness for indoor use. However, the Galaxy S23 Plus's display can achieve significantly higher peak brightness levels, making it more comfortable and easier to view content clearly in bright outdoor conditions or direct sunlight.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both devices feature a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The Galaxy S23 Plus, however, includes an adaptive refresh rate feature that can dynamically adjust between 48Hz and 120Hz based on content, which can contribute to power efficiency. The A54's 120Hz refresh rate is static, meaning it operates at a constant rate unless manually adjusted.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Galaxy A54 and S23 Plus are designed to capture a range of moments, with the S23 Plus offering a more versatile setup.

  • Rear Camera System: Both phones feature a 50-megapixel main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) for clear and steady shots in various lighting conditions. The Galaxy A54 includes a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens and a 5-megapixel macro lens. The Galaxy S23 Plus, on the other hand, offers a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, providing greater flexibility for capturing distant subjects without significant loss of detail.
  • Photography Performance: The main cameras on both devices perform well in good lighting. In low-light scenarios, the Galaxy S23 Plus generally produces images with better exposure, sharper details, and less noise, thanks to its more advanced processing and sensor capabilities. The S23 Plus's telephoto lens also offers a significant advantage for zoomed-in shots compared to the A54's macro lens.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The Galaxy S23 Plus offers more advanced video recording capabilities, including higher resolution options like 8K at 30 frames per second and enhanced stabilization features. Its 12-megapixel front camera includes autofocus, which can result in sharper selfies. The Galaxy A54 features a higher resolution 32-megapixel front camera, but without autofocus.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

32 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core features, several practical elements differentiate these two Samsung smartphones, impacting their daily usability and handling.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, enabling fast mobile data speeds where available. They both feature USB-C ports for charging and data transfer, but the Galaxy S23 Plus offers faster data transfer speeds through its port. The Galaxy A54 uniquely includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage, a feature absent on the Galaxy S23 Plus.
  • Biometric Security: Both phones incorporate in-display fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking. The Galaxy S23 Plus utilizes an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, which is generally perceived as faster and more secure than the optical sensor found in the Galaxy A54.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy A54 measures 158.2 x 76.7 x 8.2 mm and weighs 202g, featuring a glass back and plastic frame. The Galaxy S23 Plus is slightly more compact and lighter at 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm and 196g, with a more premium feel due to its glass and aluminum construction. The S23 Plus also supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, features not present on the A54.

Weight

202 g

196 g

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.6

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

User feedback often highlights the Galaxy A54 as a strong contender for those seeking a reliable smartphone for everyday tasks. Many appreciate its solid battery life and capable main camera for general photography. Common praise points include its vibrant display and the inclusion of expandable storage, which is a significant advantage for users who need more space for media and files. Some users, however, note that its performance can feel less fluid under heavy loads compared to more powerful devices, and the macro camera is not always considered a highlight.

The Galaxy S23 Plus is frequently lauded for its robust performance, making it well-suited for demanding applications, intensive gaming, and advanced multitasking without noticeable slowdowns. Its versatile camera system, particularly the telephoto lens and improved low-light capabilities, receives consistent positive remarks. Users also value its premium build quality, brighter display, and faster charging options, including wireless charging. Criticisms are less common but sometimes point to the absence of a microSD card slot.

Users prioritizing a smooth, high-performance experience for gaming, advanced photography, or heavy multitasking will find the Galaxy S23 Plus well-suited to their needs. Its superior processing power, more advanced camera array, and premium build offer a refined user experience. Conversely, individuals who primarily use their phone for social media, web browsing, communication, and casual photography, and who value expandable storage and a slightly larger battery capacity, may find the Galaxy A54 to be a practical and capable choice. Both devices offer a quality-assured refurbished option, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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