Motorola ThinkPhone vs Samsung Galaxy S23 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date January 29, 2023 February 17, 2023
Release Year 2023 2023

Physical

Volume 98.06 cm³ 78.83 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.5 "/g 3.63 "/g
Weight 188.5 g 168 g
Height 158.8 mm 146.3 mm
Width 74.4 mm 70.9 mm
Thickness 8.3 mm 7.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Carbon Black
  • Green
  • Graphite
  • Phantom Black
  • Lavender
  • Cream
  • Lime

Display

Screen Size 6.6 " 6.1 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2340
Aspect Ratio 20:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 89 % 88.1 %
Pixel Density 399 PPI 425 PPI
Refresh Rate 144 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 1200 nits
Peak Brightness N/A 1750 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 114.78 mAh/in² 104.81 mAh/in²
Battery Density 50.99 mAh/cm³ 49.47 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 3900 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU Adreno 730 Adreno 740

Connectivity

USB Version 3.1 3.2
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.1, OTG USB Type-C 3.2, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 13 13
Maximum OS Version 17

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureMotorola ThinkPhoneSamsung Galaxy S23Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)158.8 x 74.4 x 8.3146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6S23 is significantly smaller and more pocketable.
Weight (g)188.5168S23 is noticeably lighter for more comfortable one-handed use.
Build MaterialsMissingMissingCannot compare build quality and durability.
Display
Display TypeP-OLEDDynamic AMOLED 2XBoth offer excellent contrast and vivid colors, but AMOLED generally has slightly better power efficiency.
Display Size6.6"6.1"ThinkPhone provides a larger viewing area for media consumption; S23 is more compact.
Resolution1080 x 24001080 x 2340Virtually identical sharpness; difference negligible in real-world usage.
Refresh Rate144Hz120HzThinkPhone offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations, but the difference might not be perceptible to all users.
Peak Brightness1200 nits1750 nitsS23 offers significantly better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 8+ Gen 1Snapdragon 8 Gen 2S23 has a newer, more powerful and efficient chipset, leading to better performance and battery life.
CPUOcta-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)S23's CPU offers performance gains due to newer architecture.
GPUAdreno 730Adreno 740S23 has a more powerful GPU for better gaming and graphics-intensive tasks.
RAM8GB8GBIdentical RAM capacity; both should handle multitasking well.
Camera
Main Camera50MP, f/1.850MP, f/1.8Similar main camera specifications; image quality comparison requires real-world testing.
Ultrawide13MP, f/2.412.2MP, f/2.2Slight difference in resolution; practical impact depends on sensor and processing.
TelephotoMissing or unclear10MP, f/2.4 with 3x Optical ZoomS23 offers optical zoom for better image quality at longer distances; ThinkPhone's telephoto capabilities are unclear.
Battery
Capacity5000 mAh3900 mAhThinkPhone has a significantly larger battery, likely resulting in longer battery life.
Fast Charging68W25WThinkPhone charges much faster, minimizing downtime.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Motorola ThinkPhone Advantages:

  • Larger Battery: Significantly longer battery life.
  • Faster Charging: Reduced charging times.
  • Larger Display: More immersive media consumption.
  • Higher Refresh Rate: Slightly smoother visuals.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Advantages:

  • More Powerful Chipset: Better overall performance and efficiency.
  • Brighter Display: Superior outdoor visibility.
  • More Compact Design: Easier to handle and carry.
  • Optical Zoom Camera: Improved image quality at a distance.
  • Longer Software Support: Confirmed updates up to Android 17.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Motorola ThinkPhone Ideal User:

  • Users prioritizing long battery life and fast charging.
  • Those who consume a lot of media on their phones.
  • Users who prefer a larger screen size.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ideal User:

  • Users who demand the best performance and latest technology.
  • Those who prioritize a compact and lightweight design.
  • Users who need a good camera with optical zoom.
  • Users who value longer software update cycles.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. How important is battery life and charging speed?
  2. Do you prefer a larger or smaller phone?
  3. What is your budget and how much do you value performance and camera quality?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Heavy User: If battery life is paramount, the ThinkPhone is the better choice.
  • Power User: If performance and camera quality are top priorities, the S23 is recommended.
  • Casual User: Either phone would be suitable, with the decision hinging on size preference and budget.

My Choice: Samsung Galaxy S23

While the ThinkPhone offers compelling features like a larger battery and faster charging, the S23's superior performance, brighter display, more compact design, optical zoom camera, and guaranteed longer software support make it a more compelling overall package for my needs. I prioritize performance and portability, and the S23 delivers in these areas. The S23's newer chipset will provide a better user experience in the long run, especially for demanding tasks and gaming. While the ThinkPhone's larger battery is tempting, I'm willing to compromise slightly on battery life for the S23's other advantages. The confirmed software updates also ensure the device will remain secure and up-to-date for a longer period.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.