Smartphone Comparison: Oppo A54 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy A23 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the key specifications for the Oppo A54 5G and Samsung Galaxy A23 5G:
| Feature | Oppo A54 5G | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 162.9 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm | 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm | The A23 5G is slightly taller and wider, potentially feeling less comfortable for users with smaller hands. |
| Weight | 190g | 197g | Oppo A54 5G is slightly lighter, which may be noticeable during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Negligible difference; both offer a large screen experience, ideal for media consumption and browsing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Effectively the same; both offer sharp visuals. |
| PPI | 405 | 400 | Both have similar pixel densities, resulting in comparable sharpness; differences will be hard to perceive for most users. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | PLS LCD | IPS LCD typically offers better viewing angles and color reproduction compared to PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The A23 5G's higher refresh rate results in smoother scrolling and animations, improving the user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is identical; no apparent difference in screen visibility under bright lighting conditions. (Note: 0 nits is unusual and might be a data error.) |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | The A23 5G's newer, more efficient chipset translates to significantly better performance in gaming and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 216,504 | 418,000 | A23 5G offers considerably faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and is much better suited for gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 | While both use Adreno 619, the A23 5G's implementation will likely benefit from the improved chipset, resulting in slightly better graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, capable of lasting a full day for most users. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 25W fast charging | The A23 5G charges significantly faster, reducing the time spent plugged in. |
| Features | Non-removable, Inbox charger 10W | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | The A23 5G's bypass charging can reduce heat generation while gaming or using the phone while charging, extending battery life. The 10W charger of the Oppo A54 is slower than the A23 5G's maximum of 25W. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2", 0.80µm pixel | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm pixel | Oppo A54 5G has a slightly wider aperture and larger sensor size, potentially allowing for better low-light performance despite slightly lower resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0, 1/3.13", 1.00µm pixel | 8MP, f/2.0 | Oppo A54 5G captures higher-resolution selfies with larger pixels, potentially offering better image quality. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel | 5MP, f/2.2 | Oppo A54 5G has a higher resolution wide-angle lens that may result in more detailed shots. |
| Depth Camera | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | The A23 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, allowing for better background blur effects. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm pixel | 2MP, f/2.4 | Comparable macro capabilities. |
| Black & White | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm pixel | N/A | Oppo A54 5G provides a dedicated monochrome sensor for creative shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | Both phones record 1080p at 30fps. Samsung A23 5G has OIS, while Oppo A54 5G uses EIS for video stabilization. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Laser AF, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Contrast detection autofocus (CDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | The A23 5G includes OIS, crucial for smoother videos and clearer low-light photos; Oppo A54 5G has an advantage with some features like manual focus. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | The A23 5G ships with a newer Android version and is guaranteed to receive two more updates, offering more features and better security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display, Wi-Fi MiMO | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct | Both offer similar WiFi speeds, but the A54 5G has some additional features (e.g. Wi-Fi Display, MiMO) |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, A2DP, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.1 LE, A2DP, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, PAN, OPP, PBAP/PAB, HOGP, APT-x | The A23 5G has a wider range of Bluetooth profiles for broader compatibility. The Oppo supports LDAC for high-fidelity audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Similar GPS capabilities; both reliable for location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Single SIM (Nano SIM) | Oppo A54 5G supports two SIM cards simultaneously, useful for separating work and personal numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB, 128 GB, or 256GB | No spec | Oppo A54 5G offers more storage capacity, while A23 5G's storage is unknown, although there might be different variants. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 8 GB | No spec | Oppo A54 5G has more RAM options, which is better for multitasking (8GB variant). A23 5G RAM is unknown |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage, so it's crucial to choose a variant with enough built-in storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Basic audio features | Both phones have standard audio output. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer the same basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The A23 5G has Gorilla Glass 5, which offers better scratch and shatter resistance compared to the unknown protection of the A54 5G. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | The A23 5G includes a Barometer and Ultrasonic proximity sensors, providing more data for fitness and environmental awareness; the A54 5G offers a compass for direction. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Oppo A54 5G Advantages:
- Potentially better low-light camera: Larger sensor and wider aperture on the main camera, plus a 16MP selfie camera.
- Dual SIM support: Useful for users who need to manage two phone numbers.
- More RAM and Storage: Provides up to 8 GB RAM and 256GB storage.
- Additional camera features: Features like a monochrome sensor and manual focus.
- Additional Wi-Fi features: Features like Wi-Fi Display and MiMO.
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G Advantages:
- Significantly better performance: The Snapdragon 695 provides a large performance boost over the Snapdragon 480.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and animations smoother.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging over the A54 5G's 18W.
- Optical image stabilization (OIS): Results in sharper photos and less shaky videos, especially in low light.
- Up-to-date software: Ships with Android 12 and is guaranteed to receive more OS updates (up to Android 14).
- Better screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for increased durability.
- Bypass Charging: Useful for gaming while charging without overheating.
- Additional Sensors: Barometer and Ultrasonic proximity sensor provide more environmental awareness and data.
Trade-offs:
- Oppo A54 5G: While offering a potentially better camera on paper and extra features like dual-SIM, its performance lags far behind the A23 5G and it lacks OIS, a newer OS, and faster charging.
- Samsung Galaxy A23 5G: Sacrifices some camera versatility, dual-SIM support and slightly on the main camera sensor size and selfie camera resolution, but benefits from superior performance, display, charging, and software.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Oppo A54 5G:
- Budget-conscious buyers: Users looking for a very affordable phone with a decent camera for general use.
- Users who need dual SIM: Those who need to manage two different phone numbers on one device.
- Users who prefer more internal storage: If 256 GB of storage is a priority and not expandable.
Use Cases for Oppo A54 5G:
- Basic day-to-day tasks: Browsing social media, checking emails, making calls.
- Casual photography: Taking photos for social media or general use, with emphasis on good selfie quality.
- Users who needs to keep a lot of files: The 256GB storage capacity allows for lots of files.
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A23 5G:
- Users who prioritize performance: Those who want smooth multitasking and a lag-free gaming experience.
- Users who want the best possible experience on the display and fast charging: A smoother and more vibrant display as well as quicker charging times.
- Users who want future-proof software: Users who value the latest Android features and security updates.
- Users who value durability: Those who need a scratch and shatter-resistant screen.
- Users that need OIS: Those that want high quality video and better low light images.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A23 5G:
- Gaming: Playing demanding mobile games with smooth frame rates.
- Content consumption: Watching videos and movies with a higher refresh rate screen.
- Photography and Videography: Taking clearer, less blurry photos and videos, especially in low-light environments.
- Long-term usage: Users who want a phone that will receive regular software updates.
Price-to-Value:
- The Galaxy A23 5G generally provides a better price-to-value ratio for most users, given its significantly superior performance, better display, and long-term software support. However if having dual sim is crucial, the A54 might be worth considering.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is performance and gaming to you? If you intend to play games and use resource-intensive apps, the A23 5G is the superior option.
- Do you need dual SIM capabilities? If having two SIM cards active at once is important, the Oppo A54 5G is the better choice.
- Do you need a higher resolution selfie and more storage? If you take lots of selfies and want to have plenty of storage for files, the Oppo A54 5G will be the better fit.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Performance Focus): If you need a responsive phone for gaming, multitasking, and future software updates, choose the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G.
- Scenario 2 (Dual-SIM & Camera Focus): If you need dual-SIM functionality, take lots of selfies, need more storage and don't mind a slower experience, choose the Oppo A54 5G.
- Scenario 3 (Balance): If you want an all-rounder with a balance of features, performance, and future-proofing, choose the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G.
- Scenario 4 (Budget): If budget is the primary concern, research the current prices and chose the cheaper option. Given the A23's superior performance, the better overall experience might be worth the extra cost if it fits within your budget.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G. The performance difference between the Snapdragon 480 and 695 is significant and I appreciate the faster 120Hz display. Additionally, its faster charging and better software support make it a superior overall package for day to day usage. While I would lose the dual sim and the better selfie camera on paper, the overall performance and longetivity of the A23 make it worth it. The inclusion of OIS also makes it a better video camera for my usage. The lack of expandable storage on either phone is a shame, but the A23’s advantages far outweigh the lack of this functionality.
