Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G and the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. I’ll break down the specs, highlight key differences, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a comprehensive table comparing the key specifications of these two devices, with a focus on what they mean in real-world use:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-02 | 2024-04-14 | Zenfone is newer, potentially benefiting from updated tech and software. |
| Dimensions | 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm, 197g | 163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm, 224g | A23 5G is taller and lighter, Zenfone is slightly thicker and heavier. A23 5G more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.78" | Zenfone has a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer similar levels of detail. |
| Pixel Density | 400 PPI | 388 PPI | Very similar sharpness, not noticeable for typical use. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | Zenfone’s AMOLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency, particularly with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Zenfone provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations, making the experience more fluid for gaming and browsing. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | Zenfone is much better for outdoor use with superior visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | Zenfone has a significantly faster chipset, offering better performance in every area, from general tasks to gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 418,000 | 1,532,000 | Zenfone's score is nearly 4x higher, indicating far superior performance, faster app loading, and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 750 | Zenfone's GPU is much more powerful, providing better graphics performance for gaming and intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64µm | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56" Sony IMX890, 1.0µm | Zenfone has a larger sensor, capturing more light and better low-light performance, while having a smaller aperture |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 32MP, f/2.5, 1/3.2" Omnivision OV32C, 0.70µm | Zenfone has a much higher resolution front camera for significantly more detailed selfies, while having a smaller aperture |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP, f/2.4, 0.70µm | Zenfone offers optical zoom capabilities, allowing for clearer zoomed-in photos. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | Zenfone takes much better wide-angle photos thanks to its higher resolution sensor and bigger pixel size |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A23 5G provides depth data for portrait mode; Zenfone relies on software |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A23 5G takes dedicated macro shots; Zenfone relies on software |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, OIS, Slow-mo 120fps | Up to 8K@24fps, OIS, Gimbal, Slow-mo 480fps | Zenfone has significantly better video recording, including higher resolutions, slow-motion, EIS, and HDR. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | N/A | Overall: 125, Photo: 131, Video: 115 | Zenfone is camera performance has been benchmarked at a professional level |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera | Triple camera, Gimbal, PDAF Omnidericional, RAW | Zenfone offers significantly better image quality, higher quality, and flexibility. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | Zenfone has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering better endurance. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless, 10W Reverse Wired | Zenfone charges much faster and offers wireless charging and reverse charging, adding more convenient charging options. |
| Features | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | Zenfone features 15W wireless charging and 10W reverse wired, while A23 has bypass charging |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to 14 | Android 14, upgradable to 16 | Zenfone has a newer Android OS, and will be supported longer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be, WiFi 6/6E/7 | Zenfone supports the latest WiFi standards, offering faster speeds and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, LE | 5.4, LE | Zenfone has a newer Bluetooth version, offering better performance and efficiency, supporting more audio codecs |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, QZSS, Galileo, NavIC | Zenfone has more precise GPS thanks to more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Single SIM (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Zenfone allows for the use of two SIM cards simultaneously, making it ideal for travel or work-life balance. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | N/A | 256GB or 512GB | Zenfone offers more internal storage space for media, apps, and files. |
| RAM | N/A | 12 GB or 16 GB | Zenfone comes with significantly more RAM, offering more fluid multitasking and overall performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so choose the right internal memory for your needs. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo speakers | Zenfone has a superior audio experience with hi-res audio support, dual speakers, and noise-canceling microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | A23 provides a side-mounted fingerprint reader while Zenfone features a basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Zenfone uses a newer, tougher version of Gorilla Glass. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | A23 comes with an environmental sensor and virtual proximity sensor. Zenfone has a compass and a gravity sensor |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G:
Strengths:
- More affordable, budget-friendly option.
- Lighter build, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Includes bypass charging and barometer sensors.
Competitive Advantages:
- Its main advantage is the price point, it offers a 5G connection for people who want an affordable device.
Trade-offs:
- Lower performance in processing, screen technology and camera compared to the Zenfone.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra:
Strengths:
- Significantly more powerful performance, suitable for gaming, media consumption, and demanding tasks.
- Superior display with AMOLED technology, higher brightness, and a higher refresh rate.
- Much better camera system with a higher-resolution main sensor, telephoto, and wide-angle lenses, plus 8K video recording and gimbal-like stability.
- Faster charging with wireless and reverse charging options, and a slightly bigger battery.
- Premium audio with stereo speakers and high-res support.
- Future-proofed with newer software (Android 14) and stronger WiFi & Bluetooth.
- Screen protected with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
Competitive Advantages:
- Top-tier performance, significantly better camera, superior screen quality, and a premium user experience overall.
Trade-offs:
- Higher price point, bigger and heavier than the Samsung.
- Lacks depth camera and macro lens, relying on software for this.
- The finger print sensor might be less effective than the side mounted of the Samsung.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is best for:
- Budget-conscious users: Those who need a reliable 5G smartphone without breaking the bank.
- Basic smartphone users: Individuals who prioritize daily tasks such as calling, texting, social media, and light media consumption.
- Users who prefer a lighter device: Someone who values a lightweight device for portability.
- Users looking for a first 5G smartphone: The perfect phone for people who want to explore the speed of 5G for an affordable price.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is best for:
- Performance enthusiasts: Gamers, content creators, and power users who need the best possible performance.
- Multimedia lovers: Those who consume a lot of video and want a top-tier viewing experience with rich colors and vibrant audio.
- Photography buffs: Anyone who wants a great camera with many features, including various lenses, RAW, and high-quality video.
- Tech enthusiasts: Users who appreciate the latest technology and are willing to pay more for a premium experience.
- Users who want a future-proofed device: People who prefer having the newest software and standards to ensure longevity of use.
- Users who travel: Thanks to dual sim and high precision GPS, this phone is a perfect companion for anyone who loves exploring.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
What is your budget? If you’re on a tight budget, the A23 5G is the only option. If you're comfortable with spending more for a much better device, the Zenfone will be the better option.
What do you value most in a phone?
- If it's raw performance and camera quality, the Zenfone 11 Ultra is a clear choice.
- If you prioritize a lighter, budget-friendly device for basic tasks, the A23 5G makes more sense.
What is your most common use case?
- For heavy gaming, video editing, and content creation, the Zenfone 11 Ultra offers an amazing experience.
- For social media, messaging, and casual browsing, the A23 5G will do the job.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "The Casual User" – Someone who wants a phone for texting, browsing, and social media. The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is perfect. It’s affordable and gets the basics right.
- Scenario 2: "The Content Creator" – Someone who needs a great camera for photos and videos, plus high performance for editing. The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is the only viable option, offering better everything for visual content.
- Scenario 3: "The Gamer" – Someone who wants a phone for gaming on the go. The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is ideal, as it can handle demanding games with ease.
- Scenario 4: "The Tech Enthusiast" - Someone who wants the latest and greatest technology in their hands. The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is the phone to chose, as its specs are higher in every single aspect.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones for myself, I would pick the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. While I value a budget-friendly device, I also value great performance, quality screen and a good camera. The Zenfone has better screen technology, faster performance, premium audio, and its camera is way ahead of the A23.
I understand that not everyone wants or can afford to spend extra money on a phone, and if that's your case, the A23 is a great first step into the 5G world. But for me, the Zenfone is a better all-around device.
