Alright, let's dive deep into this head-to-head between the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G and the Motorola Edge 40 Neo. It's more than just numbers; it's about how these phones fit into your life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Motorola Edge 40 Neo | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm | 159.6 x 72 x 7.9 mm | The Edge 40 Neo is noticeably more compact and comfortable to handle with one hand. The A23 5G feels bulkier. |
| Weight | 197g | 170g | The Edge 40 Neo is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying around. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.55" | Both screens are nearly the same size, the difference is negligible. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1080x2400 | Visually indistinguishable; both offer sharp visuals for daily use. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 400 | 402 | Both have similar sharpness; differences will be imperceptible to the human eye. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | P-OLED | P-OLED on the Edge 40 Neo provides superior colors, contrast, and deeper blacks than the LCD on the A23 5G. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | The 144Hz on the Edge 40 Neo offers a noticeably smoother experience, especially in fast-paced games and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | The Edge 40 Neo is drastically brighter, much better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. The A23 5G's screen may be hard to see in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G | Dimensity 7030 | The Dimensity 7030 in the Edge 40 Neo generally offers better overall performance in app loading and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 418,000 | 527,666 | The Edge 40 Neo is noticeably faster and more responsive in daily tasks and demanding applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G610 MC3 | Both offer decent graphics performance, but the Mali-G610 in the Edge 40 Neo may handle some games better due to its modern architecture. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, which should easily last most users a full day. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 68W Fast Charging | The 68W charging on the Edge 40 Neo is significantly faster, allowing you to quickly top up your battery. |
| Battery Features | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | Samsung offers bypass charging when gaming, to not affect battery life. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Main) | |||
| Resolution | 50MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Both share a similar resolution main camera. |
| Sensor Size | 1/2.76" | 1/1.55" | The larger sensor on the Edge 40 Neo captures more light, leading to better photos, especially in low light. |
| Pixel Size | 0.64µm | 1.0µm | The larger pixels on the Edge 40 Neo captures more light. |
| Rear (Ultra Wide) | 5MP (f/2.2) | 13MP (f/2.2) (Macro) | The A23 5G has dedicated ultra-wide lens. The Edge 40 Neo offers a Wide angle + macro lens in one. |
| Rear (Depth) | 2MP (f/2.4) | - | The A23 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Rear (Macro) | 2MP (f/2.4) | - | The A23 5G has a dedicated macro lens for close up shots. |
| Front (Selfie) | 8MP (f/2.0) | 32MP (f/2.4) | The Edge 40 Neo's selfie camera is much higher resolution and performs significantly better in terms of detail. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@up to 240fps | The Edge 40 Neo offers much better video capabilities, including 4K recording and more slow-motion options. |
| DxOMark | - | 103 (Overall) | The Edge 40 Neo has an overall great score, showing that its camera is better in photo and video quality. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, etc. | OIS, PDAF, Laser AF, etc. | The Edge 40 Neo offers better focus features such as Laser AF, OIS and better stabilization. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 14) | Android 13 (up to 15) | The Edge 40 Neo has a newer version of Android, with more updates in its life cycle. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | The Edge 40 Neo supports newer Wi-Fi standards, offering better speed and stability. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.4 LE | The Edge 40 Neo has a newer Bluetooth version, providing better energy efficiency and more reliable connection. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | The Edge 40 Neo offers dual SIM functionality, a convenient feature for managing multiple numbers or carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | - | 256 GB | The Edge 40 Neo offers a decent amount of storage for all of your photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | - | 8GB or 12 GB | The Edge 40 Neo can be configured with a good amount of RAM for demanding applications and multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, users are limited to what's on board. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | The Edge 40 Neo's audio capabilities provide superior sound quality, enhancing media consumption experience and clearer voice capture when recording. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Both have biometric security with the Edge 40 Neo's fingerprint being a basic one. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 3 | The A23 5G offers better screen protection compared to the Edge 40 Neo. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | A23 5G features additional sensors such as Barometer and Geomagnetic. Edge 40 Neo features additional sensors such as Proximity and Compass. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G Strengths:
- Screen Protection: Comes with Gorilla Glass 5, offering a superior screen protection
- Additional Sensors: Comes with a Barometer which is useful if you're into tracking weather changes and other environmental factors. It also features a geomagnetic sensor and ultrasonic proximity.
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G Limitations:
- Display Quality: Its LCD is not as vibrant or bright as the OLED on the Edge 40 Neo.
- Performance: The Snapdragon 695 chipset is decent but underperforms compared to the Dimensity 7030.
- Camera: It has additional camera lenses (ultrawide, depth, macro), but the overall image quality may not be as impressive.
- Charging Speed: At 25W, its charging speed is slower compared to the Edge 40 Neo's 68W.
- Software: Runs on older Android, less updates in the life cycle.
Motorola Edge 40 Neo Strengths:
- Display: Superior P-OLED display with vibrant colors, deeper blacks, high brightness and smoother refresh rates.
- Performance: Faster chipset, which translates to a snappier user experience in daily use.
- Camera: Larger main sensor, higher resolution selfie camera, and better video capabilities.
- Charging Speed: 68W fast charging is a huge advantage, allowing for super quick charging.
- Audio: Better sound experience with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers.
- Connectivity: Supports newer Wi-Fi standards, and Bluetooth 5.4 for better wireless performance.
- Software: Newer Android with a longer software update cycle.
- Storage and RAM: Comes with generous storage and RAM options.
- Dual SIM: Offers Dual SIM and eSIM capability.
- Video Quality: Has 4K video recording capabilities.
Motorola Edge 40 Neo Limitations:
- Screen Protection: Comes with Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: If price is the primary concern and you don't need top-tier performance.
- Users focused on screen protection and battery bypass: If you're clumsy and want to make sure you don't crack your screen easily. Also, if you're a gamer, this phone will be better for you as it offers bypass charging when gaming.
Motorola Edge 40 Neo is ideal for:
- Media Consumers: Those who prioritize a high-quality display for streaming videos, viewing photos, and gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want better camera performance for both photos and videos.
- Power Users: Those who demand smooth performance, quick charging, and good audio quality.
- Users with multiple SIMs: Those who want a dual sim for work and personal life.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- How much do I care about screen quality? If you prioritize a vibrant, bright display with excellent viewing angles, the Edge 40 Neo's P-OLED is the clear winner. If you don't mind a slightly less vivid LCD, the A23 5G is fine.
- How important is performance and speed for me? If you run demanding apps or games, the Edge 40 Neo will provide a noticeably smoother experience thanks to its more capable chipset and RAM options. The A23 5G is suitable for daily tasks and casual use.
- How much do I value camera quality and charging speeds? If you care about camera quality or fast charging, then the Edge 40 Neo is the clear choice. It offers significantly better video capabilities, a larger sensor on the main camera, better low light performance and faster charging.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Shopper: If budget is your top priority and you need a basic phone that does the job, the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is acceptable.
- Media Junkie: If you love watching videos, movies, or playing games, the Motorola Edge 40 Neo with its superior display, audio quality, and performance is the better choice.
- Photography Enthusiast: If you want a versatile camera that can capture great photos and videos, the Motorola Edge 40 Neo is more compelling.
- On-the-Go User: If you need a phone that charges quickly and has a long lasting battery, the Motorola Edge 40 Neo is a solid option with its fast charging and modern connectivity options.
What Would I Choose?
Personally, I'd go for the Motorola Edge 40 Neo. Here's why:
As someone who appreciates a good display and smooth performance, the P-OLED screen and the Dimensity chipset win me over immediately. I also value a versatile camera and fast charging. The Edge 40 Neo ticks all those boxes. Sure, the A23 5G is a decent budget phone, but the Edge 40 Neo’s overall capabilities are much better. The better display, superior performance, and faster charging makes it the better device, despite the slight bump in price.
