Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G and the Motorola Moto G54. I'll break down the specifications, provide real-world context, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a table comparing the key specifications of both phones, with a focus on how these translate into real-world user experiences:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Motorola Moto G54 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm | 161.6 x 73.8 x 8 mm | Moto G54 is more compact and potentially easier to handle. |
| Weight | 197g | 177g | Moto G54 is noticeably lighter, improving comfort for extended use. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | A23 5G likely has more durable screen. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.5" | Practically the same, a negligible size difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp displays; the difference is minimal. |
| PPI | 400 | 405 | Pixel density is essentially identical, very sharp. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD typically offers better viewing angles and color reproduction. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide a smooth visual experience, excellent for gaming and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Need real world tests to verify |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) | Dimensity 7020 (6nm) | Moto G54’s chip is a bit more powerful, offering smoother performance. |
| Antutu Score | 418,000 | 455,400 | Moto G54 scores higher, meaning faster app loading and better gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | IMG BXM-8-256 | These are different architectures, Moto G54 is a bit better |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 50MP, f/1.8 | Both have comparable main cameras, sensor difference might affect image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.4, 1.00µm | Moto G54's higher resolution sensor captures more detail. |
| Wide Angle | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | A23 5G offers more versatility for landscape shots, great for groups and scenes. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A23 5G can capture depth information for more professional-looking portraits. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both for close-up details, but the quality will depend on the sensor and software. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@60fps | Moto G54 supports smoother video recording with higher frame rate |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, Quad camera | OIS, 4K video, dual camera, Digital image stabilization, Night mode, front flash | Moto G54 offers better video quality, better stabilization and night mode. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar battery life under normal usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | A23 5G charges much quicker. |
| Features | Bypass Charging | Non removable | A23 can be used while plugged in with less battery wear |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, Upgradeable to 14 | Android 13 | Moto G54 has the advantage of being the most current Android, with less bloatware |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Wi-Fi Direct, Hotspot | 802.11ac, dual band, Wi-Fi Direct, Hotspot, Wi-Fi Display, Wi-Fi MiMO | Moto G54 has some extra connectivity features |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE, APT-x, Multiple profiles | 5.3 LE, APT-x, LDAC, AAC | Moto G54's newer Bluetooth version will have better power efficiency and connection quality and supports LDAC and AAC |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), NavIC System | Moto G54 has more support for GPS satellites |
| SIM | Single Nano Sim | Dual SIM, eSim | Moto G54 is more versatile with dual sim support and eSim |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | - | 128GB or 256GB | Moto G54 provides more storage options |
| RAM | - | 4GB, 8GB, 12GB | Moto G54 offers more memory, which is great for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone can expand storage |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Moto G54 offers better audio immersion and voice capture. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both provide similar basic biometric security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer, Geomagnetic, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | A23 5G has more sensors, which can be useful for games and AR applications. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G Strengths:
- More Durable Screen: The use of Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides a higher level of scratch and impact resistance, a big plus for accident-prone users.
- Versatile Camera System: The inclusion of a wide-angle lens and depth sensor gives the A23 5G more versatility for different types of photography.
- Faster Charging: At 25W, it charges noticeably quicker, a significant time-saver for busy users, it also has bypass charging, which is important.
- More sensors: It has more sensors, which can be useful for games and AR applications
Motorola Moto G54 Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Dimensity 7020 chipset and higher Antutu score provide better performance, especially for gaming and demanding apps.
- Enhanced Display: The IPS LCD technology offers better viewing angles and color reproduction compared to the A23's PLS LCD.
- Better Selfie Camera: The 16MP selfie camera with a larger pixel size captures more detailed and well-lit self-portraits, its front camera also has a flash.
- More Advanced Video Recording: The G54 offers 1080p@60fps recording, along with digital image stabilization for smoother videos. It also features 4K video capabilities.
- Better Audio: Enhanced spatial audio, better audio separation and immersion, improved voice capture.
- Latest OS: Comes with Android 13 out of the box and dual sim capabilities and eSim
- More Storage and Memory: Offers better configurations with up to 256 GB storage and up to 12GB of RAM.
- More advanced connectivity: It has more GPS satellite support, as well as newer wifi and bluetooth.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Samsung Galaxy A23 5G: Slower processor, bulkier and heavier, it does not offer as good of a screen compared to Moto g54
- Motorola Moto G54: Slower charging, no wide angle and portrait camera lenses, it has an unknown screen protection
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is best for:
- Users who prioritize a robust build and are a bit careless with their devices.
- Those who enjoy versatile photography and need a wide-angle lens and depth sensor.
- Users who value faster charging and need to quickly top up their battery.
- Users who use more AR and gaming apps
Motorola Moto G54 is best for:
- Users who need the best performance and battery efficiency, who value smooth and quick gaming and app experiences.
- Users who enjoy watching content or taking a lot of selfies.
- Users who need the most updated OS and the most connectivity options, with dual sim and esim.
- Users who enjoy listening to music and watching videos.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are some questions to guide your choice:
- Prioritize Performance or Camera Versatility? If you need smoother performance and enhanced multimedia, the Moto G54 is the way to go. If you are a bit clumsy with your device and need a versatile camera, then the A23 5G is the right choice
- What are your needs for connectivity? If you require dual sim and eSim the Moto G54 is the obvious choice.
- How much do you value video? If you value sharper video quality and higher frame rates, you'll prefer the Moto G54.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Budget Gamer/Casual User: If you need a reliable phone for basic tasks, and some light gaming, the Moto G54 is excellent value for money with better performance and a better screen.
- The Photography Enthusiast: The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G offers more versatility with its wide-angle and portrait lens, but if you just need a good selfie camera, then the Moto G54 offers better quality.
- The Frequent Traveler/Professional: The Moto G54 is a great phone with dual sim capabilities, and better battery efficiency. It offers all the features needed for professionals.
- The Power User/Multitasker: The Moto G54 offers better performance and memory configurations, which makes it a better option.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Motorola Moto G54. Here’s why:
- Superior Performance: As someone who uses my phone for many apps and some gaming, the Dimensity 7020 chipset and higher Antutu score would make a noticeable difference in daily usability.
- Better Display: I highly value a great visual experience, and the IPS LCD of the G54 provides better viewing angles and color reproduction which is very important for my use cases.
- Better Multimedia: The combination of 1080p@60fps video, digital image stabilization, and better audio makes it a superior choice for multimedia, and better for content creation.
- Upgraded Software and connectivity: Being able to use the latest version of android and dual sim options, as well as better wifi and bluetooth makes it a future proof choice.
While the A23 5G offers some advantages, especially in camera versatility, for me, the improved performance, better screen, video, and audio quality of the Moto G54 make it the more compelling device. It would enhance my daily experience and provide a more versatile phone.
