Okay, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G and the Realme 10. I'll break down the specs, offer some real-world context, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two devices stack up, along with the practical implications of each specification:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Realme 10 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm | 159.9 x 73.3 x 8 mm | A23 5G is slightly larger & bulkier |
| Weight | 197g | 178g | Realme 10 is significantly lighter, more pocketable |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.4" | A23 5G offers a slightly larger viewing area |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1080x2400 | Essentially identical sharpness |
| PPI | 400 | 411 | Very similar pixel density. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | Realme 10 has richer colors, deeper blacks, better power efficiency in dark mode |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | A23 5G provides smoother scrolling & animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Realme 10 much better for outdoor visibility |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G | Helio G99 | Different architectures, but both offer adequate performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 418,000 | 401,886 | Very similar real-world performance, minor difference |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Different GPUs; performance is comparable |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Very similar sensor; similar main photo quality |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Realme 10 takes higher res selfies, Samsung f/2.0 aperture means better low light |
| Wide Angle | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | A23 5G offers versatile wide angle shots |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A23 5G has dedicated depth sensor |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A23 5G has dedicated macro sensor |
| Black & White | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Realme 10 offers a B&W sensor |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, OIS | 1080p@30fps | A23 5G has optical image stabilization for smoother videos |
| Camera Features | Quadruple, OIS | Dual, Digital Stabilization | A23 5G offers more versatile shooting options |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life for everyday use |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Realme 10 charges faster |
| Battery Features | Bypass Charging | None | A23 5G has bypass charging, which is good for gaming while charging |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 14) | Android 12 | Samsung has better long term support, Realme 10 is not guaranteed android 13 |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac, Dual Band | Realme 10 has dual-band wifi |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | Realme 10 uses a newer Bluetooth standard |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A23 5G has additional QZSS for better location accuracy |
| SIM | Single Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Realme 10 supports Dual Nano Sim |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | Various | 64/128/256 GB | Realme 10 has more storage options |
| RAM | Various | 4/8GB | Realme 10 has more RAM options |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Hi-Res, 2 Microphones | Realme 10 offers better sound and better voice capture |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side Fingerprint | Side Fingerprint | Both have quick side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 5 | Similar screen protection |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Proximity | Samsung has Barometer and Ultrasonic Virtual Proximity Sensor; Realme 10 has Compass sensor |
2. Key Insights
Realme 10 Advantages:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen offers significantly better contrast, black levels, and color vibrancy compared to the A23 5G's LCD. It also boasts much higher peak brightness for better outdoor visibility.
- Faster Charging: The 33W fast charging is a notable improvement over the A23 5G's 25W.
- Lighter and More Compact: The Realme 10 is noticeably lighter and more pocketable.
- Better Audio: Hi-Res Audio and dual microphones provide a better audio and recording experience.
- More Storage Options: The Realme 10 has storage options of 64GB, 128GB or 256GB of storage
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G Advantages:
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations smoother than the Realme 10's 90Hz.
- More Camera Versatility: It has a wide angle, macro and portrait sensor which may be better for some users
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): OIS helps reduce blur in photos and videos, leading to sharper results.
- Better Long-Term Support: Samsung usually provides longer software update cycles for its devices.
- Bypass Charging: A23 5G has a feature that bypasses charging while playing games, which can reduce heat and battery degradation.
- More location accuracy: The A23 5G has additional QZSS for better location accuracy.
- Barometer: For users that need the Barometer sensor.
Trade-offs:
- The Realme 10’s superior display is offset by a lower refresh rate, and it lacks OIS on the camera, while the Samsung offers OIS and a smoother display but with a lower quality LCD screen.
- While both phones have 5000mAh batteries, the faster charging on the Realme 10 is a clear plus, with Samsung offering bypass charging.
- Samsung offers more camera versatility with extra sensors while Realme offers a B&W sensor.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Realme 10:
- Media Consumers: Ideal for users who prioritize a high-quality display for streaming videos, browsing photos, and enjoying social media.
- Casual Gamers: The faster charging and decent performance make it suitable for casual gaming sessions.
- Users on the Go: The lighter and more compact design is great for users who need a phone that's easy to carry around and use one hand.
- Audio Focused User: The high resolution audio and dual microphones make it a good choice for audio focused users.
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Better for those who value camera versatility due to the additional lenses and image stabilization.
- Users Needing Smooth Animations: The 120Hz refresh rate is excellent for users who appreciate a smooth, fluid UI experience.
- Long-Term Users: If you prefer long-term software support, Samsung is likely the better choice.
- Users who game a lot: The bypass charging option is a feature only found in the A23 5G
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
How much do you care about display quality?
- If the display is a priority, the Realme 10’s AMOLED screen is superior.
- If you prefer a higher refresh rate, then the Samsung A23 is the better choice
Do you value fast charging and portability?
- If yes, the Realme 10 is the better option due to its significantly faster charging, lighter, and more compact body.
Do you value camera versatility and OIS?
- If so, the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G has the edge with its OIS and wider variety of camera lenses.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Media Buff
- Recommendation: Realme 10. The superior AMOLED display makes all the difference when consuming media.
Scenario 2: Social Media and Casual Photos
- Recommendation: A23 5G. The wide angle camera, OIS and smoother screen are better for casual photography and content consumption.
Scenario 3: All-Day Use on the Go
- Recommendation: Realme 10. The lighter weight, more compact design, and faster charging are perfect for this.
Scenario 4: Longer Term User
- Recommendation: A23 5G. Samsung usually offers better long term software support.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Realme 10. While I appreciate the 120Hz refresh rate on the Samsung A23 5G, the AMOLED display on the Realme 10 is a game-changer for me. I spend a lot of time watching videos, browsing photos, and reading articles, and the richer colors and deeper blacks of the AMOLED screen would make a big difference. The faster charging and lighter form factor are also significant pluses for my daily use. Finally, the better audio experience and additional storage options make the Realme 10 a winner in my book. While it is missing the OIS and wide angle sensor of the Samsung A23, I'm willing to trade those off for the superior display.
