Alright, let's dive deep into the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G and the Realme 11. As a tech journalist, I’m always looking past the spec sheets and into the heart of what these numbers mean for you, the user. So, let’s get started and see how these phones truly stack up.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Realme 11 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.4 × 76.9 × 8.4 mm | 165.7 × 76 × 8.1 mm | The Realme 11 is a hair thinner, which might be imperceptible for most but slightly better for pocket fit. |
| Weight | 197g | 190g | Realme 11 is a tad lighter, a small plus for extended usage, which will have minor effects on how the phone feels in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.72" | Realme 11 provides a slightly larger viewing area, but it's a relatively small difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1080x2400 | Effectively the same visual clarity on both screens; negligible difference in pixel density. |
| PPI | 400 | 392 | Again, virtually identical screen sharpness – both look crisp to the human eye. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD tends to offer better viewing angles and color reproduction compared to PLS LCD, offering a superior screen for daily use. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both deliver smooth scrolling and animations, making them more fluid than 60Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Realme 11 will be far easier to see in direct sunlight, which is a major usability advantage. The Samsung A23 5G is not designed to be usable in the daylight due to low brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G | Dimensity 6100+ | The Snapdragon 695 tends to offer better GPU performance, but the Dimensity 6100+ is not far behind and will handle most day to day tasks with ease. |
| Antutu Score | 418,000 | 389,600 | Galaxy A23 5G slightly edges out with a higher score, suggesting a marginal advantage for demanding apps or games, and is better for longer term performance as it is better tested and reliable. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The Adreno 619 is slightly better for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. The Mali-G57 MC2 will handle most games but the Samsung will perform better for gamers. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should provide similar all-day battery life under average use, both having the same capacity. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | 33W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | Realme 11 charges quicker due to its 33W charging compared to 25W on Samsung A23. The polymer battery is also safer and more modern technology. |
| Battery Features | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | Samsung has the extra bypass charging feature that allows the phone to operate when plugged in without charging the battery. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 64MP, f/1.79 | Realme 11 offers a higher megapixel count and a slightly wider aperture, suggesting better detail and low-light performance, though it may not always be a huge difference. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Comparable selfie performance; not much difference to expect between them. |
| Wide Angle lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | The A23 5G includes an ultrawide camera, which the Realme 11 lacks, providing an advantage for landscape or group shots. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer a dedicated depth sensor for bokeh effects, but the output will be relatively similar. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The A23 5G includes a macro camera that the Realme 11 lacks, providing an advantage for close up photos. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, OIS | 1080p@30fps, No OIS | Both record 1080p videos but A23 5G includes OIS for better stabilization and less shaky videos. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 14) | Android 13 | Realme 11 ships with newer Android version. Both phones have similar potential for software updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac, dual-band | Realme 11 supports dual-band WiFi, a slight advantage for more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, various profiles | 5.1, with Aptx, LDAC, SBC, and AAC | The A23 5G includes more audio profiles and has slightly more comprehensive profile support, but the Realme offers newer codecs, such as LDAC. |
| GPS | Yes | Yes | Identical location capabilities on both phones. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM | Realme 11 can use two SIM cards at the same time, while A23 5G can only use 1, which is a disadvantage for business users, or users that want to keep personal and professional numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | N/A | 128/256GB | Realme 11 offers 128GB or 256 GB of internal storage, providing more space for media and apps. |
| RAM | N/A | 8/12GB | Realme 11 has up to 12GB of RAM, which is better for intensive multitasking compared to Samsung with no listed RAM specifications. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both phones do not support microSD cards for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic Audio Features | Basic Audio Features | Both phones have basic audio features that is expected from similar devices in this price point. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both use a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for security. Both offer basic security that is common in devices at this price point. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 5 | Both offer the same Gorilla Glass 5 protection against scratches and minor damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic Proximity | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Heart Rate | The A23 5G includes a barometer, while the Realme 11 includes heart rate monitoring. These will not be applicable for most users, but each phone features additional sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Realme 11 Strengths:
- Superior Display Brightness: The 1000 nits brightness is a game-changer for outdoor visibility, making it far more practical in bright conditions than the A23.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging will get you back up and running quicker, a nice convenience.
- Larger Storage and RAM: Options for 256GB storage and up to 12GB of RAM make it a better choice for multitasking and storing a lot of content.
- Dual SIM Support: A must for many who want to manage personal and professional numbers on a single device.
- Better Camera Sensor: The slightly larger 64MP sensor and wider aperture can translate to better low-light shots and more detail.
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G Strengths:
- Better Processor: The Snapdragon 695 is slightly more powerful, which will help in slightly better gaming and benchmark scores.
- OIS: Optical image stabilization will help users get much better video recordings than the Realme 11.
- Additional Cameras: Includes a wide-angle, macro and depth cameras for more versatile shooting.
- Additional Sensors: The barometer and ultrasonic proximity sensor are additional sensors that enhance functionality.
- Bypass Charging: A more modern charging feature is included in the Samsung A23 5G that does not charge the battery when the phone is used while plugged in.
Trade-offs:
- The A23 5G screen may be hard to see in direct sunlight.
- Realme 11 lacks a wide angle and a macro lens.
- A23 5G is limited to a single SIM.
- Samsung does not specify storage or RAM capacity.
- Realme 11 has a slightly lower Antutu score than the A23.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is best for:
- Users who prefer better stabilization and better video recording, as well as a wider variety of photos, especially wide angle and macro.
- Users who are used to and prefer Samsung’s user interface, or ecosystem of products.
- Those who prefer Samsung phones and want a budget phone that is capable in many use cases.
- Those who require the added features of a barometer and ultrasonic proximity sensor.
- Realme 11 is best for:
- Users who want a modern Android experience with the most up-to-date software features.
- Users that prioritize screen brightness.
- Users that need dual SIM capabilities.
- Users who need lots of local storage for photos and videos.
- Users that need faster charging and the more modern Li-Polymer battery.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to ask yourself:
- How often will you use your phone outdoors in bright sunlight? If often, the Realme 11 is a better choice with its significantly brighter display.
- Do you need dual SIM support, more internal storage or faster charging? If so, the Realme 11 wins, and it is the obvious pick.
- Do you need a versatile camera, OIS, and a barometer? If the answer is yes, then the A23 5G would be a better fit.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Everyday User: If you value a smooth experience, brighter screen, and want more storage, get the Realme 11.
- The Multi-Media Lover: The Realme 11 offers more storage and RAM, but the A23 5G does have a slightly better chipset for games, as well as Optical Image Stabilization and a Wide Angle lens.
- The Outdoor Photographer: If you value OIS for video stabilization, wide angle and macro photos, and don't mind the low brightness screen, go with the A23 5G, otherwise the Realme 11.
- The Dual-SIM User: The Realme 11 is the only option here.
- The Tech Enthusiast: A23 5G is the clear choice as it features more sensors for tech-savvy users.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Realme 11. While I appreciate the A23’s additional cameras and OIS, the Realme 11's superior display brightness is a crucial factor for everyday usability and visibility outdoors. The slightly better main camera is a plus, and the inclusion of dual SIM support is a must for my use case. The faster charging and newer battery technology are also advantages that are difficult to overlook. The A23 is a good phone for those that need more diverse photos and better video stabilization, but the Realme 11 is a better all around device for everyday use.
