Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G and the Realme 11 Pro+. I'm going to break down the specs, analyze their real-world impact, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on what each spec actually means for day-to-day use:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Realme 11 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Dimensions | 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm | 161.6 x 73.9 x 8.2 mm | Realme 11 Pro+ is more compact and may feel better in hand. |
| Weight | 197g | 183g | Realme 11 Pro+ is lighter, possibly more comfortable for longer use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphone designs, not foldable. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.7" | Very similar display size, Realme has a slight edge. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 | 1080 x 2412 | Practically identical sharpness, you won't notice a difference. |
| PPI | 400 | 394 | Both have similar pixel density; screen looks equally sharp. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | Realme 11 Pro+ has superior display tech: deeper blacks, better contrast, vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | Realme 11 Pro+ much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | Different chipsets: the Realme 11 Pro+ generally performs better and is faster. |
| AnTuTu Score | 418,000 | 540,800 | Realme 11 Pro+ significantly faster overall, smoother app loading and gameplay. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Different GPUs with the Realme 11 Pro+ having the edge for graphics performance. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 200MP, f/1.69 | Realme 11 Pro+ has a vastly superior main sensor for detail and low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 32MP, f/2.45 | Realme 11 Pro+ captures more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Realme 11 Pro+ wide angle has more resolution. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung has dedicated depth sensor for portrait. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.3 | Similar macro capabilities, but Realme's aperture is wider for more light. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, slow-mo | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS, more slow-mo options | Realme 11 Pro+ captures significantly higher quality video with stabilization at higher framerates. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, Basic features | OIS, PDAF, EIS, 4K Video, Noise reduction and Night Mode | Realme 11 Pro+ camera software is superior with more features. |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity, both should offer good all-day battery. |
| Charging | 25W | 100W | Realme 11 Pro+ charges MUCH faster - this is a major advantage. |
| Charging Features | Bypass Charging | 2x2500mAh | Realme 11 Pro+ has a dual cell design |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 14) | Android 13 (up to 15) | Realme 11 Pro+ is more up-to-date with the OS and will have longer software support. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Hotspot | WiFi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi Direct/Display/MIMO | Realme 11 Pro+ has more up-to-date WiFi with faster, more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 LE | Realme 11 Pro+ has the newer Bluetooth standard. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, etc. | GPS, A-GPS, more | Realme 11 Pro+ has more satellite systems which translates to better accuracy. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Realme 11 Pro+ supports Dual SIMs. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal Storage | N/A | 256/512/1024 GB | Realme 11 Pro+ has much more onboard storage options. |
| RAM | N/A | 8/12 GB | Realme 11 Pro+ has significantly more RAM. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports microSD. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Quality | Basic Features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Realme 11 Pro+ has vastly superior audio. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | Samsung's fingerprint sensor has more advanced placement and ergonomics. |
| BUILD QUALITY | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Samsung A23 has Gorilla Glass protection. |
| SENSORS | |||
| Sensors | Advanced suite | Proximity, Accel., Gyro | Samsung has an environmental barometer sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G Strengths:
- Reputable Brand: Samsung is a trusted brand known for build quality and reliability, a factor for some consumers.
- Gorilla Glass Screen Protection: The inclusion of Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers superior durability against scratches and impacts.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Scanner: The sensor placement is generally convenient and ergonomically positioned for most users.
- Environmental Sensors: It features a Barometer and an Ultrasonic Virtual Proximity sensor that could appeal to specific users.
Realme 11 Pro+ Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen is a game-changer, with vivid colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. It also gets much brighter, making it far easier to use outdoors.
- Faster Performance: The Dimensity 7050 chipset significantly outperforms the Snapdragon 695, offering a smoother experience for everyday tasks and gaming.
- Amazing Camera: A 200MP main sensor, combined with a 32MP selfie camera and advanced video features, is a significant leap in imaging quality.
- Blazing Fast Charging: The 100W charging is a huge convenience, getting your phone from 0 to 100% in a fraction of the time compared to Samsung's 25W.
- Latest Software: The Realme 11 Pro+ ships with a newer Android version and is likely to receive updates for longer, giving it more longevity.
- Superior Audio: Dolby Atmos with stereo speakers makes audio consumption much better
- More RAM and Storage: Comes with ample RAM and storage, which is great for multitasking and installing many apps.
- Dual SIM Capability: A significant convenience for those who use two numbers or travel.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Samsung A23: The lower-tier chipset and LCD screen aren't competitive with other phones in the same price bracket. The camera system lacks 4k video recording and high-resolution selfie.
- Realme 11 Pro+: Lacks a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots and microSD expansion. Its fingerprint sensor is basic.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is Best Suited For:
- Users who are highly brand-conscious and prioritize Samsung's build and reliability.
- Those who don’t need high performance or camera quality, opting for a very basic functionality at a reasonable price.
- Users who appreciate a simpler and easy-to-use experience with a more basic software experience.
- Those needing access to environmental sensors like a barometer.
Realme 11 Pro+ is Best Suited For:
- Users who want an immersive and vibrant display experience, especially for content consumption.
- Those who prioritize performance for smoother multitasking, gaming and overall better performance.
- Mobile photographers who want a versatile camera with great image and video quality.
- Users who value fast charging and don't want to wait long for their phone to power up.
- Those who appreciate high quality audio.
- Users who are looking for more storage space with ample RAM.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- How important is display quality to you? If you consume a lot of video content or frequently use your phone outdoors, the Realme 11 Pro+ AMOLED screen will be a significant upgrade.
- Do you prioritize camera quality and faster performance? The Realme 11 Pro+ takes much better photos, records better video, and offers smoother performance in day-to-day use.
- Do you want faster charging? If you do not want to wait a long time for charging, the Realme 11 Pro+’s 100W charging can be a lifesaver.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Casual User: If you only need basic phone functionality, browse the web, and use social media, the Samsung A23 is an option, but it will not be a very good experience.
- The Multimedia Enthusiast: If you watch a lot of videos, play games, and want a premium visual experience, the Realme 11 Pro+ is the clear winner.
- The Mobile Photographer: If you often take photos and videos, the Realme 11 Pro+ is the better choice for its versatility and great quality.
- The Power User: If you prioritize performance, multi-tasking, and want a device that can handle demanding games, the Realme 11 Pro+’s faster chipset and more RAM are your best bet.
What I Would Choose and Why
After analyzing these two devices, I would personally choose the Realme 11 Pro+. The deciding factor for me is the combination of the superior AMOLED display, significantly better performance, a far superior camera system, 100W fast charging, and a more up-to-date OS with more software support. As someone who values a fluid experience, high-quality content consumption, photography, and fast charging, the Realme 11 Pro+ checks all the essential boxes. The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G, while having its merits in build quality and some sensors, simply does not compete in terms of overall user experience, especially when considering the value-to-price ratio. The Realme 11 Pro+ offers a far more advanced experience in almost every aspect that matters in a modern smartphone and does so at very competitive prices.
