Alright, let's break down the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G and the Realme 12+ like we're comparing notes over coffee. Both phones are aiming for that sweet spot of affordability and functionality, but they take different paths to get there.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison, focusing on what these specs mean for your daily life:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Realme 12+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-02 | 2024-03-02 | Realme 12+ is significantly newer, meaning newer tech and potentially longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm, 197g | 163 x 75.5 x 7.9 mm, 190g | Realme 12+ is slightly smaller, thinner, and lighter, making it easier to handle and carry, especially for smaller hands. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.67" | Virtually identical screen sizes, negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1080x2400 | Very similar sharpness levels, both provide a good viewing experience. |
| Pixel Density | 400 PPI | 395 PPI | Both are sharp and clear for most users, small difference will be imperceptible. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, making the Realme 12+ a clear winner here. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, great for gaming and social media. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | Realme 12+'s display will be significantly more visible in bright sunlight, a crucial factor for outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 (6 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | Realme 12+ has a significantly more powerful chip, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 418,000 | 601,000 | The numbers say it all: Realme 12+ is noticeably faster. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Different GPUs, Realme's Mali G68 MC4 typically provides a slight edge in graphics rendering. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm, Samsung S5KJN1 | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/2", 0.61µm, Sony LYT-600 | Realme 12+ has larger sensor capturing more light and detail; Samsung A23 has wider aperture but smaller sensor, they are close, but Realme 12+ should perform better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Realme 12+ takes clearer and more detailed selfies. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Realme 12+ offers higher resolution wide-angle shots, capturing more detail in group photos and landscapes. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Samsung A23 has a dedicated depth sensor, which should result in better bokeh in portrait mode. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro cameras; neither is particularly impressive. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps | Realme 12+ offers significantly better video capabilities, capturing higher resolution video with stabilization for smooth footage. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, OIS, PDAF | Triple Camera, OIS, PDAF, EIS | Both have OIS and PDAF for clear shots; Realme has EIS on video, samsung adds dedicated portrait sensor, Samsung has additional continuous shooting feature. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable all-day battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 67W | Realme 12+ charges more than twice as fast, a significant convenience for busy users. |
| Features | Bypass Charging | None | Samsung A23 can bypass charging to reduce heat during charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Android 14 (upgradable to 16) | Realme 12+ has a newer OS, likely offering longer software support and updated features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Realme 12+ has better WiFi, with higher speeds and lower latency, better for gaming and downloads. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Realme 12+ offers slightly newer Bluetooth, which can translate to slightly better battery management and stability. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Samsung Galaxy A23 has more satellite systems leading to better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM | Realme 12+ supports dual SIM cards which is great for travel or keeping personal and work lives separate. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | Not specified | 128/256/512GB | Realme 12+ offers various storage options, Samsung A23 information not available |
| RAM | Not specified | 8/12 GB | Realme 12+ has more RAM for smoother performance, particularly if multitasking or playing games. |
| Expandable | No | No | No expandable storage on either phone. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Realme 12+ offers a much better audio experience with stereo speakers and enhanced audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | Samsung A23 has a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Samsung has known screen protection, Realme 12+ is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Samsung A23 has more advanced environmental sensor like Barometer, while Realme 12+ has compass; both have the basic sensors for phone functionality. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G:
- Strengths: Solid build with Gorilla Glass 5 protection, a capable main camera, and additional sensors such as the barometer.
- Competitive Advantages: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor and a depth sensor for portrait photos;
- Limitations: Older chipset, lower brightness display, basic audio, and slower charging.
Realme 12+:
- Strengths: Stunning AMOLED display with high brightness, faster performance, much faster charging, dual SIM, better audio, and superior video recording.
- Competitive Advantages: More powerful chipset, better display, faster charging, higher video recording, and better audio features.
- Limitations: No expandable storage, depth sensor.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy A23 5G:
- Best For: Users who prioritize build quality, a solid camera for day-to-day shots, have a budget constraints, and appreciate the convenience of a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Use Case: Casual users who need a reliable phone for social media, basic photography, and calls, but might not push the device to its performance limits.
- Realme 12+:
- Best For: Tech enthusiasts, mobile gamers, media consumers, and users who want a premium display, fast charging, and a more advanced experience.
- Use Case: Users who frequently watch videos, play games, take a lot of photos and videos, or need to multitask.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are some key questions to help you decide:
- How important is display quality? If you value deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent outdoor visibility, the Realme 12+ is the clear winner.
- How important is raw power and speed? For smoother performance, faster app loading, and better gaming, the Realme 12+ is a better bet.
- How often do you need to charge and how quickly do you want it to charge? If you're always on the go, the Realme 12+'s 67W charging will be a lifesaver.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If budget is the top priority and you don’t need top-tier performance or display, the Samsung A23 is adequate.
- Mobile Gamer/Media Enthusiast: The Realme 12+ is the better choice with its superior display, faster processor, and enhanced audio.
- On-the-Go Professional: The Realme 12+ offers more versatility and convenience with its faster charging, dual SIM, and better performance.
My Choice
If it were my money on the line, I'd choose the Realme 12+.
The display alone is a game-changer—an AMOLED panel with high brightness makes a huge difference in everyday use, particularly when I'm out and about. The faster processor means smoother multitasking and more enjoyable gaming, and the 67W fast charging is a godsend for my busy lifestyle. While it may lack the depth sensor, the other camera improvements make up for it, and 4K video recording is a must have feature for me. I'm willing to forgo some niche features, like the Barometer on the A23, for overall superior performance.
The Realme 12+ isn't just a step up; it feels like it's in a different class, offering a smoother, more enjoyable experience from display quality to performance. It's a phone that feels like it's keeping up with me, not the other way around.
