Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G and the Realme 12 Pro. I'm going to approach this as if we're sitting down for a coffee, chatting about these phones with a focus on what really matters to you, the user, not just the spec sheet.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Realme 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8 mm | The A23 5G is a bit taller and wider, while the 12 Pro is slightly thicker, impacting how each feels in the hand. |
| Weight | 197g | 190g | The Realme 12 Pro is marginally lighter, which can matter during long calls and browsing sessions. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard builds - no foldables here |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.7" | The Realme 12 Pro has a slightly larger screen, which might be preferable for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1080x2412 | Both are sharp and clear for everyday use; minor differences in pixel count are virtually indistinguishable. |
| PPI | 400 | 394 | Pixel density is similar on both devices - good sharpness for daily use. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | The Realme 12 Pro's AMOLED panel will deliver deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better battery efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a smooth scrolling experience; excellent for gamers and social media enthusiasts. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | The Realme 12 Pro will be much easier to see outdoors, especially on sunny days. The A23 5G is missing brightness data. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | The Realme 12 Pro's newer chipset will generally perform better in everyday tasks and more demanding apps. |
| Antutu Score | 418,000 | 574,000 | The 12 Pro has a notably better Antutu score, indicating faster app loads, smoother operation, and better gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 710 | The 12 Pro's GPU will deliver better graphics performance, which matters for gaming and graphically intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2", 0.70µm | Both have a 50MP main camera, but the Realme has a slightly larger sensor, potentially capturing more light and detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.4 | The Realme 12 Pro's selfie camera has higher resolution, better for detailed images. |
| Telephoto Camera | None | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.74", 0.80µm | The Realme 12 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens offering optical zoom capabilities, a major advantage. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | The Galaxy A23 has a dedicated Wide-angle Lens camera; Useful for group photos and landscape photography |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G has a dedicated portrait mode lens for enhancing the depth effect in photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Galaxy A23 has a dedicated Macro Lens for close-up images of smaller objects. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.12µm | The Realme 12 Pro has a dedicated wide-angle + Macro lens, potentially a convenient two-in-one. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60/120fps | The Realme 12 Pro supports 4K video, a huge step up in clarity and detail; smoother video recording with higher frame rates. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, etc | OIS, PDAF, 4K Video, etc | The Realme 12 Pro adds 4K video capabilities and digital image stabilization on top of standard features. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both should provide similar battery life per charge. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | 67W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | The Realme 12 Pro charges significantly faster, getting you back up and running much more quickly. |
| Features | Bypass Charging | Non-removable | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G exclusively offers: Bypass Charging |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Android 14 | The Realme 12 Pro has a newer OS out of the box, which can be a huge advantage. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6, Dual band, MiMO | The Realme 12 Pro offers a more modern Wi-Fi experience with faster speeds and better reliability. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.2 LE | The Realme 12 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version which can offer more stable connections with lower power consumption. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | The Realme 12 Pro is better suited for users who want to use two SIM cards at the same time. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | Unspecified | 256/512 GB | The Realme 12 Pro offers more internal storage. |
| RAM | Unspecified | 8/12 GB | The Realme 12 Pro has more RAM, for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | The Realme 12 Pro offers a far more immersive audio experience with its enhanced features. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G Strengths:
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: More advanced than the Realme 12 Pro's basic version, providing smoother access and enhanced security.
- Wide Angle, Macro and depth lenses: The Samsung A23 5G has three additional lenses, expanding its shooting capabilities in different scenarios.
- Bypass Charging: Lets you use the device while plugged in without charging the battery, minimizing battery degradation.
- Barometer sensor: Additional environmental sensor providing extra data and possibilities for advanced features.
- Ultrasonic proximity sensor: Enhances the way the phone senses your face on a call.
- Corning Gorilla Glass 5: Provides an added layer of protection to your phone's screen.
Realme 12 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen offers much better picture quality and viewing experience, especially for multimedia.
- Better Performance: The newer Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset and better Antutu score deliver smoother and snappier performance.
- Enhanced Camera System: The telephoto lens with optical zoom, higher resolution selfie camera, and 4K video recording are significant advantages.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging is much more convenient, especially if you are always on the go.
- Better Audio: With Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, and noise cancellation microphones, the Realme 12 Pro provides more immersive audio quality.
- More RAM and Storage: It has variants with more RAM and internal storage, for better multitasking and file management.
- Newer Android OS: Android 14 out of the box, ensuring better software support.
- Dual SIM Dual Standby: The ability to use two SIM cards simultaneously.
- Better Wi-Fi and Bluetooth version: Newer versions providing more modern connections.
Significant Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Samsung Galaxy A23 5G's Older Technology: While the A23 5G has several advantages of its own, it is an older device.
- Realme 12 Pro Missing Camera Features: The Realme 12 Pro does not include dedicated macro, wide-angle or portrait mode lens.
- No expandable storage for either phone
- Missing screen protection info for Realme 12 Pro
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is best for:
- Users on a tight budget who want a decent phone with an OIS camera and solid day-to-day performance.
- Users who want to explore all kinds of photos, since it has a wider array of camera lenses.
- Users who want to prevent battery degradation while playing or using the phone plugged in.
- Users who prefer a phone that feels larger in the hand.
- Users who want an added layer of protection to their screen with Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
Realme 12 Pro is best for:
- Users who prioritize a great display for media consumption and gaming.
- Users who need a phone that charges quickly and is always ready to go.
- Users who want better performance for demanding applications.
- Users who want a premium camera experience with a telephoto zoom and 4K video.
- Users who value enhanced audio immersion.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Three questions to help you decide:
- How much do you value display quality? If a vibrant, high-contrast screen is crucial, the Realme 12 Pro wins hands down.
- How important is camera flexibility? If you need a versatile camera for photos and high quality videos, the Realme 12 Pro is the better choice. If you want a wider array of lenses for different scenarios, the Galaxy A23 5G will be the choice.
- How much do you value charging speed and the latest software? The Realme 12 Pro's fast charging and newer Android version are worth considering if these are priorities.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Casual User: If you mostly browse social media and make calls, both are fine, but the Realme 12 Pro's better screen and faster charging make it more enjoyable.
- The Media Enthusiast: The Realme 12 Pro's AMOLED screen and stereo speakers are ideal for watching videos and playing games.
- The Photography Lover: The Realme 12 Pro has a much better camera, due to the telephoto zoom and 4K video recording. However, if you want a wider array of lenses for different scenarios, the Galaxy A23 5G will be better.
- The Budget-Conscious Shopper: If your priority is budget, the Samsung A23 5G will be a better option.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd go for the Realme 12 Pro. While the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G has its merits, particularly in the camera department with multiple lens, the Realme 12 Pro's advantages in key areas like the display, performance, camera quality (especially that telephoto lens), charging speed and audio, are too significant to ignore. For me, the combination of an AMOLED screen, the smoother performance, the better photography experience, and that rapid charging speed creates a phone that's far more enjoyable to use day-to-day. While the wide-angle and macro lens present on the A23 5G can be fun and offer new perspectives, the superior quality of the 12 Pro's other lenses far outweighs this, and the convenience of having the wide angle lens integrated with the macro is a nice touch. I need a phone that can keep up with my usage and the Realme 12 Pro is a better fit.
