Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G and the Realme 12 Pro+. I'm going to approach this like I'm explaining it to a friend who wants to know which phone is the better fit for their needs. Let's break it down!
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the key specs, along with what they mean for you, the user:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Realme 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-02 | 2024-01-29 | The Realme 12 Pro+ is significantly newer, which often means newer tech and potentially longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8 mm | The Galaxy A23 5G is slightly taller and wider, while the Realme 12 Pro+ is a bit thicker. This may affect handling, especially for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 197g | 196g | Both are virtually the same weight, so neither is significantly lighter or heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.7" | Realme 12 Pro+ offers a slightly larger viewing area which can enhance media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1080x2412 | Both have Full HD+ resolution, so you’ll get sharp images and text on either screen. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 400 | 394 | Both have similar PPI, so the screen clarity is comparable. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | The Realme 12 Pro+ has a superior AMOLED screen, which offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency, especially with dark modes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both screens are very smooth, making scrolling and gaming feel very fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness, this could be an error in provided specs. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 (6nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4nm) | The Realme 12 Pro+ has a more advanced chipset, offering better speed and efficiency. App loading and multitasking will feel smoother. |
| AnTuTu Score | 418,000 | 603,400 | The Realme 12 Pro+ is significantly more powerful, which translates to better overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 710 | The Adreno 710 in the Realme 12 Pro+ provides superior graphics processing capabilities, for better gaming and video editing experiences. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard (Main) | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" Sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" Sensor | The Realme 12 Pro+ has a larger sensor, which captures more light, leading to better image quality, especially in low light. |
| Selfie | 8MP, f/2.0 | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74" Sensor | The Realme 12 Pro+ offers a higher-resolution selfie camera, which means more detailed and sharper selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/2.6, 1/2" Sensor | Only the Realme 12 Pro+ offers a telephoto lens, allowing for optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | The Galaxy A23 has a wide angle lens for capturing more into the frame. |
| Portrait Mode Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Galaxy A23 has an additional depth lens for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Galaxy A23 has a macro lens for capturing close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" Sensor | The Realme 12 Pro+ has a single lens for wide angle and macro photography. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps | The Realme 12 Pro+ supports 4K video recording, and higher frame rates at 1080p, for better quality and smoother footage. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF | OIS, PDAF, RAW | The Realme 12 Pro+ supports RAW images, giving users more flexibility in post-processing, plus it has Digital Image stabilization, and optical zoom |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have similar battery capacity, so battery life should be comparable for most users. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | The Realme 12 Pro+ charges significantly faster, meaning less time plugged in and more time using your phone. |
| Battery Features | Bypass Charging | None | Only the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G has bypass charging. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Android 14 | The Realme 12 Pro+ ships with a more recent Android version, which means more recent features and possibly longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | The Realme 12 Pro+ supports the newer and faster WiFi 6 standard. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.2 | The Realme 12 Pro+ has a more recent Bluetooth version for better stability and performance with accessories. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Realme 12 Pro+ supports more satellite systems for better accuracy. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | The Realme 12 Pro+ can operate with two SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | - | 128GB/256GB/512GB | The Realme 12 Pro+ offers much more storage space for your apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | - | 8GB/12GB | The Realme 12 Pro+ has more RAM, which can boost multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | None | None | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Basic Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | The Realme 12 Pro+ provides a superior audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Samsung's Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor is more convenient and comfortable. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | The Galaxy A23 has a more durable screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual, | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Samsung A23 has a more complete set of sensors, including a barometer. |
| ## 2. Key Insights |
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G Strengths:
- Comprehensive Sensor Suite: The inclusion of a barometer and an ultrasonic proximity sensor provides a fuller sensor package, good for advanced apps and environmental data.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 is a known quantity and provides good protection against scratches and drops.
- Bypass Charging: This feature allows charging without increasing temperature and potentially degrading the battery while using it.
- Quad Camera: The device has an additional two lenses, a wide angle, portrait, and macro lens.
Realme 12 Pro+ Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen is a clear win for color quality, contrast, and power efficiency.
- Better Performance: The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset offers a significant boost in performance, making it snappier and better for gaming.
- Enhanced Camera System: A larger main sensor, a higher resolution selfie camera, and a telephoto lens, provide a more versatile and capable camera experience.
- Faster Charging: The 67W fast charging is a major convenience, getting you back up and running quickly.
- Newer Software: Android 14 out of the box provides an up-to-date experience.
- Enhanced Audio: The device has a more complete audio setup.
Trade-Offs and Limitations:
- The Galaxy A23's cameras are less versatile, lacking the telephoto lens and some of the advanced features of the Realme.
- The Realme 12 Pro+ doesn't have a wide-angle, macro, and portrait lens.
- The Galaxy A23's performance is noticeably lower, especially in intensive tasks.
- Neither phone supports expandable storage, so the base storage is crucial.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy A23 5G:
- Best for: Users looking for a reliable phone with a complete suite of sensors, good screen protection, and a decent battery life, who also prefer having additional lenses for different use cases, especially those on a budget, and are not heavy gamers or camera enthusiasts.
- Realme 12 Pro+:
- Best for: Users who want the best possible display, excellent performance, and a more versatile camera setup, including the telephoto lens, along with better battery performance. A great choice for content creators and those who play games or watch movies often on their phones.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How much do I value display quality and performance? If you want the best screen and smooth performance, the Realme 12 Pro+ is the clear winner.
- Do I need a flexible camera system? If having more cameras for wide angle, macro, and portrait modes is a priority, then the A23 might be a better fit.
- What are my charging habits? If quick charging is a must, then the Realme 12 Pro+ with its 67W charging is the better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Casual User: If you just need a reliable phone for basic tasks and want a lower price tag, the Galaxy A23 is okay, though the Realme offers significant upgrades for not too much more of an increase in price.
- The Mobile Gamer/Media Consumer: The Realme 12 Pro+ provides a superior viewing experience, higher performance, and enhanced audio, so this is a better fit for you.
- The Photography Enthusiast: The telephoto lens and superior main sensor on the Realme make it the better choice for camera quality and flexibility.
- The Budget-Conscious User: While the Galaxy A23 is more affordable, the significant upgrades offered by the Realme 12 Pro+ may be worth the increased cost.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd go with the Realme 12 Pro+. Here’s why:
- The AMOLED Display: As someone who consumes a lot of media on my phone, the better colors and deeper blacks make a significant difference.
- Performance: The smoother performance of the Realme makes everyday tasks feel snappier, and I want to have good performance for gaming and multitasking.
- The Camera Versatility: The telephoto lens offers a lot of creative possibilities, and the larger main sensor will help me get better photos in a variety of conditions.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging is a very convenient feature in a modern smartphone.
While the Samsung Galaxy A23 has some strengths, like a complete sensor package and better screen protection, the overall experience offered by the Realme 12 Pro+ is a substantial step up. The Realme 12 Pro+ is a phone that’s more enjoyable to use on a day-to-day basis.
