Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G and the Realme C65. I'll break down the specs, highlight the practical implications, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Realme C65 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-02 | 2024-04-01 | Realme C65 is a newer device with more up-to-date features. |
| Dimensions | 165.4 × 76.9 × 8.4 mm | 164.6 × 76.1 × 7.6 mm | A23 5G is slightly taller and wider, and thicker by 0.8mm, which may impact handling for some |
| Weight | 197g | 185g | Realme C65 feels lighter during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.67" | Very similar screen sizes. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 720x1604 | A23 5G has a significantly sharper display with higher detail. |
| PPI | 400 | 264 | A23 5G has a noticeably clearer and crisper display. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Realme C65 has slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | A23 5G offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G | Helio G85 | A23 5G has faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 418,000 | 225,154 | A23 5G delivers significantly better overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G52 MC2 | A23 5G provides superior graphics performance in games. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer a similar full-day battery. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | Realme C65 charges much faster. |
| Battery Features | Bypass Charging | None | A23 5G has a bypass charging feature, useful when gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 | Comparable photo quality from primary cameras. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 8MP f/2.0 | Similar selfie camera performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP f/2.2 | None | A23 5G can take wider photos. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Similar bokeh effects in portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | A23 5G can take close-up photos. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | A23 5G has better video stabilization for shakey scenarios |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Android 14 | Realme C65 has a more up to date OS. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11n | A23 5G has support for a newer wifi standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | A23 5G has slightly better Bluetooth range. |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM | Realme C65 allows use of two SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Storage | N/A | 128/256 GB | Realme C65 offers greater internal storage options. |
| RAM | N/A | 6/8 GB | Realme C65 has more RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Standard biometric security for both. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | A23 5G has superior protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass | A23 5G has more sensors for advanced features. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G Strengths:
- Superior Display: The A23 5G boasts a much sharper and crisper display thanks to its higher resolution and pixel density (400 PPI vs 264 PPI). Also comes with a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother visual experiences.
- Stronger Performance: Its Snapdragon 695 5G chipset delivers significantly better performance, evident in the 86% higher AnTuTu score. This means faster app loading, better multitasking, and smoother gaming experiences.
- More Versatile Camera Setup: The inclusion of a wide-angle and macro lens provides more shooting options compared to the Realme C65. Also comes with optical image stabilization (OIS).
- Advanced Sensor Suite: Comes with gyroscope and barometer, which are good for gaming and specific use cases like weather monitoring.
- Screen Protection: The A23 5G has Corning Gorilla Glass 5, offering better protection.
Realme C65 Strengths:
- Modern OS: The Realme C65 ships with Android 14, offering the latest features and security updates out of the box.
- Faster Charging: 45W fast charging is a significant advantage over the A23 5G's 25W, letting you top up the battery much quicker.
- Dual SIM Support: The ability to use two SIM cards simultaneously is great for users who need it.
- More RAM: Comes with 6/8 GB of RAM variants compared to the Samsung's N/A option.
- Greater Storage Options: Comes with a larger internal storage.
Trade-offs:
- Display Quality: While the Realme C65 has an IPS LCD panel, the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G's display has a higher resolution and PPI, making it noticeably sharper.
- Performance: The Realme C65's Helio G85 is significantly slower than the Snapdragon 695 5G in the A23 5G, affecting multitasking and gaming.
- Camera Versatility: The Realme C65 lacks the wide-angle and macro lenses found on the A23 5G, limiting shooting options.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is ideal for:
- Users who prioritize display quality: Gamers or media consumers who appreciate sharp, clear visuals.
- Performance-oriented users: People who need smooth multitasking, fast app loading, and good gaming capabilities.
- Photography enthusiasts: Those who value the added flexibility of a wide-angle and macro lens.
- Users seeking better build quality: Those who need a screen that can withstand more scratches and drops.
- Power users that utilize environmental sensors: People who need barometers and gyroscopes.
Realme C65 is best suited for:
- Users who value latest software: Those who prefer the most up-to-date Android experience out of the box.
- Users who need fast charging: Those who prefer to top up their devices quickly.
- Users needing dual SIM: Those who need to use two SIM cards simultaneously.
- Users needing more storage: Those who want more internal storage.
- Users seeking more RAM: Those who need more RAM for better multitasking.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize display sharpness and performance, or having the latest Android version and faster charging? If you lean towards the former, the A23 5G is the better option. If you favor the latter, the Realme C65 might be a better fit.
- Do you need a versatile camera with wide-angle and macro lenses, or is a basic setup enough for you? The A23 5G provides greater flexibility with its multiple lenses. If you don't need those, the Realme C65 will work.
- Do you need dual SIM support, or are you OK with a single SIM slot? The Realme C65 provides dual sim support, while the A23 5G has a single slot.
Scenario-based recommendations:
- If you're a gamer: The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G, with its superior chipset and better display, is the clear winner.
- If you’re a casual user who wants a modern Android experience: The Realme C65, with its Android 14 and fast charging, will do the job well.
- If you take a lot of photos: The A23 5G is a better option.
- If you value fast battery top-ups: The Realme C65's 45W charging is a real time saver.
Conclusion
Both the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G and the Realme C65 are decent smartphones, but they cater to different user needs. The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G excels with its superior display quality, stronger performance, and more versatile camera setup and better build quality. On the other hand, the Realme C65 has the latest Android OS, faster charging, dual SIM support, and greater internal storage options.
What Would I Choose?
For my personal use, I would lean towards the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G. The key deciding factors for me are the much sharper display and the significantly better performance of the Snapdragon 695 5G. I appreciate the better screen resolution, and I also appreciate the OIS and wider variety of camera lens options. While I like the idea of faster charging in the Realme C65, I'm not often in situations where I need to rapidly charge my phone, so I am fine with the A23 5G's 25W charging. For me, the overall experience of using the A23 5G would be significantly smoother and enjoyable. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual priorities and needs, but if you value performance and display quality like I do, the A23 5G is the clear winner.
