Samsung Galaxy A23 5G vs Sony Xperia 1 V - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date September 2, 2022 July 28, 2023
Release Year 2022 2023

Physical

Volume 106.84 cm³ 97.23 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.35 "/g 3.48 "/g
Weight 197 g 187 g
Height 165.4 mm 165 mm
Width 76.9 mm 71 mm
Thickness 8.4 mm 8.3 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Blue
  • White
  • Peach
  • Black
  • Khaki Green
  • Platinum Silver

Display

Screen Size 6.6 " 6.5 "
Resolution 1080 x 2408 1644 x 3840
Aspect Ratio 20:9 21:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 82.5 % 84.2 %
Pixel Density 400 PPI 643 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 114.78 mAh/in² 118.34 mAh/in²
Battery Density 46.8 mAh/cm³ 51.42 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU Adreno 619 Adreno 740

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.2
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0 USB Type-C 3.2, OTG, Video Output

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 12 13
Maximum OS Version 14 14

Comparison Summary

Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G and the Sony Xperia 1 V. We'll break down the specs, explore their real-world implications, and figure out which phone is right for whom. Buckle up, because there's a lot to unpack!

1. Specifications Breakdown

Here’s a detailed look at the key specifications of both phones, translated into practical terms:

FeatureSamsung Galaxy A23 5GSony Xperia 1 VReal-World Implications
Design
Launch Date2022-09-022023-07-28Xperia 1 V is newer, likely with better long-term software support.
Size165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm165 x 71 x 8.3 mmA23 5G is wider and slightly bulkier; Xperia 1 V is slimmer and more pocketable.
Weight197g187gXperia 1 V is slightly lighter, which can be felt in daily use.
Display
Size6.6"6.5"Minimal difference, both provide immersive viewing.
Resolution1080x24081644x3840Xperia 1 V has much sharper visuals and text.
PPI400643Xperia 1 V's display appears considerably crisper.
TechnologyPLS LCDOLEDXperia 1 V has superior contrast, black levels, and color accuracy.
Refresh Rate120Hz120HzBoth offer smooth scrolling and animations.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsBoth have similar peak brightness at 0 nits
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 695 5GSnapdragon 8 Gen 2Xperia 1 V offers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
AnTuTu Score418,0001,365,441Xperia 1 V has over 3x the raw power of the A23 5G.
GPUAdreno 619Adreno 740Xperia 1 V handles graphics-intensive apps and games far more effectively.
Battery Life
Capacity5000mAh5000mAhBoth should offer similar all-day battery life, depending on usage.
Charging25W Fast Charging, Li-Ion30W Fast Charging, Li-PolymerXperia 1 V charges slightly faster and uses newer, more efficient battery technology.
Charging FeaturesBypass Charging, Non-removableBypass Charging, Reverse charging, Reverse wireless charging, Non-removableXperia 1 V offers more flexible charging options.
Camera
Standard Camera50MP, f/1.848MP, f/1.9Xperia 1 V has a larger sensor and pixel size, meaning better low-light performance and more dynamic range, despite the lower resolution.
Selfie Camera8MP, f/2.012MP, f/2.0Xperia 1 V has a higher resolution and pixel size, meaning better selfies.
Telephoto LensN/A12MP, f/2.3Xperia 1 V offers optical zoom capabilities.
Wide Angle Lens5MP, f/2.212.2MP, f/2.2Xperia 1 V offers higher resolution and larger pixel size.
Portrait Mode (Depth)2MP, f/2.4N/AGalaxy A23 5G features depth mode.
Macro Lens2MP, f/2.4N/AGalaxy A23 5G features macro capabilities.
Video1080p@30fps4K@120fpsXperia 1 V can capture significantly higher quality video, making it great for content creators.
FeaturesDigital zoom, Quadruple camera, OIS, Autofocus, etc.Noise reduction, Time-Lapse, 4K Video, Optical zoom, Triple camera, etc.Xperia 1 V has more advanced features for photos and videos.
Software
OSAndroid 12 (up to 14)Android 13 (up to 14)Xperia 1 V ships with a newer version of Android, with a more modern look and features from the get go.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi802.11acWi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)Xperia 1 V supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, offering faster speeds and lower latency.
Bluetooth5.1 LE5.3 LEXperia 1 V has a more modern Bluetooth version.
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, etcGPS (L1+L5), A-GPS, GLONASS, etcXperia 1 V provides more accurate location tracking with dual-band GPS.
SIMSingle SIMDual SIM (Nano + eSIM)Xperia 1 V offers the flexibility of two active SIMs, plus an eSIM option.
Storage
Internal StorageN/A256/512GBXperia 1 V offers significantly more internal storage, while the A23's storage is not specified.
RAMN/A12GBXperia 1 V has more RAM, crucial for multitasking and demanding apps.
Expandable StorageN/AN/ANeither device allows storage expansion.
Audio
QualityBasic audio featuresDolby Atmos, Stereo SpeakersXperia 1 V boasts superior audio experience.
Security
FeaturesSide-mounted fingerprint sensorSide-mounted fingerprint sensorBoth use the same fingerprint security tech.
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionGorilla Glass 5Gorilla Glass Victus 2Xperia 1 V has superior screen scratch and impact protection.
SensorsBiometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtualBiometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: BarometerBoth have basic sensors, with minor differences.

2. Key Insights

Samsung Galaxy A23 5G:

  • Strengths: It is a more budget-friendly phone that still offers 5G connectivity, a 120Hz display and decent cameras. It has a 5,000mAh battery and fast charging.
  • Competitive Advantages: It has an additional macro and depth camera, making it more versatile for specific types of photography.
  • Limitations: The PLS LCD display doesn't offer the same vibrancy or contrast as an OLED, and the processor and GPU are significantly less powerful than the Xperia 1 V.

Sony Xperia 1 V:

  • Strengths: It excels in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and audio experience. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor provides top-tier speed, while the OLED display and robust camera system offer professional-grade features.
  • Competitive Advantages: High-resolution OLED display, superior processing power, advanced camera with Telephoto and Wide Angle lens, enhanced video recording capabilities, dual SIM + eSIM functionality, better audio, and reverse charging features.
  • Limitations: It is a pricier option, and some might find the design to be more utilitarian than stylish, if that's something you prioritize.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy A23 5G:

  • Best Suited For: Budget-conscious users who prioritize 5G connectivity, a large 120Hz display, and a decent set of cameras. Ideal for everyday use, social media, and casual gaming.
  • Use Cases: Students, casual users, and people who need a reliable device for daily tasks, and that aren't concerned about top-tier performance.
  • Price-to-Value: Offers good value for its price segment, providing a 5G experience without breaking the bank.

Sony Xperia 1 V:

  • Best Suited For: Power users, content creators, photography enthusiasts, and anyone who demands top-tier performance, premium display quality, and professional-grade camera capabilities.
  • Use Cases: Mobile photography, video production, demanding mobile gaming, and multitasking. Perfect for those who want the latest technology in their pocket.
  • Price-to-Value: Justified by its high-end performance, advanced camera system, and top of the line display.

4. Buying Decision Framework

Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:

  1. How important is top-tier performance to you? If you need a phone that can handle demanding apps, games, and multitasking with ease, the Xperia 1 V is the clear winner. The A23 5G is more suitable for those with basic needs.
  2. How much emphasis do you place on display and image quality? If you value a sharp, vibrant display with superior color accuracy and dynamic range, the Xperia 1 V's OLED panel is the way to go. If you are fine with an LCD display, then the A23 5G can work for you.
  3. What is your budget? If you're on a tight budget, the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is a more affordable option. If you're willing to invest more for top-tier performance and features, the Xperia 1 V provides immense value.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Budget-Conscious Student: The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is an excellent choice for a student looking for a reliable 5G device at a lower price point.
  • Content Creator: The Sony Xperia 1 V is tailored for creating high-quality content, thanks to its advanced camera system, 4K video capabilities, and professional-grade audio features.
  • Mobile Gamer: The Sony Xperia 1 V provides a superior gaming experience due to its powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, high refresh rate display and powerful GPU.
  • Everyday User: The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is a reliable daily driver for general use and social media consumption.

What I would choose and why!

If I had to pick between these two devices, I would choose the Sony Xperia 1 V. Here's why:

As a tech journalist and smartphone analyst, I appreciate cutting-edge technology, and the Xperia 1 V embodies just that. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, the amazing OLED display, and the camera system are miles ahead of the competition. I also value the smaller size of the Xperia 1 V.

I'm not just interested in raw specs; I also want the real-world experience that comes with that level of performance. Being able to handle demanding games, capture high-quality videos, and enjoy a crisp display are extremely important to me, and the Xperia 1 V delivers this in spades. Its premium build quality and unique features like the dedicated shutter button are things I can value every day.

While I recognize that the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G provides excellent value for the price, the Xperia 1 V aligns more closely with my needs and preferences, and I'm more than happy to pay the extra price. For a user like me, it's the perfect balance of high tech, portability and everyday usability.

Alex Griffin
Alex Griffin

Technology analyst specializing in mobile devices and consumer electronics.

Core Expertise

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Consumer electronics evaluation
  • Technical specification interpretation
  • User experience insights

Professional Mission Empowering readers to make informed technology decisions by transforming intricate specifications into understandable, practical guidance.

Demystifying technology, one device at a time.