Alright, let's break down the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G and the ZTE Blade A75 4G. We've got a classic matchup here: an older but more feature-packed phone versus a newer, more budget-oriented contender. I'm going to put on my tech journalist hat and dive into the specs to see what each phone brings to the table for real people.
1. Specifications Breakdown
First, let's get into the nitty-gritty. Here's a side-by-side comparison that puts the specs into practical terms:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | ZTE Blade A75 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-02 | 2024-07-01 | The ZTE is nearly two years newer, potentially benefitting from newer components/software |
| Dimensions | 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm | 164.1 x 75.8 x 8.6 mm | The Samsung is slightly taller and wider, but both are similar in hand. |
| Weight | 197g | 189g | The ZTE is a tad lighter, might feel more comfortable over longer usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.6" | Both offer the same screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 | 720 x 1612 | Samsung has a much sharper display, resulting in clearer text and images. |
| PPI | 400 | 267 | The Samsung’s display is noticeably crisper, less pixelation |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | ZTE offers slightly superior viewing angles and color reproduction. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Samsung’s display is noticeably smoother and more fluid in daily use |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | No data available, this is a bummer! |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | The Samsung’s chip is significantly more powerful, faster and more efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 418,000 | 240,000 | Samsung offers superior performance for gaming and heavy multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Samsung’s GPU provides smoother graphics and better gaming capabilities |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Expect similar battery life for both phones. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 22.5W Fast Charging | Samsung’s slightly faster charging might reduce waiting time. |
| Battery features | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | Samsung's bypass charging can reduce battery wear for long usage. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP (f/1.8), 1/2.76" | 50MP (f/1.8) | Both offer 50MP primary cameras, likely with similar daylight performance, but the Samsung has bigger pixels. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP (f/2.0) | 8MP | Similar selfie camera performance expected. |
| Wide Angle | 5MP (f/2.2) | None | Samsung offers more versatile photography capabilities |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | Samsung can capture better portrait shots than the ZTE |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | Samsung has an extra macro lens for those who love to capture close up images |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, OIS | 1080p@30fps, no stabilization | Samsung has optical image stabilization which is great for smooth videos |
| Camera Features | Quadruple Camera, OIS | Dual Camera, Digital IS | Samsung has better camera versatility thanks to extra lens and optical stabilization |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to 14 | Android 13 | The ZTE runs a more recent version of Android out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi ac | Wi-Fi ac, dual band, display | The ZTE offers better connectivity options |
| Bluetooth | 5.1, aptX | 5.0 | Samsung has a newer, feature-rich bluetooth version |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Samsung has more satellite support, for precise location tracking |
| SIM | Single SIM | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | ZTE is better for those who need to use two phone numbers at once |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | Unknown | 128GB or 256GB | ZTE provides generous storage options out of the box. |
| RAM | Unknown | 4GB or 8GB | ZTE's 8GB RAM variant allows for better multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage for extra space. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic Audio | DTS/DTS X | ZTE offers immersive sound with a slight advantage, for immersive gaming and watching videos |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones provide basic biometric security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Samsung has a superior screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Samsung has advanced sensors like barometer and virtual proximity sensor that might help in gaming and certain applications |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G:
- Strengths: The A23 5G is the clear winner when it comes to raw performance. Its Snapdragon 695 chip provides significantly more power than the ZTE's Unisoc processor. The higher refresh rate and resolution on the screen make daily interactions much smoother. The camera system, with OIS and extra lens, makes it more versatile.
- Competitive Advantages: It offers superior processing power, a sharper and smoother display, and more robust camera features (especially OIS). The advanced GPS features also give it an edge in navigation.
- Trade-offs: It has an older operating system out of the box and does not offer expandable storage or a dual sim option.
ZTE Blade A75 4G:
- Strengths: The A75 4G boasts newer Android out of the box and impressive internal storage (256GB), paired with a large 8GB RAM option. It is also dual sim capable. It is also lighter, making it comfortable in long usage. It features DTS/DTSX audio.
- Competitive Advantages: Its main advantages are the generous storage, dual sim, and more modern OS from the get-go. It also offers DTS/DTSX audio, which is great for content consumers.
- Trade-offs: It falls behind in raw processing power, display quality, and camera versatility, which can impact heavy users.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy A23 5G: This phone is ideal for users who prioritize performance, gaming, and a premium display experience. It's also great for those who like to take photos and videos regularly. Its advanced GPS is good for navigation. If you value smooth day-to-day operation and do not require dual sim or huge local storage, this is the one for you.
- ZTE Blade A75 4G: This phone is better suited for users who need a large storage capacity, and the ability to use two phone numbers at the same time. It might work for you if you are not a heavy user but more of a casual browser and content consumer.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do I prioritize performance and smooth screen experience over everything else?
- If YES, the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is your choice.
- If NO, consider the ZTE Blade A75 4G.
- Do I need a lot of internal storage or dual sim capabilities?
- If YES, then go with the ZTE Blade A75 4G.
- If NO, consider the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G.
- Is a superior camera system with OIS and extra lenses important to me?
- If YES, then the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is the superior choice
- If NO, the ZTE Blade A75 4G will work for you.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer: Samsung Galaxy A23 5G (better performance, smoother display).
- The Social Media Enthusiast: Samsung Galaxy A23 5G (OIS, versatile camera, smooth display).
- The Casual User: ZTE Blade A75 4G (modern OS, lots of storage).
- The Multi-SIM User: ZTE Blade A75 4G (dual-sim capability).
My Choice
If I had to choose, I'd personally lean towards the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G. As a tech journalist and someone who appreciates smooth performance and versatile camera capabilities, the A23 5G’s strengths align better with my needs. The better display is also a very big plus for me. While the ZTE offers more internal storage and dual sim, which is great for some users, the performance difference with the Samsung is a deal breaker for me. The A23 5G's overall experience is simply more polished for me and what I would be using it for.
