Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy A23
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy A23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm | S21 5G is more compact and pocketable. A23 is larger, potentially less comfortable for small hands. |
| Weight | 169g | 195g | S21 5G is significantly lighter, making it easier for prolonged use. A23 feels heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.6" | A23 offers more screen real estate for media consumption. S21 5G is slightly smaller, easier to use with one hand. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2408 | Negligible difference in sharpness. Both have FHD+ resolution. |
| Pixel Density | 421 PPI | 400 PPI | S21 5G has slightly sharper display due to higher PPI. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | S21 5G offers much better contrast, deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and better power efficiency with dark themes. A23 has a standard LCD display. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 5G provides smoother scrolling and animations for a more fluid visual experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 5G provides dramatically better visibility under bright sunlight. A23 outdoor visibility is not specified and may be less optimal. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | S21 5G has a much more powerful chipset for faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and demanding games. A23 is adequate for basic usage. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 401,000 | S21 5G offers significantly higher performance, better for heavy users and gamers. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 610 | S21 5G has a more powerful GPU for better graphics performance in games and apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | A23 has a higher resolution, but S21 5G has larger sensor and pixel sizes, typically leading to better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm | None | S21 5G offers optical zoom capabilities and improved portrait shots. A23 lacks telephoto lens. |
| Ultrawide | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | 5MP, f/2.2 | S21 5G has ultrawide lens. A23's ultrawide lens is lower resolution. |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm | 8MP, f/2.2 | S21 5G has slightly higher resolution for better selfies. |
| Macro | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | A23 offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Portrait (Depth) | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | A23 provides a dedicated depth sensor. |
| Video | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | 1080p@30fps | S21 5G supports professional-grade video recording, including 8K and higher frame rates. A23 is limited to 1080p. |
| DXOMark | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 | Not tested | S21 5G's camera has been independently rated as having better quality. |
| Features | 4K, 8K, Optical Zoom, OIS, RAW, Night Mode | OIS | S21 5G provides a wider range of features, including optical zoom, OIS and RAW shooting. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | A23 has a larger battery, potentially offering better battery life, but this is dependent on usage, optimization. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Both support 25W fast charging. |
| Features | Wireless charging, Reverse charging | Bypass Charging | S21 5G offers versatile charging with wireless and reverse wireless charging. A23 has bypass charging which might be good for gaming. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 15) | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | S21 5G has more software updates guaranteed. A23 is likely to get less updates. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | S21 5G supports faster Wi-Fi speeds and more efficient connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | A23 has a slightly newer version of bluetooth. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 64/128 GB | S21 5G offers higher storage options (256 GB). |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4/6 GB | S21 5G has more RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo speakers, Noise cancellation | Basic audio | S21 5G offers a superior audio experience with better sound quality, louder volume, and clearer calls. |
| Security | |||
| Sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | A23 uses a more modern and faster side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 5G has more scratch-resistant screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both phones provide a comprehensive set of sensors for different usage scenarios. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate and much higher brightness offers a far better visual experience, especially in bright conditions.
- Significantly More Powerful Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides flagship-level performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Offers telephoto lens, better low-light performance (due to larger sensor), higher video recording capabilities, and more features (RAW, 8K recording).
- Premium Features: Includes wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, better audio with Dolby Atmos, and a more robust build with Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Software Support: Expected to receive one more major OS update (up to Android 15).
- WiFi 6: Supports faster and more stable wifi connection.
Samsung Galaxy A23 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery provides longer battery life for users who prioritize endurance.
- Larger Display: 6.6" screen is bigger, which some users might prefer for media consumption.
- More Camera Lenses: Has a dedicated macro and depth sensors, while S21 5G does not.
- Newer Bluetooth: Features Bluetooth 5.1.
- Potentially Lower Price: Typically positioned as a budget-friendly option.
- Bypass Charging: Allows for gaming while the phone is plugged in, with minimal battery impact.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Faster and more modern.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21 5G: Sacrifices battery life compared to the A23 and has a higher initial cost. No headphone jack.
- A23: Compromises significantly on display quality, processing power, camera capabilities, and premium features to achieve a lower price point. Does not include wireless charging capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G - Ideal For:
- Power Users & Gamers: Those needing top-tier performance for demanding apps, multitasking, and graphically intense games.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality, zoom capabilities, and advanced shooting features.
- Media Consumers: Those who value a high-quality display for watching videos and playing games.
- Users of Wireless Ecosystems: People heavily invested in wireless devices and who value features like wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Users Needing Long-Term Support: Those who prefer getting the latest software updates.
Specific Use Cases for S21 5G:
- High-end mobile gaming (e.g., Genshin Impact, Call of Duty)
- Professional-quality video recording
- Editing photos and videos on the go
- Heavy multitasking with multiple apps
- Extended outdoor use in bright sunlight
- Wireless charging overnight or sharing charge with wireless devices.
Samsung Galaxy A23 - Ideal For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking a more affordable option with a large screen and decent battery life.
- Casual Users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for browsing, social media, and basic apps.
- Users with Basic Photography Needs: Those who need a functional camera for everyday photos and videos.
- Users that Prioritize Battery Life: People that need to go all day without charging their phones.
Specific Use Cases for A23:
- Long days away from a charger, for example camping, hiking or travel.
- Casual social media use
- Basic photography for social media sharing
- Web browsing and email
- Gaming while plugged in
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The A23 is significantly cheaper.
- How important is display quality and performance? The S21 5G has a dramatically superior screen and processing power.
- Do I need advanced camera features and video recording capabilities? The S21 5G is significantly better in this regard.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you prioritize performance, display quality, and camera features and have the budget: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G.
- If you prioritize battery life and affordability, and are okay with compromises on display quality and performance: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A23.
- If you are an active user that plays games, and watches videos frequently and is annoyed by poor outdoor visibility: Choose the S21 5G.
- If you want a phone for basic social media browsing and to use as a multimedia device and also want to be able to game while plugged in: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A23.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While the A23 has the advantage of a larger battery, the S21 5G's superior display, flagship-level performance, and advanced camera system are significant advantages that I would prefer for my daily usage. The higher refresh rate, dramatically brighter display, and the ability to record 4k/8k video makes the S21 5G much more future-proof for my use case. The additional wireless charging options and better build quality would also be beneficial. Although the battery is smaller, I would rather have the flexibility of wireless charging, and am happy to charge it more often than sacrifice the other features.
