Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy A23
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy A23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2022-03-25 | A23 is newer, potentially longer software support. |
| Size | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 165.4 × 76.9 × 8.4 mm | A23 is slightly larger, may be less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 200g | 195g | S21+ is slightly heavier, may feel more premium. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | S21+ has slightly more screen real estate, better for media. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Both have sharp displays, negligible difference in sharpness. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 400 PPI | Practically identical pixel density, very minor difference. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | S21+ has significantly better colors, contrast, and black levels, superior viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ offers smoother scrolling and animations, more fluid user interface. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ is much more visible outdoors in direct sunlight. A23's brightness is not specified and therefore is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | S21+ has much faster CPU and GPU performance, better for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 401,000 | S21+ has substantially better overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International | Adreno 610 | S21+ has a much more powerful GPU, handles graphics-intensive tasks much better. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | A23 has slightly larger battery, may last a bit longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 25W fast charging, Li-Ion | Both support 25W fast charging, very minor difference in battery chemistry. |
| Features | Reverse, Wireless, No charge in-box | Bypass Charging | S21+ has more features including wireless charging and reverse charging, but doesn't come with a charger in the box. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | A23 has higher resolution, S21+ has a larger sensor which can capture more light leading to better performance in low-light conditions |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 8MP, f/2.2 | S21+ has a higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | 5MP, f/2.2 | S21+ has a much better wide angle lens |
| Portrait Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | A23 has a dedicated portrait lens |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | A23 has a dedicated macro lens |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | 1080p@30fps | S21+ offers significantly higher video recording quality. |
| DxOMark | Mobile:111, Photo:118, Video:89 | Not tested | S21+ has a confirmed, tested edge in overall camera performance and features. |
| Features | 4K/8K video, Optical zoom, OIS | OIS | S21+ has advanced video features, optical zoom, and better stabilization. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 15 | Android 12, Upgradable to 14 | A23 ships with a newer OS, but might receive one less major OS upgrade |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | S21+ supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, offering faster connection speeds and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 LE | A23 has slightly newer Bluetooth technology. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5) | GPS, QZSS | S21+ offers better accuracy with dual-band GPS. |
| SIM | eSIM support | No eSIM Support | S21+ has the added flexibility of using an eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 64/128 GB | S21+ offers more storage options for those who need it. |
| RAM | 8GB | 4/6GB | S21+ offers significantly better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | S21+ has enhanced audio capabilities, better for media consumption. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | A23 has more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | S21+ offers better scratch and drop protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Motion, Environmental | Biometric, Motion, Environmental, Proximity | S21+ has an extra Hall and Geomagnetic sensor; while A23 uses an ultrasonic proximity virtual sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate and much higher brightness, resulting in a significantly better viewing experience with vibrant colors, smooth motion, and better visibility in bright conditions.
- Significantly Higher Performance: Exynos 2100 chipset offers much better CPU and GPU performance, making it suitable for gaming, heavy multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Advanced Camera System: Features a telephoto lens for optical zoom, better sensor, higher video capabilities (up to 8K), and better overall picture quality according to DXOMARK.
- Premium Features: Includes wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, better build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus, and more advanced audio features including stereo speakers.
- Better Wi-Fi: Supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster network connections.
- More RAM and Storage: Comes with 8GB of RAM and 256 GB storage options, leading to better performance in resource-intensive tasks.
- eSIM Support: S21+ supports eSIM, allowing for more flexible dual-SIM use.
- Dual Band GPS: More precise location accuracy through Dual Band GPS technology.
Samsung Galaxy A23 Advantages:
- Newer Device: Launched later, may have longer software support (though with fewer major updates)
- Larger Battery: 5000 mAh battery offers slightly longer battery life than the 4800 mAh battery in the S21+.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor: More modern and responsive placement for convenience.
- Dedicated Macro and Portrait Lenses: Offers two extra camera lenses for specific use cases.
- Lower Price: Generally positioned as a budget-friendly option.
- Bypass Charging: The A23 has the ability to bypass the battery while charging for a marginal advantage.
Trade-offs:
- S21+ offers significantly better display, performance, and camera at a premium price.
- A23 provides a larger battery and newer design at the cost of performance and display quality.
- S21+ lacks macro and depth sensors compared to the A23.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who demand the best performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who value a high-quality display for watching videos, browsing, and gaming.
- Photography Lovers: Individuals who want a versatile camera system with telephoto capabilities and high video quality.
- Professionals: Users needing the best performance for mobile productivity and content creation
- Tech Enthusiasts: People who prefer premium features like wireless charging, better audio and build quality.
Use Cases for S21+ 5G:
- Playing graphics-intensive mobile games
- Editing videos and photos on the go
- Watching high-resolution movies and shows
- Using multiple apps simultaneously
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various conditions
Samsung Galaxy A23 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for an affordable smartphone with a decent feature set.
- Casual Users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and communication.
- Users Who Prioritize Battery Life: People who want a phone that can easily last through a full day of usage.
- Users Who Want Dedicated Macro and Depth Camera Lenses: Those who would benefit from having the extra lenses.
Use Cases for A23:
- Everyday tasks like calls, texts, and social media
- Basic photo and video capture
- Browsing the web and streaming content
- Using productivity apps
- Long hours away from a charger.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- S21+ offers a premium experience but comes at a higher cost.
- A23 offers good value for basic users on a tight budget.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The S21+ is more expensive, while A23 is budget-friendly.
- What will be your primary use case? Will you use your phone for demanding tasks or basic usage?
- How important is display quality and performance? Do you want the best possible display and performance or just something adequate?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Performance & Media): If you want top performance, a premium display, and high-quality camera features, choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
- Scenario 2 (Budget & Battery): If you need an affordable phone with long battery life for basic use, then the Samsung Galaxy A23 is a practical choice.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced Use): If you want a middle ground with better quality than the A23 but don't need the premium features of the S21+, then neither of these phones might be the perfect choice. Consider looking at alternatives that might fit your needs better.
- Scenario 4 (Camera Focus): If you value the versatility of the added Macro and Depth Lenses choose the A23; if you value zoom, stabilization and overall camera performance choose the S21+.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While it's older, the difference in performance, display quality (the AMOLED display is a game-changer), and camera capabilities is too significant to ignore. The Exynos 2100 chip provides a much smoother and more enjoyable user experience, especially for multitasking and gaming. The significantly better display experience and the premium features like wireless charging and the better build are worth it. Although it lacks a macro and depth lens, I find that the other superior camera qualities and features outweigh that.
The A23 is a great option for budget-conscious users, but for me, the enhanced user experience of the S21+ justifies the additional cost. I am a user who requires strong performance and a high-quality display, so those features are a must-have for me.
