Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy A23 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 165.4 × 76.9 × 8.4 mm | A23 5G is slightly larger and thicker, may feel less ergonomic for some users, and less pocketable. |
| Weight | 200g | 197g | Both phones are similarly weighted, negligible real-world difference. |
| Build Material | Not Specified | Not Specified | Impact is unknown without material details. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.7" | 6.6" | S21+ 5G has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Both are similar, resulting in virtually identical sharpness. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 400 PPI | Both have very similar sharpness; negligible real-world difference. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | S21+ 5G has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and better outdoor visibility. More vibrant colors. Better for dark mode and battery saving. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, crucial for gaming and fluid UI experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ 5G is significantly brighter, making it much easier to view in direct sunlight. A23 5G has brightness not specified |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | S21+ 5G's Exynos chip offers significantly better performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 418,000 | S21+ 5G is significantly faster, leading to quicker app launches, smoother multitasking, and better gaming experience. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International | Adreno 619 | S21+ 5G's GPU offers substantially better graphics performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.80µm pixel, Sony IMX555 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm pixel, Samsung S5KJN1 | A23 5G offers higher resolution but smaller pixels. S21+5G excels in low light due to larger sensor. The higher resolution is useful for cropping and zooming, while the bigger sensor is useful for low light situations |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.80µm pixel, Samsung Bright S5KGW2 | None | S21+ 5G offers a dedicated zoom lens, for better portrait shots and detailed zoom. A23 5G lacks optical zoom |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm pixel, Sony IMX374 | 8MP, f/2.0, No Sensor Model Specified, no Pixel Size specified | S21+ 5G has higher resolution but smaller aperture. A23 5G has a wider aperture |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.2, No Sensor Model Specified, no Pixel Size specified | A23 5G has a dedicated wide-angle lens; great for landscape photos, group shots. |
| Portrait Depth Sensor | None | 2MP, f/2.4, No Sensor Model Specified, no Pixel Size specified | A23 5G has a depth sensor for portrait mode. Enhances the bokeh effect in portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, No Sensor Model Specified, no Pixel Size specified | A23 5G has a dedicated macro lens, enabling detailed close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm pixel, Sony IMX563 | None | S21+ 5G has a dedicated ultrawide lens, which can also be used for macro shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | 1080p@30fps, EIS | S21+ 5G offers superior video recording capabilities (up to 8K), better stabilization, and slow-motion. Better for content creation. |
| DxOMark Score | Mobile: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | Not Tested | S21+ 5G has proven camera quality, better video recording and image quality. A23 5G camera is untested |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | A23 5G has slightly larger battery, potentially resulting in marginally better battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 25W fast charging, Li-Ion | Both offer fast charging; S21+ 5G uses a potentially longer lasting polymer battery but no major advantage in practical terms. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging, No charger included | Bypass Charging | S21+ 5G is better for wireless charging, reverse charging other devices, but it lacks a charger in the box. A23 5G has bypass charging. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and much higher brightness. This leads to more vibrant visuals and better visibility in bright sunlight.
- Significantly Better Performance: Exynos 2100 chipset and a much higher AnTuTu score result in a smoother user experience, faster app loading, and better gaming capabilities.
- Advanced Camera System: Features a telephoto lens, superior video recording capabilities (8K), OIS, and a better ultrawide lens. It provides a more versatile and higher quality camera experience.
- Enhanced Audio Features: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and Stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Charging: S21+ 5G supports wireless charging, and reverse charging other devices wirelessly.
- Better Screen Protection: S21+ 5G has Corning Gorilla Glass Victus over the A23 5G's Gorilla Glass 5.
- eSIM Support S21+ 5G can have both a physical and an eSIM.
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Battery: 5000mAh vs 4800mAh, potentially offering a slight improvement in battery life.
- Dedicated Wide-Angle & Macro Lens: Offers a versatile camera experience that includes a dedicated macro lens.
- More Advanced Fingerprint Sensor: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor which can be more ergonomic for some users.
- Bypass charging: Can bypass battery while charging to reduce heat.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1 versus 5.0
- Lower Launch Price: Usually lower at launch which makes this phone a budget contender
Trade-offs:
- S21+ 5G: The phone has a better screen, processor, and camera but comes at the cost of a more expensive price point.
- A23 5G: This phone comes at a more affordable price point but does lack the high performance and camera that the S21+ 5G has. The A23 5G also has an LCD panel which is inferior to AMOLED.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Ideal User: Power users who demand top-tier performance, media enthusiasts who enjoy high-quality visuals, mobile photographers/videographers, and users who need the best possible display and processing power.
- Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming
- Creating and consuming high-resolution media (videos, photos)
- Multi-tasking with demanding applications
- Users who prefer wireless charging
- Professional videography
- Users who want better screen protection
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who need a reliable smartphone for everyday use, casual photographers who value versatility in camera lenses, users who want a good battery life, and a new phone with a side fingerprint sensor.
- Use Cases:
- General daily use (social media, browsing, calls)
- Casual photography with diverse lenses
- Users who need a long-lasting battery
- Users who want the latest operating system
- Users who prefer an LCD display
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is high-end performance and display quality? If these are priorities, the S21+ 5G is the better choice.
- What are the camera needs? If you need zoom, high quality video, and prefer low light quality, the S21+ 5G is the better option. If versatile lenses and casual photography are more important, the A23 5G might be sufficient.
- What is the budget? If budget is a primary concern, A23 5G can satisfy most basic user needs.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Performance-Focused): If you are a gamer or power user who prioritizes speed and graphics, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the obvious choice.
- Scenario 2 (Budget-Conscious): If you need a reliable phone for daily tasks and casual photography at an affordable price, the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is the better option.
- Scenario 3 (Multimedia Lover): If you enjoy high-quality videos, have to use the phone under bright sunlight, and value top-notch display, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is better.
- Scenario 4 (Long-Lasting Battery): If longer lasting battery life is the priority over other considerations, the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is better.
My Choice
If I had to pick one, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. My reasons are primarily based on the significant advantages it offers in display quality and performance. The AMOLED display with its superior brightness and color accuracy provides a much better experience for media consumption and general usage. The more powerful Exynos 2100 chipset ensures a smoother and more responsive experience, handling demanding apps and multitasking effortlessly. While the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G has a newer OS, a slightly better battery capacity, a wider variety of lens options, and a side fingerprint sensor, these benefits do not outweigh the S21+ 5G's overall edge in display, processing power, camera, and build quality. The inclusion of wireless and reverse wireless charging is also a plus, aligning with my daily usage needs. For me, the enhanced display quality and performance outweigh the trade-offs such as lower resolution selfie camera, and the potential lack of battery life compared to the A23 5G. The significantly better screen protection on the S21+ 5G is also important, as it is a crucial component of modern smartphones that often gets overlooked. In summary, the S21+ 5G offers a more premium, more enjoyable user experience.
