Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Realme 12+ - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Realme 12+
Realme 12+
Realme

General

Launch Date February 17, 2023 March 2, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 78.83 cm³ 97.22 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.63 "/g 3.51 "/g
Weight 168 g 190 g
Height 146.3 mm 163 mm
Width 70.9 mm 75.5 mm
Thickness 7.6 mm 7.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Green
  • Graphite
  • Phantom Black
  • Lavender
  • Cream
  • Lime
  • Navigator Beige
  • Pioneer Green

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.67 "
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 88.1 % 87.3 %
Pixel Density 425 PPI 395 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A 600 nits
HBM Brightness 1200 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 1750 nits 2000 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 104.81 mAh/in² 112.39 mAh/in²
Battery Density 49.47 mAh/cm³ 51.43 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 3900 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510) Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 740 Mali-G68 MC4

Connectivity

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

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 13 14
Maximum OS Version 17 16

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureSamsung Galaxy S23Realme 12+Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6163 x 75.5 x 7.9S23 is significantly more compact and pocketable. Realme 12+ is larger, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use.
Weight (g)168190S23 is noticeably lighter, reducing hand fatigue during extended use.
BuildInformation not providedInformation not providedBuild materials (glass, plastic) impact durability and premium feel. This information is missing.
Display
Size (inches)6.16.67Realme 12+ offers a larger screen for more immersive media consumption but may be less suitable for one-handed use.
Resolution (px)1080 x 23401080 x 2400Similar sharpness due to size difference; both are suitable for everyday use.
Refresh Rate (Hz)120120Both offer smooth scrolling and animations.
Peak Brightness (nits)17502000Realme 12+ can get brighter, improving outdoor visibility.
Display TypeDynamic AMOLED 2XAMOLEDS23's Dynamic AMOLED 2X generally offers better color accuracy and contrast.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 2Dimensity 7050S23 boasts a significantly more powerful chipset, resulting in faster app loading, smoother gaming, and better overall performance.
CPUOcta-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & ...)Octa-core (2x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & ...)S23's CPU architecture is more advanced, providing superior processing power.
GPUAdreno 740Mali-G68 MC4S23 has a more powerful GPU, enabling higher graphics settings and smoother gameplay in demanding games.
RAM (GB)88Both offer ample RAM for multitasking.
Camera
Main Camera (MP)5050Megapixel count is similar, but sensor quality and processing significantly impact image quality. Detailed sensor information for Realme 12+ is lacking.
Video RecordingUp to 8K@30fpsUp to 4K@30fpsS23 supports higher resolution video recording (8K) with more advanced stabilization (EIS, Stereo Sound).
Battery
Capacity (mAh)39005000Realme 12+ has a substantially larger battery, potentially lasting longer on a single charge.
Fast Charging (W)2567Realme 12+ supports significantly faster charging, minimizing downtime.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy S23 Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 significantly outperforms the Dimensity 7050, providing a noticeable difference in speed and responsiveness.
  • Compact Design: The smaller and lighter form factor enhances one-handed usability.
  • Higher Quality Display: Dynamic AMOLED 2X typically offers richer colors and deeper blacks compared to standard AMOLED.
  • Advanced Camera Features: 8K video recording, more versatile lens setup, and potentially better image processing (due to the superior chipset).

Realme 12+ Advantages:

  • Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery likely provides significantly longer battery life.
  • Faster Charging: 67W fast charging drastically reduces charging times.
  • Larger Display: Offers a more immersive experience for media consumption.
  • Lower Price: Generally more affordable than the S23.

Trade-offs:

  • Performance vs. Battery Life: S23 prioritizes performance, potentially at the cost of battery life. Realme 12+ emphasizes battery life but compromises on processing power.
  • Size and Portability vs. Screen Real Estate: S23 offers a compact design for easy one-handed use, while Realme 12+ maximizes screen size for immersive viewing.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy S23: Users who prioritize performance, a premium experience, a compact design, and advanced camera features. Ideal for demanding tasks like gaming, content creation, and multitasking.

Realme 12+: Users who prioritize battery life, fast charging, a large display for media consumption, and affordability. Suitable for users who primarily use their phones for browsing, social media, and watching videos.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The S23 is typically more expensive.
  2. What are your primary phone usage patterns? (Gaming, photography, social media, etc.)
  3. Do you prioritize performance or battery life?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Heavy gamer: Samsung Galaxy S23
  • Frequent traveler: Realme 12+ (due to larger battery)
  • Budget-conscious user: Realme 12+
  • Photographer/Videographer: Samsung Galaxy S23 (due to superior camera features)

My Choice: Samsung Galaxy S23

While the Realme 12+ offers tempting features like a larger battery and faster charging, the significantly superior performance, more compact design, and overall more premium experience of the Samsung Galaxy S23 make it the better choice for me. I value a smooth and responsive user experience, especially for tasks like gaming and multitasking, and I'm willing to compromise slightly on battery life for that. The S23's advanced camera features are also a significant draw for me. While the Realme 12+ offers great value for its price, the S23's overall package is more aligned with my personal preferences and needs.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.