Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Realme 12x - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Realme 12x
Realme 12x
Realme

General

Launch Date February 17, 2023 April 7, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 78.83 cm³ 99.56 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.63 "/g 3.51 "/g
Weight 168 g 190 g
Height 146.3 mm 165.6 mm
Width 70.9 mm 76.1 mm
Thickness 7.6 mm 7.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Green
  • Graphite
  • Phantom Black
  • Lavender
  • Cream
  • Lime
  • Glowing Black
  • Feather Green

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.67 "
Resolution 1080 x 2340 720 x 1604
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 88.1 % 85.1 %
Pixel Density 425 PPI 264 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 1200 nits 625 nits
Peak Brightness 1750 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 104.81 mAh/in² 112.39 mAh/in²
Battery Density 49.47 mAh/cm³ 50.22 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 3900 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (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 (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 740 Mali-G57 MC2

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

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureSamsung Galaxy S23Realme 12xPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions (mm)146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6165.6 x 76.1 x 7.9S23 is significantly more compact and pocketable.
Weight (g)168190S23 is noticeably lighter for comfortable one-handed use.
BuildGlass front/back, aluminum frame(Missing)Build quality impacts durability and premium feel; information lacking for Realme 12x.
Display
Display TypeDynamic AMOLED 2XIPS LCDS23 offers superior contrast, vibrant colors, and deeper blacks due to AMOLED technology.
Display Size6.1"6.67"Realme 12x provides a larger screen for media consumption, but may be less comfortable for one-handed use.
Resolution1080 x 2340720 x 1604S23 has a much sharper display with higher pixel density (425 ppi vs 264 ppi), resulting in clearer text and images.
Refresh Rate120Hz120HzBoth offer smooth scrolling and animations.
Peak Brightness1750 nits(Missing, but listed as 625 nits typical)S23 likely offers better outdoor visibility due to significantly higher peak brightness.
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 8 Gen 2Dimensity 6100+S23 boasts a flagship chipset, delivering significantly faster performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
CPUOcta-core (1x3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)S23's CPU architecture is more powerful and efficient.
GPUAdreno 740Mali-G57 MC2S23 offers superior graphics performance for gaming and visually intensive applications.
RAM8GB12GBWhile Realme 12x has more RAM, the S23's superior processor and software optimization likely result in better overall performance.
Camera
Main Camera50MP, f/1.850MP, f/1.8Similar megapixel count, but image quality depends on sensor size, processing, and other factors not fully detailed for Realme 12x.
Ultrawide12MP, f/2.2NoneS23 offers ultrawide photography capabilities, while Realme 12x does not.
Telephoto10MP, f/2.4NoneS23 provides optical zoom for clearer zoomed-in shots.
VideoUp to 8K@30fpsUp to 1080p@30fpsS23 offers much higher video resolution and frame rates.
Battery
Capacity3900 mAh5000 mAhRealme 12x has a larger battery capacity, potentially offering longer battery life.
Charging25W Wired, 10W Wireless15W WiredS23 offers faster wired charging and supports wireless charging.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy S23 Advantages:

  • Significantly faster performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 offers a substantial performance advantage for demanding tasks and gaming.
  • Superior display: The Dynamic AMOLED 2X provides vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and higher resolution for a more immersive viewing experience.
  • More versatile camera system: The inclusion of ultrawide and telephoto lenses, along with 8K video recording, makes the S23's camera system more capable.
  • More compact and premium design: The S23 is smaller, lighter, and likely uses higher quality materials (although Realme 12x build details are missing).
  • Faster charging and wireless charging: Offers convenience and faster top-ups.

Realme 12x Advantages:

  • Larger battery capacity: Potentially longer battery life between charges.
  • Lower price: Offers a more budget-friendly option.
  • More RAM: Though potentially negated by the S23's superior processor.

Trade-offs:

  • Performance vs. Battery Life: The S23 prioritizes performance, while the Realme 12x leans towards battery life.
  • Premium Features vs. Price: The S23 offers a more premium experience with a higher price tag.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy S23: Users who prioritize performance, a high-quality display, a versatile camera system, and a premium design. Ideal for:

  • Power users: Demanding apps, multitasking, gaming.
  • Photography enthusiasts: Capturing high-quality photos and videos.
  • Content consumers: Enjoying media on a vibrant display.

Realme 12x: Users seeking a budget-friendly option with a large display and long battery life. Ideal for:

  • Casual users: Primarily using social media, browsing, and basic tasks.
  • Budget-conscious buyers: Prioritizing affordability over premium features.
  • Users who prioritize battery life: Needing a phone that lasts all day on a single charge.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The S23 is significantly more expensive.
  2. What are your primary phone usage patterns? Gaming, photography, or basic tasks?
  3. Which features are most important to you? Performance, display quality, battery life, camera versatility?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Heavy gamer: S23 for its superior performance.
  • Photographer: S23 for its versatile camera system.
  • Casual user on a budget: Realme 12x for its affordability and long battery life.

My Choice: Samsung Galaxy S23

While the Realme 12x offers a compelling value proposition with its large battery and lower price, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is the clear winner for me. The significantly faster performance, superior display quality, more versatile camera system, and more compact form factor are all crucial factors in my decision. I prioritize a smooth and responsive user experience, high-quality visuals, and the ability to capture great photos and videos. The price premium for the S23 is justified by the significant leap in overall quality and capabilities. The S23 would provide a much more enjoyable and future-proof experience in the long run.

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.