Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Samsung Galaxy A54 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date February 17, 2023 March 24, 2023
Release Year 2023 2023

Physical

Volume 78.83 cm³ 99.5 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.63 "/g 3.17 "/g
Weight 168 g 202 g
Height 146.3 mm 158.2 mm
Width 70.9 mm 76.7 mm
Thickness 7.6 mm 8.2 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Green
  • Graphite
  • Phantom Black
  • Lavender
  • Cream
  • Lime
  • White
  • Violet
  • Graphite
  • Lime

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.4 "
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1080 x 2340
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 88.1 % 82.9 %
Pixel Density 425 PPI 403 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 1200 nits 1000 nits
Peak Brightness 1750 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 104.81 mAh/in² 122.07 mAh/in²
Battery Density 49.47 mAh/cm³ 50.25 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 3900 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) Exynos 1380 (5 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 (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 740 Mali-G68 MP5

Connectivity

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

Software

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

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureCategorySamsung Galaxy S23Samsung Galaxy A54Practical Impact
DimensionsDesign146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm, 168g158.2 x 76.7 x 8.2 mm, 202gS23 is significantly smaller and lighter, more pocketable and comfortable for one-handed use. A54 is larger, heavier, might be less comfortable for extended use.
DisplayDisplay6.1" Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1080x2340, 425 PPI6.4" Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1080x2340, 403 PPIS23 has a slightly sharper display due to higher PPI and potentially better color accuracy and brightness with Dynamic AMOLED 2X. Both offer smooth scrolling with 120Hz. A54 provides a larger viewing area.
ChipsetPerformanceSnapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)Exynos 1380 (5 nm)S23 boasts significantly more powerful CPU and GPU, resulting in smoother performance in demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking. A54 offers good performance for everyday tasks but might struggle with high-end gaming or heavy multitasking.
RAMPerformance8GB8GBBoth phones offer the same amount of RAM, which should be sufficient for most users.
BatteryBattery3900 mAh5000 mAhA54 has a much larger battery capacity, potentially translating to significantly longer battery life. S23's smaller battery might require more frequent charging.
Main CameraCamera50MP, f/1.8, Samsung GN550MP, f/1.8, Sony IMX766Both have high-resolution sensors. Image quality differences will depend on image processing. S23 likely performs better in low-light due to a brighter lens (f/1.8). Practical differences would need real-world comparisons.
Video RecordingCameraUp to 8K@30fpsUp to 4K@30fpsS23 offers higher resolution video recording (8K) with better stabilization. A54 is limited to 4K.
ChargingBattery25W Wired, 10W Wireless25W WiredBoth offer similar wired charging speeds. S23 adds wireless charging for convenience.
OSSoftwareAndroid 13, up to Android 17Android 13, up to Android 17Both phones run the same OS version and have the same guaranteed update cycle, ensuring software parity.
USB VersionConnectivityUSB Type-C 3.2USB Type-C 2.0S23 has a faster USB standard, enabling faster data transfer speeds when connected to a computer. However, this difference might not be noticeable for most users in day-to-day usage.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy S23 Advantages:

  • Significantly more powerful: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 provides a superior performance experience.
  • More compact and lighter: Easier to handle and carry.
  • Brighter main camera lens: Potentially better low-light photography.
  • Higher resolution video recording: 8K video recording capability.
  • Wireless charging: Added convenience.
  • Faster Data Transfer: USB 3.2 provides significantly faster data transfer speeds.

Samsung Galaxy A54 Advantages:

  • Larger Battery: Significantly longer battery life.
  • Larger Display: More immersive media consumption.
  • Lower Price: Offers a more budget-friendly option.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy S23: Users who prioritize performance, portability, a premium camera, and the latest features, and are willing to pay a premium. Ideal for demanding tasks, gaming, and content creation.

Samsung Galaxy A54: Users who prioritize battery life, a large screen for media consumption, and affordability. Suitable for everyday tasks, social media, and casual gaming.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The S23 is more expensive.
  2. What are your performance needs? The S23 offers a significant performance advantage.
  3. What is your priority: battery life or portability? The A54 excels in battery life, while the S23 is more compact.

My Choice: Samsung Galaxy S23

While the A54 offers compelling features like a larger battery and display at a lower price, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S23. The significantly improved performance offered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is crucial for my usage, which includes demanding tasks, mobile gaming, and frequent multitasking. The more compact form factor also appeals to me for its portability and ease of one-handed use. I'm willing to compromise slightly on battery life for the overall superior performance and user experience. The faster USB standard is also a plus for quickly transferring large files. While wireless charging isn't a necessity, it's a convenient feature that I appreciate. Ultimately, the S23's superior performance and premium feel outweigh the A54's advantages in battery life and price for my personal 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.

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