Samsung Galaxy A23 Review

Key Features

The Samsung Galaxy A23, launched on March 25, 2022, is a mid-range smartphone featuring a 6.6-inch PLS LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate. It’s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G chipset, coupled with an Octa-core CPU and Adreno 610 GPU. The device runs on Android 12, upgradable to Android 14. The A23 has a large 5000mAh battery, supports 25W fast charging, and includes a quad-camera setup on the rear headlined by a 50MP main sensor with OIS and a 8MP front-facing selfie camera. It also offers NFC, side-mounted fingerprint sensor and multiple connectivity options including Wi-Fi ac, Bluetooth 5.1, and a USB Type-C 2.0 port.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Large Display: The 6.6-inch display with 90Hz refresh rate offers a smooth and immersive viewing experience.
• Decent Performance: The Snapdragon 680 chipset is adequate for everyday tasks and moderate gaming.
• Versatile Camera: The 50MP main camera with OIS provides good image quality in various lighting conditions, supported by ultrawide, macro and depth sensors.
• Long-lasting Battery: The 5000mAh battery should easily last a full day of usage.
• Expandable storage: The device offers various storage options and further expansion through an SD card.
• NFC Support: Enables contactless payments and other NFC interactions.

Cons:

• Display Technology: While 90Hz is a plus, the PLS LCD panel is not as vibrant or color-accurate as AMOLED displays found in some competitors.
• Charging Speed: 25W fast charging is not the fastest in its category, though it's a welcome addition.
• No 5G: The phone is only capable of connecting to 4G networks
• No HDR support: The screen does not support HDR or Dolby vision.
• No Display Port No video out capabilities over the USB-C port

User Experience

The Samsung Galaxy A23 provides a generally smooth user experience thanks to its 90Hz display and capable Snapdragon 680 processor. Navigating through the interface and using apps is fluid, with occasional minor stutters during resource-intensive tasks. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is responsive and conveniently placed. The device's large battery comfortably handles a full day of moderate to heavy use. The device has a plastic build, which makes it light to hold. The camera app is straightforward, offering various modes and settings to experiment with. The phone's software is fairly intuitive, although there are the expected Samsung customizations.

Hardware & Design

The Galaxy A23 measures 165.4 mm in height, 76.9 mm in width, and 8.4 mm in depth, weighing 195 grams. It utilizes a plastic frame and back, contributing to its lightweight feel. The front is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5. It features a 6.6-inch PLS LCD display with a 1080 x 2408 resolution and a pixel density of approximately 400 ppi. The display has a waterdrop notch housing the front-facing camera. The phone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) chipset, which includes an octa-core CPU (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) and an Adreno 610 GPU. It comes with 4GB or 6GB of RAM and either 64GB or 128GB of internal storage. The device includes standard sensors like an accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. Connectivity features include Wi-Fi (a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 5.1, NFC and USB Type-C 2.0 with OTG.

Camera System

The A23 is equipped with a quad-camera setup on the rear consisting of a 50MP main camera with an f/1.8 aperture, OIS, and a Samsung S5KJN1 ISOCELL sensor. It’s accompanied by a 5MP ultrawide camera (f/2.2), a 2MP macro camera (f/2.4), and a 2MP depth sensor (f/2.4). This camera array offers features like digital zoom, autofocus, touch focus, PDAF, continuous shooting, HDR, panorama, and face detection. The front-facing camera is an 8MP shooter with an f/2.2 aperture. The video recording capabilities are limited to 1080p at 30fps. Additionally, it supports slow-motion video recording at 120 fps.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy A23 is a solid mid-range option offering a large, smooth display, reliable performance, and a versatile camera system. Its long-lasting battery and NFC support are additional advantages. However, the PLS LCD display, lack of 5G and the relatively slower charging speeds might be drawbacks for some users. It's a well-rounded device for users seeking a dependable smartphone for everyday tasks, photography and light gaming without breaking the bank.