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Introduction
Smartphones from the Galaxy A series have been known for their 4G/5G segmentation. We thought 2022 would bring an end to this, and indeed it did for the A33, A53 and A73. However, the entry-level Galaxy A13 and Galaxy A23 are still subject to this treatment, and today we will review the 5G version of the Samsung Galaxy A23.
The Galaxy A23 5G is the same smartphone as its LTE counterpart, something that is not often the case with these versions. Samsung has used the Snapdragon 695 5G chipset instead of the Snapdragon 680, which, in addition to the 5G modem, has allowed the GPU to draw the interface at up to 120fps for some extra smooth action on the 6.6-inch PLS LCD 1080p- screen.
We appreciate the 120Hz upgrade as it can make things feel smoother, especially with the new One UI 5 (with Android 13) update already available on this phone. The panel still has the same teardrop notch, which may seem dated, but isn’t a major faux pas in our books.
The phone shares an identical no-nonsense design to the rest of the Galaxy A phones, with a flat Gorilla Glass front, a plastic frame and a matte plastic back reminiscent of the high-end Galaxy S22 series. There is no water protection on the Galaxy A23 5G model, something reserved for the AMOLED-packed Galaxy A33 and up.
Although the Galaxy A23 5G is aimed at the entry-level market, we appreciate its camera equipment – it has four cameras on the back, starting with a 50MP OIS primary, then comes a 5MP ultrawide, a 2MP macro camera and finally, there’s a 2MP depth sensor. However, the 8MP selfie camera is a pretty basic piece of kit.
Other notable specs are the tri-card slot with a microSD tray, 3.5mm audio jack, NFC and the large 5,000 mAh with 25W wired charging.
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G specifications at a glance:
- Body: 165.4×76.9×8.4mm, 197g; Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back.
- Screen: 6.60″ PLS LCD, 120Hz, 1080x2408px resolution, 20.07:9 aspect ratio, 400ppi.
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm): Octa-core (2×2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6×1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver); Adreno 619.
- Memory: 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM; microSDXC (dedicated slot).
- OS/Software: Android 12, One UI 4, Android 13 with One UI 5 update now live.
- Rear camera: wide (main): 50 MP, f/1.8, PDAF, OIS; Ultra wide angle: 5MP, f/2.2, 123˚, 1/5″, 1.12µm; Macro: 2MP, f/2.4; Depth: 2MP, f/2.4.
- Front camera: wide (main): 8 MP, f/2.0 – USA; wide (main): 8 MP, f/2.2 – International.
- Video recording: Rear camera: [email protected]; Front camera: [email protected]
- Battery: 5000mAh; 25W cable.
- Various: Fingerprint reader (side-mounted); NFC; 3.5 mm jack; Virtual sense of proximity.
The most notable omissions, if you’ve been following the latest Galaxy A phones, that is, are the OLED panel and the entry protection. There are some other oddities too – virtual proximity sensing remains as controversial as ever, and the lack of a true ambient light sensor is baffling. On top of that, there is no charger in the box.
Unboxing the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is delivered in a small paper box, which contains the phone itself and a white USB-C cable. That is it.
There is no charger, screen protector or headphones.
