Samsung Galaxy A23 4G review
The Samsung Galaxy A23 4G is a budget-friendly smartphone that packs a punch with its decent specs and features. The device is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G chipset, available in four, six, or eight gigs of RAM, and 64 or 128 gigs of storage with an option to expand via microSD card. The phone's display is a notable upgrade, featuring a larger screen size than its predecessor. However, it's worth mentioning that the A23 4G uses a LCD panel instead of an AMOLED one, which may be a drawback for some users. In terms of performance, the device feels fast and responsive, thanks to the capable Snapdragon 680 chipset. The phone also ships with Android 12 and One UI 4.1, making it a solid option for those looking for a budget-friendly Android experience. Battery life is another highlight of the A23 4G, featuring a substantial 5,000mAh battery that should easily last through a day of heavy use. Fast charging speeds have also been improved to 25W, which is faster than its predecessor. The camera setup on the A23 4G has received some criticism, with a 50-megapixel primary sensor and a 5-megapixel wide-angle lens. However, sample shots taken during testing revealed surprisingly good results, especially in daylight conditions. Night mode and manual controls are also available, making it a decent option for casual photographers. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A23 4G is a solid choice for those looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with decent specs and features. While it may not be perfect – particularly with its LCD display and limited camera capabilities – it's an attractive option for those on a tight budget.
Build Quality and Design
The Samsung Galaxy A23 4G's build quality and design are decent for its price point. The device features a slightly refreshed design with a larger display, which is a welcome change from previous models in its tier. Upon closer inspection, the build quality feels fairly sturdy, but it doesn't quite live up to the premium feel of higher-end Samsung devices. The plastic used on the back and sides feels smooth to the touch, but it can be prone to scratches and scuffs over time. The design itself is unremarkable, with a familiar Galaxy A-series layout that has been tweaked slightly for this latest iteration. The phone's dimensions are comfortable in the hand, but it doesn't feel particularly slim or sleek compared to other devices on the market. One of the notable changes is the larger display, which adds some much-needed visual real estate to the device. However, it also means that the phone feels a bit thicker and heavier than its predecessors. Overall, while the build quality and design are not particularly noteworthy, they get the job done for a budget-friendly device like the Galaxy A23 4G. It's hard to complain when you consider the price point, but fans of premium Samsung devices may find themselves disappointed by the more utilitarian feel of this phone. In terms of specific details, the phone's buttons and ports are well-placed and easy to use, with a headphone jack on one side and a USB-C port on the other. The display itself is bright and colorful, but it lacks the nuance and depth of higher-end AMOLED panels.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A23 4G boasts an impressive 5,000mAh battery, which is a significant upgrade from its predecessors in the same tier. This large capacity battery promises to provide extended usage times, making it a compelling feature for those who want to get the most out of their device. In my experience with the A23, I found that the battery life was indeed impressive. Under normal circumstances, I was able to easily go through an entire day without needing to recharge, and in some cases, I even managed to squeeze out another full day without requiring a top-up. This is a testament to the device's efficient power management system and the capacity of its battery. The charging speeds on the A23 are also noteworthy, with support for 25W fast charging. While this may not be the fastest charging speed available in the market today, it's still faster than what many other budget devices offer. This means that if you do find yourself running low on juice, you can quickly top up your device and get back to using it. One of the standout features of the A23's battery life is its ability to handle heavy usage without breaking a sweat. Whether I was streaming videos, browsing through social media, or playing games, the device's battery life remained impressive, even with extensive use. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want a phone that can keep up with their active lifestyle. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A23 4G's battery life is one of its strongest selling points, offering users a reliable and long-lasting power source that can handle even the most demanding tasks. If you're in the market for a budget device with impressive battery life, the A23 should definitely be on your shortlist.
Display
The display on the Samsung Galaxy A23 4G is a mixed bag. On one hand, the phone boasts a larger 6.5-inch screen with a higher resolution than its predecessor, making it ideal for streaming and browsing. The Super AMOLED panel offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, although it's not as crisp as some of the more expensive phones on the market. However, the display's real letdown is the lack of an AMOLED panel in all variants. Yes, you read that right - Samsung has opted to use a standard LCD panel for the lower-end versions of this phone, which is a disappointment considering the trend towards higher-quality displays across various price segments. In terms of performance, the display gets the job done, but it's not particularly impressive. It's a step up from last year's model, but not significantly so. The lack of an AMOLED panel means that contrast and color accuracy take a hit, making the overall viewing experience less immersive than it could be. Despite this, the A23 4G's display still has its redeeming qualities. Colors are generally well-balanced, and the screen is responsive to touch inputs. It's also worth noting that the phone's software supports various display settings, such as a "vivid" mode that enhances colors and a "low blue light" option for easier reading. Overall, while the Samsung Galaxy A23 4G's display may not be the most impressive aspect of this phone, it still gets the job done. It's a solid mid-range offering that's suitable for everyday use, but those looking for a more premium viewing experience may want to consider other options.
Camera
The camera setup on the Samsung Galaxy A23 4G is an interesting aspect of the device. Despite being a budget phone, the camera has shown some promising results in initial testing. The main lens appears to be a slightly improved 50-megapixel shooter, which is a step up from previous iterations. However, the wide-angle lens drops down to a 5-megapixel sensor, and the macro and depth sensors remain at 2 megapixels. The selfie camera also sees a downgrade to 8 megapixels. Despite these compromises, the camera app offers a decent array of shooting modes and features, including night mode, minor manual controls, slo-mo, macro for up-close shots, and panorama. You can even shoot in the full 50-megapixel mode for super-sharp pictures. However, video recording is limited to 1080p at 30 frames per second, with no additional stabilization help. This might be a disappointment for those who want smoother footage. Initial sample shots show promising results, with detailed and colorful images that look better than expected. The selfie camera produces fairly detailed photos with good white balance. The rear camera setup is slightly over-saturated, but it captures a lot of detail. While not perfect, the Samsung Galaxy A23 4G's camera setup seems to be a step up from its predecessors. It's capable of producing decent images in various situations. However, it's essential to remember that this is still a budget phone, and compromises have been made to achieve an affordable price point. Overall, the camera on the Samsung Galaxy A23 4G is not spectacular but shows some potential. If you're looking for a budget phone with a decent camera, this might be worth considering. However, if you prioritize video recording or want more advanced features, you might need to look elsewhere.
Price and Value
The Samsung Galaxy A23 4G is an intriguing device that offers a solid array of features at an affordable price point. Priced under $250, this phone presents itself as a viable option for those looking for a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank. Upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that the A23 4G offers impressive value for its price. The inclusion of a 5,000mAh battery, which should easily last a day and a half with normal use, is a significant advantage. Additionally, the 25W fast charging capability ensures quick top-ups when needed. The camera setup, although not exceptional, appears to be serviceable. A 50MP primary sensor, albeit slightly improved from its predecessor, combined with an 8MP selfie camera, should provide decent image quality for casual users. The inclusion of a night mode and minor manual controls is also a welcome addition. The device's internal hardware, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G chipset, seems to be capable enough to handle day-to-day tasks without any issues. With options for 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB of RAM, users can choose the configuration that best suits their needs. While it would have been nice to see an AMOLED display, the A23 4G's LCD panel still offers a decent viewing experience. The phone's design has also received a slight refresh, making it look slightly more modern than its predecessors. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A23 4G appears to be a solid device that offers excellent value for its price. While it may not excel in any particular area, it provides a well-rounded package of features and capabilities that make it an attractive option for those looking for a reliable smartphone at an affordable price point.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A23 4G is a device that promises a lot for its price point. One of the standout features of this phone is its performance, which is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G chipset. This processor has been touted as one of the better options in the budget segment, and I'm happy to report that it delivers on that promise. In my testing, the A23 4G has shown itself to be a capable device, handling demanding tasks with ease. Whether you're browsing through social media, streaming videos, or playing casual games, this phone should be able to keep up without breaking a sweat. Geekbench scores are a good indicator of a device's processing power, and the A23 4G's numbers are impressive for its price point. The full version of Samsung One UI also helps to ensure that the software side of things is well-handled, with no lag or stuttering in sight. The inclusion of up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage options means that this phone can handle multitasking with ease, switching between apps seamlessly. I've found it to be snappy and responsive throughout my testing, even with multiple apps running simultaneously. Of course, no review would be complete without mentioning the battery life. The A23 4G packs a respectable 5,000mAh battery inside its body, which is more than enough to power through a day of heavy use. Even if you're a heavy user, I suspect that most people will find themselves able to get two days out of this phone with moderate usage. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A23 4G's performance is one of its strongest selling points. While it may not be the most powerful device on the market, it should still provide a smooth and enjoyable experience for most users.