Galaxy A23 5G vs Galaxy S22 5G

Galaxy A23 5G
Galaxy A23 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$219.00

Versus A$457.00 new

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Galaxy S22 5G
Galaxy S22 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$353.00

Versus A$1,189.00 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G and the Samsung Galaxy S22 5G are two distinct smartphone offerings from Samsung, released in 2022. While both devices operate on the Android platform and offer 5G connectivity, they cater to different user expectations, with the Galaxy S22 5G positioned as a more premium device and the Galaxy A23 5G as a more accessible option. Their primary differences lie in their build quality, processing power, and camera capabilities.

Scores

Durability

The expected lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its physical durability and the duration of software support it receives.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S22 5G was released in February 2022, while the Galaxy A23 5G followed in August/September 2022 globally, and January 2023 in some markets like India. [1, 6, 8, 9, 10, 24, 30, 35] This means the Galaxy S22 5G is slightly older.
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S22 5G launched with Android 12 and was promised four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates. [1, 16, 33, 39] It has since received updates up to Android 16, which is its final major OS upgrade, with security updates continuing until 2027. [24, 41, 44] The Galaxy A23 5G also launched with Android 12 and was slated for two major Android OS upgrades and four years of security updates. [16, 25] It has been updated to Android 15 as of July 2025. [27]
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy S22 5G features a more robust construction with Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, an Armor Aluminum frame, and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. [1, 19, 33] This provides enhanced protection against environmental elements. The Galaxy A23 5G uses Gorilla Glass 5 on the front and a plastic back, without an official IP rating, making it less resistant to water and dust ingress. [2, 34]

Release year

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance varies between these two devices, impacting how smoothly they handle daily tasks and more demanding applications.

  • Processing Capabilities: The Galaxy S22 5G is equipped with a more powerful, current-generation processor, allowing it to handle demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and graphic-heavy games with greater ease and responsiveness. [1, 20] The Galaxy A23 5G features a mid-range processor, which provides reliable performance for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. [2, 29]
  • System Responsiveness: Users of the Galaxy S22 5G can expect a consistently fluid and quick user experience, with apps launching rapidly and transitions feeling seamless. The Galaxy A23 5G offers a generally smooth experience for its class, though some users have noted occasional sluggishness, particularly with the 4GB RAM variant. [26]
  • Storage and Multitasking: The Galaxy S22 5G typically comes with 8GB of RAM, contributing to efficient multitasking and app management. [1, 17] It offers internal storage options of 128GB or 256GB, but without expandable storage. [1, 37] The Galaxy A23 5G is available with 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB of RAM, and includes a microSD card slot for storage expansion up to 1TB, alongside 64GB or 128GB internal storage options. [2, 3, 5]

Memory (GB)

4 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a key area of difference, affecting visual quality and user interaction.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S22 5G features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. [1, 19] The Galaxy A23 5G has a larger 6.6-inch PLS LCD screen, which provides good clarity but does not offer the same level of color depth or contrast as an AMOLED panel. [2, 5, 28]
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Galaxy S22 5G's display can reach a peak brightness of 1300 nits, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions. [1] The Galaxy A23 5G's LCD panel is less bright, which can affect readability in direct sunlight. [28, 34]
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both devices offer a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and a more fluid visual experience, particularly noticeable during gaming or when navigating user interfaces. [2, 5, 19]

Resolution

1080 x 2408

1080 x 2340

Screen type

PLS LCD

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both phones offer different capabilities for capturing photos and videos.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S22 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. [1, 19, 37] This configuration allows for detailed shots across various focal lengths and improved stability. The Galaxy A23 5G has a quad-camera system with a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 5MP ultrawide, a 2MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. [2, 5, 12]
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S22 5G delivers excellent overall camera performance, producing high-quality images with good detail and dynamic range in various lighting conditions. [14, 33] Its telephoto lens provides clear zoomed-in shots. The Galaxy A23 5G's main camera performs well in good lighting, offering accurate colors and good contrast, but its secondary ultrawide and macro lenses are more basic in their capabilities. [26]
  • Video Recording Quality: The Galaxy S22 5G supports video recording up to 8K resolution at 24 frames per second, and 4K at 30/60 frames per second, with advanced stabilization features. [1, 19, 40] The Galaxy A23 5G is limited to Full HD (1080p) video recording at 30 frames per second, as its processor does not support 4K video capture. [5, 26]

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

8 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate these two Samsung smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity. The Galaxy S22 5G features Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, while the Galaxy A23 5G supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) and Bluetooth 5.1. [1, 5, 12, 19] A notable difference is the presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack on the Galaxy A23 5G, which is absent on the Galaxy S22 5G. [5, 12, 19]
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S22 5G incorporates an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. [19] The Galaxy A23 5G utilizes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button. [12, 28]
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S22 5G has a more compact and lighter design, measuring 146 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm and weighing 167g, with a premium feel due to its glass and aluminum construction. [1, 17, 33] The Galaxy A23 5G is larger and slightly heavier at 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm and 197g, featuring a plastic back and frame. [12, 17]

Weight

197 oz

195 oz

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.6

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G and Galaxy S22 5G offer distinct experiences tailored to different user needs. User feedback for the Galaxy A23 5G often highlights its excellent battery life, smooth 120Hz display, and capable main camera as strong points. [4, 26, 28] Some users have noted that the overall user experience can feel sluggish with lower RAM configurations. [26] The Galaxy S22 5G is frequently praised for its premium compact design, vibrant AMOLED display, and exceptional camera performance. [14, 33, 40] However, its battery life has been a common point of criticism for heavy users. [32, 33]

Users prioritizing a compact form factor, a high-quality AMOLED display, and advanced camera features, including optical zoom and 8K video recording, will find the Galaxy S22 5G well-suited to their needs. Its longer software support also appeals to those seeking extended longevity. Conversely, users who value a larger screen, expandable storage, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and significantly longer battery life may prefer the Galaxy A23 5G. It offers a solid experience for everyday use without some of the premium features of its counterpart. Both devices are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing a sustainable choice for consumers.

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