Galaxy A23 5G vs iPhone 11 Pro

Galaxy A23 5G
Galaxy A23 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$219.00

Versus A$457.00 new

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iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$327.00

Versus A$1,029.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G, released in September 2022, and the Apple iPhone 11 Pro, launched in September 2019, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While the Galaxy A23 5G operates on the Android platform, offering a customizable experience, the iPhone 11 Pro runs on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem. Key differentiators between these two devices include their operating systems, display technologies, and network connectivity capabilities.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical durability. The iPhone 11 Pro, released in September 2019, is an older model compared to the Galaxy A23 5G, which launched in September 2022.

  • Software Longevity: Apple typically provides iOS updates for its devices for approximately 5-6 years from their release, meaning the iPhone 11 Pro, having been released in 2019, is expected to receive software support for a few more years. Samsung generally offers 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of security updates for its A-series phones, meaning the Galaxy A23 5G, being newer, will likely receive updates for a longer period from its release date.
  • Durability Features: The iPhone 11 Pro features a stainless steel frame and glass construction, along with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, allowing it to withstand submersion in up to 4 meters of water for 30 minutes. The Galaxy A23 5G utilizes a glass front (Corning Gorilla Glass 5) and a plastic frame and back. It does not carry an official IP rating for water and dust resistance, suggesting less protection against environmental elements.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users report that the iPhone 11 Pro, despite its age, continues to perform well, with many expecting several more years of reliable use, especially with a battery replacement. The Galaxy A23 5G, being a newer device, offers a longer guaranteed software update period from its release, which can contribute to its practical lifespan.

Release year

2022

2019

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Operating system

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for everyday tasks, and both devices offer different capabilities in this regard.

  • Processor Capabilities: The iPhone 11 Pro is equipped with a powerful processor that delivers fast and efficient performance for demanding applications and multitasking. The Galaxy A23 5G features a processor that provides solid performance for daily use and mobile gaming, though it may not match the raw power of the iPhone's chip.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The iPhone 11 Pro is equipped with 4GB of RAM, which, combined with iOS's efficient memory management, allows for effective multitasking. It offers internal storage options of 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB, without the possibility of expansion. The Galaxy A23 5G is available with various RAM configurations, including 4GB, 6GB, and 8GB, providing flexibility for users who might require more memory for heavier multitasking or specific applications. It also offers expandable storage up to 1TB via a microSD card.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 11 Pro has a battery that can last a full day with heavy use, with some users reporting up to 10-11 hours of video streaming. The Galaxy A23 5G comes with a larger battery capacity, with users often reporting two days of use under normal conditions, and a full day even with heavy gaming.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer distinct viewing experiences.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone 11 Pro features a 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, providing deep blacks, high contrast, and vibrant colors with a resolution of 2436 x 1125 pixels and a pixel density of 458 PPI. The Galaxy A23 5G has a larger 6.6-inch PLS LCD Infinity-V Display with a resolution of 1080 x 2408 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 400 PPI, offering clear visuals.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Use: The iPhone 11 Pro's OLED display offers high brightness levels, with typical maximum brightness of 800 nits and peak brightness of 1200 nits for HDR content, making it highly visible outdoors. The Galaxy A23 5G's PLS LCD panel offers sufficient brightness for outdoor use, though it may not reach the same peak levels as the iPhone 11 Pro's OLED.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Galaxy A23 5G features a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and a more fluid visual experience, particularly noticeable in fast-paced content or general navigation. The iPhone 11 Pro has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which provides a consistent viewing experience for most content.

Resolution

1080 x 2408

1125 x 2436

Screen type

PLS LCD

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both devices offer capable camera systems, but with different strengths and features.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 11 Pro features a triple 12MP camera system, including Ultra Wide, Wide, and Telephoto lenses, with optical image stabilization on the Wide and Telephoto lenses. It excels in capturing high-quality photos and 4K video at 60fps. The Galaxy A23 5G boasts a quad-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor (which bins down to 12.5MP by default), a 5MP ultrawide, a 2MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. The main camera includes optical image stabilization.
  • Photography Performance: The iPhone 11 Pro is praised for its Night mode, which significantly enhances low-light photography, and its overall clarity and detail in various lighting conditions. The Galaxy A23 5G's main camera delivers good results in most lighting, with decent details and shadows, though its ultrawide and macro lenses are more suited for casual shots.
  • Video Recording and Audio: The iPhone 11 Pro offers 4K video recording at up to 60fps with extended dynamic range and cinematic video stabilization. Its microphone quality is generally considered good for calls and recording. The Galaxy A23 5G records video at 1080p at 30fps from both its primary and selfie cameras, which is considered substandard for crisp video capture.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

8 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and device utility.

  • Connectivity: The Galaxy A23 5G supports 5G networks, offering faster mobile data speeds where available. The iPhone 11 Pro is limited to 4G LTE connectivity. Both devices support Wi-Fi (iPhone 11 Pro with Wi-Fi 6, Galaxy A23 5G with Wi-Fi 5) and Bluetooth (iPhone 11 Pro with Bluetooth 5.0, Galaxy A23 5G with Bluetooth 5.1).
  • Ports and Biometrics: The iPhone 11 Pro uses Apple's proprietary Lightning port for charging and data transfer and features Face ID for secure facial recognition. It does not include a headphone jack. The Galaxy A23 5G features a USB-C port for charging and data transfer and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack. It also has a fingerprint sensor for security.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone 11 Pro has a compact design with a 5.8-inch display, stainless steel frame, and a matte glass back, making it comfortable for one-handed use. It weighs 188g. The Galaxy A23 5G has a larger 6.6-inch display and a plastic back with a matte finish, weighing 197g.

Weight

197 oz

188 oz

Screen size (in)

6.6

5.8

Network

5G

4G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G and iPhone 11 Pro cater to different user preferences and priorities. User reviews for the iPhone 11 Pro frequently praise its camera capabilities, particularly its Night mode and overall image quality, as well as its strong performance and vibrant OLED display. Common criticisms often point to its older design, the lack of 5G connectivity, and the initial storage options. For the Galaxy A23 5G, users often highlight its long battery life, large 120Hz display, and expandable storage as significant advantages. Some users have reported occasional performance issues like lagging or heating, and its video recording capabilities are noted as a weaker point.

Users prioritizing a compact device with a premium build, exceptional camera performance, and a highly integrated software experience may prefer the iPhone 11 Pro. Its robust processor and OLED display continue to offer a refined user experience. Conversely, users who value a larger display with a high refresh rate, extended battery life, 5G connectivity, and expandable storage will find the Galaxy A23 5G well-suited to their needs. It offers a more modern Android experience with greater customisation options. Both devices, especially the iPhone 11 Pro, can be excellent quality-assured refurbished options, providing a sustainable choice for consumers.

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