Galaxy A23 vs Galaxy S25+

Galaxy A23
Galaxy A23
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$284.42

Versus A$715.00 new

See options
Galaxy S25+
Galaxy S25+
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$949.00

Versus A$1,699.00 new

See options

The Samsung Galaxy A23, released in March 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, launched in February 2025, represent distinct tiers within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While both operate on the Android platform, the S25 Plus is a premium flagship device, offering advanced features and performance, whereas the A23 is positioned as a more accessible option. Key differentiators include their processing power, display technology, and camera capabilities, catering to different user expectations and needs.

Scores

Durability

The lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its physical resilience and the duration of software support it receives. These two devices offer different expectations in both areas.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy A23 was released in March 2022, making it an older model compared to the Galaxy S25 Plus, which launched in February 2025. This age difference inherently impacts their remaining software support.
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy A23, originally running Android 12, was eligible for two major Android OS upgrades, reaching Android 14 for the 4G variant and Android 15 for the 5G variant by July 2025. It also receives four years of security updates. In contrast, the Galaxy S25 Plus launched with Android 15 and is promised seven years of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates, extending its viability well into 2032.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy A23 has a repairability score of 6.75 out of 10, indicating a relatively straightforward repair process for components like the battery and back plate. The Galaxy S25 Plus received a high repairability score of 9 out of 10 from PBKreviews, noting improvements like an easier-to-remove battery and the use of standard Philips screws.

Release year

2022

2025

Operating system

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a critical aspect for daily smartphone use, affecting everything from app responsiveness to multitasking efficiency. The Galaxy A23 and S25 Plus offer different levels of processing power.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy A23 is equipped with a processor designed for efficient everyday tasks, handling common applications and light gaming smoothly. The Galaxy S25 Plus features a current-generation flagship processor, enabling exceptionally fast multitasking, demanding applications, and high-performance gaming with advanced graphics capabilities.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: Users of the Galaxy A23 will find it capable for general use, but may experience slower loading times or occasional stutters with more intensive applications or numerous apps running simultaneously. The Galaxy S25 Plus provides a highly responsive experience, allowing for seamless transitions between applications and smooth operation even under heavy loads, supported by its substantial RAM.
  • Storage and RAM: The Galaxy A23 offers storage options up to 128GB and RAM configurations up to 8GB, with expandable storage via microSD. The Galaxy S25 Plus starts with 256GB of internal storage and comes with 12GB of RAM, providing ample space and memory for advanced users without expandable storage.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display is the primary interface for smartphone interaction, and the quality of the screen significantly impacts the user experience.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy A23 features a 6.6-inch PLS LCD display with a 1080x2408 pixel resolution, offering clear visuals for general content consumption. The Galaxy S25 Plus boasts a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a higher 3120x1440 pixel (QHD+) resolution, providing sharper details and richer colors.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The A23's display has a 90Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and animations compared to standard 60Hz screens. The S25 Plus features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, delivering exceptionally fluid visuals, and reaches a peak brightness of 2600 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions.
  • Viewing Experience: While the Galaxy A23 provides a satisfactory viewing experience for everyday tasks, the Galaxy S25 Plus offers a more immersive and vibrant display, particularly beneficial for multimedia consumption, detailed work, and gaming, due to its superior panel technology and higher brightness.

Resolution

1080 x 2408

1440x3120

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many smartphone users, influencing how they capture and share moments.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A23 features a quad-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor that includes optical image stabilization (OIS), a 5MP ultrawide lens, and two 2MP auxiliary sensors for macro and depth. The Galaxy S25 Plus comes with a triple-camera system, including a 50MP main camera with OIS, a 12MP ultrawide camera, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, offering more versatile photography options.
  • Photography Performance: The A23 is capable of capturing clear photos in good lighting conditions, with its 50MP main sensor providing decent detail. The S25 Plus delivers high-quality images with improved detail, dynamic range, and color accuracy across various lighting conditions, including enhanced low-light performance and the benefit of optical zoom for distant subjects.
  • Video and Front Camera: Both devices feature an 8MP front camera on the A23 and a 12MP front camera on the S25 Plus for selfies and video calls. The S25 Plus supports 8K video recording from its main camera and 4K at 60fps from all its rear cameras, while the A23 records up to 1080p at 30fps.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical features contribute to the overall usability and daily experience of a smartphone.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy A23 supports 4G or 5G connectivity depending on the variant, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.0, and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack alongside its USB-C port. The Galaxy S25 Plus offers advanced 5G connectivity, newer Wi-Fi standards, and Bluetooth, featuring a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, but typically omits the headphone jack.
  • Build Materials and Durability: The A23 features a plastic back and frame with Gorilla Glass 5 protection on the front. The S25 Plus utilizes more premium materials, including a recycled armor aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, contributing to enhanced durability and a more refined feel. It also carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
  • Biometric Security and Dimensions: The Galaxy A23 incorporates a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The Galaxy S25 Plus features an under-display fingerprint sensor and may include more advanced facial recognition capabilities. The A23 weighs 195g, while the S25 Plus is slightly lighter and thinner despite its larger screen.

Weight

195 oz

190 oz

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.7

Network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy A23 and Galaxy S25 Plus cater to different segments of the smartphone market, offering distinct advantages based on user priorities. User feedback for the Galaxy A23 often highlights its reliable battery life and satisfactory camera for its category, making it a practical choice for everyday communication and basic tasks. Criticisms sometimes point to its display technology and overall performance compared to higher-end devices.

The Galaxy S25 Plus, as a flagship, receives praise for its exceptional performance, vibrant display, and long-term software support. Users appreciate its smooth operation, advanced camera features, and premium build quality. Some discussions note that while its battery life is strong, charging speeds might not be the fastest compared to some competitors.

Users prioritizing extended software support, cutting-edge performance for demanding applications, and a superior visual and photographic experience will find the Galaxy S25 Plus well-suited to their needs. Its premium construction and advanced features make it ideal for professionals, content creators, or those who simply desire the latest technology. Conversely, users seeking a dependable device for essential smartphone functions, with good battery life and a capable camera for casual use, may find the Galaxy A23 to be a more practical option. It serves well for students or individuals who value functionality without needing top-tier specifications.

For those considering either device, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative, offering a sustainable choice for acquiring these smartphones.