Galaxy A54 vs Galaxy S23

Galaxy A54
Galaxy A54
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$331.00

Versus A$714.00 new

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Galaxy S23
Galaxy S23
Starting at

Refurbished price:A$504.00

Versus A$1,458.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A54 (2023) and the Samsung Galaxy S23 (2023) are both Android smartphones from Samsung, released in the same year but targeting different user needs. While the Galaxy A54 offers a larger display and expandable storage, the Galaxy S23 provides a more compact design, enhanced performance, and a more versatile camera system.

Scores

Durability

Both the Galaxy A54 and Galaxy S23 benefit from Samsung's commitment to long-term software support, ensuring a practical lifespan for users.

  • Software Updates: Both devices are promised four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates from their respective launch dates. The Galaxy A54, released in March 2023, is expected to receive updates until Android 17 and security patches until early 2028. The Galaxy S23, released in February 2023, also follows this policy, with support extending until Android 17 and security updates until 2028. [5, 10, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23]
  • Repairability: The Galaxy A54 generally scores slightly higher in repairability assessments, with some sources giving it an 8.4 out of 10 based on French environmental legislation, compared to the Galaxy S23's 8.2. This suggests the A54 might be marginally easier to repair due to less complex internal components. [3, 4, 7]
  • Expected Lifespan: With consistent software and security updates, both phones are designed to remain functional and secure for several years, making them suitable for users seeking a device with extended usability. [5, 10, 14, 23]

Release year

2023

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Operating system

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance capabilities of the Galaxy A54 and Galaxy S23 differ, impacting how smoothly they handle various tasks and applications.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 features a more advanced processor, which translates to noticeably faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a more fluid experience with demanding applications and graphics-intensive games. The Galaxy A54's processor is well-suited for everyday tasks and general use, but may show limitations with extensive gaming or very heavy multitasking. [24, 29, 32, 33]
  • Storage and RAM: The Galaxy S23 offers faster internal storage technology (UFS 4.0 in higher capacities) compared to the Galaxy A54, contributing to quicker data access and app performance. The Galaxy S23 typically comes with 8 GB of RAM, while the A54 is available with 6 GB or 8 GB. The S23 does not offer expandable storage, whereas the A54 includes a hybrid SIM slot that supports microSD cards up to 1 TB. [2, 10, 11, 22, 28]
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A54 is equipped with a larger 5000 mAh battery, often providing a full day of use and potentially up to a day and a half with lighter usage. The Galaxy S23 has a 3900 mAh battery, but its more efficient processor can lead to comparable real-world battery life for moderate users, though heavy users might find it requires more frequent charging. [10, 17, 26, 29, 34, 35, 36]

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both devices offer vibrant displays, but there are distinctions in their size, brightness, and overall viewing experience.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy A54 features a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, providing ample screen real estate for media consumption and browsing. The Galaxy S23 has a more compact 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. Both utilize AMOLED technology, known for deep blacks and vibrant colors. [3, 9, 11, 17, 19]
  • Brightness and Clarity: The Galaxy S23 offers a higher peak brightness of 1750 nits, making it exceptionally clear and easy to view even in bright outdoor conditions. The Galaxy A54 reaches a peak brightness of 1000 nits, which is still good for most outdoor scenarios. Both displays have a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 for A54, 2340 x 1080 for S23), ensuring sharp visuals. [9, 17, 29, 36]
  • Refresh Rate: Both phones feature a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smooth scrolling and a responsive user interface. The S23's display is noted for its smooth integration with the operating system, enhancing the overall fluid experience. [11, 17, 26, 29]

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Super AMOLED

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Galaxy A54 and Galaxy S23 offer different strengths, catering to varied photography and videography preferences.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S23 features a triple camera setup with a 50 MP main sensor, a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and a 10 MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom. This telephoto capability allows for clearer zoomed-in shots. The Galaxy A54 also has a triple camera system, including a 50 MP main sensor, a 12 MP ultrawide, and a 5 MP macro lens, but lacks a dedicated telephoto lens. [2, 17, 28, 29, 34]
  • Photography Performance: Both devices deliver good image quality in well-lit conditions, with the S23 generally offering better overall quality, especially in zoom and low-light scenarios. The A54's main camera performs well in low light thanks to optical image stabilization (OIS), but some users note Samsung's processing can lead to overly saturated images. The S23 also excels in night mode photography. [24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31]
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The Galaxy S23 offers superior video recording capabilities, including better stabilization and higher resolution options. Its 12 MP front camera includes autofocus, which can result in sharper selfies. The A54 has a 32 MP front camera, but some user reviews indicate that skin tone representation in selfies can be inconsistent. [17, 24, 26, 29]

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

32 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements differentiate the user experience between the Galaxy A54 and Galaxy S23.

  • Build Materials and Dimensions: The Galaxy S23 features a more premium construction with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, encased in an aluminum frame, giving it a more compact and lighter feel at 168 grams. The Galaxy A54 uses Gorilla Glass 5 for the front and back, with a plastic frame, and is slightly larger and heavier at 202 grams. [11, 17, 19, 22, 28]
  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, modern Wi-Fi standards, and Bluetooth. The Galaxy S23 includes wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities, which are absent on the Galaxy A54. Both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. [10, 11, 28]
  • Security and Other Features: The Galaxy S23 incorporates an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, generally considered faster and more secure than the optical fingerprint sensor found in the Galaxy A54. The S23 also supports Samsung DeX, allowing for a desktop-like experience when connected to an external display, a feature not available on the A54. [28, 38]

Weight

202 oz

168 oz

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy A54 and Galaxy S23, both released in 2023, cater to different user priorities, offering distinct advantages in their respective categories. User feedback often highlights the Galaxy S23's robust performance and superior camera versatility, particularly its telephoto lens and advanced video capabilities. Many appreciate its compact form factor and premium build quality. However, some users note that its battery life, while efficient, might not always match the larger capacity of the A54 for very heavy usage. The lack of expandable storage is also a frequent point of discussion among S23 users. [26, 28, 29, 33, 34]

Conversely, the Galaxy A54 is frequently praised for its impressive battery longevity and the inclusion of expandable storage, which is a significant draw for users who need ample space for media and apps. Its larger display is also a positive for those who prefer more screen real estate. Common criticisms sometimes revolve around its processing power, which, while adequate for daily tasks, can feel less responsive than the S23 during intensive use or gaming. Some users also mention the camera's tendency for heavy image processing. [25, 32, 35, 36, 37]

Users prioritizing a compact device with top-tier performance, a versatile camera system including optical zoom, and premium features like wireless charging and DeX will find the Galaxy S23 well-suited to their needs. This device is ideal for those who engage in demanding applications, mobile gaming, or advanced photography and videography. On the other hand, users who value a larger display, exceptional battery life, and the flexibility of expandable storage, and whose usage primarily involves everyday tasks, social media, and casual photography, may lean towards the Galaxy A54. Both models represent solid choices within the Samsung ecosystem, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either device can be an eco-friendly alternative.

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