Galaxy A23 5G • Unlocked vs Galaxy S10E • Unlocked

Galaxy A23 5G • Unlocked
Galaxy A23 5G • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$123.00

Versus $279.99 new

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Galaxy S10E • Unlocked
Galaxy S10E • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$117.00

Versus $459.00 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G (released in late 2022) and the Samsung Galaxy S10e (released in early 2019) represent different eras and market segments within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While the Galaxy A23 5G offers more recent connectivity and a larger display, the Galaxy S10e, a former compact flagship, provides a more premium build and higher-tier performance from its generation. Both devices run on the Android operating system, but their software support timelines and overall user experiences diverge significantly due to their respective release years.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is heavily influenced by its release date and the manufacturer's software support policy. These two devices offer distinct trajectories in this regard.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S10e, launched in March 2019, is an older device compared to the Galaxy A23 5G, which arrived in August/September 2022. This age difference directly impacts their remaining software support.
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S10e received its last major Android OS update with Android 12, and security updates for the original S10e model concluded in April 2023. In contrast, the Galaxy A23 5G launched with Android 12 and is expected to receive updates up to Android 15 by July 2025, with security patches continuing for a total of four years from its release. This means the A23 5G offers a significantly longer period of official software support.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy S10e received a low repairability score of 3 out of 10 from iFixit, indicating that repairs can be challenging due to extensive adhesive and soldered components. The Galaxy A23 5G, on the other hand, is considered more repairable, scoring 6.75 out of 10, with components like the battery being more accessible for replacement.

Release Year

2022

2019

Last OS Compatibility

Yes

No

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance varies between these two devices, reflecting their different market positions and the technological advancements over their respective release periods.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S10e, as a former flagship, features a processor designed for high-end tasks, offering robust performance for demanding applications and multitasking from its era. The Galaxy A23 5G is equipped with a more recent, but mid-range processor, providing smooth operation for everyday use and 5G connectivity.
  • System Responsiveness: Users of the Galaxy S10e generally reported blazing fast performance and a smooth user interface during its prime. The Galaxy A23 5G delivers smooth and responsive performance for typical smartphone activities, though some users noted potential sluggishness with lower RAM configurations or very heavy gaming.
  • Storage and RAM: The Galaxy S10e typically came with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. The Galaxy A23 5G offers configurations with 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of storage. Both models support expandable storage via a microSD card.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display experience on these two Samsung smartphones presents notable differences in technology, size, and visual characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S10e features a 5.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, known for its deep blacks, vibrant colors, and HDR10+ support. The Galaxy A23 5G comes with a larger 6.6-inch TFT LCD panel.
  • Resolution and Clarity: Both devices offer Full HD+ resolutions (2280x1080 for S10e, 2408x1080 for A23 5G), providing clear and sharp visuals for typical viewing distances.
  • Refresh Rate and Brightness: A key difference is the refresh rate; the Galaxy A23 5G boasts a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations, a feature often found in higher-tier devices. The Galaxy S10e has a standard 60Hz refresh rate but offers excellent brightness, ensuring good outdoor visibility.

Resolution

1080 x 2408

1080 x 2280

Screen type

PLS LCD

Dynamic AMOLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Galaxy A23 5G and Galaxy S10e reflect different approaches to mobile photography, with varying strengths in different scenarios.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy A23 5G features a quad-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor (with optical image stabilization), a 5MP ultrawide, and two 2MP sensors for macro and depth. The Galaxy S10e has a dual-camera system, including a 12MP main sensor with dual aperture and optical image stabilization, alongside a 16MP ultrawide lens.
  • Photography Performance: The A23 5G's 50MP main camera is noted for taking sharp photos with good detail and accurate colors in daylight, and its Night mode can improve low-light shots. The S10e's main camera was praised for capable performance in most lighting conditions, producing good detail and color range, though its low-light performance was considered mediocre compared to some contemporaries.
  • Video and Front Camera: Both devices offer good video recording capabilities, with the A23 5G supporting up to 1080p at 30fps. The Galaxy S10e has a 10MP front camera, while the A23 5G features an 8MP front camera.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

8 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate the user experience and utility of these two smartphones.

  • Connectivity: A significant distinction is network capability; the Galaxy A23 5G supports 5G networks, offering faster mobile data speeds where available. The Galaxy S10e is limited to LTE (4G) connectivity. Both support modern Wi-Fi standards and Bluetooth.
  • Ports and Sensors: Both devices include a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature appreciated by many users. They both utilize USB-C for charging and data transfer. The S10e features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button, while the A23 5G also has a side-mounted fingerprint reader.
  • Design and Build: The Galaxy S10e boasts a more compact form factor, measuring 142.2 x 69.9 x 7.9 mm and weighing 150g, with a premium glass and aluminum construction and IP68 water resistance. The Galaxy A23 5G is larger at 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm and heavier at 197g, featuring a glass front (Gorilla Glass 5) and a plastic back and frame.

Weight

7 oz

5 oz

Screen size (inches)

6.8

5.8

Network

5G

LTE

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G and Galaxy S10e cater to different user priorities, largely shaped by their release timelines and original market positioning. The Galaxy S10e, a compact flagship from 2019, was praised for its excellent Dynamic AMOLED display, fast performance, and inclusion of a headphone jack. Users appreciated its smaller size and premium build quality, including IP68 water resistance. However, common criticisms included its mediocre battery life and less impressive low-light camera performance. Its software support has also concluded, meaning it no longer receives official Android version upgrades or regular security patches.

The more recent Galaxy A23 5G, released in late 2022, is often lauded for its long-lasting 5000mAh battery, a large 120Hz display for smooth visuals, and capable camera system, especially its 50MP main sensor. Its 5G connectivity is also a significant advantage for users seeking faster network speeds. Some users, however, noted that performance could be less fluid with lower RAM variants.

Users prioritizing a compact, premium-feeling device with a high-quality AMOLED screen and strong performance for its generation may find the Galaxy S10e appealing, especially if long-term software updates are not a primary concern. Conversely, those who value extended software support, a larger display with a high refresh rate, superior battery life, and 5G connectivity will likely find the Galaxy A23 5G better suited to their needs. Both devices offer a headphone jack and expandable storage, which are practical benefits. For those considering either model, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide a sustainable choice for acquiring these devices.

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