Galaxy A23 5G • Unlocked vs Galaxy S21 FE 5G • Locked AT&T

The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G, released in September 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, launched in January 2022, are both Android-based smartphones from Samsung. While both offer 5G connectivity, the S21 FE 5G is positioned as a more premium device with enhanced features, whereas the A23 5G provides a balanced experience for everyday use. Both devices run on the Android operating system with Samsung's One UI overlay, ensuring a consistent software experience.

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical durability.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G was released earlier in January 2022, while the Galaxy A23 5G followed in September 2022. This means the S21 FE 5G has already received more software updates since its launch.
• Software Longevity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G typically receives three major Android OS updates and four to five years of security updates. The Galaxy A23 5G is expected to receive two major OS upgrades and four years of security patches. This difference means the S21 FE 5G will likely maintain software currency for a longer period.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for screen protection and boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing it to withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. The Galaxy A23 5G uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for screen protection but lacks an official IP rating for water and dust resistance. Both phones feature a plastic back.

The performance of these two smartphones varies, impacting how smoothly they handle demanding applications and multitasking.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a more powerful processor, which allows it to handle graphically intensive games and demanding applications with greater ease and responsiveness. The Galaxy A23 5G, while capable for daily tasks, offers a more modest performance suitable for general use and lighter gaming.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and offers internal storage options of 128GB or 256GB, without expandable storage. The Galaxy A23 5G is available with 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, with the added flexibility of a microSD card slot for storage expansion up to 1TB.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A23 5G has a larger 5000 mAh battery, which generally translates to extended usage times between charges. The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 4500 mAh battery, which, combined with its more powerful components, may result in more frequent charging for heavy users.

The visual experience on these devices is a key differentiator, primarily due to their display technologies and features.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The Galaxy A23 5G has a larger 6.6-inch PLS LCD screen, which provides good visuals but does not offer the same level of contrast or color depth as an AMOLED panel. Both displays offer Full HD+ resolution for clear viewing.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both devices feature a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and a more fluid visual experience. The Dynamic AMOLED 2X display on the S21 FE 5G generally achieves higher peak brightness levels, making it more comfortable to view in bright outdoor conditions.
• Viewing Experience: The S21 FE 5G's display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, offering enhanced scratch and drop resistance. The A23 5G uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5.

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

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G features a versatile triple-camera setup with a 12MP wide lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This telephoto lens allows for clear zoomed-in shots. The Galaxy A23 5G has a quad-camera system, including a 50MP main camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), a 5MP ultrawide, a 2MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. While the A23 5G has a higher megapixel count for its main sensor, the S21 FE 5G's telephoto lens provides a distinct advantage for distant subjects.
• Low-Light and Video Recording: The S21 FE 5G offers enhanced low-light photography capabilities with features like AI multi-frame processing and Night Mode available on both front and rear cameras. It can record video at 4K resolution at 30/60fps. The A23 5G's main camera also includes OIS for more stable shots and records video at 1080p at 30fps.
• Front Camera: The Galaxy S21 FE 5G is equipped with a 32MP front camera, capable of capturing detailed selfies and 4K video. The Galaxy A23 5G has an 8MP front camera, suitable for everyday video calls and selfies.