Galaxy A23 5G • Unlocked vs iPhone 14 Plus • Unlocked

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

Refurbished price:$123.00

Versus $279.99 new

See options
iPhone 14 Plus • Unlocked
iPhone 14 Plus • Unlocked
Starting at

Refurbished price:$288.32

Versus $729.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G and the iPhone 14 Plus are two distinct smartphone offerings, released in late 2022. The Galaxy A23 5G, launched in September 2022, operates on Android, while the iPhone 14 Plus, released in October 2022, runs on Apple's iOS platform. These devices cater to different user preferences, primarily differing in their operating systems, display technology, and camera capabilities.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability features.

  • Software Support: The iPhone 14 Plus typically receives major iOS updates for approximately 5-7 years from its release, with security patches extending even further. This suggests an expected update timeline until around 2034. The Galaxy A23 5G, launched with Android 12, is generally expected to receive two major OS upgrades and four years of security updates, meaning it will likely receive Android 13 and Android 14.
  • Physical Durability: The iPhone 14 Plus features a Ceramic Shield front cover, a glass back, and an aluminum frame, along with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, allowing submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. The Galaxy A23 5G's display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, and the device features a plastic back with a matte finish.
  • Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing extended software support and robust water/dust resistance may find the iPhone 14 Plus offers a longer practical lifespan. The Galaxy A23 5G provides a solid lifespan for its category, particularly for users who value expandable storage and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which can extend usability.

Release Year

2022

2022

Last OS Compatibility

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in smartphones dictates how smoothly applications run, how quickly tasks are completed, and the overall responsiveness of the user interface.

  • System Responsiveness: The iPhone 14 Plus is equipped with a powerful current-generation processor, enabling smooth navigation, rapid app loading, and efficient multitasking, even with demanding applications. The Galaxy A23 5G utilizes a capable processor that handles everyday tasks and moderate gaming effectively, providing a responsive experience for general use.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The iPhone 14 Plus comes with 6GB of RAM, supporting seamless transitions between multiple open applications. It offers internal storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. 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 microSD card expansion up to 1TB.
  • Battery Behavior: The iPhone 14 Plus is recognized for its exceptional battery endurance, often lasting a full day or more of heavy usage, with a 4325 mAh battery. The Galaxy A23 5G features a larger 5000 mAh battery, providing ample power for extended use throughout the day.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, with technology, resolution, and refresh rate significantly impacting the visual experience.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone 14 Plus features a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering deep blacks, vibrant colors, and a resolution of 2778x1284 pixels, resulting in sharp and detailed visuals. The Galaxy A23 5G has a 6.6-inch PLS LCD Infinity-V display with a 2408x1080 (FHD+) resolution, providing clear and bright images for daily content consumption.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPhone 14 Plus offers a typical brightness of 800 nits and a peak HDR brightness of 1200 nits, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions. Its refresh rate is 60Hz. The Galaxy A23 5G features a 120Hz refresh rate, which contributes to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations, enhancing the overall user experience, particularly in gaming and browsing.
  • Viewing Experience: Users prioritizing a larger, more immersive screen with superior contrast and color accuracy for media consumption will find the iPhone 14 Plus's OLED display appealing. Those who value smoother motion and responsiveness, especially for scrolling and certain applications, may prefer the Galaxy A23 5G's higher refresh rate.

Resolution

1080 x 2408

1284 x 2778

Screen type

PLS LCD

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Camera systems are a key differentiator, influencing the quality of photos and videos captured in various environments.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 14 Plus is equipped with a dual-camera system, featuring a 12MP main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a 12MP ultrawide camera. The Galaxy A23 5G boasts a quad-camera setup, including a 50MP main camera with OIS, a 5MP ultrawide, a 2MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor.
  • Photography Performance: The iPhone 14 Plus delivers consistent and high-quality images with good detail and color reproduction, performing well in various lighting conditions, including low light. The Galaxy A23 5G's 50MP main sensor with OIS captures detailed photos in good light, though its performance in low-light conditions and with its auxiliary lenses may be less refined.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The iPhone 14 Plus supports 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second and features a 12MP front camera with autofocus. The Galaxy A23 5G records video at up to 1080p at 30 frames per second and has an 8MP front camera. The iPhone 14 Plus generally offers more advanced video capabilities and a higher-resolution front camera with autofocus for clearer selfies and video calls.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

8 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, practical elements like connectivity, ports, and physical design contribute to the overall user experience.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The iPhone 14 Plus uses a Lightning port for charging and data transfer, while the Galaxy A23 5G features a USB-C 2.0 port. The Galaxy A23 5G also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is absent on the iPhone 14 Plus.
  • Biometrics and Sensors: The iPhone 14 Plus relies on Face ID for secure facial recognition. The Galaxy A23 5G incorporates a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication. Both devices include essential sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, and ambient light sensors.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone 14 Plus weighs 203 grams and measures 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.8 mm. The Galaxy A23 5G weighs 197 grams and has dimensions of 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm. The iPhone 14 Plus features an aluminum frame and glass back, while the Galaxy A23 5G has a plastic back.

Weight

7 oz

7 oz

Screen size (inches)

6.8

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Users often praise the iPhone 14 Plus for its exceptional battery life, large and vibrant OLED display, and consistent performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications. Its robust software support and strong ecosystem are also frequently highlighted as benefits. Some common criticisms include its 60Hz display refresh rate, which can feel less fluid compared to devices with higher refresh rates, and the continued use of the Lightning port.

The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is frequently commended for its smooth 120Hz display, offering a fluid visual experience, and its long-lasting 5000 mAh battery. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack and expandable storage are also popular features. User feedback sometimes points to its camera performance in challenging lighting conditions and the less predictable software update schedule compared to flagship models.

Users prioritizing a large, high-quality OLED display, industry-leading battery life, and long-term software support will find the iPhone 14 Plus well-suited to their needs. This device is ideal for those deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem or seeking a reliable, high-performance smartphone for general use and media consumption. Conversely, users who value a smoother scrolling experience with a 120Hz display, the flexibility of expandable storage, and the convenience of a 3.5mm headphone jack may lean toward the Galaxy A23 5G. It is a practical choice for individuals who prefer the Android operating system and a more customizable experience.

Both devices offer compelling features for different user profiles. For those considering a more sustainable choice, exploring quality-assured refurbished options for either model can provide an eco-friendly alternative.

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