👍 Pros
- Dedicated microSDXC slot allows for significant storage expansion.
- 5000mAh battery capacity provides robust all-day endurance for moderate use.
- 120Hz PLS LCD offers a smoother visual experience compared to standard 60Hz panels.
- Main 50 MP camera includes OIS, which is beneficial for reducing blur in photos and videos.
- Upgradable to Android 14, providing access to more recent software features and security updates.
👎 Cons
- Snapdragon 695 5G chipset is an entry-level 5G SoC by 2026 standards, limiting sustained performance in demanding applications.
- PLS LCD technology is generally less vibrant and has poorer contrast ratios compared to modern AMOLED displays.
- 25W wired charging is relatively slow compared to contemporary budget and mid-range devices.
- Secondary camera sensors (macro, auxiliary) offer limited utility and lower image quality.
- Only 1080p@30fps video recording on both front and rear cameras is a significant limitation for video content creation.
Expert Review & Rating
Market Position in 2026
In 2026, the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G occupies a niche in the used and refurbished market, primarily appealing to users seeking a highly affordable device with basic 5G connectivity. Its hardware, while competent at launch in 2022, is now several generations behind current budget and mid-range alternatives, which offer significantly more powerful chipsets and advanced display technologies.
The Best Features
The Galaxy A23 5G’s most notable asset is its 5000mAh battery capacity, which, when combined with the relatively power-efficient Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, suggests reliable all-day endurance for average tasks. The 120Hz PLS LCD provides a smoother visual experience for scrolling and UI navigation compared to the standard 60Hz panels found in many older budget phones. Furthermore, the inclusion of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on the 50 MP main camera is a significant advantage, as it helps to reduce blur from handshakes, resulting in clearer photos in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
Performance & Daily Usage
Given the Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, daily usage in 2026 will be functional for light tasks. Basic app navigation should be responsive. Heavy multitasking or graphically intensive games will likely expose the chipset’s limitations. UI responsiveness will be adequate for general use. Thermal management, based on the 6nm process, should be acceptable for its performance tier, avoiding significant overheating during typical use.
The Compromises
The most significant compromise of the Galaxy A23 5G in 2026 is its Snapdragon 695 5G chipset; while it offers 5G, its processing power is considerably outpaced by contemporary budget processors, leading to slower app loading and less fluid performance in demanding applications. The PLS LCD, despite its 120Hz refresh rate, fundamentally lacks the vibrant colors, deep blacks, and superior contrast ratios of modern AMOLED displays now common even in lower mid-range phones. Furthermore, the 25W wired charging is relatively slow for a 5000mAh battery in 2026, meaning longer wait times for a full charge. The auxiliary 2 MP macro and depth sensors offer minimal practical utility, and the absence of higher resolution video recording options (beyond 1080p@30fps) on both cameras is a notable limitation for content creation.
Buying Advice
This phone is a viable option for users on a very strict budget seeking a basic 5G-enabled device with good battery life on the used market. However, those prioritizing performance, camera versatility, or display quality for current applications should strongly consider newer budget smartphones with more modern hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G can be a worthwhile purchase in 2026 if found at a very low price on the used market and your primary needs are basic communication, web browsing, and long battery life. Its Snapdragon 695 5G chipset and PLS LCD are significantly dated compared to current budget phones, so it's not recommended for users seeking modern performance or display quality.
The main 50 MP camera on the Galaxy A23 5G benefits from OIS, which can help reduce blur in low-light conditions by stabilizing the lens. However, based on the sensor size and aperture, its overall low-light performance will be limited compared to modern devices, likely producing noisy images with less detail without sufficient ambient light.