Galaxy A23 5G Vs iPhone 16e

Galaxy A23 5G
Galaxy A23 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:102.00

Versus €600.00 new

See options
iPhone 16e
iPhone 16e
Starting at

Refurbished price:387.00

Versus €719.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G, released in August 2022, and the iPhone 16E, launched in February 2025, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While the Galaxy A23 5G offers a versatile multi-camera system and a high refresh rate display, the iPhone 16E focuses on a powerful internal processor and extended software support. Both devices operate on different ecosystems, with the Galaxy A23 5G running Android and the iPhone 16E utilizing Apple's iOS.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is significantly influenced by its release date and the manufacturer's commitment to software updates. These two devices, separated by over two years in their launch, offer different expectations for long-term usability.

  • Release Timeline: The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G was released in August 2022, while the iPhone 16E became available in February 2025. This difference means the iPhone 16E benefits from more recent hardware and a longer potential support window from its launch.
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy A23 5G typically receives two major Android operating system upgrades and four years of security updates from its release, meaning it has received updates up to Android 15 and security patches will continue until approximately August 2026. In contrast, Apple generally provides 5 to 7 years of major iOS updates for its iPhones, suggesting the iPhone 16E will continue to receive new iOS versions and security support well into the 2030s.
  • Repairability and Build: The Galaxy A23 5G features a plastic frame and back, with its display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5. The iPhone 16E incorporates an aluminum frame, a glass back, and a Ceramic Shield front, which is designed for enhanced durability. Both devices are designed to withstand daily use, but the iPhone 16E's newer materials may offer a different level of resilience.

Year of Release

2022

2025

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key aspect for daily smartphone use, impacting everything from app responsiveness to multitasking capabilities. The Galaxy A23 5G and iPhone 16E approach this with different internal architectures.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 16E is equipped with the A18 chip, which is also found in the standard iPhone 16, providing substantial processing capabilities for demanding applications and smooth overall operation. The Galaxy A23 5G utilizes a processor that handles everyday tasks efficiently, but some users have noted occasional sluggishness, particularly with models featuring less RAM.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPhone 16E's advanced processor ensures that switching between applications and running multiple tasks simultaneously is fluid. The Galaxy A23 5G, available with various RAM configurations, offers a capable experience for typical usage, though performance can vary depending on the specific RAM option.
  • Storage Options: The iPhone 16E starts with 128GB of internal storage and offers options up to 512GB. The Galaxy A23 5G provides 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, with the added flexibility of expandable storage via a microSD card, which can be beneficial for users who require significant local storage for media and files.

Memory (GB)

4 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is the primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer distinct visual experiences tailored to their respective designs.

  • Display Technology: The iPhone 16E features a 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display, known for its deep blacks, high contrast, and vibrant color reproduction. The Galaxy A23 5G comes with a 6.6-inch PLS LCD panel, which provides good viewing angles and brightness.
  • Resolution and Clarity: Both phones offer Full HD+ resolution, with the iPhone 16E at 2532 x 1170 pixels and the Galaxy A23 5G at 2408 x 1080 pixels. This results in clear and sharp visuals for everyday content consumption.
  • Refresh Rate: The Galaxy A23 5G boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and a more responsive feel during gaming or navigating the interface. The iPhone 16E has a standard 60Hz refresh rate.
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The iPhone 16E's OLED display offers high peak brightness levels, enhancing visibility in bright outdoor conditions and for HDR content. The Galaxy A23 5G's LCD panel can also achieve sufficient brightness for outdoor use, though it may not reach the same peak levels as an OLED.

Resolution

1080 x 2408

2532x1170

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, and these two smartphones offer different photographic strengths and features.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A23 5G features a versatile quad-camera setup, including a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 5-megapixel ultrawide lens, and dedicated 2-megapixel macro and depth sensors. The iPhone 16E opts for a single, high-resolution 48-megapixel main lens, which includes an integrated 2x telephoto capability.
  • Photography Performance: Users generally praise the Galaxy A23 5G's main camera for producing good quality photos in various lighting conditions, with decent detail and color accuracy. The iPhone 16E's main camera is also noted for its strong performance, particularly in capturing detail and color, and it supports features like Portrait Mode and Night Mode. However, the iPhone 16E lacks a dedicated ultrawide or macro lens.
  • Video Recording: The iPhone 16E is capable of recording 4K video at 60 frames per second with Dolby Vision, offering high-quality video capture. The Galaxy A23 5G records video at up to 1080p resolution.
  • Front Camera: For selfies and video calls, the iPhone 16E has a 12-megapixel front camera, while the Galaxy A23 5G features an 8-megapixel front camera.

Front camera

8 megapixels

TrueDepth 12MP

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several other features contribute to the overall user experience and practical utility of a smartphone.

  • Connectivity: Both devices support 5G connectivity for faster mobile data speeds. The iPhone 16E includes Apple's C1 5G modem, which is noted for its power efficiency. The Galaxy A23 5G supports Wi-Fi 5, while the iPhone 16E is expected to support more current Wi-Fi standards.
  • Ports and Biometrics: The iPhone 16E features a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and relies on Face ID for secure authentication. The Galaxy A23 5G includes a USB-C port and retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, offering more audio connectivity options, and uses a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for unlocking.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone 16E has a 6.1-inch display and a design reminiscent of the iPhone 14, featuring an Action button. The Galaxy A23 5G has a larger 6.6-inch display. The choice between these two form factors often comes down to personal preference for screen size and one-handed usability.

Weight

197 g

167 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G and the iPhone 16E cater to different user priorities, reflecting their respective release timelines and design philosophies. Users frequently praise the Galaxy A23 5G for its long battery life, capable main camera, and the smooth experience provided by its 120Hz display. Some common feedback points to the potential for a less fluid user experience with lower RAM configurations.

The iPhone 16E, being a more recent release, receives commendation for its powerful processor, significantly extended software support, and impressive battery longevity. While its single main camera is highly capable, some users note the absence of an ultrawide lens as a limitation compared to multi-camera setups.

Users prioritizing a high refresh rate display, expandable storage, and a headphone jack may find the Galaxy A23 5G well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who value a powerful and future-proof processor, extended software updates, a high-quality OLED display, and advanced video recording capabilities will likely lean towards the iPhone 16E. Both devices offer a reliable smartphone experience, and for those considering a sustainable choice, quality-assured refurbished options are available for both models, providing an eco-friendly alternative.

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