Samsung A23 Vs A42 5g Is It Worth Upgrading For The Better Specs

Choosing between two similarly priced Samsung smartphones can be tricky, especially when both promise solid performance and 5G connectivity. The Samsung Galaxy A23 and A42 5G occupy overlapping spaces in the budget segment, but they differ in key areas that could influence your decision. If you're currently using the A42 5G or considering an upgrade from another device, the question arises: Is stepping up to the A23 justified by its improved specs? The answer depends on what you prioritize—camera quality, processor efficiency, display longevity, or network speed.

Design and Build Quality: Subtle But Meaningful Differences

At first glance, both phones share Samsung’s minimalist aesthetic with plastic builds and slim profiles. The Galaxy A23 measures 164.5 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm and weighs 195g, while the A42 5G is slightly more compact at 164.0 x 75.8 x 8.6 mm and 184g. Neither model features water resistance, which is typical for this price range.

The A23 uses a Corning Gorilla Glass 5 front panel, offering better scratch and drop protection compared to the A42 5G’s basic glass coating. This becomes relevant if you frequently place your phone face-down or carry it loosely in bags. The A23 also has a more modern design language with a centered punch-hole camera, whereas the A42 5G’s off-center cutout feels dated by today’s standards.

Tip: Always use a protective case—even on budget phones. The A23’s Gorilla Glass 5 helps, but drops on concrete can still cause damage.

Display and Screen Experience

The Galaxy A23 features a 6.6-inch PLS LCD with a 90Hz refresh rate, delivering smoother scrolling and more responsive touch input than the A42 5G’s 6.6-inch HD+ display limited to 60Hz. While both have similar resolutions (1080 x 2408), the higher refresh rate on the A23 makes daily interactions feel significantly more fluid—especially when browsing social media or playing casual games.

Brightness levels are comparable, peaking around 500 nits, so outdoor visibility is acceptable but not exceptional. However, the A23 supports adaptive brightness more effectively, adjusting faster to changing light conditions. For users who spend hours reading or watching videos, the 90Hz screen reduces eye strain over time.

Performance and Hardware Comparison

This is where the differences become most pronounced. The Galaxy A42 5G runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G—a reliable chipset with integrated 5G support and solid mid-tier performance. It handles multitasking well and supports smooth gaming at medium settings.

In contrast, the Galaxy A23 uses the MediaTek Dimensity 700, a newer chip built on a 7nm process, offering better power efficiency and thermal management. While benchmark scores show the Snapdragon 750G edging out the Dimensity 700 in CPU-heavy tasks, real-world usage reveals minimal difference for everyday apps like WhatsApp, YouTube, and Chrome.

Both devices come in 4GB, 6GB, and 8GB RAM variants, but the A23 supports RAM Plus expansion (up to 8GB virtual memory), which helps keep more apps open in the background. Storage options go up to 128GB with microSD expansion on both models.

“Efficiency often matters more than raw power in budget phones. The Dimensity 700 strikes a smart balance between performance and battery life.” — Raj Mehta, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse

Camera Capabilities: A Clear Edge for the A23

If photography is important to you, the A23 offers a tangible upgrade. It features a 50MP main sensor (f/1.8) compared to the A42 5G’s 48MP unit (f/1.8). The difference may seem small on paper, but in practice, the A23 captures sharper images with better dynamic range and less noise in low light.

The ultra-wide lens is also upgraded—from 5MP on the A42 5G to 5MP with improved focus on the A23. Both include depth and macro sensors, though these remain largely gimmicky. Front cameras are identical at 8MP, but the A23 benefits from AI beautification and better HDR processing during video calls.

Video recording maxes out at 1080p@30fps on both, with no 4K support. However, the A23 includes improved stabilization algorithms, resulting in steadier handheld footage.

Real-World Example: Daily Use Photography

Consider Maria, a small business owner who uses her phone to photograph products for Instagram. She upgraded from the A42 5G to the A23 primarily for the camera. “The extra sharpness in natural lighting made a huge difference,” she said. “I used to edit every photo heavily to fix blurriness. Now, I post directly from the gallery.” Her experience reflects how incremental hardware improvements can translate into meaningful workflow gains.

Battery Life and Charging Speeds

Battery capacity favors the A23 with a 5000mAh cell versus the A42 5G’s 5000mAh as well—same number, but different efficiency. Thanks to the Dimensity 700’s lower power draw and the OS-level optimizations in One UI 5+, the A23 consistently delivers 1–1.5 hours more screen-on time under mixed usage.

Charging speed is where the gap widens. The A23 supports 25W fast charging (charger sold separately), allowing a 0–50% charge in about 30 minutes. The A42 5G is limited to 15W, taking nearly an hour to reach the same level. Neither supports wireless charging.

Feature	Samsung A23	Samsung A42 5G
Processor	MediaTek Dimensity 700	Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G
Display Refresh Rate	90Hz	60Hz
Main Camera	50MP f/1.8	48MP f/1.8
Front Camera	8MP	8MP
Fast Charging	25W	15W
RAM Expansion	Yes (up to 8GB)	No
OS (Launch)	Android 12 (One UI 4.1)	Android 10 (One UI 2.5)
Current Update Support	Up to Android 15	Max Android 12 (no further updates)

Software and Long-Term Usability

Software support is a critical factor when deciding whether an upgrade is worthwhile. The Galaxy A42 5G launched with Android 10 and received updates up to Android 12. Samsung has ended major OS updates for this model, meaning no Android 13 or beyond. Security patches are now sporadic.

The A23 shipped with Android 12 and is eligible for three OS upgrades, supporting it through Android 15. Regular security updates are expected until 2026. For users concerned about app compatibility, security, and feature longevity, this extended software lifecycle adds significant value.

Checklist: Is Upgrading from A42 5G to A23 Worth It?

• ✅ You want a smoother 90Hz display for daily use
• ✅ Better low-light photos matter to you
• ✅ Faster charging (25W vs 15W) improves convenience
• ✅ You plan to keep the phone for 2+ years and need future OS updates
• ✅ You value longer-term security patch support
• ❌ You’re satisfied with current performance and don’t mind 60Hz
• ❌ You rarely take photos or use only basic apps

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung A23 faster than the A42 5G?

Not necessarily in raw speed, but the A23 offers better energy efficiency and smoother UI due to its 90Hz display. For most users, the experience feels snappier despite similar benchmark scores.

Does the A42 5G still receive updates?

No. The A42 5G reached its final major OS update with Android 12. It may receive occasional security patches, but full system updates have ended. This limits long-term usability and app compatibility.

Can I expect better battery life on the A23?

Yes. Although both have 5000mAh batteries, the A23’s combination of efficient chipset and optimized software typically delivers 10–15% more screen-on time under normal usage.

Final Verdict: Should You Upgrade?

If you're still using the A42 5G, upgrading to the A23 isn't just about better specs—it's about gaining a more future-proof device. The 90Hz display, improved camera, faster charging, and extended software support collectively enhance daily usability and longevity. While the performance difference isn’t drastic, the cumulative effect of these upgrades results in a noticeably better user experience.

For users holding onto the A42 5G past its second year, particularly those encountering slower app launches or update limitations, the A23 represents a smart, cost-effective step forward. At similar price points in the refurbished or sale market, the A23 clearly outperforms its predecessor in almost every measurable category.

💬 Ready to make the switch? Evaluate your current pain points—slow updates, dim camera, sluggish charging—and see if the A23 solves them. Share your upgrade experience or ask questions in the comments below.