Samsung A23 Vs S20 Is The Newer A23 Really Worth It Over The S20

When choosing between Samsung’s Galaxy A23 and Galaxy S20, the decision isn’t just about new versus old—it’s about value, performance, and how you use your phone. The A23, released in 2022, belongs to Samsung’s budget-friendly A-series, while the S20, launched in early 2020, was a flagship powerhouse. On paper, the S20 should dominate. But with software updates, battery longevity, and everyday usability in mind, does the newer A23 actually offer a better experience for most users?

This comparison cuts through marketing hype to analyze real-world trade-offs. Whether you're upgrading from an older device or shopping on a tight budget, understanding where each phone excels—and where it falls short—can help you make a smarter purchase.

Performance: Flagship Power vs Everyday Efficiency

The core of any smartphone experience lies in its processor and RAM. The Galaxy S20 was built around high-end components designed for speed and multitasking. It features either the Exynos 990 or Snapdragon 865 (depending on region), paired with 8GB or 12GB of RAM. This setup allowed it to handle intensive tasks like 4K video editing, gaming at max settings, and seamless app switching with ease.

In contrast, the Galaxy A23 uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680—a mid-tier chip focused on efficiency rather than raw power. With 4GB or 6GB of RAM, it handles basic tasks smoothly but struggles under heavy loads. Apps may reload more frequently, and multitasking feels less fluid.

Tip: If you frequently play graphics-heavy games or edit videos on your phone, the S20 remains a far better choice despite its age.

However, real-world performance isn't always about benchmarks. For everyday use—browsing, messaging, social media, and streaming—the A23 performs adequately. Its lighter software load (One UI over Android 12) means fewer background processes, which can result in snappier responses during routine tasks compared to a heavily used S20 running modern apps on aging hardware.

Display and Design: Premium Feel vs Practical Build

The S20 set a high bar for display quality. Its 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel supports a 120Hz refresh rate, offering buttery-smooth scrolling and vibrant colors. HDR10+ certification ensures excellent contrast and brightness, making it ideal for media consumption.

The A23, by comparison, has a 6.6-inch PLS LCD screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. While larger, the LCD technology lacks the deep blacks and punch of AMOLED. Colors appear flatter, and viewing angles aren’t as consistent. Still, for indoor use and general browsing, it’s perfectly serviceable.

Design-wise, the S20 feels more premium with its glass back and aluminum frame. The A23 uses plastic throughout, which makes it lighter and more durable against drops—but also less luxurious in hand.

“Even three years later, the S20’s display remains one of the best in Samsung’s lineup. For media lovers, that 120Hz AMOLED screen is still a game-changer.” — David Kim, Mobile Tech Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Camera Comparison: Innovation vs Accessibility

The S20 introduced several camera advancements that trickled down years later. It features a triple rear system: a 12MP main sensor, a 64MP telephoto with 3x hybrid zoom, and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. It supports 8K video recording at 24fps and offers excellent low-light performance thanks to larger pixel sizes and advanced processing.

The A23 takes a more modest approach: a 50MP main sensor, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth sensor. While the megapixel count sounds competitive, the smaller sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization mean photos often lack detail and suffer in low light. The ultra-wide lens is usable but soft at the edges.

In daylight, both phones produce acceptable results, though the S20 delivers more natural color grading and better dynamic range. At night, the gap widens significantly. The S20’s Night Mode leverages multiple frames and AI processing to brighten scenes without excessive noise—something the A23 struggles with.

Feature	Galaxy S20	Galaxy A23
Main Camera	12MP, f/1.8, OIS	50MP, f/1.8, no OIS
Telephoto Lens	64MP, 3x hybrid zoom	None
Front Camera	10MP, f/2.2	8MP, f/2.2
Video Recording	8K @ 24fps, 4K @ 60fps	1080p @ 30fps
Night Mode Quality	Excellent	Fair

Battery Life and Charging: Endurance Over Speed

Here’s where the A23 shines. It packs a 5000mAh battery—significantly larger than the S20’s 4000mAh unit. In real-world testing, the A23 consistently lasts a full day and a half with moderate use, while the S20 often needs a recharge by late evening.

However, charging favors the S20. It supports 25W fast wired charging and even 15W wireless charging—features absent on the A23, which maxes out at 15W wired and doesn’t support wireless charging at all.

Over time, battery degradation becomes a factor. Many existing S20 units now have batteries that hold less than 80% of their original capacity, leading to shorter runtime regardless of optimization. A brand-new A23 offers fresher battery chemistry, meaning longer lifespan expectations if properly maintained.

Tip: To extend battery life on either device, enable adaptive battery modes and avoid exposing the phone to extreme heat.

Software, Updates, and Long-Term Value

This is a critical differentiator. The S20 originally shipped with Android 10 and received three major OS updates, bringing it up to Android 13. Security patches continue sporadically, but official support ends soon. In contrast, the A23 launched with Android 12 and is eligible for four generations of OS upgrades, meaning it could run Android 16 when available.

Long-term software support gives the A23 a significant edge in longevity. Newer Android versions bring improved privacy controls, performance optimizations, and access to updated apps. For users planning to keep their phone for three years or more, this future-proofing matters.

Additionally, the A23 benefits from being part of Samsung’s expanded update program for mid-range devices. While it doesn’t get quarterly security patches like flagships, it receives regular monthly updates in many regions—better than expected for its class.

Mini Case Study: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria, a teacher in her mid-30s, needed a reliable phone for staying in touch with parents, managing lesson plans, and capturing classroom moments. Her old iPhone 7 was failing, and she had $400 to spend. She considered buying a used S20 for $220 or going new with the A23 at $280.

She chose the A23. Despite lower specs, she valued the peace of mind from a new battery, longer software support, and the convenience of not worrying about sudden failures. After six months, she reports smoother performance than expected, appreciates the long battery life during school days, and hasn’t missed the S20’s high-end features. For her use case, the A23 was the smarter investment.

Checklist: Choosing Between A23 and S20

• Evaluate your primary use: Gaming or photo editing? Lean toward S20. Messaging, calls, and browsing? A23 suffices.
• Check battery health: If buying used S20, verify battery cycle count or replace the battery.
• Consider software lifespan: Need updates until 2026? A23 wins.
• Assess camera needs: Do you shoot in low light or zoom often? S20 is superior.
• Set a realistic budget: Include potential repair costs for older models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy A23 run modern apps smoothly?

Yes, for most common apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, Google Maps, and YouTube. However, complex apps like Adobe Lightroom or demanding games may lag or require lowered settings.

Is the S20 still worth buying in 2024?

Only if purchased used or refurbished at a steep discount (under $200). At higher prices, its aging battery and end-of-support status make it a risky long-term choice.

Does the A23 support expandable storage?

Yes, the A23 includes a microSD card slot supporting up to 1TB, giving it a flexibility advantage over the S20, which lacks expandable storage in most variants.

Final Verdict: Is the Newer A23 Worth It Over the S20?

The answer depends on what “worth it” means to you. If you prioritize peak performance, display quality, and camera versatility, the S20 remains technically superior—even years after release. But for most average users, the Galaxy A23 offers a more balanced package: longer software support, better battery life, lower cost, and reduced risk of hardware failure.

The A23 isn’t trying to beat the S20 in specs—it’s designed to meet everyday needs reliably and affordably. And in that mission, it succeeds. Unless you’re a power user or photography enthusiast, the newer A23 delivers a more sustainable, hassle-free experience.

🚀 Ready to make your decision? Assess your daily usage, prioritize long-term reliability, and choose the phone that fits your life—not just the spec sheet. Share your thoughts or experiences below!