When shopping for a mid-range Samsung phone, it’s easy to assume that newer always means better. The Samsung Galaxy A23, released in 2022, sits several years after the Galaxy S10e, which debuted in 2019. On paper, the A23 benefits from modern software, improved connectivity, and updated design language. But does that make it truly superior to the compact powerhouse that was the S10e? For users weighing budget, performance, longevity, and user experience, this comparison isn’t as straightforward as release dates suggest.
The S10e was a flagship device—part of Samsung’s premium lineup—with high-end internals, refined build quality, and advanced features. The A23, while newer, targets the budget-conscious consumer with modest hardware and trade-offs in display, processor, and durability. This article breaks down every critical aspect to answer the real question: Is the Galaxy A23 genuinely better, or is it just newer?
Design and Build Quality: Flagship Compact vs Budget Maximalism
The S10e stands out for its compact, ergonomic design. Measuring just 142.2 x 69.9 x 7.9 mm and weighing 150g, it fits comfortably in one hand—a rarity among today’s oversized smartphones. It features a glass front and back with an aluminum frame, giving it a premium feel. It also holds an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can survive submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes.
In contrast, the A23 is larger (164.5 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm) and heavier (195g), making single-handed use less convenient. Its plastic body feels less refined, and it lacks any official IP rating—so accidental spills or rain exposure pose real risks. While the A23 offers a bigger 6.6-inch screen, the trade-off in portability and durability is significant.
Display and Screen Experience
The S10e packs a 5.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2280) and HDR10+ support. Despite its smaller size, the screen delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent brightness—typical of Samsung’s flagship panels at the time.
The A23 uses a larger 6.6-inch TFT LCD panel, also at Full HD+, but lacks the visual punch of AMOLED. Colors appear flatter, contrast is lower, and blacks aren’t truly black due to the absence of pixel-level lighting control. While the size advantage suits media consumption, the display technology represents a downgrade in quality.
“Screen quality isn’t just about size—it’s about color accuracy, contrast, and viewing comfort over long sessions.” — Lena Park, Mobile Display Analyst
Performance: Flagship Chipset vs Entry-Level Reality
Under the hood, the S10e uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 (or Exynos 9820 in some regions), a top-tier chipset in 2019. Paired with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, it handles multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps with ease—even by today’s standards. Apps launch quickly, animations are smooth, and overall responsiveness remains impressive.
The A23 relies on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680, a 6nm chip designed for efficiency, not speed. With 4GB or 6GB of RAM, it struggles with heavier apps and multitasking. Users report noticeable lag when switching between apps or playing graphics-intensive games. While adequate for calls, messaging, and light browsing, it doesn’t match the S10e’s fluidity.
| Feature | Samsung S10e | Samsung A23 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9820 | Snapdragon 680 |
| RAM Options | 6GB / 8GB | 4GB / 6GB |
| Storage | 128GB (expandable) | 64GB / 128GB (expandable) |
| Software Support | Up to Android 12 (no further major updates) | Launched on Android 12, supports up to Android 14, likely Android 15 |
| Battery | 3100 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Charging Speed | 15W fast charging | 25W fast charging (charger included) |
Camera Comparison: Quality Over Quantity
The S10e features a dual rear camera setup: a 12MP main sensor with Dual Pixel autofocus and an ultra-wide 16MP lens. The photos exhibit accurate color reproduction, strong dynamic range, and reliable low-light performance for its era. Its front-facing 10MP camera includes autofocus and depth sensing, ideal for sharp selfies.
The A23 ups the megapixel count with a quad-camera array: 50MP main, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth. However, higher numbers don’t translate to better images. The main sensor uses pixel binning (combining pixels to simulate 12.5MP), and results often suffer from oversharpening, poor detail retention, and inconsistent HDR. The ultrawide lens is lower resolution and prone to distortion. Low-light performance lags significantly behind the S10e.
In real-world use, the S10e produces more natural, consistent photos despite fewer lenses. The A23’s extra sensors add minimal practical value—most users find themselves relying solely on the main camera.
Mini Case Study: Everyday Photography Experience
Take Maria, a college student who uses her phone for social media, notes, and campus life photos. She upgraded from an old iPhone to the A23 for its price and large screen. While she enjoys the longer battery life, she’s frustrated by blurry night shots and inconsistent colors. When borrowing a friend’s used S10e, she noticed how much cleaner the daylight photos were and how quickly the camera focused—even in dim library lighting. Despite the A23 being newer, her photo satisfaction dropped, not improved.
Battery Life and Charging: Where the A23 Shines
This is where the A23 clearly wins. Its 5000 mAh battery easily lasts 1.5 to 2 days with moderate use. In contrast, the S10e’s 3100 mAh battery typically requires daily charging, sometimes twice under heavy load.
The A23 also supports 25W fast charging (charger included in the box), reaching 50% in about 30 minutes. The S10e supports 15W fast charging, but the charger must be purchased separately. Additionally, the A23 runs a less demanding processor and LCD screen, both contributing to better power efficiency.
Software and Longevity: Newer Doesn’t Always Mean Smoother
The A23 runs One UI based on Android 12 and is eligible for updates up to Android 15, giving it longer software support. This means access to newer security patches and features for several more years.
The S10e received its final major update at Android 12. While still functional, it no longer receives feature upgrades. However, because it ran a more powerful processor, it handles the last version of Android it supports far more smoothly than the A23 handles current software.
Herein lies a paradox: the older phone performs better on outdated software, while the newer phone struggles with current OS demands. For users who keep phones long-term, this balance is crucial.
Checklist: Which Phone Is Right for You?
- Choose the S10e if:
- You prefer a compact, one-handed phone
- You value premium build and water resistance
- You want faster performance for apps and gaming
- You take frequent photos in varied lighting
- You don’t mind charging daily
- Choose the A23 if:
- You need multi-day battery life
- You consume a lot of video or read on your phone
- You want longer software support
- You’re on a tight budget and buying new
- You don’t mind a heavier, less durable device
FAQ
Can the S10e still run modern apps smoothly?
Yes. Despite its age, the Snapdragon 855 and ample RAM allow the S10e to handle most current apps—including Instagram, WhatsApp, Google Maps, and even moderate gaming—without major lag. Performance dips only occur with very demanding titles or extreme multitasking.
Is the A23 waterproof?
No. The A23 has no IP rating, so it is not officially dustproof or waterproof. Exposure to moisture can damage the device. The S10e, with its IP68 rating, is significantly more resilient in wet conditions.
Which phone holds better resale value?
The S10e tends to retain value better due to its flagship status and enthusiast following. Used units in good condition still command higher prices than the A23, which depreciates quickly as a budget model.
Conclusion: Newer Isn’t Automatically Better
The Samsung Galaxy A23 brings undeniable advantages: superior battery life, longer software support, and modern availability. But calling it “better” than the S10e oversimplifies what makes a phone valuable. The S10e excels in areas that still matter—build quality, display technology, processing power, and camera consistency. For many users, especially those who appreciate craftsmanship and performance, the older phone remains the smarter choice.
Technology evolves, but excellence doesn’t expire overnight. Sometimes, a well-built flagship from a few years ago outperforms today’s budget offerings—not because it’s new, but because it was made to last.
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