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Samsung Galaxy A54 vs Galaxy S23 – Android mobiles compared

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Rhys Melhado-Thompson

Published: 5:00, 7 Dec 2023
Updated: 10:22, 8 Dec 2023

There's an overwhelming choice of Samsung mobiles on the market - and making a purchase can be daunting.

We've pitted two major Android mobiles to see how they compare: read our Samsung Galaxy A54 vs Galaxy S23 to see which is right for you.

In this article we compare the price, specs and features of the Samsung Galaxy A54 and Galaxy S23

Samsung Galaxy A54, £449, from Amazon -
Samsung Galaxy S23, £849, from Amazon -

UPDATE (08/12): Since we published this article, we spotted that Amazon has reduced the cost of the .

Even the biggest Android fan can get a bit lost with all the options of smartphone to choose from.

Pulling the trigger on a purchase can be daunting, so if you've been on the fence about making that big decision, read on to see what the real differences are.

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Android has many phones from different companies, so keeping up with everything that is on offer is an almost impossible task.

Samsung is, however, one of the largest names when it comes to the creation of Android devices, and they often create a much more affordable device to go alongside their fancy new flagship with great features and tech minus that gut-wrenching price tag.

Both the A54 and S23 were released earlier this year, with the S series being the flagship and the A series being a more affordable variant.

Seeing as 2023 is drawing to a close, it is worth noting that Samsung's next flagship device and budget-friendly alternative are extremely likely to come out next year, and the devices may begin to show up on the cheaper side.

Samsung Galaxy A54 vs Galaxy S23: At a glance

Similarities:

When it comes to the similarities between the two devices, it should come as no surprise they share a handful of the same functions and pieces of tech, seeing as both products are from Samsung.

The A54 and S23 both have an Octa-core CPU type, which is one of the fastest processors out there, so expect lightning-fast operating from both devices.

Another similarity is the refresh rate of the screen; both have a 120Hz refresh rate, so be it scrolling or gaming, you'll notice how smooth it is to watch things on your phone.

Both devices have a display of 1080 x 2340.

While the rear camera systems may be slightly different, with the S23 having more powerful cameras, they both have 3 rear cameras consisting of one main camera, an ultra-wide camera and a macro camera for those up close and personal shots.

Speaking of the camera system, both provide cinematic, well-lit photos without the need for flash by using AI to keep details clear even at night.

Differences:

Despite having similar specs unsurprisingly, the S23 is packed with better tech and a few features exclusive to the S series. Otherwise, it wouldn't make a great flagship device.

The S23's display is an extremely vibrant Dynamic AMOLED 2X, whereas the A54 is built with a Super AMOLED display and, while still a great screen to watch and relive moments on, the Dynamic AMOLED is definitely going to give you the best experience.

Both have an Octa-core CPU, but the flagship device is slightly faster, with a CPU speed of 3.36GHz compared to the A's speed of 2.4GHz.

Samsung Galaxy A54 vs Galaxy S23: Camera

For anyone considering a new handset, the camera quality usually comes into play.

The A54 has a 50.0 MP, 12.0 MP, and 5.0 MP rear camera configuration compared to the S23's slightly better 50.0 MP, 10.0 MP and 12.0 MP, while you can expect the S23 to take better wide and close camera shots the A54 keeps up and will provide you with an excellent shot should you be looking for the cheaper option.

If you have raised expectations from video recording, the Galaxy S23 is likely the option since it can record in UHD 8K at 30fps compared to the budget-friendly variant capping out with 4K recording at 30fps.

Selfie lovers who aren't going for professional-level photos may actually lean towards the Galaxy A54 as its front camera is 32Mp, dwarfing the S23's 12Mp front selfie camera.

Samsung Galaxy A54 vs Galaxy S23: Design

At a quick glance, you'll notice the two devices are slightly different sizes, with the A54 being on the larger side at 6.4 inches compared to the S23 at 6.1 inches, so if you're used to larger devices, that may be a deciding factor to think about.

Samsung has done away with bulky bezels for a while now, so you can be sure the screen will fill up the entirety of the device.

Whether you choose the flagship or budget-friendly Samsung device, you'll be getting a premium feel as they're both encased in glass, ensuring you get that quality finish.

Samsung Galaxy A54 vs Galaxy S23: Features

While the two devices vary greatly when it comes to price, Samsung has still packed them full of fancy features to help you get the most out of your device.

Photographers will love the light boost function so you can continue to take perfect photos in the dark without the flash blinding you or ruining your photo.

Should you need a new post on social media, both phones have a quick photo remaster mode to reduce blur and increase resolution.

Photobombers, be they people or animals, are a thing of the past with their Object Eraser functions. Editing out unwanted aspects has never been simpler.

One difference between the two phones is their IP rating. For anyone out of the know, that's how well the device holds up against dust and water.

With an IP rating of 68, the S23 holds up the best in water and dust as it can remain submerged for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1.5 meters before you risk malfunctions.

In contrast, the A54 has a rating of 67, meaning it can also survive for up to 30 minutes but at a slightly shallower depth of 1 meter.

Samsung Galaxy A54 vs Galaxy S23: Battery

When it comes to battery life, the S23 actually has a 3,900mAh battery providing around 22 hours of video playback before you need to start looking for a plug socket.

On the other hand, the Galaxy A54 packs the largest battery available in any current Samsung device; with a 5,000mAh battery, you can expect to get around 2 days of battery life before needing to search for electrical output.

If you're often out and about and need a device that lasts as long as you, you may want to lean towards the A54's incredibly impressive capacity.

Samsung Galaxy A54 vs Galaxy S23: Price

As expected, the flagship S23 was the most costly upon release, and Samsung now sells it at £849, with the A54 coming in at £449.

With a price difference of £400, you'll need to take into consideration how important the extra features, better camera and cleaner design are to you.

SIM-free:

Samsung Galaxy A54, £449, from Amazon -
Samsung Galaxy S23, £849, from Amazon -
Samsung Galaxy A54, £449, from Samsung -
Samsung Galaxy S23, £849 from Samsung -

Pay-Monthly deals

Samsung Galaxy A54, 20GB, £0 upfront, £18p/m from Mobilephonesdirect -
Samsung Galaxy S23, 300GB of data, £0 upfront, £32p/m from Mobilephonesdirect -
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G, 100GB ,£19 upfront, £18.99p/m from mobiles.co.uk -
Samsung Galaxy S23, 400GB, £20 upfront, £32p/m from mobiles.co.uk -

Samsung Galaxy A54 vs Galaxy S23 – Android mobiles compared