Samsung Galaxy A23 test: a long-distance runner compatible with 5G
The picture has never been the strongest point of this type of device, but serious progress can be noticed, even in these price ranges. So the Galaxy A23 5G offers a quadruple photo sensor consisting of a 50 Mpx wide-angle module whose lens opens at f / 1.8, and which benefits – new this year – from optical stabilization. It is accompanied by a 5 Mpx ultra wide-angle (f / 2.2), a 2 Mpx depth sensor and also a 2 Mpx macro module (f / 2.4).
Main module: 50 megapixels, f/1.8
The main module uses the technology of pixel binding which makes it possible to combine pixels (here, four-in-one) to get more light when it runs out. Therefore, we take 12.5 megapixel shots by default. The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G, to which this Galaxy A23 5G can be compared, does the same by combining nine pixels into one to deliver a 12MP image.
During the day, the two smartphones opt for a slightly different treatment. The Galaxy A23 5G performs well and delivers a fairly homogeneous shot. The Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G offers a higher level of detail and better sharpness, as seen in faces, the cover of a book or playing cards. On the other hand, general colorimetry tends to be too red. This often happens with Xiaomi devices.
Although less accurate, the Galaxy A23 5G’s photo shows more flattering colors. The Redmi retains our preference, but it is possible to take convincing shots with the Samsung mobile.
In the dark, things go seriously wrong. The Galaxy A23 5G sees its specification level drop significantly. A South Korean smartphone can’t really transcribe the scene and the digital smoothing is too pronounced. Its Chinese competitor runs a significant increase in ISO and boosts contrast to deliver better results – despite the appearance of noise.
50MP mode
Of course, it is possible to opt for the 50 megapixel mode. We excluded an area of equal size in each of the images to compare the two definitions.
In a bright environment, we see that the mode makes it possible to recover a little more detail. But it’s not convincing enough to use it constantly… and clutters the phone’s memory at the same time. This makes night shots almost useless. That’s why we can use it occasionally for shots that need to be cropped afterwards.
Ultra-wide-angle module: 5 Mpx f/2.2, 123°
The competitors of the Galaxy A23 5G have more defined ultra-wide-angle modules. This is the case with the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G (8 Mpx).
The performance of this module is far from equal to the main sensor. Even during the day, the level of detail is too low and the overall color is a bit bland. The Redmi is far from brilliant in exercise, but delivers a sharper and more accurate rendering (see color patterns). Unfortunately, this again renders the colorimetry too saturated, with a strong drift towards red.
At night, neither smartphone delivers a really usable shot, but the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G’s digital smoothing is less aggressive. This allows you to better recognize the elements of the scene, although you should not expect miracles.
Front and video module
On the front, the smartphone has an 8 Mpx sensor whose lens opens at f / 2.2. Selfies are of decent quality, provided they are well exposed. However, its siblings (A33, A53) are better. The shots lack a little detail, but the colorimetry is natural.
Portrait mode works well, but it’s easy to get lost if the background is too busy or if there are flying objects. The A23 5G is capable of shooting in Full HD at 30 frames per second, for a quite convincing result. Images are accurate and benefit from a good dynamic range.
