Samsung Galaxy A13 5G (S136DL) Review

Samsung Galaxy A13 5G Specs, Features and Review

Tracfone Samsung Galaxy A13 5G Specs, Features and Review

One of the cheapest 5G capable devices from Tracfone, the Galaxy A13 5G also features  a 6.5" screen, triple rear camera, 4 GB RAM and 64 GB internal storage. 

To make the most of Tracfone's 5G network access, consumers will need phones that are compatible with the updated frequencies and speeds. And Samsung has been releasing a number of compatible devices, including the Galaxy A32 5G last year, and recently the A53 5G. But the A13 5G is the first device that features a sub $200 price.

The A13 is the successor of last year's A12, which was a solid performing budget device. But the big news is the 5G capability on the A13. Until now, most 5G capable phones for Tracfone (or even unlocked) have been outside the price range of most users..

Let's get straight to our pro's and con's for the A13.

Samsung Galaxy A13 5G Quick Facts

What we Like:
-5G capable for under $200
-Large battery and 15W fast charging
-Fast screen refresh rate
-Good internal performance

What we Don't Like:
-Screen resolution is just 720p
-No water or dust protection mentioned
-Mediocre camera

Many of the features on the A13 are a great improvement over the previous model including the processor, internal storage, RAM, screen refresh rate and 5G capability.

Let's get to the full list of features and specs.

Samsung Galaxy A13 5G (S136DL) Features and Specs

Below are the features followed by the technical specs

• Android 11 (upgrade to Android 12 likely)
• 5G (Verizon)
• Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
• Bluetooth 5
• Alarm Clock
• GPS
• MP3 Player
• Standard 3.5mm Headphone Jack
• Hearing Aid Compatible
• Access to over 1 Million Apps on Google Play
• Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Waiting
• SMS/MMS
• USB Charger (USB Type-C 2.0)
• Compatible with Samsung Gear Smartwatches
• Facial recognition for unlocking
• Fingerprint sensor

Samsung Galaxy A13 5G Technical Specs
Size: 6.48 x 3.01 x 0.35 in (6.88 oz)
Camera: Triple rear camera 50+2+2MP and 5MP front camera
Screen: 6.5" HD PLS IPS display (720x1600 resolution)
Processor: Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) MediaTek Dimensity 700 

Memory: 4 GB
Storage: 64 GB internal storage, supports up to 512 GB MicroSD Card
Battery: 5,000 mAh battery (non-removable) with talk time up to 34 hrs, standby 16 days

Many consumers are familiar with the Samsung brand as they are a global manufacture and the largest consumer electronics maker (by revenue) in the world. They are based in South Korea and have a broad lineup of smartphones with their high end device, like the Samsung Galaxy S22, a contender for some of the best phones in the world.

The Galaxy A13 5G does get some of the classic design elements of Samsung phones with a familiar layout for the charging and headphone ports and it also features Samsung's UI changes. But a budget phone will have to cut some corners, and we will dive into that below.

Now let's get into the details with our review of the A13.

Tracfone Samsung Galaxy A13 5G Review

Touchscreen

Adequate is the best way to describe the 6.5" PLS-LCD screen on the A13. It is not a Super AMOLED screen (like the one on the A53 5G), but it offers a 720x1600 resolution and 90Hz refresh rate. The screen features 270 ppi and a 20:9 ratio. 

In general, this screen is fairly similar to many phones in this price range. It is not the brightest, especially compared to more expensive models, but gets the job done. We would have liked to see higher resolution, but at this price point it is hard to expect it. 

Internal Performance - Processor, RAM and Storage

The MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor is a fast mid-range processor with 5G capability. It features two fast cores, and six power efficient cores. It is a very capable budget to mid-range processor and we're impressed it is included with the A13 at this price.

To complement the processor, the Tracfone Galaxy A13 also has 4 GB RAM and 64 GB internal storage with additional external storage via a microSD card. 

The processor and 5G capability might be one of the most impressive features on the A13 and is more than capable for everyday tasks and gaming. While it is not a top of the line processor, it is a big step up from the MediaTek Processors in the A12, and in several 2022 Motorola Moto G devices (Moto G Power and Stylus). 

Overall the perform acing of the A13 is an improvement over the previous model, and a step up from many similarly priced smartphones currently available. 

Camera

The main camera on the triple rear shooter setup is a 50MP lens that offers good results in normal lighting. There is also a 2MP macro camera, and 2MP depth sensor for portrait style photos. Images from the main camera are adequate for most uses, and don't really standout compared to other phones at this level. Low light and night-time shooting situations may cause the camera to struggle. 

The selfie camera is nothing inspiring, with just 5MP it captures adequate images. Both the front and rear cameras are capable of 1080p at 30fps video recording.

For better photos, check out our list of camera phone photo tips.

Battery Life

Users can expect all day battery life from the A13 thanks to the 5,000 mAh battery and efficient processor. With light use, this device could easily last up to 2 days on a single charge. 

It does come with 15W fast charging, but be aware that it might not come with a charging block as Samsung has cut that from this year's models. 

Android OS

The A13 5G comes with Android 11 out of the box which includes some great features such as improved permissions controls and built in screen recording.  The 13 is expected to get Android 12 very soon, and Samsung has promised several security and OS updates in the future. How that will work with a Tracfone branded device is not quite clear.

Grab the best apps for Tracfone users in our full list.

Design

At this price point, plastic is the primary material and the Galaxy A13 5G is no exception. It offers a pretty similar design experience to the previous model the A12, with moderate bezels on the front and a tear-drop style selfie camera. The dual power button and fingerprint reader is quite nice and snappy, and the A13 also includes a standard 3.5mm headphone jack.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy A13 5G covers all the basics for a good, cheap smartphone. The processor, RAM and storage are all a solid combination that provide more than enough performance for most Tracfone users. The screen and cameras are nothing exciting, but adequate and on par with other devices in this price range. 

The major feature for the A13 is the 5G capability. And while 5G networks are still somewhat limited, it does help future proof this phone while also allowing users in certain areas to take advantage.

Samsung's newly released Galaxy A23 5G may be a very attractive option for those considering the A13. The A23 comes with a far superior screen with much higher resolution, features a more powerful processor, and improved cameras. And all of that for just $50 more than the retail price of the A13.

Bottom line - for the price of under $200 from Tracfone - the A13 5G is hard to beat. But for a little more money, there are several other interesting option that offer more, especially the A23 5G (see more options below).

A13 5G Vs A03s

The Samsung Galaxy A03s is the ultra-budget option from Tracfone and shares the same size screen and battery with the A13. But the A03s has less RAM (3GB), less storage (32GB), less powerful processor, less megapixels on the rear camera, and no 5G access. 

The Galaxy A03s is under $100, and sometimes closer to $50, but we would only suggest it to users who hardly do more than talk or text with their phone, and maybe a few social media apps. The Galaxy A13 5G is far more capable for about $100 more (although we've already seen the A13 for just $100 on Amazon Prime Day).

A13 5G Vs A53 5G

Tracfone just released the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G and it comes at a surprisingly reasonable price of under $300. At that price you get quite a few more features. For users that like Samsung, and like plenty of internal storage and a powerful processor, the A53 5G may be worth spending the extra money on. It has a 120Hz Super AMOLED 6.5" screen, Android 12, quad-rear camera, IP\67 waterproof rating, and improved performance. 

There will always be something better, the question is, is it worth it? For some, the added features at just about $100 more for the A53 5G will certainly be worth it. But, if you are not a power user, the A13 should check all the required boxes.

A13 5G Vs Moto G Power (2022)

The Moto G Power 2022 shares a number of similar features with the A13 such as RAM, storage, screen size, Android OS and price. But the A13 comes with a much more powerful processor that also has 5G capability. The 2022 Power has been somewhat lackluster, and the A13 5G would likely be a better buy for most users.

Motorola devices do come with a much cleaner OS, where as Samsung adds in their own UI, so for those that prefer to avoid excess apps and software changes, Motorola is still a good option (just maybe consider some of their other smartphones).

That's it for our review of the A13 5G. It is an impressive phone for the price, and below are the best shopping options to find it for the lowest prices.

Where to Buy the Samsung Galaxy A13 5G

Get the Samsung Galaxy A13 5G on eBay

Find the Samsung Galaxy A13 5G on the Tracfone Website

Get the Samsung Galaxy A13 5G on Amazon

The best deals are usually with an airtime bundle included. The lowest price we've seen for the A13 was $99 on Amazon prime day. 

Samsung Galaxy A13 User Manual and Devices Tutorials

Get the Samsung Galaxy A13 5G User Manual to learn more about the device.

View the Device tutorials to see how to do various actions on the phone.

That concludes our review of the Samsung Galaxy A13 5G. Please leave a comment below with your thoughts or questions. 

If you are new to Tracfone, start with our Beginners Guide!

Join us over on Facebook for the latest news and posts or send us a message for more direct help questions.

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Samsung Galaxy A53 5G (S536DL) Review

Samsung Galaxy A53 5G Review, Specs and Features

The A53 5G comes with a 6.5" full HD touchscreen, Octa-core Exynos processor, 128 GB storage and 6 GB RAM. Plus it has Android 12 and a quad-rear camera setup capable of 4K recording.

Tracfone released the A53 to use with their prepaid service along with several other Samsung Galaxy models in mid 2022 and it sits at the top of their budget lineup.

It also is available unlocked, but the Tracfone version comes with a sizable discount to the retail price. 

The Galaxy A53 replaces the previous year's A52 smartphone, which Tracfone never offered. Instead Tracfone released the Galaxy A32 5G. Before that, Tracfone did offer the A51 and A50 devices. So for Tracfone, the A53 5G is the replacement for the A32 5G and A51.

Here's our quick pro's and con's list for the A53.

Samsung Galaxy A53 5G Quick Facts

What we Like:
-120hz fast screen refresh rate
-Gorilla Glass 5 screen protection
-Dust/waterproof rating
-Long battery life

What we Don't Like:
-No wall charger included
-No headphone connection
-Mediocre Processor

For budget phone users, there's a few things missing that might be a surprise, primarily the 3.5mm headphone jack that has been gone from flagship phones for a while, but still comes standard on low-end devices. The other missing part is the wall charging block which Samsung has stopped including with their phones. 

These 'missing' pieces are pretty easy to forget about when we see that the A53 does come with really nice features like an IP67 waterproof rating, Gorilla Glass 5 protection on the beautiful display, and a rear camera setup that is a step above any budget devices.

How do all the features stack up and does it make the A53 5G worth the extra spend over other models? Let's start with the full list of specs and features.

Samsung Galaxy A53 5G (S536DL) Features and Specs

Below are the features followed by the technical specs

• Android 12
• Samsung One UI 4.1
• 5G (Verizon)
• Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
• Bluetooth 5.1
• Alarm Clock
• GPS
• MP3 Player
• Hearing Aid Compatible
• Access to over 1 Million Apps on Google Play
• Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Waiting
• SMS/MMS
• USB Charger (USB Type-C 2.0)
• Compatible with Samsung Gear Smartwatches
• In-display Fingerprint sensor

Samsung Galaxy A53 5G Technical Specs
Size: 6.28 x 2.94 x 0.32 in (6.67 oz)
Camera: Quad rear camera 64+12+5+5MP and 32MP front camera
Screen: 6.5" HD Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 800 nits display (1080x2400 resolution)
Processor: Octa-core Exynos 1280

Memory: 6 GB
Storage: 128 GB internal storage, supports up to 1 TB MicroSD Card
Battery: 5,000 mAh battery (non-removable) with 25W fast charging

Most consumers are familiar with the Samsung brand as they are a global manufacture and the largest consumer electronics maker (by revenue) in the world. They are based in South Korea and have a broad lineup of smartphones with their high end device, like the Samsung Galaxy S22, a contender for some of the best phones in the world.

Samsung phones are well known for their quality, something that can't always be said for some of the other brands Tracfone offers. Samsung also often offers several years of OS updates and security fixes.

The Galaxy A53 5G does get some of the classic design elements of Samsung phones with a familiar layout for the charging port, beautiful screen, and it also features Samsung's UI changes. But a budget phone will have to cut some corners, and we will dive into that below.

Now let's get into the details with our review of the A53.

Tracfone Samsung Galaxy A53 5G Review

Touchscreen

The 6.5" full HD Super AMOLED screen is one of the exciting features on the A53 5G. It has a resolution of 1080x2400, 20:9 screen ratio, and 120hz fast refresh rate. The pixel density is very good at about 405 ppi, making for crisp, clear images and text.

The Super AMOLED screen is a feature we usually only see in more expensive Samsung devices and offers brighter, more vivid display colors while also reducing power consumption. The in-display fingerprint reader for biometric security functions well and adds another feature generally found in flagship models.

The A53 also comes with Gorilla Glass 5 screen protection as well as IP67 waterproof rating for increased durability and resistance to water damage. 

The screen on the A53 5G is about as good as it gets for a phone in this price range and renders very good colors, detail and brightness. 

Performance - RAM, Storage and Processor

With 6 GB RAM, 128 GB storage and an Exynos 1280 octa-core processor, the A53 5G offers excellent performance and storage capabilities. And, in case more storage is needed, there is an expandable storage slot.

For the processor, Samsung opts to use their in-house developed Exynos 1280 in the A53 which has 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55. It offers a good balance between performance and battery life, and also offers 5G network compatibility. It is only slightly better in some ways, than the Snapdragon 695 processor in the Galaxy A23 5G, and we would generally prefer a Snapdragon processor.

Most actions and processes on this device are smooth and reliable, but there are occasional hiccups that are likely due to the processor. We would have preferred to see a more powerful Snapdragon processor.

Camera

The quad-rear camera setup in the A53 offers a lot of features and megapixels, starting with the main, 64MP shooter. The other rear cameras include a 12MP ultra-wide sensor, 5MP macro and 5MP depth 

Image quality is quite good, with sharp, clear shots. And even in moderate lighting, the A53 performs well due to the Optical Image Stabilization.

On the front of the phone is a 32MP selfie camera that captures solid images, but nothing spectacular. 

For video, there is 4K at 30fps on both the front and rear cameras, a great feature to have, and something we don't see on any lower priced phones.

Overall the cameras on the A53 are a nice step up from just about any other budget phone, especially from Tracfone. For better camera quality, consider an iPhone, Google Pixel, or other flagship phones.

Check out our 8 Tips for Better Cell Phone Pictures.

Battery

Most budget phones offer good battery performance and the Galaxy A53 delivers that as well thanks to a 5,000 mAh battery. The additional combination of the more power efficient screen and processor means that the A53 will generally last two days on a single charge with low usage.

25W fast charging helps recharge the large battery quickly, and is a nice feature to have. Many budget devices only have 10W or 15W charging, which is a bit slow.

Android OS

The Galaxy A53 5G comes with Android 12 OS and will likely get an upgrade to Android 13 when that becomes available to Samsung devices. Samsung boasts software support for the A53 for several years, and hopefully the Tracfone version will also take advantage of these updates.

Android 12 comes with a host of design, performance and security updates over previous versions that make it safer and more useable. Some of the updates include more privacy control, the ability to limit apps from using your exact location, and improved accessibility options.

As a Samsung device, the A53 also comes with One UI 4.1 which has features like Smart Calendar, Samsung Pay, Smart Widgets, extra brightness toggle, and pro camera features. For those who are fans of Samsung's additional UI features, the A53 will feel very familiar. But for those who prefer a more stock Android experience, consider devices from Motorola or Google.

Design

Bridging the gap between budget and high-end devices, the A53 takes some features from both when it comes to design. It has a matte plastic back and polished plastic sides which seem to hold up pretty well. The rear camera bump has been reduced a little to not stick out as much as before. And the screen to body ratio of 85% is pretty good and leaves only small bezels on the front.

As we mentioned earlier, there is no 3.5mm headphone jack, only the USB Type-C 2.0 port. So headphones will need to be wireless or get an adapter. 

The A53 5G does feature IP67 waterproof rating, which means it should withstand up to 1 meter in water for up to 30 minutes. While we wouldn't put it to the test, this does indicate it should be capable surviving accidental dips in water without needing a bag of rice to revive it.

On the right side are the volume and power buttons in a familiar place and the fingerprint sensor is integrated into the screen, which is a neat feature

Conclusion 

The Galaxy A53 5G is a very capable smartphone that offers a handful of premium features while keeping the price reasonable. The large, beautiful screen, great camera setup, and waterproof rating are all enticing features. Plus, the Tracfone version is already discounted over $200 off the retail price.

For the retail price of the unlocked version (about $450), there are some other very good options available, specifically the Google Pixel 6a, that we would likely recommend. The unlocked Pixel 6a is about the same price, but offers a better processor, better camera, and cleaner Android experience. The A53 does have the larger screen, and better battery life.

The Bottom Line: The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G from Tracfone is hard to beat for the features and price. But not every Tracfone user will want to spend the money when there are several other options from Tracfone that are $50-$100 cheaper and still offer solid performance and features (and even 5G compatibility). For those that want performance, great camera, and are willing to spend a little more, look no further than the A53 5G from Tracfone.

Alternatives to the Galaxy A53 5G:

There are several other good options available from Tracfone, and budget-conscious shoppers may want to consider some of these as they offer good performance at a lower price.

The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is almost as good as the A53, minus a few nice upgrades, for about $50 less. It offers a little less RAM (4GB) and storage (64GB) but has a Snapdragon processor that is just about as good as the one in the A53. The A23 does not have any waterproof rating, and the camera setup is a little less capable. The screen is actually a little larger, at 6.6" and is full HD with 120hz refresh rate but is not a Super AMOLED display. The A23 does retain a 3.5mm headphone jack. For some, the A23 5G will be more than capable, and comes at a lower price.

Samsung's A13 5G is another option, and one that is about $100 less than the A53. But that comes with a significant drop in features including a much less powerful processor, lower resolution screen, less RAM, storage and less capable cameras setup. The A13 does still offer 5G network capability, and is one of the cheapest options from Tracfone at this time that offers that. We generally suggest the A13 for light to moderate smartphone users, who won't be playing resource intensive games or planning to download large numbers of different apps.

Motorola is often a big competitor in the budget phone space, and the Moto G Stylus 2022 is an option, and can be found for about $50 less than the A53. It has the same amount of RAM and storage, but an inferior processor and camera setup. And it doesn't have 5G capability. For 5G network capability, the Moto G Stylus 2022 5G is an option, and it packs a more powerful processor, but it is actually the same as the one in the A23 5G. The Galaxy A53 5G is a little less expensive from Tracfone, and offers a little more.

Best Prices on the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G

The A23 is not as widely available as some Samsung devices, but here are the top options we've found:

Get the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G on eBay - $219

Get the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G on Amazon - $219

Get the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G on the Tracfone Website - $219

Get the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G with airtime bundle on HSN - $279

Samsung Galaxy A53 5G User Manual and Device Detailed Information

View the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G User Manual and Tutorials

View the Galaxy A53 5G Detailed Information

That concludes our review of the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G. Please leave a comment below with your thoughts or questions. 

If you are new to Tracfone, start with our Beginners Guide!

Join us over on Facebook for the latest news and posts or send us a message for more direct help questions.

If you're shopping around for other plans, take a look at the Best Alternatives to Tracfone. 

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TOP 10 SMART PHONES

 

                                            TOP 10 SMART PHONES

Now smartphones are a thing that is always changing and updating year over year.  With that said, there are so many different  models and mix of smartphones out there, it can  be hard to know which ones are the best and which  ones might be right for you in your particular  situation. But don't worry, we've done tons of research and today we're going to be bringing you some of our favorite choices of smartphones.  Now as always, I will leave links to each of these products in the description below. So feel free to check them out there if you're interested.  

Also, if I haven't defined any discounts, deals or coupon codes, I'll drop those down there for you as well. IPhone 12 pro:

So starting off, we have the best IOS smartphone and that is going to be the iPhone 12 

Now if you're a fan of Apple products, you know that iPhones are top quality and the iPhone 12 Pro is no different. It has a ton of incredible features that really make this a premium device that includes things like the ability to shoot and edit 4k HDR video with Dolby Vision. It does have an A 14 bionic chip. It also has super retina xDr display with a ceramic shield. And for all of you budding photographers out there, it does have a pro camera system with  LIDAR scanner. On the back of the iPhone. You'll notice that it has several lenses including wide  

Ultra wide telephoto and that LIDAR lens that I just mentioned. Also, just note it does support 5g which means that this iPhone has superfast downloads and high quality streaming. So guys,  

if you're a big fan of iPhones, or if you'd like  to use your phone to take pictures and videos,  or you just want a very premium high quality  smartphone that's going to last a long time, then definitely check out the Apple iPhone 12 Pro.

Next up, we have the best Android smartphone and that's going to be the Samsung Galaxy S 21. 

Now for all of you Android users out there, the Samsung Galaxy has made a name for itself as a great product. And this is a fantastic option as well. In terms of features, it does have a professional grade camera that allows you to zoom in and take photos and videos like a pro. You can actually record crisp 8k video with this camera that really gives all of your videos a real cinema quality to them. It also has multi cam recording and professional style auto effects.  You also get 100 times zoom with this camera, and it is incredibly high resolution. The camera on the back here is 108 megapixels, meaning it's crystal clear and allows you the ability to pinch crop and zoom your photos to see small and unexpected details.

 

So again, if you're somebody that really appreciates high quality video and photos, then definitely check out the Samsung Galaxy S 21.  

It is a blazing fast and beautiful device.

Next up we have the best budget widescreen 5g smartphone and that's going to be the Samsung Galaxy A 71 now.

This phone has a beautiful and clear display with a massive 6.7 inch super Mo led plus infinity  display. It also has one touch pro grade shooting, which means that you can take pro quality photos and videos using the 71 5g quad lens camera. The main lens here is 64 megapixels, which means it's going to be beautiful and clear as well. Also, it does have a fast charging battery meaning that when the battery does die, you'll be up and running again in no time. Samsung is known for great high quality items. And if you're interested in a great smartphone for taking pictures and videos, but you don't want to spend the price of an iPhone then definitely check this one out. It's definitely a great budget option that still has beautiful widescreen and 5g support. 

Next up we have the best gaming smartphone and that's going to be the asis, RG phone three. Now for all of you gamers out there, you'll be familiar with aces RPG, they've definitely made a name for themselves with gaming laptops, but here they poured all of their gaming energy into a great smartphone. 

This feature is a beautiful 6.59 inch FHD plus an OLED display at 2340 by 1080. And it is 144 hertz with a one millisecond response time. What that translates into is lightning fast reflexes in all of your games. It also has aero active cooler three and a 6000 milliamp battery with energy saving technology.  It also has a triple rear camera with a Sony IBM x 686 main 64 megapixel wide angle sensor plus a 13 Megapixel ultra wide camera and a five megapixel macro camera with 24 megapixel front camera. This feature is a beautiful 6.59 inch FHD plus an OLED display at 2340 by 1080.  It also has a triple rear camera with a Sony IBM x 686 main 64 megapixel wide angle sensor plus a 13 Megapixel ultra wide camera and a five megapixel macro camera with 24 megapixel front camera. That's a lot of photo taking power as a nice added bonus to your gaming machine. This is an Android device so you will have access to androids wide library of games as well. So if you are just Looking for the best overall gaming cell phone, definitely check out the asis rlg Gaming phone three.

Last up we have the best budget smartphone and that's going to be the Moto G five G.

 Now for those of you that don't have 1000s of dollars to spend on a cell phone that you might not use for anything other than Facebook, Twitter or browsing the internet, then definitely check out the Moto G five g plus this is a great option that still has some incredible features and it's not going to break the bank. It does have a beautiful 6.7 inch FHD plus cinema vision display. It also has four gigs of RAM and a 64 gigabyte hard drive. It also does feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765 five G,  and it has some fantastic cameras as well the rear  camera is 48 megapixels, and the front camera is 16 megapixels, this phone is relatively light  as well it does weigh in at only 7.2 ounces. So again, if you're looking for a great budget  option, then definitely check out the Moto G five G Plus it has some great features and again,  it comes in way under the price of some of those other top tier smart devices. So guys, if you're in the market for a new smartphone, then I hope  

This video was helpful for you if so please feel free to give me thumbs up as I always appreciate that. And just a reminder, I will leave links to each of these products in the description below. So you can check them out there and do a little bit of your own research.

 

 

Samsung Galaxy A23 5G Review

Samsung Galaxy A23 5G (S236DL) Review, Specs and Features

A 6.6" full HD screen, Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor and quad-rear camera setup are just some of the exciting features on the Galaxy A23. This budget friendly smartphone newly available from Tracfone  also comes with 5G network capability.

Samsung's lineup of budget phones is a somewhat crowded space. Their Galaxy A13 is just a little cheaper than the A23 while still offering 5G network access, and their A53 5G has more powerful features, for just a little higher cost. 

Where does the Galaxy A23 5G fit in and is it a worthy smartphone option? We're going to find out. Let's start with our pro's and con's of the A23.

Samsung Galaxy A23 5G Quick Facts

What we Like:
Full HD touchscreen with 120hz refresh rate
Gorilla Glass 5 screen protection
Quad-rear camera
Qualcomm Snapdragon processor

What we Don't Like:
Mediocre video recording
No wall charger included
No water/dust protection rating

The full HD screen and Gorilla Glass protection are a huge plus that help the A23 stand out among budget phones. That, combined with the rear camera setup and solid performance make it a very attractive device. Samsung currently offers a number of different phones through Tracfone, each at different price points and with different features. So does the A23 have the right features at the right price?

Let's take a look at the full list of features and specs.

Samsung Galaxy A23 5G (S236DL) Features and Specs

Below are the features followed by the technical specs

• Android 12
• Samsung One UI 4.1
• 5G (Verizon)
• Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
• Bluetooth 5.1
• Alarm Clock
• GPS
• MP3 Player
• Standard 3.5mm Headphone Jack
• Hearing Aid Compatible
• Access to over 1 Million Apps on Google Play
• Voicemail, Caller ID, Call Waiting
• SMS/MMS
• USB Charger (USB Type-C 2.0)
• Compatible with Samsung Gear Smartwatches
• Face unlock
• Side mounted Fingerprint sensor

Samsung Galaxy A23 5G Technical Specs
Size: 6.51 x 3.03 x 0.33 in (6.95 oz)
Camera: Quad rear camera 50+5+2+2MP and 8MP front camera
Screen: 6.6" HD PLS LCD 120hz display (1080x2408 resolution)
Processor: Octa-core Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G

Memory: 4 GB
Storage: 64 GB internal storage, supports up to 1 TB MicroSD Card
Battery: 5,000 mAh battery (non-removable) with 25W fast charging

Many consumers are familiar with the Samsung brand as they are a global manufacture and the largest consumer electronics maker (by revenue) in the world. They are based in South Korea and have a broad lineup of smartphones with their high end device, like the Samsung Galaxy S22, a contender for some of the best phones in the world.

The Galaxy A23 5G does get some of the classic design elements of Samsung phones with a familiar layout for the charging and headphone ports and it also features Samsung's UI changes. But a budget phone will have to cut some corners, and we will dive into that below.

Now let's get into the details with our review of the A23.

Tracfone Samsung Galaxy A23 5G Review

Touchscreen

The 6.6" full HD screen on the A23 5G is one of the standout features. It has a resolution of 1080x2408 for about 400 ppi pixel density, which is on par with more expensive devices. Plus it has 120hz refresh rate, something also generally only available in high-end phones.

Screen ratio is 20:9, for a taller, thinner look and feel that has become common these days. Besides the great resolution, the A23 also features Gorilla Glass 5 which improves durability for both drops and scratches. 

In direct sunlight, the A23 still has some issues with adequate brightness, but that's a common issue for many low-cost smartphones. 

The PLS-LCD screen is a big step up from the budget brother, the A13 5G, and for some will be enough reason to warrant the slightly higher price tag.

Internal Performance - Processor, RAM and Storage

With 4 GB RAM, 64 GB internal storage and the Snapdragon 695 octa-core processor, the A23 5G performs very well for the majority of tasks thrown at it. 

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 has generally only been available in mid-level smartphones, like the Moto G Stylus 5G (2022), so we're very impressed to see it included with the A23. It outperforms the processor in the A13 5G (MediaTek Dimensity 700) by a significant margin and provides smooth operation even with a variety of games or other resource intensive apps. The processor also provides the 5G network capability.

64 GB internal storage can get used up quickly, but there is an additional 1 TB expandable external storage via a MicroSD card slot. We recommend at least 128 GB card (find it on Amazon) and then you can set certain things to be stored on the card rather than the phone.

Camera

A 50MP main shooter along with a 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro and 2MP depth come on the back of the A23 5G. There is also an LED flash. While most people will only find the main camera and ultrawide mode useable, it is nice to have the depth and macro options.

The 50MP rear camera on the Galaxy A23 5G actually only produces 12.5MP images due to pixel binning. This is pretty common on most smartphones, even the iPhone 14, and is used to help improve lowlight performance. But even with the extra help, lowlight performance on the A23 is mediocre. For most other uses, the main camera sensor does just fine and captures good images.

On the front is an 8MP selfie camera in the tear-drop cutout in the screen. The images are adequate for social sharing and things like that.

Video performance is nothing special, with just 1080p at 30fps on the rear and front sensors. The quality is just fine, but goes downhill quickly when in low-light situations. For 4K and other features, consider the Galaxy A53 5G.

Get the most from your camera with our Best Tips for Better Cell Phone Photos.

Battery

Both battery life and charging speeds are quite good on the Galaxy A23 5G thanks to the 5,000 mAh battery, and 25W fast charging.

The large battery size has become the norm on most budget smartphones, allowing for 2 or even 3 days between charging. But a rather annoying trend on many low cost phones is a slower charging speed of just 10 or 15W. We're happy to see not only the big battery, but also fast charging on the A23.

Android OS

The Galaxy A23 5G comes with Android 12 OS and will likely get an upgrade to Android 13 when that becomes available to Samsung devices. Samsung boasts software support for the A23 for several years, and hopefully the Tracfone version will also take advantage of these updates.

Android 12 comes with a host of design, performance and security updates over previous versions that make it safer and more useable. Some of the updates include more privacy control, the ability to limit apps from using your exact location, and improved accessibility options.

As a Samsung device, the A23 also comes with One UI 4.1 which has features like Smart Calendar, Samsung Pay, Smart Widgets, extra brightness toggle, and pro camera features. For those who are fans of Samsung's additional UI features, the A23 will feel very familiar. But for those who prefer a more stock Android experience, consider devices from Motorola.

Design

The design of the A23 5G is consistent with Samsung's budget phones and retains many of the features that consumers like, such as a standard 3.5mm headphone jack and side mounted fingerprint reader which is quick and efficient for unlocking the device. 

The screen on the front of the device has a 82.5% screen-to-body ratio which is pretty good. There is a notch at the top of the screen for the front facing camera.

On the back of the phone is a noticeable bump where the rear cameras are located. We would recommend a cover or case to protect the device and it would also help eliminate the camera bump which is a little awkward. 

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G falls right in-between the Galaxy A13 5G and A53 5G. 

Compared to the A13, the A23 offers a significantly improved touchscreen with both a higher resolution, and 120hz refresh rate. That alone might be worth the $50 difference between these two phones. But the A23 5G also has a better processor, and improved camera setup. For many users, it may be worth it to spend a little more on the A23.

So does that hold true for Samsung's A53 5G which is just $50 more than the A23? The A53 has a Super AMOLED full HD screen, IP67 waterproof rating, slightly improved processor and increased RAM and storage. Plus it has a more robust camera setup. The A53's features are very impressive for the price, but it starts to stretch the bounds of a 'budget' device and for many, Samsung's Galaxy A23 will be more than capable for handling everything required.

Finally, the Galaxy A03s is the ultra-budget option that really can't compare to the A23 and is only a device for those with a budget under $100.

The Bottom Line - Samsung has produced a phone that 'fixes' the top complaints about the A13 5G and only costs a little more. The discounted price through Tracfone is rather reasonable, and we may see an even lower price during the holidays.

UPDATE: The Galaxy A23 5G, A13 5G and A53 5G have all dropped about $50 in price, leading them to all be a little more worthwhile considering.

Best Prices on the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G

The A23 is not as widely available as some Samsung devices, but here are the top options we've found:

Get the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G on the Tracfone Website

Samsung Galaxy A23 5G User Manual and Device Detailed Information

View the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G User Manual

View the Galaxy A23 5G Detailed Information

That concludes our review of the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G. Please leave a comment below with your thoughts or questions. 

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