Cheat sheet:
- The Samsung Galaxy F23 5G takes over from the F22 with some key improvements
- It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 750 5G processor and comes in two hardware variants – 4GB/128GB or 6GB/128GB
- Samsung opts for a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display instead of the Super AMOLED display on the Samsung Galaxy F23 5G but increases the refresh rate to 120Hz
- It’s slightly lighter and feels good in your hand despite the robust 5000 mAh battery that should comfortably last 24 hours for most users.
- There’s a 3.5mm headphone jack but there’s no charging brick or headphones in the box
The Samsung Galaxy F Series is part of the company’s game plan to stay competitive in the sub-Rs 20,000 segment. We checked out the Samsung Galaxy F22 back in July last year, the F23 5G takes over the mantle with some key enhancements as well as a couple of downgrades. The device is 5G-ready, but that’s not the only talking point of the F23.
Clean lines
Samsung has altered the placement of the three rear lenses in a row-type design. It’s the device’s most striking design element. Samsung opts for a matte finish – we checked out the Forest Green colour option that is probably where green meets grey. The matte finish keeps out smudges and fingerprints. The Samsung Galaxy F23 5G is just under 200gm and feels quite good in your hand; this is despite a slightly larger display than its predecessor and a 5000 mAh battery under the hood. The battery didn’t run out for more than 24 hours during our tests that included camera and extensive video usage. The battery should please most users.
The Display – One step forward, one step back
We’ll say this, the F23 5G’s front isn’t quite attractive as the refined design approach for the rear. The teardrop notch is beginning to look a touch dated in 2022. If you’re willing to ignore that, it’s quite a vibrant display with good visibility even under direct sunlight. Samsung opted to move from a Super AMOLED display on the F22 to an IPS LCD display for this device. While that might sound like a step down, the F23 comes with a 120Hz refresh rate (vis-à-vis the 90Hz refresh rate on the F22). This display also packs more pixels per inch and yet pixel peepers might feel that colours tend to be more vivid on an AMOLED display.
Hardware round up
The F23 5G is kitted with a triple cam. There are a couple of changes from the F22. This one doesn’t come with the fourth lens on the F22 (a depth cam), while the 50MP primary lens is an improvement over the 48MP lens. Results are reasonably good in ambient light but the cam struggles in lowlight. Our camera tests with the macro and ultra-wide lens also produced okay image samples. The cam offers multiple shooting modes including a ‘fun’ mode that allows you to get your Snapchat game on.
The Samsung Galaxy F23 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G processor, and we checked out the 4GB/128GB variant. There’s also a 6GB/128GB option. The device clocked a score of 1577 (multi-core) on our Geekbench benchmark tests, that’s a slight improvement over our results with the F22. It’s still not enough firepower for intense gaming and power users.
Bottomline
The Samsung Galaxy F23 5G scores high that to its display and dependable battery. The camera does well in optimal light conditions too. The fact that it comes with Android 12 out of the box, is one of the main reasons why this device deserves your attention.
The Samsung Galaxy F23 5G is available in Aqua Blue and Forest Green and is priced at Rs 17,499 for the 4GB+128GB variant and Rs 18,499 for the 6GB+128 GB variant. The device is available for an introductory price of Rs 14,999 and Rs 15,999.
