If not Galaxy S23, then what? 3 Best Samsung Galaxy S23 Alternatives You Must Consider
Ask anyone, “what’s the most solid Android phone you can think of?” in 2023, and many will point towards the Samsung Galaxy S23 Series. And they won’t be wrong. The Galaxy Series has produced excellent smartphones over various price points in the last decade, and this year’s Galaxy S23 is no exception.
It’s a safe choice, and one you can confidently recommend to your peers with full assurance.
At the same time, the Galaxy S23 might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Those looking for bolder designs may not like the plain module-less rear panels of the S23; or someone into photography may want more emphasis on the cameras.
Whatever the reason may be, the smartphone world is big enough to accommodate your preferences. You just need to know where to look.
Here, we’ve compiled three alternatives to the Galaxy S23. These devices are chosen based on how well it can emulate or even surpass the quality of the S23, as well as its price point.
What makes the Galaxy S23 good?
Before we can talk about alternatives, we first need to understand what makes the Galaxy S23 a solid device. For the record, the Galaxy S23 comes in two memory variants: an 8GB/128GB which retails at RM3,899, and an 8GB/256GB option which retails at RM4,199.
- Size: At 6.1″ across, the Galaxy S23 is one of the few smaller phones you can find in the market. Most flagship launches typically sport a 6.5″ and above display, so finding a smartphone that is still thriving in a (somewhat) compact form is rare. The most comparable in size is the iPhone 15, but heads up, there are no iPhones on this list since i) it launched at a higher starting price than the S23 (RM4,399), and ii) it’s only the world’s most popular phone, so you don’t need to hear more about that.
- Display: The displays on the Galaxy S23 are more than decent. It utilizes Samsung’s Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which is said to improve colour, brightness, and HDR performance. Its maximum refresh rate is 120Hz, with 1080p resolution and 1,750nits peak brightness.
- Battery: The Galaxy S23 packs a 3,900mAh battery. While it may not seem like much, features such as adaptive refresh rates and the battery efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 will significantly extend battery life. Also, the S23 supports 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging.
- Camera: The Galaxy S23 isn’t too renowned for its cameras. If you’re looking for the 100x space zoom, that’s on the costlier S23 Ultra (which we also have alternatives too!). However, it has enough quality to pass off as a flagship quality camera. The S23 cameras consist of a 50MP main camera with OIS, a 10MP telephoto with OIS and 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide. It can also shoot in 8K at 30fps.
- Processor: When you’re as reputable as Samsung, the latest processors are the standard. The Galaxy S23 utilizes the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which in 2023 was THE flagship processor (before the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 of 2024). You’ll find most flagships in 2023 donning the same processor.
Alternative #1: Xiaomi 13
Xiaomi 13 (12GB+256GB) – RM3,499
If what you’re looking for is something as compact as the Galaxy S23, consider the Xiaomi 13. Although slightly larger with a 6.3″ display, the Xiaomi 13 is as easy to hold. You won’t have to overstretch your thumbs to reach the top section, and it’ll nestle comfortably in your palms.
Displays are more or less similar as they each have 1080p resolution, AMOLED displays, HDR10+ support as well as 120Hz max refresh rates. The Xiaomi 13 is brighter though with 1,900nits peak brightness versus the 1750nits on the Galaxy S23. Both devices use the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which in 2023 was the latest Qualcomm processor.
The Xiaomi 13 surpasses the Galaxy S23 by a mile when it comes to batteries. Not only does it have a larger 4,500mAh battery, it also has a faster 67W wired charging (vs. 25W on S23), and 50W wireless charging (vs 15W on S23). That’s almost a 3x advantage the Xiaomi 13 has over the S23 in the charging race.
THE headlining feature of the Xiaomi 13 is its collaboration with legendary camera manufacturers Leica. All three of its rear cameras are co-engineered and fitted with Leica optics, leading to a 50MP main camera with 23mm equivalent focal length, a 10MP telephoto camera with 75mm equivalent focal length, and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. There’s also the choice of Leica Authentic and Leica Vibrant filters “to give you that original Leica image” (as stated on Xiaomi’s website).
In terms of megapixels, the Galaxy S23 is pretty similar with a 50MP + 12MP + 10MP setup, but without the Leica enhancements. How much of a difference the Leica branding make is rather subjective, as smartphone photography also relies heavily on computational processing. On DXOMARK’s camera rankings, the Galaxy S23 actually sits higher on the list at #35, compared to the Xiaomi 13 which sits at #44. However, a closer look will show you that the bulk of points scored by the Galaxy S23 comes from video recording capabilities, with the Xiaomi 13 narrowly edging past the S23 in photo quality.
In regards to longevity, the Galaxy S23 will receive 4 software updates, with Android 17 being the last major update when it comes about. The Xiaomi 13, on the other hand, will only have 3 software updates, ending with Android 16. Both devices will get 5 years security updates.
All things considered, the Xiaomi 13 is a solid alternative to the Galaxy S23. It is also the cheaper option with a RM3,499 with a larger 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, versus the RM3,899 Galaxy S23 with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage.
Summary
The Xiaomi 13 is almost as compact as the S23 with a 6.3″ display (vs. 6.1″ on S23). There are essentially no difference in displays. The Xiaomi 13 batteries are larger with almost 3x quicker fast charging capabilities. Cameras on both devices are great, but Xiaomi 13 has Leica optics and filters to enhance photos; but you can expect better video recording on Galaxy S23. Xiaomi 13 is the cheaper option with larger RAM and storage, but has fewer major software updates.
Alternative #2: Nothing Phone (2)
Nothing Phone (2) (12GB+256GB) – RM2,999
Nothing Phone (2) (12GB+512GB) – RM3,499
The Nothing Phone (2) brings a much needed fresh take in design to the smartphone world. It dons a bold look with a transparent rear panel, and the Glyph Interface – when it does light up – is a real conversation starter. It’s pretty much the opposite of the generic (some would say ‘clean’) design of the Galaxy S23. Put them side-by-side and it’s like the Nothing Phone (2) is dressed for the fashion runway while the Galaxy S23 is in plain ironed PJs about to hit the sack.
The Phone (2) is the perfect starting point for those seeking to step out from their minimalist era of the Galaxy S series (or even the A series, they all look pretty similar).
If you are making the switch from the Galaxy, you will need to adjust to the larger 6.7″ display. But you can expect the same display quality with the Phone (2)’s LTPO OLED display, 1080p resolution, 120Hz refresh rates, and 1,600nits peak brightness.
You’ve probably noticed that the Nothing Phone (2) is cheaper by a good deal, even with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. Well, that’s because unlike other flagships, the Phone (2) still uses the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, which was the flagship processor of 2022. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. As we’ve noted in our review, unless you’re someone who’s constantly doing speed tests, you probably can’t tell the difference between this and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
From our own experience, the Phone (2) is a smooth device with a sleek and refreshing OS that – in this highly saturated Android market – has a character of its own, and tons of functional widgets and features made possible with the Nothing OS. You’ll definitely have more room to customize your phone, such as controlling icon sizes, setting folder icons, and setting lockscreen widgets (all of which you can learn about here), to name a few.
If you’re a trigger happy casual photographer, you may find one downside to the Nothing Phone (2): it lacks a telephoto shooter. Instead, you’ll have to make do with a 50MP wide and a 50MP ultra-wide. Sorry, no triple cameras here.
Batteries on the Phone (2) is larger at 4,700mAh, and faster with 45W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. Not quite the 3x speed that you’ll get with the Xiaomi 13, but still a good deal quicker than the Galaxy S23.
As for software updates, the Phone (2) will receive 3 years of Android updates, and 4 years of security updates.
Summary
The Nothing Phone (2) is a great option for those looking for a fresh new design. Though it is a larger option, you can expect the displays to be on par with the Galaxy S23. An older Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 might be a deal-breaker to some, but the masses would most likely be indifferent to it. The Phone (2) only has dual 50MP cameras with no telephoto lens, but picture quality is still great. Batteries are larger and quicker than the Galaxy S23.
Alternative #3: OnePlus 11
OnePlus 11 (8GB+128GB) – RM3,299
OnePlus 11 (16GB+256GB) – RM3,599
The OnePlus 11 may have fallen off the radar a little bit, but it’s worth every consideration if you’re looking for an S23 alternative.
In terms of form factor, it is somewhat an ambitious step away from the S23. The OnePlus 11 is significantly larger at 6.7″, and it’s also a much heavier device weighing in at 205g (vs 168g on the S23). Plus, for better or worse you’ll have to cope with a curved screen on the OnePlus 11 instead of the flat-ish panel of the S23.
If heavier phones and curved panels are to your liking, then great! If not, then don’t turn away yet.
At a significantly cheaper price point, the OnePlus 11 goes toe-to-toe – even surpassing – some of the features of the Galaxy S23. Both devices start off with an 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, and utilize flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processors.
Surprisingly, you’ll have arguably better visuals on the OnePlus 11 thanks to its LTPO AMOLED display with 1440p resolution. FYI, the Galaxy S23 only has 1080p resolution. Other than that, they both have 120Hz refresh rates and HDR10+ support.
As for cameras, well we’ve reached subjective terrain once again. The OnePlus 11 has triple cameras consisting of a 50MP camera backed by an IMX890 sensor, and fitted with OIS. The other two is a 48MP ultra-wide with 1/2″ sensor, and a 32MP portrait telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. The cameras are enhanced with Swedish camera manufacturer Hasselblad, though their contribution seems more on the computational colour calibration side of things rather than optical hardware. OnePlus highlights plenty on the ‘Natural Color Calibration’ for accurate colour processing and ‘Hasselblad Portrait Mode’ for natural bokeh effects “benchmarked against Hasselblad optical standards.”
Referring back to DXOMARK camera rankings, it is a similar situation with the Xiaomi 13. The Galaxy S23 sits higher overall at #35, and the OnePlus at #53. However, it’s the video recording capabilities of the S23 that earns them most of the points. The OnePlus 11 edges out the S23 in photos by a hairline.
Turn towards the batteries and that’s where you’ll find big differences. The OnePlus 11 puts on a 5,000mAh capacity, overshadowing the 3,900mAH on the S23. But the real hero here is the OnePlus11’s 100W charging, which is the fastest in any of our recommended alternatives. That’s 25mins to a full charge; it probably takes more time for you to get ready in the morning. An absence of wireless charging capabilities may put off a few, but honestly, many others would argue that a 100W wired charging is better than a slower, albeit wireless charging.
To summarize, as well as to add a little more oomph to the argument that the OnePlus 11 is equal to or better than the Galaxy S23, here’s a snippet of what renowned tech reviewer MKBHD said in his Waveform podcast:
“This phone [OnePlus 11] has a better camera array, has a better battery and battery life, has faster charging” … “It has a better screen, and it has the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.”
“It also has a bunch of little things, Wi-Fi7, Bluetooth 4.0, LPDDRX5 RAM, UFS 4.0 storage. And, it’s only missing one thing that the Samsung has which is wireless charging, and other than that it’s even across the board. Hundred bucks less, I think this is a better device.”
From “Is the OnePlus 11 better than the Galaxy S23?“ Time stamp: 0.37 – 1.33
If you’re wondering about updates, according to this thread on OnePlus Community, the OnePlus 11 will get four major Android updates, which means you’ll receive updates up until Android 17, and five years of security updates.
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