The last two years have seen Samsung drive the software game for Android. While rival brands are still trying hard to offer Android 12, which had a public release in October last year and already the next version is in the works, Samsung has been constantly delivering updates, be it software or security patches. This is happening across its range of devices, entry-level to flagship. Android upgrades are important as it ensures that you have the latest features — privacy or system — and all security issues are tackled.
The company’s latest — Samsung Galaxy F23 5G — is a good package deal in the sense there are elements that make a lot of sense to have, one development that will set a trend and one element which is being unjustifiably criticised. We will get through all of them.
Keeping an eye on the future
There is enough power in this phone to last a couple of years at least. Three things to consider here. First, Snapdragon 750G, which is one of the most respectable mid-range performers. So far we have seen this being used in more expensive phones and with good results. Having this under 20K gets the phone a big check mark. Be it every day applications or most Android and Cloud-based games, you should be able to go through them without the phone heating up. Second, the device will receive two years of OS upgrades and four years of security updates, which is a fair deal. Third, a Gorilla Glass 5 protected display, which gives you an extra layer of toughness during accidental falls.
Colours are true to life when shooting with the main camera
Combine all this with the camera. Samung’s camera tuning has always been fine. The colour science on the 50MP main sensor and 8MP ultra-wide is spot on. In outdoor conditions pictures are, of course, sharp enough to compete with mid-range devices and even under uneven lighting the phone won’t fail you. However bad the lighting, you will come away with shots that are usable on social media. There is night mode and also food mode while the Fun tab turns up quite a few filters. What I am most enjoying about Samsung phones lately is the camera integration with social media platforms, especially Snapchat, which is where teenagers are spending most of the time. All social media platforms are using Samsung’s camera well. Video capabilities of the phone are also brownie-point worthy as you can record 4K@30fps, which is not something all phones under 20K offer. All these options lead to a quibble: The macro camera, which is a hit and miss, like on most Android phones.
There are enough details in the photographs
The other things to look at while making a purchase are Samsung Pay and Secure Folder. These are days when you can actually leave the wallet at home and let your phone do all that’s necessary. On the Galaxy F23, there is support for NFC transactions. Secure Folder is also something I want in a sub 20K phone because of its privacy-related features.
And one more feature to talk about while discussing future proofing — One UI 4.1 based on Android 12. I have mentioned the benefits of the latter, with One UI 4.1, you get a lot of customisation, like choosing a palette based on colours from your wallpaper.
Things being talked about
Two issues are being talked about. First, display. It’s a TFT 1080 x 2408 (FHD+) panel. Right, so it’s not IPS or AMOLED. Here’s the deal. Samsung is the best when it comes to display panels, supplying to companies all around the world. When it comes to tuning and perfecting panels, the South Korean company knows a thing or two. The TFT panel here is of good quality with good colour calibration. Unless you see the screen next to an AMOLED screen, it will be hard to criticise the display. Second, this is an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate display, ensuring scrolling is super smooth and the phone has a certain degree of nimbleness. What could have been better is something other than a “tear-drop” notch, which is not exactly 2022.
Second, the 5,000mAh battery supports 25W charging and the battery is surely good enough to see you through a day and a half. But there is no charging brick in the box. Many flagship phones are already coming without a charging brick but it’s something new for the budget category. It’s a good move because most have a number of chargers lying around, so we have less e-waste and boxes are smaller (less packaging material needed). But Samsung can also look at an option like offering the same phone with a charging brick, costing Rs 400-500 extra. Overall, a welcome move.
Should you buy it?
Even though there is bloatware, you can uninstall all of it. Overall, there is enough future proofing and that too at under 20K. Good processor, latest Android version, promise of Android and security support, customisation, even ample 5G bands… everything is here. Returning to what I have been saying again and again: Samsung Galaxy F23 5G is an affordable phone with a good degree of future proofing.
At a glance
The phone comes with a sharp 50MP main camera
Device: Samsung Galaxy F23 5G
Price: Upwards of Rs 15,999 (4GB+128GB; supports micro SD up to 1TB)
High notes
• Latest version of Android and promise of future support
• Nimble processor
• Smooth software optimisation
• Excellent set of cameras
Muffled note
• It will help if Samsung offers a version of the phone with a charging brick at an extra cost