Samsung Galaxy F23 5G Review: A Balanced Budget 5G Phone for Everyday Power Users

1. Introduction

Launched in March 2022, the Samsung Galaxy F23 5G is a value-centric midrange smartphone built for buyers who want future-proof 5G, smooth performance, and a long-lasting battery, without breaking the bank. It brings several “firsts” to Samsung’s F-series—Snapdragon 750G chipset, Voice Focus clarity, Auto Data Switch, and a 120Hz refresh rate display, all while supporting clean, practical aesthetics and Samsung’s trusted One UI experience. The F23 is aimed at young professionals, students, and those wanting a fast, stutter-free daily driver. For current specs, offers, and support, see the official Samsung Galaxy F23 5G page.

Samsung Galaxy F23 5G Key Features Table

3. Design & Build Quality

The Galaxy F23 keeps things practical with clean lines, a matte polycarbonate back that resists smudges, and a Gorilla Glass 5-protected front. The triple camera module sits vertically on the back, lending it a contemporary yet understated vibe. At 198g, it’s slightly lighter than the beefier M33 but still feels sturdy in hand. The phone is chunkier than some rivals, given its battery and display size, but curves at the corners and edges help with grip and usability. The matte finish, especially the Forest Green version, gives it a unique, modern look, and also means fewer fingerprints than glossy designs. Button placement is ergonomic, with the side-mounted fingerprint scanner/power button and tactile volume keys on the right. The phone is not IP rated, so it’s resistant, but not certified against water or excessive dust.

4. Display

A major highlight is the big 6.6-inch FHD+ TFT LCD with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate—making scrolling, navigation, and gaming feel crisp and responsive. The 1080x2408 pixel resolution (400ppi) ensures good sharpness for movies, games, or web browsing. Gorilla Glass 5 protects against daily scratches and minor drops. Color accuracy and brightness are solid for most indoor and shaded outdoor use. Under direct sunlight, legibility can dip, and the panel falls short of an AMOLED’s deeper blacks and richer hues; color enthusiasts or media lovers may notice this when streaming. Still, the high refresh, big size, and consistent clarity make it a standout for the price.

5. Performance

The Galaxy F23 is the first F-series device to use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 750G, an octa-core chipset built for 5G and multitasking. With 4GB or 6GB RAM (plus up to 12GB available via RAM Plus), the phone offers smooth, lag-free performance on social media, web browsing, and multitasking. The GPU handles mid-tier gaming well—titles like Call of Duty Mobile, Asphalt 9, and BGMI run at medium-high settings with good stability and minimal heat, thanks in part to Power Cool thermal management. Multitasking between several apps is handled without stutter. Storage, at 128GB, is more than ample for day-to-day needs and is expandable up to 1TB—something many rivals miss. Samsung’s One UI software feels clean and responsive, with little to no bloatware out of the box.

6. Cameras

The F23 packs a versatile triple camera setup:

• 50MP main sensor: Produces sharp, colorful images in daylight, with accurate skin tones and reliable detail. HDR and auto color tuning work well, and the interface is simple with intuitive controls.
• 8MP ultrawide (123° FOV): Enables broad, dramatic landscape shots. There is some softness at the edges, but dynamic range and color consistency with the main camera are impressive for this price.
• 2MP macro: Decent for close-up experimentation but requires light and patience for usable results. Not a substitute for a high-res macro but fine for the basics.
• Portraits: Subject separation is on par with rivals; edges are well detected, but warm tones sometimes dominate.
• Selfies: The 8MP front camera delivers bright, true-to-life selfies with good background rendering and beauty filter options.

Low-light and night shots are average: images can appear softer, colors less punchy, and some noise creeps in, as expected for this segment. The camera supports up to 4K@30fps video on the rear, while the front is limited to FHD. Stability is adequate for casual clips. The Single Take mode creates multiple auto-filtered photos and clips with one tap—handy for social media creators.

7. Battery Life

With a 5000mAh battery, the F23 delivers robust endurance—7 to 9 hours of screen-on time or 1.5 days of moderate-heavy use is typical. With careful use, some achieve two days per charge. The phone holds up well with extended gaming/movie streaming, and is efficient even with the 120Hz refresh rate enabled. 25W fast charging is supported, getting you from 0 to 100% in about 1.5 hours, but Samsung does not include a charger in the box (a cost-cutting move also common for major rivals now). If you use GPS navigation or 5G a lot, expect slightly faster drain, but for most users the battery is a major strong point.

8. Connectivity & Other Features

The F23 is packed with connectivity options: dual-SIM 5G (12 bands), 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and GPS with GLONASS. The 3.5mm audio jack is present for wired audio fans. Audio output is via a single bottom-firing speaker—loud enough, but not stereo, so expectations for immersive sound should be measured. Voice Focus, a unique Samsung feature, lets you cut out ambient noise during calls, promising clearer conversations. Auto Data Switch is another “first,” automatically shifting to a backup SIM for data/calls if your primary network drops out—useful for travelers or dual-number users. Security is managed by a reliable side-mounted fingerprint sensor and face unlock.

The F23 runs Android 12 with Samsung’s One UI 4.1 at launch, and is upgradable to Android 14/One UI 6.1 as of 2025. Samsung’s promise of timely updates and quarterly security patches holds true here. The software includes digital wellbeing, App Pair split-screen multitasking, Secure Folder, and parental controls.

9. User Experience

Day-to-day, the F23 feels zippy. The 120Hz screen makes scrolling and navigating through One UI a joy. Features like Edge Panels, Quick Share, and Secure Folder increase productivity and convenience. RAM Plus up to 12GB ensures smooth multitasking, even with demanding app combos. Samsung’s Power Cool technology helps keep the phone from overheating during gaming, streaming, or video calls. The device feels equally optimized for students jumping between apps, professionals on Zoom, and content bingers. The clean One UI and Samsung’s usual attention to polish make for a frustration-free, intuitive experience.

10. Pros and Cons

11. Comparison

Against the M33, the F23 offers a lighter handfeel and Snapdragon over Exynos power, but a slightly smaller battery. Compared to rivals like Redmi Note 11 Pro, POCO X5, or Realme Narzo 50 Pro, the F23 wins on software quality (One UI), long-term updates, 5G band coverage, and Samsung’s after-sales support, though loses out on AMOLED screens and stereo audio for pure entertainment. Camera quality, battery, and updates make the F23 an easy recommend for mainstream users, not camera aficionados.

12. Pricing, Variants & Availability

The Galaxy F23 5G launched in India at around ₹15,000 for the base 4GB/128GB and ₹16,000 for the 6GB/128GB model (as of mid-2025, available for less in sales and online deals). Colors offered include Aqua Blue, Forest Green, and Copper Blush. It’s widely available on Flipkart, Samsung’s own store, and major offline retailers. As is industry norm now, the box includes only a USB-C cable and paperwork—no charger inside.

13. Verdict / Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy F23 5G is a dependable all-rounder for users seeking good daily performance, robust battery life, future-ready 5G, and trusted Samsung design at an affordable price. While it lacks a punchy AMOLED screen and skips the charger, it compensates with a sharp, large 120Hz display, solid rear cameras, and regular software support. It stands as a deeply practical phone—especially for students, working professionals, and anyone needing two-day battery life, the latest 5G, and a hassle-free user experience on a sub-₹16,000 budget.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How is battery life on the Samsung F23?
Very strong—expect a comfortable 1.5 days of mixed use, with 7-9 hours of screen-on time. Even with 120Hz refresh rate enabled, it’s a reliable all-day performer.

Q2: Does the F23 offer good gaming performance?
Yes—the Snapdragon 750G and RAM Plus support smooth gaming for popular titles. Most games run well at mid-high settings; only the most demanding titles require compromises.

Q3: Can the F23’s camera take good photos?
In daylight, the 50MP camera takes sharp, vibrant shots. The ultrawide is useful; the macro is passable for close-ups; but night shots lack the finesse of higher-end cameras.

Q4: Is a charger included with the F23?
No, Samsung does not include a charger in the box—only a USB-C cable. You’ll need a separately purchased 25W charger for fast charging.

Q5: How is the software and update promise?
The F23 launched with Android 12/One UI 4.1; as of 2025 it’s upgradeable to Android 14/One UI 6.1. Samsung’s update track record is strong, promising at least 2-3 years of security and system updates.