"There are many different types of Galaxy, but what are the features of each one?"
"I'm currently using an iPhone, but I'm also interested in the Galaxy..."
To answer these questions, this article provides a detailed explanation of the features of the latest Galaxy series models (Galaxy S23, Galaxy Z Flip5, Galaxy Z Fold5, Galaxy A54 5G, and Galaxy M23 5G), as well as the differences between the Galaxy and iPhone.
"Galaxy" is a popular brand name for the Android OS. It is a brand released by Samsung, the world's number one smartphone manufacturer, and is supported worldwide for its wide range of products, including smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches.
The main Galaxy series are the S series, Z series, A series, and M series, each with different features.
| Series Name | Features |
|---|---|
| S Series | ■High-end model equipped with a high-performance CPU ■ The most powerful camera in the series |
| Z Series | ■Can be folded ■Large display |
| A Series | ■ Entry model for smartphone beginners ■ Prices tend to be low |
| M Series | ■ Equipped with a large-capacity battery ■Galaxy's first SIM-free model |
Here we will introduce the latest models in each series.
The S series is the highest-end model in the Galaxy series and is equipped with a high-performance CPU. This is also the case with the Galaxy S23, which was released on April 20, 2023.
The main features of the Galaxy S23 are as follows:
・High camera performance
・Equipped with a high-performance CPU, it handles downloads, games, videos, etc. quickly and smoothly.
・Supports eSIM
First, let's talk about the camera performance. The front camera of the previous model, the Galaxy S22, was about 10 megapixels, but the Galaxy S23 has increased it to about 12 megapixels. In addition, the "night photography function" makes it possible to take cinematic-quality photos even at night.
Another major feature is the "Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy" CPU, which allows for smooth operation. For example, even if you play games for a long time, the processing speed and powerful cooling system mean that the device will not slow down, allowing you to play without stress.
Finally, it's worth noting that it also supports eSIM. The Galaxy S22 sold in Japan uses a nanoSIM, which requires you to physically insert the card, but the Galaxy S23 has an eSIM pre-installed, so there's no need to replace it, and you can start using it as soon as the same day you sign up for an online contract.
Furthermore, for those who want to use the S series with a larger display size, we also recommend the Galaxy S23 Ultra, which was also released on April 20, 2023.
The biggest feature of the Z series is that it is foldable, and it is recommended for those who prefer a larger display size.
When you hear the term "foldable smartphone," some people may worry that opening and closing it too many times will cause it to break, but rest assured. The Galaxy Z Flip4, which has already been released, has been tested for over 200,000 opening and closing operations, and the durability of both the inside and outside has been carefully considered.
Folding smartphones also allow you to freely change the display size, allowing you to achieve a large screen of approximately 6.7 inches on the Galaxy Z Flip5 and approximately 7.6 inches on the Galaxy Z Fold5 when needed. These are the perfect models for those who like folding smartphones and prefer larger displays.
The difference between the Galaxy Z Flip5 and the Galaxy Z Fold5 is that the Galaxy Z Flip5 opens vertically, while the Galaxy Z Fold5 opens horizontally. The Galaxy Z Fold5 is approximately 7.6 inches, which is similar to a small tablet, so if you want to enjoy content on a larger screen, we recommend the Galaxy Z Fold5.
The A series is an entry-level model that is easy for even beginners to buy. Because it has mid-range specs, it can be purchased relatively cheaply compared to other series.
The latest model in the A series, the Galaxy A54 5G, was released in Japan on May 25, 2023. Although it has mid-range specs, it is still good enough for those who mainly use it for internet searches and video viewing, making it a good choice for those looking for a smartphone with good value for money. It also supports eSIM.
The battery capacity exceeds that of the latest models in the S and Z series, the Galaxy S23 and Z Flip 5.
| Model name | Battery capacity |
|---|---|
| Galaxy S23 | Approximately 3,900mAh |
| Galaxy Z Flip5 | Approximately 3,700mAh |
| Galaxy A54 5G | Approximately 5,000mAh |
With a large capacity battery of approximately 5,000mAh, you can enjoy it without worry from the time you go out in the morning until you get home.
*Available time may vary depending on your environment and usage conditions.
Until now, the M series has mainly been sold in the Indian market, but the Galaxy M23 5G was finally released in Japan on April 21, 2022. Its appeal lies in its affordable price and large-capacity battery. Another major feature is that it is the first SIM-free Galaxy model.
However, it lacks the waterproof and dustproof features found on other Galaxy series phones. Also, those who want to enjoy gaming may find the specs lacking, but it is of course fine for general use, so it is a recommended model for those who want to keep their smartphone purchase costs down.
When comparing the Galaxy and iPhone, you may be wondering in what areas the specs of the Galaxy and iPhone are better, and which smartphone is best for you. In this section, we will compare the specs of the Galaxy and iPhone, so that you can carefully compare and consider which smartphone is best for you.
The models being compared are the Galaxy S23 and the iPhone 14.
・Galaxy S23: Approx. 168g
・iPhone14: Approx. 172g
In terms of weight, there's not much difference between the two. There's a difference of a few grams, but it's barely noticeable.
The camera performance of the Galaxy S23 and iPhone 14 is as follows.
| Galaxy S23 | iPhone14 |
|---|---|
| ■ (Ultra-wide angle) Approximately 12 million pixels ■ (Wide angle) Approximately 50 million pixels ■ (Telephoto) Approximately 10 million pixels ⇒ Triple camera (equipped with three cameras) |
■ (Ultra-wide angle) Approximately 12 million pixels ■ (Wide angle) Approximately 12 million pixels ⇒Dual camera (equipped with two cameras) |
As you can see, the Galaxy S23 has a higher pixel count. The Galaxy S23 has a higher pixel count for the main wide-angle lens, and the number of cameras is also different.
| Galaxy S23 | iPhone14 | |
|---|---|---|
| resolution | 2,340 x 1,080 (FHD+) | 2532×1170 |
| Display size | 6.1 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Refresh rate | Max 120Hz | Fixed at 60Hz |
Although the display size is the same, the Galaxy S23 has a higher refresh rate. The refresh rate is a number that indicates how many times the display is drawn (updated) per second, and the higher the number, the smoother the screen display.
The Galaxy S23 has a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz, which means the screen displays smoothly even when playing games.
Apple has never disclosed the battery capacity of its iPhones, but according to research by iFixit, a California-based venture company, the iPhone 14 has a battery capacity of 3,279mAh. The Galaxy S23 has a battery capacity of approximately 3,900mAh, so the Galaxy S23 also has a better battery.
| Galaxy S23 | iPhone14 | |
|---|---|---|
| waterproof | IPX5/IPX8 (*Note 1) | IP68 rating based on IEC standard 60529 (Note 2) |
| dustproof | IP6X (*Note 3) | IP68 rating based on IEC standard 60529 (Note 2) |
Waterproofing is divided into 9 levels (IPX0 to IPX8) and dustproofing into 7 levels (IP0X to IP6X), with both the Galaxy S23 and iPhone 14 achieving the highest levels, providing high levels of waterproofing and dustproofing. Note that when it is labeled "IP68" like the iPhone 14, the number on the left, "6," indicates dustproofing, and the number on the right, "8," indicates waterproofing. In other words, IP68 is "IPX8" for waterproofing and "IP6X" for dustproofing, making it the same waterproof and dustproofing level as the S23.
However, even with its advanced waterproofing capabilities, please be aware that there are risks involved when using it in the bath or pool.
(Note 1) Make sure that any models with a card slot cover or cap are tightly closed, and that any models with a detachable battery cover are securely attached. Do not immerse in seawater, a swimming pool, or a hot spring. Do not place on sand at a beach. (Note 2) iPhone 14 is splash-, water-, and dust-resistant, and has been tested under controlled laboratory conditions to an IP68 rating under IEC standard 60529 (maximum depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes). Splash-, water-, and dust-resistance are not permanent conditions and resistance might decrease with normal wear. Do not charge a wet iPhone. Refer to the user guide for cleaning and drying instructions. Liquid damage is not covered by the warranty. (Note 3) IP6X equivalent means that the phone can withstand an 8-hour exposure to an agitated environment containing dust particles 75 μm or less in diameter, and after removal, the phone is protected from dust.
| Galaxy S23 (256GB) | iPhone 14 (256GB) | |
|---|---|---|
| Base price (tax included) | 136,330円 | 161,770円 |
*The prices shown in the table above are the prices listed on the au Online Shop as of August 1, 2023.
When comparing phones with the same capacity, the Galaxy S23 is more affordable than the iPhone 14.
Specifications are important when choosing a model, but be sure to check the price in advance as well.
From the above, we can see that the Galaxy S23 is superior in terms of camera, display, battery, and price. Therefore, if you take a lot of photos and videos or use your smartphone frequently, the Galaxy S23 may be recommended. The iPhone 14 also has advantages such as its compatibility with many Apple products and simple operation, so ultimately it will be up to you to make your choice.
There are three main places where you can buy a Galaxy:
・Telecommunications carrier stores and online shops
・Electronics retail stores
・Galaxy Official Shop
The benefits vary depending on where you purchase, so be sure to understand the benefits of each and get a great deal on your Galaxy.
When purchasing a Galaxy series device from a carrier such as au or docomo, you can either go to a store or buy it online. There are advantages and disadvantages to both buying in-store and online.
| Merit | Disadvantages | |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase in store | ■ You can consult about any problems you are having. ■ Plan consultation available ■ Initial setup and data migration can be handled on your behalf (fees apply) |
■ Travel time and waiting time are required. ■ Procedures cannot be completed when the store is closed |
| Purchase from the online shop | ■ You can purchase whenever you want ■No waiting time |
■ Face-to-face consultations are not possible (chat consultations and questions via social media are possible) ■ You can't actually pick up a smartphone and choose it. |
If you buy a Galaxy in-store, you may have to wait if you don't make a reservation, or you'll need to go during business hours, but there are some benefits to this.
You can easily consult with sales staff, and for a fee, they will also handle initial setup and data migration. Although there is an administrative fee, you can also discuss fees plans, so you can choose the plan that is best for you.
The advantage of purchasing from an online store is that you can purchase at any time without having to wait, regardless of business days or hours. Also, online stores often do not charge administrative fees, so in many cases you can get a Galaxy at a better price than if you purchased it in a store.
However, if you are not used to buying or upgrading smartphones, it can be difficult to complete the purchase process online, so if you are worried, it is better to go to a store. Also, when purchasing from an online store, it is important to note that you cannot pick out the smartphone in advance.
If you purchase a Galaxy at an electronics store, there are both advantages and disadvantages, so be sure to be aware of them.
【merit】
・Store-specific campaigns and point awards
・You can talk to salespeople who are knowledgeable about smartphones
・You can compare various telecommunications companies
Electronics retailers often have their own campaigns and point programs, so you can get better deals and earn points for the store. Furthermore, the sales staff at electronics retailers are often knowledgeable about smartphones and other products, so you can easily ask them for help with any smartphone-related questions you may have.
[Disadvantages]
・Many devices do not support initial setup or data migration
The downside is that it may not support initial setup or data migration, but if you can do all of that yourself, this won't be a major drawback.
You can also purchase it from the official Galaxy store. There are two official Galaxy stores: "Galaxy Harajuku" and the Samsung online store.
Galaxy Harajuku was opened as an official Galaxy store in March 2019. Various Galaxy models are on display, and you can purchase them immediately after consulting with a salesperson about their features. However, since the store is expected to be busy immediately after the release of a new model, it is recommended that those hoping to purchase one check stock in advance and make a reservation to visit the store.
Some Galaxy models can also be purchased from Samsung's official online store, which offers reliable support and special offers.
Since it's an online store, some people may be worried about not being able to actually touch the device, but you can also check out what Samsung Members think about it.
Also, if you have recently purchased a Galaxy and want to transfer your data, you can use Samsung's original data transfer app called Smart Switch to easily transfer your data when changing models (this app can also be used by people who are already using an iPhone).
So far, we've explained the features of the four latest models in the Galaxy series, as well as the differences between the Galaxy S23 and iPhone 14. The Galaxy S23, Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy A54 5G, and Galaxy M23 5G introduced here are all compatible with povo2.0, so why not take this opportunity to consider purchasing a Galaxy phone and also take a look at your data fees?
Reference: Compatible models and devices
For those who want to reduce their monthly communication fees even a little, we recommend "povo2.0 (※1)" provided by KDDI. "povo2.0" is an online-only brand that has a basic fee of 0 yen (※2) (※3) (※4) and allows you Topping (for a fee) only the services you want to use. Paid Topping are free to be added, and you can use only the services you need each time without waste, making it easy to keep monthly fees down.
The model can be purchased from KDDI's au Online Shop (※5), so be sure to check out povo2.0 as well.
Reference: au Online Shop
*1: All procedures and support are online. povo2.0 Please contact us through the application or the official website. *2：When you pay 0 yen for 0 GB, the maximum sending/receiving speed is 128 kbps. *2：If you subscribe to 5 lines* under the same name, a contract administration fee of tax included 3,850 yen per line will be charged after the 6th line. 180 days or more of no paid Topping purchases may result in suspension of usage or cancellation of contract.
*3: If you have not purchased a paid Topping service for 180 days or more, your subscription may be suspended or terminated.
If you subscribe to 5 lines(*) under the same name, a contract administration fee of tax included 3,850 yen/line will be charged for the 6th line and thereafter.
*Includes lines that have been terminated or cancelled by the Company within the past year.
Reference:" povo2.0 Plan Details" (povo) *4:
For Data Only, initial Topping purchase is required at the time of contract. Calls＋Data For domestic calls: tax included 22 yen/30 seconds Some calling charges may differ, such as calls to satellite phones. See here for details. In addition, designated call charges apply to calls to phone numbers set up fees by other companies. Sending domestic SMS: tax included 3.3 yen/text (up to 70 characters) Receiving: Free Up to 670 full-width characters can be sent depending on the model. However, up to 134 characters will be charged for two SMS, and after that, one SMS will be charged for every 67 characters. 5: "Galaxy M23 5G" is not available at au Online Shop.
