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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, Manufacturer

Samsung Galaxy S23 vs OnePlus Nord N30 5G

The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the premium option here, but don't underestimate the OnePlus Nord N30 5G. In my testing, the Galaxy S23's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip delivers powerful performance, crushing the Nord N30's Snapdragon 695.

📱 Display: 6.1" vs 6.72"🔋 Battery: 3900 mAh vs 5000 mAh⚖️ Weight: 5.93 oz vs 6.88 oz

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Samsung Galaxy S23

Samsung Galaxy S23

4.4
(101)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of OS upgrades (Android 14, 15, 16, 17); 5 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2028)
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.36GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8GHz A715, 2x2.8GHz A710, 3x2.0GHz A510)
Graphics:Adreno 740 (719 MHz)
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OnePlus Nord N30 5G

OnePlus Nord N30 5G

4.4
(1,496)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
Graphics:Adreno 619
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Key spec differences

Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.

Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Samsung Galaxy S23
6.1" (6.1" full rectangle; 5.9" accounting for rounded corners)
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
6.72"Winner
Refresh Rate
Samsung Galaxy S23
Adaptive 48–120 Hz
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
120Hz (Adaptive: 30/48/50/60/90/120Hz)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Samsung Galaxy S23
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.36GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8GHz A715, 2x2.8GHz A710, 3x2.0GHz A510)
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
RAMKey
Samsung Galaxy S23
8 GB (LPDDR5X)
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
8GB LPDDR4X (Plus up to 8GB Virtual RAM)
Storage
Samsung Galaxy S23
128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB (UFS 4.0) / 512GB (UFS 4.0)
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
128GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Samsung Galaxy S23
50MP Wide (24 mm, f/1.8), Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
108MP Samsung S5KHM6, f/1.7, EIS, 3x Lossless Digital ZoomWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Samsung Galaxy S23
12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° FOV), Super Steady video
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
No (Not supported) — Includes 2MP Depth + 2MP Macro
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Samsung Galaxy S23
3900 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 22 hours video playback
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
5,000mAhWinner
Wireless Charging
Samsung Galaxy S23
Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (up to 15W); Wireless PowerShare (4.5W)
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
No (Not supported)
Design2 specs
Weight
Samsung Galaxy S23
5.93 oz (168 g)Winner
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
6.88 oz (195 g)
Dimensions
Samsung Galaxy S23
5.76" x 2.79" x 0.30" (146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm)
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
6.52 x 2.99 x 0.33 in (165.5 x 76.0 x 8.3 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Samsung Galaxy S23
5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1, NFC
+

Full specs, pros, and cons

Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.

Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S23 vs OnePlus Nord N30 5G

Samsung Galaxy S23

Samsung Galaxy S23

4.4(101)Best Buy
OnePlus Nord N30 5G

OnePlus Nord N30 5G

4.4(1,496)Amazon
Samsung Galaxy S23

Samsung Galaxy S23

Rating:4.4(101)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of OS upgrades (Android 14, 15, 16, 17); 5 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2028)
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.36GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8GHz A715, 2x2.8GHz A710, 3x2.0GHz A510)
Graphics:Adreno 740 (719 MHz)
RAM:8 GB (LPDDR5X)
Storage:128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB (UFS 4.0) / 512GB (UFS 4.0)
Display Size:6.1" (6.1" full rectangle; 5.9" accounting for rounded corners)
Screen Type:Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution:2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+, 425 ppi)
Refresh Rate:Adaptive 48–120 Hz
Peak Brightness:1200 nits (HBM); 1750 nits peak (outdoor)
Main Camera:50MP Wide (24 mm, f/1.8), Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° FOV), Super Steady video
Telephoto Camera:10MP Telephoto (70 mm, f/2.4), PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom
Optical Zoom:3x optical zoom; 30x Space Zoom
Digital Zoom:Up to 30x
Video Recording:8K video at 24/30 fps; 4K at 30/60 fps; Slow motion 1080p at 240/960 fps
Front Camera:12MP Front (26 mm, f/2.2), Dual Pixel PDAF; 4K video at 30/60 fps
Battery:3900 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 22 hours video playback
Wired Charging:USB-C; Up to 50% in ~30 minutes with 25W adapter (sold separately)
Wireless Charging:Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (up to 15W); Wireless PowerShare (4.5W)
Connectivity:5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (up to 5 Gb/s)
Durability:IP68 (up to 1.5 m freshwater for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back
Dimensions:5.76" x 2.79" x 0.30" (146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm)
Weight:5.93 oz (168 g)
Biometrics:Ultrasonic Fingerprint (under display); Face recognition
Extras:Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox; Stereo speakers tuned by AKG; Dual eSIM support (varies by carrier)

✓ Pros:

  • Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip outperforms standard version
  • Compact, lightweight design is easy to use with one hand
  • Bright 1750 nits display ensures excellent outdoor visibility
  • Versatile camera system with genuine 3x optical zoom
  • Solid battery life for its size class (3900 mAh)

✗ Cons:

  • Base 128GB model uses slower UFS 3.1 storage (256GB+ uses UFS 4.0)
  • Charging speed is limited to 25W (significantly slower than competitors)
  • Lacks UWB (Ultra-Wideband) support found in Plus/Ultra models
  • Refresh rate floor is 48Hz (not 1Hz like LTPO panels on Ultra)
  • Small screen size may be limiting for heavy media consumption

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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OnePlus Nord N30 5G

OnePlus Nord N30 5G

Rating:4.4(1,496)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
Graphics:Adreno 619
RAM:8GB LPDDR4X (Plus up to 8GB Virtual RAM)
Storage:128GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Display Size:6.72"
Screen Type:IPS LCD, 120Hz, 680 nits (HBM)
Resolution:2400 x 1080 (FHD+)
Refresh Rate:120Hz (Adaptive: 30/48/50/60/90/120Hz)
Peak Brightness:550 nits (Typical) / 680 nits (High Brightness Mode)
Main Camera:108MP Samsung S5KHM6, f/1.7, EIS, 3x Lossless Digital Zoom
Ultra-Wide Camera:No (Not supported) — Includes 2MP Depth + 2MP Macro
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 6x
Video Recording:1080p @ 30fps
Front Camera:16MP, f/2.4
Battery:5,000mAh
Wired Charging:50W SUPERVOOC (Charger included)
Wireless Charging:No (Not supported)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 2.0
Durability:No official IP rating
Dimensions:6.52 x 2.99 x 0.33 in (165.5 x 76.0 x 8.3 mm)
Weight:6.88 oz (195 g)
Biometrics:Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:Stereo speakers (200% Ultra Volume Mode), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot

✓ Pros:

  • Fastest charging in the US budget segment (50W wired)
  • Large 120Hz display is smooth and responsive
  • Base model comes with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage (high for this tier)
  • Retains enthusiast features: 3.5mm jack and microSD expansion
  • 108MP main camera provides decent 3x lossless zoom in good light

✗ Cons:

  • No ultrawide camera (replaced by low-utility macro/depth sensors)
  • LCD panel lacks the contrast of OLED competitors (e.g., Galaxy A15 5G)
  • Video recording capped at 1080p/30fps (Chipset limitation)
  • Software support (1 OS update) is very short compared to Samsung (4 years)
  • No official IP rating for water resistance

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Which one is better?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the better buy for most people - its 50MP camera crushes the OnePlus Nord N30 5G's 108MP in low-light situations.

Who should buy each?

Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 if: you want top-tier performance for gaming, you take a lot of photos in varying light, or you appreciate a compact design. (6.1" display, 3900 mAh battery)
Choose the OnePlus Nord N30 5G if: you need 2+ days of battery life, want the fastest charging in the US budget segment, or prefer a larger screen for media consumption.

Conclusion

We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

+Which has better value?

Samsung Galaxy S23 excels if you value powerful snapdragon 8 gen 2 for galaxy chip outperforms standard version. OnePlus Nord N30 5G is better if you prioritize fastest charging in the us budget segment (50w wired). Pick based on your budget and daily use.

+Is this an independent review?

Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.

+Do newer models exist?

Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.

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