Samsung Galaxy S23 vs OnePlus Nord N30 5G
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the premium mid-range option, while the OnePlus Nord N30 5G is your go-to budget champion. In real-world use, the S23's 3900mAh battery provides up to 22 hours of video playback. Key specs: Display: 6.1" vs 6.72" and Battery: 3900 mAh vs 5000 mAh.
Why compare these? The Samsung Galaxy S23 (mid-range) and OnePlus Nord N30 5G (budget-friendly) represent different approaches to smartphones. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Samsung Galaxy | OnePlus Nord |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.4★ (101 reviews) | 4.4★ (1,496 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip outperforms standard version | Fastest charging in the US budget segment (50W wired) |
| Main Drawback | Base 128GB model uses slower UFS 3.1 storage (256GB+ uses UFS 4.0) | No ultrawide camera (replaced by low-utility macro/depth sensors) |
| Market Position | ✓Mid-range | Budget |
Samsung Galaxy S23
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades (Android 14, 15, 16, 17); 5 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2028)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.36GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8GHz A715, 2x2.8GHz A710, 3x2.0GHz A510)
Adreno 740 (719 MHz)
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
Android
1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
Adreno 619
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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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
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S23 | OnePlus Nord N30 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(101)Best Buy | ★4.4(1,496)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 4 generations of OS upgrades (Android 14, 15, 16, 17); 5 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2028) | 1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates |
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) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) |
Graphics | Adreno 740 (719 MHz) | Adreno 619 |
RAM | 8 GB (LPDDR5X) | 8GB LPDDR4X (Plus up to 8GB Virtual RAM) |
Storage | 128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB (UFS 4.0) / 512GB (UFS 4.0) | 128GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB) |
Display Size | 6.1" (6.1" full rectangle; 5.9" accounting for rounded corners) | 6.72" |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 680 nits (HBM) |
Resolution | 2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+, 425 ppi) | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | Adaptive 48–120 Hz | 120Hz (Adaptive: 30/48/50/60/90/120Hz) |
Peak Brightness | 1200 nits (HBM); 1750 nits peak (outdoor) | 550 nits (Typical) / 680 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 50MP Wide (24 mm, f/1.8), Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS | 108MP Samsung S5KHM6, f/1.7, EIS, 3x Lossless Digital Zoom |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° FOV), Super Steady video | No (Not supported) — Includes 2MP Depth + 2MP Macro |
Telephoto Camera | 10MP Telephoto (70 mm, f/2.4), PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 3x optical zoom; 30x Space Zoom | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x | Up to 6x |
Video Recording | 8K video at 24/30 fps; 4K at 30/60 fps; Slow motion 1080p at 240/960 fps | 1080p @ 30fps |
Front Camera | 12MP Front (26 mm, f/2.2), Dual Pixel PDAF; 4K video at 30/60 fps | 16MP, f/2.4 |
Battery | 3900 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 22 hours video playback | 5,000mAh |
Wired Charging | USB-C; Up to 50% in ~30 minutes with 25W adapter (sold separately) | 50W SUPERVOOC (Charger included) |
Wireless Charging | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (up to 15W); Wireless PowerShare (4.5W) | No (Not supported) |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (up to 5 Gb/s) | USB Type-C 2.0 |
Durability | IP68 (up to 1.5 m freshwater for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back | No official IP rating |
Dimensions | 5.76" x 2.79" x 0.30" (146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm) | 6.52 x 2.99 x 0.33 in (165.5 x 76.0 x 8.3 mm) |
Weight | 5.93 oz (168 g) | 6.88 oz (195 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint (under display); Face recognition | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox; Stereo speakers tuned by AKG; Dual eSIM support (varies by carrier) | Stereo speakers (200% Ultra Volume Mode), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot |
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Samsung Galaxy S23
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades (Android 14, 15, 16, 17); 5 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2028)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.36GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8GHz A715, 2x2.8GHz A710, 3x2.0GHz A510)
Adreno 740 (719 MHz)
8 GB (LPDDR5X)
128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB (UFS 4.0) / 512GB (UFS 4.0)
Pros
- Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip outperforms standard version
- Compact, lightweight design is easy to use with one hand
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)
OnePlus Nord N30 5G
Android
1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
Adreno 619
8GB LPDDR4X (Plus up to 8GB Virtual RAM)
128GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Pros
- Fastest charging in the US budget segment (50W wired)
- Large 120Hz display is smooth and responsive
Cons
- No ultrawide camera (replaced by low-utility macro/depth sensors)
- LCD panel lacks the contrast of OLED competitors (e.g., Galaxy A15 5G)
Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the better buy for most people - its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip crushes the OnePlus Nord N30 5G's performance.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 if: you want top-tier performance with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, you shoot high-quality photos with a 50MP camera, or you value a high-end display with 1200 nits brightness.
Choose the OnePlus Nord N30 5G if: you need a long-lasting phone for 30 hours of use, you want the fastest charging speed of 50W, or you’re looking for a budget-friendly option without breaking the bank.
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 1,496 reviews vs 101
→ Choose OnePlus Nord
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose OnePlus Nord
Powerful Snapdragon 8 Priority
Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip outperforms standard version
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Conclusion
Samsung Galaxy S23 and OnePlus Nord N30 5G are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Bottom line: Both products share a 4.4★ rating, making this comparison particularly close. Your decision should come down to which specific features matter most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Samsung Galaxy S23 or OnePlus Nord N30 5G?
Samsung Galaxy S23 is the better choice if you prioritize powerful snapdragon 8 gen 2 for galaxy chip outperforms standard version. OnePlus Nord N30 5G wins if you value fastest charging in the us budget segment (50w wired). Both are rated highly (4.4★ vs 4.4★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Samsung Galaxy S23 and OnePlus Nord N30 5G?
Key differences: Samsung Galaxy S23 offers powerful snapdragon 8 gen 2 for galaxy chip outperforms standard version, while OnePlus Nord N30 5G stands out with fastest charging in the us budget segment (50w wired). Consider that Samsung Galaxy S23 base 128gb model uses slower ufs 3.1 storage (256gb+ uses ufs 4.0). Meanwhile, OnePlus Nord N30 5G no ultrawide camera (replaced by low-utility macro/depth sensors). Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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