Galaxy S23 vs S23 FE: Which Smartphone is Right for You?

Galaxy S23 vs S23 FE: Which Smartphone is Right for You?

Deciding which new smartphone to buy from the market can be daunting. The Galaxy S23 and the Galaxy S23 FE are two trending phones. These devices provide excellent features and performance but are designed for different tasks and prices. In this blog post, we will compare and contrast these two models so you can know what each offers. At the end of this guide, you should be able to distinguish which smartphone models will be the most suitable for you and your needs. Let's dive in!

Samsung Galaxy S23 vs. Galaxy S23 FE: Which One Should You Choose?

Samsung has recently released the Galaxy S23 FE, a more budget-friendly model of the Galaxy S23. The good thing is that both phones are powerful, but some essential distinctions must be noticed. To assist you in choosing between the two, here is a comparison of the two:

Feature

Samsung Galaxy S23

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

Network Technology

GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G

GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G

Launch Date

Announced: 2023, February 01

Released: 2023, February 17

Announced: 2023, October 04

Released: 2023, October 05

Dimensions

146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm

158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm

Weight

168 g (5.93 oz)

209 g (7.37 oz)

Build

Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front & back), aluminum frame

Gorilla Glass 5 (front & back), aluminum frame

SIM Options

Nano-SIM & eSIM or Dual SIM (Nano-SIMs & eSIM)

Single SIM (Nano-SIM) or Dual SIM (Nano-SIMs or eSIM)

Water/Dust Resistance

IP68 (up to 1.5m for 30 min)

IP68 (up to 1.5m for 30 min)

Display Type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1750 nits (peak)

Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1450 nits (peak)

Display Size

6.1 inches (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio)

6.4 inches (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio)

Display Resolution

1080 x 2340 pixels (~425 ppi density)

1080 x 2340 pixels (~403 ppi density)

Display Protection

Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2

Corning Gorilla Glass 5

Operating System

Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1

Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1

Chipset

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)

Exynos 2200 (4 nm) - International

Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) - USA

CPU

Octa-core (3.36 GHz & 2.8 GHz & 2.0 GHz)

Octa-core (2.8 GHz & 2.50 GHz & 1.8 GHz) - International

Octa-core (3.00 GHz & 2.50 GHz & 1.80 GHz) - USA

GPU

Adreno 740

Xclipse 920 - International

Adreno 730 - USA

Internal Storage/RAM

128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM

128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM

Main Camera

50 MP (wide), 10 MP (telephoto), 12 MP (ultrawide)

50 MP (wide), 8 MP (telephoto), 12 MP (ultrawide)

Main Camera Features

LED flash, auto-HDR, panorama

LED flash, HDR, panorama

Main Camera Video

8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 960fps

8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, 720p@960fps

Selfie Camera

12 MP (wide), dual pixel PDAF

10 MP (wide)

Selfie Camera Video

4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps

4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS

Battery

Li-Ion 3900 mAh, non-removable

Li-Ion 4500 mAh, non-removable

Charging

25W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless

25W wired, 15W wireless, reverse wireless

Colors Available

Phantom Black, Cream, Green, Lavender, Graphite, Lime

Mint, Cream, Graphite, Purple, Indigo, Tangerine

 

Check Out: Samsung Galaxy S23 vs S24: A Simple Comparison

1) Design and Build

The S23 and S23 FE share a rounded rectangular design with a triple camera system on the device's rear. However, there are some variations in the construction and the finishing of the body. The Galaxy S23 is small and lightweight, thus easily portable. It has a metallic finish and comes with Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which is more robust and can handle more impact. 

On the other hand, the S23 FE is broader and heavier because of its larger screen and chunkier bezels. It is not shiny and has a matte appearance; it employs Gorilla Glass 5, which is less demanding than Victus 2. Both phones' displays are flat and made of Gorilla Glass, and the frames are aluminium; both devices are rated IP68 for water and dust resistance. However, the S23 is slightly better than the S22 in terms of design since it is lighter and more compact than the latter.

Check Out: iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Which Is Best?

2) Display

The display is an essential aspect of any smartphone, and the Galaxy S23 and S23 FE have great displays, but there are differences between the two. The Galaxy S23 features a 6. 1-inch display that is relatively bright, up to 1750 nits. This makes it possible to read it even in the sunlight. It also has a higher pixel density, making the images more precise and detailed. The screen has a refresh rate of 120Hz, making the scrolling and other animations very smooth.

On the other hand, the Galaxy S23 FE has a slightly larger 6. 4-inch display. Its peak brightness is 1,500 nits, which is good but less bright than the S23 or even the S22 screen. The S23 FE has a slightly lower ppi density, so the screen is less sharp than the S23 Ultra. It also supports a 120Hz refresh rate, but the size here is significantly more significant, and the pixel density is relatively low, so the S23's display feels smoother and more precise.

In conclusion, both phones have good displays that have accurate colours and produce smooth images, but the Galaxy S23 has a brighter and sharper screen. The S23 FE has a larger display for those who want a larger display with which they can work but may need to be more sharp or bright.

3) Performance

The Galaxy S23 and S23 FE differ in performance. The Galaxy S23 has the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for fast and efficient performance. This chip is suitable for multitasking and running demanding programs without slowing down. It offers faster and enhanced graphics, which makes it ideal for people who require high-performance levels.

In contrast, the Galaxy S23 FE comes with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, which is older than the one found in the Galaxy S23 and S23plus. It is slower than the S23's chip but sufficient for routine use. Still, it can run standard applications and even juggle between them without any problem. However, it may be slower than the newer S23 during more demanding tasks.

If you are looking for the fastest and, without a doubt, a top-performance device that can handle any app you throw at it, go for the Galaxy S23. But if you want a phone that doesn't cost as much but performs well for day-to-day use, the S23 FE still gets the job done.

4) Camera

The Galaxy S23 and the Galaxy S23 FE have excellent camera systems, but there are differences. The Galaxy S23 boasts a 50MP primary camera, a 12MP ultra-wide angle lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens. This arrangement allows one to take perfect photos with enormous zooming power. The S23 FE also comes with a 50MP primary camera and a 12MP ultra-wide lens but with an 8MP telephoto lens instead of 10MP. This gives the S23 a better-zooming capability than the S23 FE.

The S23 has a 12MP front camera for selfies and is usually better than the 10MP front camera of the S23 FE in terms of sharpness and detail. For video, the S23 records 8K video at 30fps, and the S23 FE records 8K video at 24fps. Regarding video, the S23 offers a slightly smoother and more detailed image than the S22.

Both phones have good camera quality; however, the Galaxy S23 has a slightly better camera, better zoom, enhanced selfie, and better video quality. Nevertheless, the S23 FE is still capable, although it is trailing in these aspects.

Check Out: IPhone 14 Pro Max vs Samsung S23 Ultra

5) Battery Life

Speaking of battery capacity, the Galaxy S23 FE comes with a 4,500mAh battery, while the standard Galaxy S23 has a 3,900mAh battery. Despite the S23 FE having a bigger battery, the S23 usually gives a more extended battery backup. The S23 has better power management because it has a better processor. 

The two phones have support for 25W fast charging and wireless charging. But the S23 charges a bit faster than the S22. The S23 FE has a larger battery capacity than the S23 but tends to drain out more quickly. Both models have the same charging options, with 15W and reverse wireless charging. Therefore, even though the S23 FE has a larger battery capacity, the S23 is efficient in power management and charges quicker than the FE.

Check Out: S23 Ultra vs S24 Ultra: Key Differences and Upgrades Explained

6) Price and Value

The standard version of the Galaxy S23 costs $799. 99, while the S23 FE costs $599. 99. However, if budget is of concern, the S23 FE is an excellent device for its price. But if you want performance at its best and a slightly more portable device, the extra money for the S23 might be worth it.

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Final Verdict

If you want the best of the best, go for the Galaxy S23; if you are on a budget, then the Galaxy S23 FE is the way to go. If you are in the market for the latest features, excellent performance, and the best camera, then the Galaxy S23 is a great buy. It is thinner, has a better screen resolution, and has a better battery life than its predecessor. 

If you are searching for a reliable smartphone with decent features and a lower price, the Galaxy S23 FE might be a perfect choice. It has a big screen and acceptable regular performance, making it an excellent deal for those without upscale options. Finally, both models are good, and you will be happy with either of them depending on the aspects that you consider essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the S23 and S23 FE? 

The S23 FE is more extensive and heavier (6.22 x 3.01 x 0.32 inches, 7.37 ounces). Its 6.1-inch screen has a brightness of 1,750 nits, while the S23 FE has a 6.4-inch display with 1,500 nits.

What does FE mean in Samsung S23 FE? 

FE means 'Fan Edition' here, which implies that Samsung listens to what people say and incorporates the best suggestions into its products.

Are both the Samsung S23 FE and the S23+ the same?

No, the S23 FE has a 6.4-inch panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1080p resolution, with a maximum brightness of 1,450 nits. The S23+ is slightly bigger than the S23 and has a 6. 6-inch, 120Hz, 1080p screen that can peak at 1,750 nits of brightness.

Is the S23 FE worth it?

Affirmatively, the Galaxy S23 FE is an excellent phone with a premium feel and beefy performance, but it is priced lower than Samsung's S series.

Why is the S23 better than the iPhone? 

The Galaxy S23 has a 6.1-inch, 1080 x 2340-pixel AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, while the iPhone 15 has a 6.1-inch, 1179 x 2556-pixel OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate, giving the S23 a smoother experience.

Is the S23 FE water-resistant?

It has an IP68 rating, effectively meaning it can be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep—five meters of water for half an hour.

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