The Samsung Galaxy S23 lineup offers something for everyone, from the high-end flagship Galaxy S23 to the more budget-friendly Galaxy S23 FE (Fan Edition). Despite the price gap, the two devices share surprising similarities, making the decision tougher than it initially appears. In this detailed comparison, we’ll break down the key aspects, from design and performance to cameras and battery life, so you can decide which smartphone best suits your needs.
S23 FE vs S23 Pricing and Availability
The price difference is the most apparent starting point. The Samsung Galaxy S23 5G debuted at £849/$799, while the Galaxy S23 FE launched at a much more affordable £599/$599. Both devices are now widely available, but recent sales occasionally put the flagship S23 at or below the FE’s price.
This overlap muddies the waters, as the S23 FE is meant to be the budget-conscious alternative. However, its value proposition remains strong thanks to its impressive set of features at a mid-range price.
S23 FE vs S23 Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the Galaxy S23 5G and Galaxy S23 FE are nearly identical. Both feature a minimalist design with flat edges, aluminum frames, and a glass back. Samsung’s decision to align the FE variant with the premium look of the S23 enhances its appeal.
- Galaxy S23 5G Dimensions: 70.9 x 146.3 x 7.6 mm, 168g
- Galaxy S23 FE Dimensions: 76.5 x 158 x 8.2 mm, 209g
The FE is slightly bulkier and heavier due to its 6.4-inch display, compared to the more compact 6.1-inch screen on the S23. Both devices boast IP68 water and dust resistance, ensuring durability.
Color Options:
- The S23 FE comes in vibrant hues like mint, graphite, cream, and purple, with exclusive indigo and tangerine options on Samsung’s website.
- The S23 sticks to a more subdued palette, including phantom black, green, cream, and lavender, with exclusive lime and graphite options.
S23 FE vs S23 Display
The display is one of the defining factors:
- Galaxy S23 5G: Compact 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with LTPO technology, allowing refresh rates to adjust from 48Hz to 120Hz for better battery efficiency. It peaks at 1750 nits brightness.
- Galaxy S23 FE: Slightly larger 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a static 120Hz refresh rate and a maximum brightness of 1450 nits.
Both devices support HDR10+ and deliver vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. However, the flagship’s LTPO tech offers slight energy-saving advantages, especially in low refresh rate scenarios.
S23 FE vs S23 Performance
The Galaxy S23 5G is a powerhouse, packing Samsung’s custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset with enhanced performance and efficiency. It comes equipped with 8GB of RAM, alongside storage options of 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB to suit your needs. In contrast, the Galaxy S23 FE is equipped with the slightly older Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 (depending on the region), with storage options of 128GB or 256GB. While these chipsets were flagship-level in 2022, they fall short of the raw performance offered by the S23’sSnapdragon 8 Gen 2.
For most day-to-day tasks, the performance gap is negligible. However, the S23 excels in demanding scenarios like gaming at maximum settings, 4K video editing, and multitasking.
S23 FE vs S23 Camera Comparison
Both phones share a similar camera setup, with notable differences in fine details:
Main Camera:
- Galaxy S23 5G: 50MP sensor with superior image processing and low-light performance.
- Galaxy S23 FE: 50MP sensor that delivers comparable results but slightly less detail in challenging lighting.
Ultrawide Lens:
- Both feature a 12MP ultrawide camera ideal for landscapes and group photos.
Telephoto Lens:
- Galaxy S23 5G: 10MP 3x telephoto lens with better clarity and detail.
- Galaxy S23 FE: 8MP 3x telephoto lens, which still performs well but lacks the flagship’s precision.
Selfie Camera:
- Galaxy S23 5G: 12MP front camera with enhanced HDR and low-light performance.
- Galaxy S23 FE: 10MP front camera, sufficient but slightly less refined.
Video enthusiasts might prefer the S23 for its Super HDR recording capabilities, while casual users will find the S23 FE more than adequate.
S23 FE vs S23 Battery and Charging
- Galaxy S23 FE: 4500mAh battery
- Galaxy S23 5G: 3900mAh battery
Despite the larger battery in the FE, its bigger screen and lack of LTPO technology balance things out. Both devices provide all-day battery life under moderate usage.
Charging speeds are identical at 25W wired and 15W wireless, though neither phone includes a charger in the box. The S23 charges slightly faster, reaching 100% in around 80 minutes compared to the FE’s 97 minutes.
S23 FE vs S23 Software and Updates
Both phones run Android 13 with Samsung’s One UI 5.1 interface and are eligible for four years of major Android updates and an additional year of security patches. This means support up to Android 17, ensuring long-term value.
Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose the Galaxy S23 5G if: You prioritize top-tier performance, advanced camera features, or prefer a more compact and premium design. It’s a flagship in every sense, ideal for power users.
- Choose the Galaxy S23 FE if: You want a larger display, a more budget-friendly option, and a device that retains flagship-like features at a lower price.
Both devices are excellent in their own right, but your choice depends on what matters most: cutting-edge performance or great value for money.