Galaxy S23 FE Vs Galaxy S24

Galaxy S23 FE
Galaxy S23 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:£175.00

Versus £605.75 new

See options
Galaxy S24
Galaxy S24
Starting at

Refurbished price:£273.00

Versus £817.67 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE (Fan Edition), released in October 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy S24, launched in January 2024, are both Android smartphones from Samsung's popular Galaxy S series. While the S23 FE aims to deliver a flagship-like experience at a more accessible point, the S24 represents the latest iteration of Samsung's main flagship line, introducing advancements in processing power, display technology, and software longevity. Both devices run on the Android operating system with Samsung's One UI overlay, offering a familiar user experience.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S23 FE was released in October 2023, making it slightly older than the Galaxy S24, which launched in January 2024. This difference in release dates impacts their respective software support cycles.
  • OS Support Duration: The Galaxy S23 FE is expected to receive approximately four years of Android operating system updates, extending its support up to Android 17, with security updates continuing until 2028. In contrast, the Galaxy S24 sets a new standard by offering an impressive seven years of OS and security updates, meaning it will receive updates potentially through Android 21. This extended support for the S24 provides a significantly longer practical lifespan in terms of software.
  • Build and Durability: Both models feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating robust protection against environmental elements. The S23 FE utilizes Gorilla Glass 5 for both its front and back panels, while the S24 upgrades to Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on its display for enhanced scratch and drop resistance. Both devices incorporate an aluminum frame, contributing to their overall structural integrity.

Year of Release

2023

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is largely determined by its internal components and how efficiently they handle various tasks.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 FE is equipped with a processor that, depending on the region, is either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or the Exynos 2200. This hardware capably handles everyday applications, multitasking, and moderate gaming, providing a smooth user experience. The Galaxy S24, on the other hand, features a newer generation processor, either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy or the Exynos 2400, depending on the market. This newer processor delivers enhanced speed and efficiency, resulting in faster app loading times, more fluid multitasking, and superior performance in demanding applications and high-fidelity games.
  • Storage and RAM: Both devices offer 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for most users' multitasking needs. The S23 FE is available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. The S24 provides more options, including 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB configurations, catering to users with greater storage requirements. Neither model supports expandable storage via a microSD card.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 FE houses a 4500 mAh battery, generally providing a full day of use for most users, though heavy usage may require more frequent charging. The Galaxy S24 has a slightly smaller 4000 mAh battery. Despite the difference in capacity, the S24's more efficient processor and software optimizations contribute to competitive battery endurance for daily tasks. Both support 25W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both models offer vibrant viewing experiences with some notable distinctions.

  • Display Technology and Size: Both the Galaxy S23 FE and the Galaxy S24 feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for their deep blacks, high contrast, and vivid color reproduction. The S23 FE has a 6.4-inch display, offering a slightly larger viewing area. The S24 comes with a 6.2-inch display, making it a more compact device.
  • Resolution and Brightness: Both phones offer a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels), ensuring sharp and clear visuals for everyday content consumption. A significant difference lies in peak brightness: the S23 FE reaches up to 1500 nits, which is adequate for most outdoor conditions. The S24, however, boasts a higher peak brightness of 2600 nits, providing superior visibility in bright sunlight and enhancing HDR content.
  • Refresh Rate: The S23 FE features a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. The S24 also offers a 120Hz refresh rate, but it is adaptive, meaning it can scale down to 1Hz when static to conserve battery life, and ramp up to 120Hz for fluid motion. This adaptive capability contributes to better power efficiency on the S24.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Both the Galaxy S23 FE and Galaxy S24 are equipped with versatile camera systems designed to capture a variety of moments.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S23 FE features a triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens capable of 3x optical zoom. This configuration allows for detailed photos, expansive landscape shots, and clear zoomed-in images. The Galaxy S24 also sports a triple-camera array, comprising a 50MP wide-angle main sensor with OIS, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. While the main and ultrawide sensors are similar, the S24's telephoto lens offers a slightly higher resolution.
  • Photography Performance: Both devices excel in well-lit conditions, producing vibrant and detailed images. The S23 FE's main camera is noted for its ability to capture stunning photos, even performing well in low-light situations with its Night Mode. The S24 benefits from newer image processing algorithms and potentially a more advanced sensor, which can lead to improved detail and dynamic range, particularly in challenging lighting.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The S23 FE can record video up to 8K at 24fps with its rear cameras and 4K at 60fps with its front-facing 10MP camera. The S24 also supports 8K video recording and features a 12MP front camera, which can offer slightly sharper selfies and improved video call quality. Both phones include features like Super Steady video for smoother footage.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core specifications, several other features contribute to the overall user experience of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity: Both the Galaxy S23 FE and Galaxy S24 support 5G connectivity, ensuring access to the latest mobile network speeds. They also include Wi-Fi 6E for faster and more reliable wireless internet connections and Bluetooth 5.3 for efficient pairing with accessories.
  • Ports and Sensors: Both devices feature a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. Neither includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. For biometric security, the S23 FE uses an optical in-display fingerprint sensor, which is generally reliable. The S24, however, employs an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, which is often considered more secure and faster.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S23 FE measures 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm and weighs 209 grams, giving it a substantial feel in hand. It features a matte aluminum frame and slightly rounded sides for comfortable gripping. The Galaxy S24 is more compact and lighter, with dimensions of 147 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm and a weight of 168 grams, making it easier for one-handed use and pocketability. Both phones have a premium aesthetic with glass backs.

Weight

209 g

167 g

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.2

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE and Galaxy S24 cater to slightly different user priorities, with each device offering distinct advantages. Users often praise the Galaxy S23 FE for its robust camera system, particularly its main sensor, and its vibrant display, which provides an excellent viewing experience. Some common criticisms for the S23 FE include its processor, which, while capable, is an older generation compared to contemporary flagships, potentially leading to less efficient battery performance for some users. Its design, while premium, has been noted for having slightly thicker bezels than its more expensive counterparts.

The Galaxy S24, on the other hand, receives commendation for its cutting-edge processor, which ensures exceptionally smooth performance across all tasks, and its significantly brighter, more adaptive display. A major highlight for the S24 is its industry-leading software support, promising seven years of updates, which is a significant factor for long-term ownership. Criticisms for the S24 are less pronounced but might include its slightly smaller battery capacity compared to the S23 FE, though its efficiency gains often compensate for this.

Users prioritizing a slightly larger screen and a capable camera system for everyday photography, without needing the absolute latest in processing power or the longest software support, may find the Galaxy S23 FE well-suited to their needs. It offers a balanced experience for general use and media consumption. Conversely, users who value the most current performance, a more compact design, a brighter and more adaptive display, and a significantly extended software update policy will likely lean towards the Galaxy S24. Its long-term software commitment makes it a compelling choice for those seeking maximum longevity from their device. Both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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