Galaxy S23 FE Vs Galaxy S24+

Galaxy S23 FE
Galaxy S23 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:£162.00

Versus £605.75 new

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Galaxy S24+
Galaxy S24+
Starting at

Refurbished price:£337.00

Versus £997.95 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, released in October 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus, launched in January 2024, represent different tiers within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While both operate on the Android platform with Samsung's One UI, the S24 Plus offers more advanced hardware and features, positioning it as a higher-end device compared to the S23 FE, which aims to deliver a premium experience at a more accessible point. Key differentiators include processor generation, display technology, and overall system refinements.

Scores

Durability

Both devices benefit from Samsung's commitment to software support, ensuring a prolonged usable life through regular updates.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S23 FE was released in October 2023, while the Galaxy S24 Plus followed in January 2024. This means the S24 Plus will generally receive software updates for a longer period.
  • OS Support: The Galaxy S23 FE is promised four major OS updates and five years of security patches. The Galaxy S24 Plus, being a newer flagship, comes with an extended commitment of seven years of major Android and One UI upgrades, along with security patches.
  • Durability Features: Both models feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, providing protection against immersion. The S23 FE uses Gorilla Glass 5 for screen and back panel protection. The S24 Plus incorporates an Enhanced Armor Aluminum frame, suggesting a focus on robust build quality.

Year of Release

2023

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a significant area of distinction, with the newer Galaxy S24 Plus featuring a more advanced processing unit compared to the Galaxy S23 FE.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 FE is equipped with a processor that, while capable, is from an earlier generation, providing smooth performance for everyday tasks and most applications. The Galaxy S24 Plus features a newer, more powerful processor, delivering enhanced speed and efficiency for demanding applications, intensive gaming, and advanced AI features.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The S23 FE comes with 8GB of RAM across its configurations, which is sufficient for typical multitasking. The S24 Plus steps up with 12GB of RAM, offering more headroom for heavy multitasking and ensuring a highly responsive user experience even with numerous apps open.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 FE has a 4,500mAh battery, generally lasting a full day with moderate use, though heavy usage may require more frequent charging. The Galaxy S24 Plus houses a larger 4,900mAh battery, which, combined with its more efficient processor, often provides extended usage, with some users reporting up to two days on a single charge.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

Both devices offer vibrant displays, but the Galaxy S24 Plus introduces notable advancements in clarity and brightness.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S23 FE features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels). The Galaxy S24 Plus has a larger 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, which boasts a higher QHD+ resolution (3120 x 1440 pixels), resulting in a sharper image.
  • Brightness and Visibility: The S23 FE's display reaches a peak brightness of 1,450 nits, offering good visibility in most lighting conditions. The S24 Plus significantly increases this to a peak brightness of 2,600 nits, making it exceptionally bright and easy to view even under direct sunlight.
  • Refresh Rate: Both phones feature a dynamic refresh rate of up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and animations. However, the S24 Plus can dynamically adjust its refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz, optimizing for both smoothness and battery efficiency, whereas the S23 FE typically switches between 60Hz and 120Hz.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440 x 3120

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, but the Galaxy S24 Plus benefits from newer processing and software enhancements.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S23 FE includes a triple camera setup with a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and an 8-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S24 Plus also features a triple camera system, typically with a 50-megapixel main, 12-megapixel ultrawide, and a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
  • Photography Performance: The S23 FE's cameras perform well in various conditions, including decent low-light performance, and its 3x optical zoom is noted for retaining detail. The S24 Plus offers similar hardware but leverages its newer processing capabilities and AI features for potentially improved image processing and editing options.
  • Video and Audio: The S23 FE can record 4K video at 60 frames per second and 8K at 24 frames per second. The S24 Plus also supports high-resolution video recording, and both devices generally provide clear audio capture for calls and recordings.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate the user experience between these two Galaxy models.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, modern Wi-Fi standards (Wi-Fi 6 for S23 FE, Wi-Fi 6E/7 for S24 Plus), and Bluetooth 5.3. Both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S23 FE features an optical in-display fingerprint sensor. The Galaxy S24 Plus uses a faster and generally more reliable ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor.
  • Design and Handling: The S23 FE weighs 209 grams and has a 6.4-inch display, with some reviews noting slightly thicker bezels. The S24 Plus, with its 6.7-inch display, is slightly larger but maintains a refined design, weighing around 196 grams, and features a flat-side display with Armor Aluminum.

Weight

209 g

197 g

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.7

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User sentiment for the Galaxy S23 FE often highlights its strong camera system, vibrant display, and solid performance for its category, making it a compelling option for those seeking a premium-like experience without the latest flagship specifications. Common criticisms sometimes point to its battery life being merely adequate for heavy users and the processor being a generation older than other S23 models. The Galaxy S24 Plus, on the other hand, receives praise for its significantly brighter and higher-resolution display, extended battery life, and the promise of longer software support. Users appreciate its enhanced performance for demanding tasks and the integration of advanced AI features. Some might find its design less ergonomic due to its flat sides, and its camera hardware is largely similar to its predecessor, with improvements mainly coming from software.

Users prioritizing a highly responsive experience, a brighter and sharper display, and extended software longevity will find the Galaxy S24 Plus well-suited to their needs. Its larger battery and more powerful processing unit make it ideal for power users, mobile gamers, and those who value the latest technological advancements. Conversely, individuals who seek a balanced smartphone with a capable camera, a good display, and reliable everyday performance, and who do not require the absolute latest in processing power or the brightest screen, may find the Galaxy S23 FE to be a practical choice. Both devices are excellent options, and considering a quality-assured refurbished model can be an eco-friendly alternative to extend their lifecycle.

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