Galaxy S23 FE Vs iPhone 16 Pro

Galaxy S23 FE
Galaxy S23 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:£175.00

Versus £605.75 new

See options
iPhone 16 Pro
iPhone 16 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£564.00

Versus £999.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, released in late 2023, and the Apple iPhone 16 Pro, launched in late 2024, represent distinct approaches to high-performance smartphones. While both devices offer advanced capabilities for everyday use, they differ significantly in their operating systems, core hardware, and specific feature sets. The Galaxy S23 FE runs on Android, providing a customizable experience, whereas the iPhone 16 Pro operates on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Release Timeline: The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE was introduced in October 2023, making it an earlier release compared to the iPhone 16 Pro, which debuted in September 2024. This difference in launch dates means the iPhone 16 Pro benefits from a more recent hardware generation.
  • Software Longevity: Samsung typically provides 4 years of operating system updates and 5 years of security updates for the Galaxy S23 FE, with support expected to end around 2028. The iPhone 16 Pro, running iOS 18 at launch, is designed to receive long-term iOS updates, potentially extending its software support further into the future, with support for iOS 26 confirmed.
  • Durability Features: Both devices offer robust build quality. The Galaxy S23 FE features Gorilla Glass 5 on its front and back, coupled with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The iPhone 16 Pro utilizes a titanium design with a Ceramic Shield front, also boasting an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.

Year of Release

2023

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for handling demanding applications and ensuring a smooth user experience.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 FE is equipped with either a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or an Exynos 2200 processor, depending on the region. This hardware capably handles multitasking and most applications, though it represents a previous generation of flagship silicon. The iPhone 16 Pro features Apple's A18 Pro chip, which includes a 6-core CPU and a 6-core GPU, designed for enhanced performance, particularly in AI-related tasks and graphics-intensive applications.
  • Multitasking and Storage: Both devices come with 8GB of RAM, facilitating efficient multitasking. For storage, the Galaxy S23 FE offers 128GB or 256GB options, without expandable storage. The iPhone 16 Pro provides more varied storage configurations, ranging from 128GB up to 1TB.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 FE has a 4500 mAh battery, supporting 25W wired and 15W wireless charging, offering up to 22 hours of video playback. The iPhone 16 Pro includes a 3582 mAh battery, with support for faster 30W wired charging and 25W MagSafe wireless charging, providing up to 27 hours of video playback.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience is a key aspect of smartphone usage, and both models offer high-quality displays.

  • Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S23 FE features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 16 Pro comes with a slightly smaller 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, known for its color accuracy and contrast.
  • Resolution and Refresh Rate: Both devices offer sharp visuals with FHD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels for S23 FE, 2622 x 1206 pixels for iPhone 16 Pro) and a pixel density around 400-460 ppi. Both also feature a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and responsive interactions.
  • Brightness and Features: The Galaxy S23 FE reaches a peak brightness of 1450 nits. The iPhone 16 Pro offers higher peak brightness levels, reaching 1000 nits typical, 1600 nits peak HDR, and up to 2000 nits for outdoor visibility. The iPhone also includes an Always-On display and Dynamic Island for interactive notifications.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1206 x 2622

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

For photography and videography enthusiasts, both smartphones offer capable camera systems with distinct strengths.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S23 FE features a triple-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The iPhone 16 Pro also has a triple-camera system, but with a 48MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide, and a 12MP telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom.
  • Photography Features: The Galaxy S23 FE includes features like Nightography for improved low-light performance. The iPhone 16 Pro emphasizes advanced computational photography with features like ProRAW, Photographic Styles, and a dedicated Camera Control button for quick access to settings.
  • Video Capabilities: The S23 FE can record video up to 8K at 24fps and 4K at 60fps. The iPhone 16 Pro offers advanced video recording, including 4K Dolby Vision at up to 120fps, ProRes video, Cinematic mode, and Spatial video recording.

Main camera

50 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

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

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Galaxy S23 FE supports Wi-Fi 6/6E and Bluetooth 5.3, featuring a USB Type-C port. The iPhone 16 Pro steps up to Wi-Fi 7 and also uses a USB-C port, alongside dual eSIM support.
  • Biometrics and Sensors: The Galaxy S23 FE incorporates an optical in-screen fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The iPhone 16 Pro relies on Face ID for biometric authentication. Both include standard sensors like accelerometers and gyroscopes.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S23 FE measures 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm and weighs 209g. The iPhone 16 Pro is slightly more compact at 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.25 mm and weighs 199g, offering a slightly lighter feel.

Weight

209 g

199 g

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.3

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE and the iPhone 16 Pro cater to users with differing priorities, each excelling in specific areas. User feedback for the Galaxy S23 FE often praises its robust build quality and capable camera system, particularly for its segment. Some users note that its processor, while powerful, is not the absolute latest generation, and battery life, while generally good, might require more frequent charging for heavy users compared to some alternatives.

The iPhone 16 Pro, on the other hand, receives commendation for its advanced processing power, which ensures smooth performance across all tasks, and its highly capable camera system, especially for video recording and detailed photography. Its display is also frequently highlighted for its brightness and smooth refresh rate. Criticisms sometimes point to its slightly heavier build compared to non-Pro models and the discontinuation of the model after a year, though it remains a strong performer.

Users prioritizing a highly customizable Android experience with a strong camera and solid overall performance may find the Galaxy S23 FE well-suited to their needs. It offers a balanced feature set for everyday use. Conversely, those who value cutting-edge performance, an extensive software update commitment, and advanced photography and videography capabilities within the iOS ecosystem will likely lean towards the iPhone 16 Pro. Both devices are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers seeking to make a sustainable choice.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons