Galaxy S23 Vs Galaxy S23 FE

Galaxy S23
Galaxy S23
Starting at

Refurbished price:£186.84

Versus £1,019.00 new

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Galaxy S23 FE
Galaxy S23 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:£175.00

Versus £605.75 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23, released in February 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE (Fan Edition), launched in October 2023, are both Android smartphones from Samsung's popular Galaxy S series. While sharing the same operating system and core software experience, the S23 offers a more compact design and a generally more advanced internal architecture, whereas the S23 FE provides a larger display and battery capacity, often with a slightly different component set.

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 was released in February 2023, preceding the Galaxy S23 FE, which launched in October 2023. This means the S23 FE benefits from a slightly later starting point for its software support cycle.
  • OS and Security Updates: Both the Galaxy S23 and S23 FE are committed to receiving four generations of Android operating system upgrades and five years of security updates from their respective launch dates. This ensures both devices will remain current with software features and security patches for a substantial period.
  • Physical Durability: Both models feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion in fresh water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. The Galaxy S23 uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for screen protection, offering enhanced resistance to drops and scratches, while the Galaxy S23 FE uses Gorilla Glass 5.

Year of Release

2023

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of both devices is designed to handle daily tasks and demanding applications, though with some distinctions in their underlying hardware.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 typically features a current-generation processor optimized for its release, providing efficient performance for demanding apps and multitasking. The Galaxy S23 FE, depending on the region, may use a slightly older generation processor, which still offers robust performance for most users but might show differences in highly intensive tasks or sustained workloads.
  • Multitasking and Storage: Both phones come with 8GB of RAM, enabling smooth multitasking. Storage options vary, with both offering 128GB and 256GB. The 128GB variants of both models typically use UFS 3.1 storage, while higher storage configurations on the S23 often utilize the faster UFS 4.0 standard, which can impact app loading times and data transfer speeds.
  • Battery Performance: The Galaxy S23 is equipped with a 3900 mAh battery, while the Galaxy S23 FE features a larger 4500 mAh battery. In real-world usage, the S23 FE's larger battery capacity aims to provide extended usage, though actual battery life can vary based on processor efficiency and usage patterns. Some users of the S23 FE have reported moderate battery performance, particularly with the Exynos variant.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

Both smartphones offer vibrant and responsive displays, crucial for media consumption and daily interaction.

  • Display Technology and Size: Both the Galaxy S23 and S23 FE feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Galaxy S23 has a 6.1-inch display, offering a more compact viewing experience, while the Galaxy S23 FE provides a larger 6.4-inch screen, which can be more immersive for video and gaming.
  • Brightness and Clarity: The Galaxy S23 boasts a peak brightness of 1750 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The Galaxy S23 FE offers a peak brightness of 1450 nits, which is still bright enough for most outdoor scenarios. Both displays feature a 2340 x 1080 resolution, providing sharp and clear visuals.
  • Refresh Rate: Both devices support an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, contributing to smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The S23's adaptive refresh rate can scale down to 48Hz, while the S23 FE typically scales from 60Hz to 120Hz, which can have minor implications for battery efficiency when displaying static content.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Both the Galaxy S23 and S23 FE are equipped with versatile camera systems capable of capturing detailed photos and videos.

  • Rear Camera System: Both phones feature a 50MP main wide-angle camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a 12MP ultrawide camera. The primary difference lies in the telephoto lens: the Galaxy S23 includes a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, while the Galaxy S23 FE has an 8MP telephoto lens also offering 3x optical zoom.
  • Photography Performance: Both devices excel in everyday photography, producing vibrant and detailed images. The S23, with its more advanced processor, may offer slightly better image processing, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. Both models feature improved low-light capabilities, allowing for clearer photos in dim environments.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The Galaxy S23 supports video recording up to 8K at 30 frames per second (fps), while the S23 FE records up to 8K at 24fps. For selfies, the S23 has a 12MP front camera, whereas the S23 FE features a 10MP front camera.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical features differentiate the user experience between these two Galaxy smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6 (or Wi-Fi 6E in some S23 FE variants), and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections. The Galaxy S23 uses USB 3.2 Type-C, while the S23 FE typically features USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C, which can result in different data transfer speeds. Neither phone includes a traditional headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S23 utilizes an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor, known for its speed and accuracy. The Galaxy S23 FE employs an optical in-screen fingerprint sensor. User feedback for the S23 FE's optical sensor has occasionally noted inconsistencies in reliability and speed.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S23 is more compact and lighter, measuring 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm and weighing 168g. The Galaxy S23 FE is larger and heavier at 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm and 209g, offering a more substantial feel in hand. The S23 also features more robust Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on its display, compared to the Gorilla Glass 5 on the S23 FE.

Weight

350 g

209 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.4

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23 FE cater to slightly different user preferences within the Galaxy ecosystem. The Galaxy S23 is often praised for its compact form factor, premium build quality, and consistent performance, particularly with its efficient processor. Users appreciate its bright display and reliable camera system for a flagship experience in a smaller package. Some common criticisms, however, point to its relatively smaller battery capacity compared to larger phones, which for heavy users might necessitate more frequent charging.

The Galaxy S23 FE, on the other hand, is frequently noted for its larger display and battery, making it suitable for media consumption and extended use. Its camera system is generally well-regarded, offering good results for most photography needs. However, user feedback sometimes highlights concerns regarding battery life, especially in regions with the Exynos processor variant, and occasional reports of the device warming up under heavy load. The optical fingerprint sensor has also received mixed reviews for its consistency.

Users prioritizing a compact, lightweight device with a top-tier processor and the most durable screen protection may find the Galaxy S23 better suited to their needs. Its performance and premium feel align with those seeking a flagship experience in a smaller form. Conversely, users who prefer a larger screen for media, a bigger battery, and a slightly more substantial device might lean towards the Galaxy S23 FE. It offers a solid overall experience, particularly for those who value screen real estate and battery capacity over the absolute latest in processing power or the most compact design. Both models represent quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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