Galaxy S23 Vs Galaxy S24 FE

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

• Release and Software Support: The Galaxy S23, launched in February 2023, was initially promised four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates, extending its support until approximately 2028. In contrast, the Galaxy S24 FE, released in October 2024, benefits from Samsung's updated policy, offering seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates, meaning support is expected until 2031. This provides the S24 FE with a significantly longer period of official software and security updates.
• Build Quality and Durability: Both devices feature robust construction. The Galaxy S23 incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both its front and back, paired with an Armor Aluminum frame. The Galaxy S24 FE also uses Gorilla Glass Victus+ for its front and back panels, along with an aluminum frame, and both models carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. This indicates a high level of protection against environmental elements for both phones.
• Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the longest possible software longevity will find the Galaxy S24 FE more appealing due to its extended update commitment. For those who typically upgrade their devices within a few years, the S23 still offers a substantial period of support.

The performance capabilities of the Galaxy S23 and S24 FE cater to demanding applications and multitasking, though with different underlying hardware.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 is equipped with a powerful processor designed for high-end performance, capable of handling intensive applications and graphically demanding games smoothly. The Galaxy S24 FE features a current-generation processor that delivers strong performance for everyday tasks, multitasking, and gaming, often outperforming its predecessor in benchmark tests. This ensures a responsive user experience across both devices.
• Memory and Storage: Both models typically come with 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for smooth multitasking and running multiple applications simultaneously. Storage options for the Galaxy S23 include 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, while the Galaxy S24 FE is commonly available in 128GB and 256GB configurations. Neither device offers expandable storage.
• Battery Performance: The Galaxy S23 houses a 3900 mAh battery. The Galaxy S24 FE comes with a larger 4700 mAh battery, which generally translates to longer usage times between charges, especially for users with moderate to heavy usage patterns. User reports suggest the S24 FE is well-optimized for video streaming, contributing to its endurance.

The visual experience on both smartphones is vibrant, though there are differences in display size and brightness.

• Display Technology and Size: Both the Galaxy S23 and S24 FE feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for their deep blacks, high contrast, and vibrant color reproduction. The Galaxy S23 has a more compact 6.1-inch display, making it suitable for one-handed use. The Galaxy S24 FE offers a larger 6.7-inch display, providing a more expansive viewing area for media consumption and productivity.
• Resolution and Clarity: Both devices offer a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels), ensuring sharp text and clear images for everyday viewing.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S23 provides a peak brightness of 1750 nits, offering good visibility in various lighting conditions. The Galaxy S24 FE has a higher peak brightness of 1900 nits, which can be beneficial for outdoor use. Both phones feature a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for smooth scrolling and fluid animations. However, the S23's adaptive refresh rate can go down to 48Hz, while the S24 FE's ranges from 60Hz to 120Hz.

Both smartphones offer versatile camera systems capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos, with some distinctions in their configurations.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S23 features a triple-camera setup with a 50 MP main sensor, a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and a 10 MP telephoto lens capable of 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S24 FE also has a triple-camera system, including a 50 MP main sensor, a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and an 8 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. Both are capable of capturing detailed images in various scenarios.
• Photography Performance: Both devices perform well in good lighting conditions, producing images with accurate colors and good dynamic range. The S23's telephoto lens offers slightly higher resolution. The S24 FE's main camera delivers strong details, though its ultrawide can be softer in some areas. Both support 8K video recording at 30 frames per second.
• Front Camera and Audio: The Galaxy S23 is equipped with a 12 MP front-facing camera. The Galaxy S24 FE features a 10 MP front camera. Both are suitable for selfies and video calls. For audio, both phones provide a good media consumption experience through their speakers, and microphone quality is generally clear for calls and recordings.

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate the user experience between the Galaxy S23 and S24 FE.

• Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity, ensuring fast mobile data speeds. The Galaxy S23 supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. The Galaxy S24 FE also supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, with some variants potentially offering newer Bluetooth standards. Both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
• Biometric Security: The Galaxy S23 features an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, known for its speed and accuracy. The Galaxy S24 FE uses an optical in-display fingerprint sensor, which is also reliable but may be perceived as slightly slower by some users.
• Physical Characteristics: The Galaxy S23 is a more compact device, measuring 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm and weighing 168g. The Galaxy S24 FE is larger and heavier, with dimensions of 162.0 x 77.3 x 8.0 mm and a weight of 213g. This size difference impacts one-handed usability and pocketability.
• Additional Features: The S24 FE includes Galaxy AI features, which were introduced with the S24 series, offering advanced functionalities for tasks like photo editing and communication.