Galaxy S23+ Vs Galaxy S24 FE

Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:£257.00

Versus £1,199.99 new

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Galaxy S24 FE
Galaxy S24 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:£250.00

Versus £741.91 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, released in early 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, launched in late 2024, are both Android smartphones designed to offer a comprehensive mobile experience. While the S23 Plus represents a more premium offering from its generation, the S24 FE aims to deliver key flagship features in a slightly more accessible package. A primary distinction lies in their software support timelines and the underlying processing power, influencing their long-term usability and performance.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical durability.

  • Release Timeline and OS Support: The Galaxy S23 Plus, launched in February 2023, was initially promised 4 years of Android operating system updates and 5 years of security updates, with support expected to conclude around 2028. In contrast, the newer Galaxy S24 FE, released in October 2024, benefits from Samsung's extended commitment, offering 7 years of both OS and security updates, aligning its support with the flagship S24 series and extending its practical software lifespan significantly further into the future.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy S23 series, including the Plus model, showed improvements in repairability compared to predecessors, though specific scores for the S23 Plus are not as widely publicized as for the Ultra. The Galaxy S24 FE, however, has received a notable repairability score of 8.5 out of 10, indicating a design that facilitates easier component replacement, including the battery, and features an improved cooling system.
  • Expected Practical Lifespan: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, and utilize durable glass protection (Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for S23 Plus, Gorilla Glass Victus+ for S24 FE). The S24 FE's extended software update policy provides a longer period of guaranteed security and feature updates, which can contribute to a more secure and functional experience over a greater number of years.

Year of Release

2023

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from navigating applications to engaging in demanding mobile games. Both the Galaxy S23 Plus and S24 FE offer robust capabilities, though they achieve this through different hardware configurations.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S23 Plus is powered by a processor known for its efficiency and strong performance across various tasks, ensuring smooth operation and responsive multitasking. The Galaxy S24 FE features a newer generation processor, which, despite being an 'e' variant, provides a slightly enhanced performance profile, particularly noticeable in benchmark scores and handling intensive applications.
  • Battery Behavior: Both devices are equipped with a 4700 mAh battery, designed to provide ample power for a full day of typical usage. Users of the S23 Plus generally report good battery endurance, while the S24 FE also offers solid battery life, with some users noting improvements through software optimization.
  • Storage and Responsiveness: Both models typically come with 8GB of RAM, facilitating smooth multitasking and app switching. The S23 Plus offers storage options of 256GB and 512GB, with the 256GB and higher variants utilizing faster UFS 4.0 storage. The S24 FE also provides 128GB and 256GB options.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience is a key aspect of smartphone usage, and both the Galaxy S23 Plus and S24 FE feature high-quality displays that deliver vibrant visuals.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: Both smartphones utilize Dynamic AMOLED 2X display technology, offering deep blacks and vivid colors. They both feature a Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels), providing clear and sharp images for everyday viewing.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both devices boast a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The S23 Plus offers a peak brightness of 1750 nits, providing excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The S24 FE has a slightly higher peak brightness of 1900 nits, though some user experiences suggest its real-world outdoor visibility might not always surpass the S23 Plus due to how it handles ambient light.
  • Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a 6.6-inch display, while the S24 FE offers a slightly larger 6.7-inch screen. This marginal difference in size contributes to a slightly more expansive viewing area on the S24 FE, which can be beneficial for media consumption or productivity tasks.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1080 x 2340

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

For many users, the camera system is a deciding factor, and both the Galaxy S23 Plus and S24 FE are equipped with versatile camera setups capable of capturing a range of photos and videos.

  • Rear Camera System: Both phones feature a triple-camera array. The S23 Plus includes a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The S24 FE also has a 50MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide, but it comes with an 8MP telephoto lens, also offering 3x optical zoom. Both support 8K video recording at 30 frames per second.
  • Photography Performance: The S23 Plus is praised for its solid camera performance, including good low-light capabilities and accurate colors. The S24 FE's camera system also performs well in various conditions, though some users have noted that its color processing can sometimes appear unrealistic.
  • Front Camera and Audio: The S23 Plus features a 12MP front camera with autofocus, while the S24 FE has a 10MP front camera. Both devices offer stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience during media playback and include noise cancellation microphones for clear call quality.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and daily usability of these smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy S23 Plus and S24 FE support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC for mobile payments and quick pairing. They both utilize a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer.
  • Biometric Security: For secure unlocking, both devices incorporate an in-display fingerprint sensor and support face recognition.
  • Build Materials and Dimensions: The S23 Plus measures 157.8 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm and weighs 195g, featuring Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back with an aluminum frame. The S24 FE is slightly larger and heavier at 162.00 x 77.30 x 8.00mm and 213g, with Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection. The S23 Plus offers a slightly more compact and lighter feel in hand.

Weight

196 g

213 g

Screen size (in)

6.6

6.7

Mobile network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

User feedback for the Galaxy S23 Plus often highlights its consistent performance, excellent display, and reliable camera system as strong points. Many appreciate its balanced size and premium build quality. Some common criticisms have included minor software quirks like weak vibration or occasional issues with photo processing, though these are not universal experiences.

The Galaxy S24 FE, being a newer release, is praised for bringing many flagship-level features to a broader audience, with users commending its strong performance, vibrant screen, and the significant commitment to long-term software support. However, some users have noted concerns regarding potentially thick display bezels, occasional heating during prolonged heavy use, and camera color accuracy that might not always reflect reality.

Users prioritizing a slightly more compact and lighter device with a proven track record of premium performance and camera quality might lean towards the Galaxy S23 Plus. Its established reliability and refined user experience make it a solid choice. Conversely, those who value extended software longevity, a slightly larger display, and a more repairable design will find the Galaxy S24 FE to be a compelling option. Its 7-year update policy offers significant future-proofing. Both devices offer a robust Android experience, and choosing between them often comes down to whether a user prioritizes the established flagship experience of a slightly older model or the extended support and newer, albeit slightly different, feature set of the Fan Edition. For those considering a sustainable choice, both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, extending their lifecycle and reducing electronic waste.

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