Samsung Galaxy S23 vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 FE: Which One Should You Choose?

When it comes to picking a new smartphone, the choices can be overwhelming. Today, we’re diving into a comparison between two standout models from Samsung: the Galaxy S23 and the Galaxy S23 FE. Both phones offer impressive features, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This guide will help you understand the key differences and make an informed decision.

Key Takeaways

• Performance: The Galaxy S23 has a more powerful chipset and better performance benchmarks than the S23 FE.
• Display: The S23 boasts a brighter screen with higher peak brightness, making it better for outdoor use.
• Camera: The S23 offers superior camera capabilities, especially in video recording and zoom.
• Battery Life: The S23 FE has a larger battery, potentially offering longer usage times.

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Design and Build

Samsung Galaxy S23

• Dimensions: 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm
• Weight: 168 grams
• Build: Glass front and back with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and an aluminum frame.
• Water Resistance: IP68 rating, which means it can withstand dust and submersion in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.

The S23’s compact design and lightweight build make it easy to handle and carry. It features the latest Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for improved durability.

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

• Dimensions: 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm
• Weight: 209 grams
• Build: Glass front and back with Gorilla Glass 5 and an aluminum frame.
• Water Resistance: IP68 rating, similar to the S23.

While the S23 FE is slightly larger and heavier, it also offers robust durability with Gorilla Glass 5. Its design is still sleek but caters to those who prefer a larger device.

Display

Samsung Galaxy S23

• Type: Dynamic AMOLED 2X
• Size: 6.1 inches
• Resolution: 1080 x 2340 pixels
• Peak Brightness: 1750 nits

The S23’s display is bright and vibrant, making it perfect for viewing in direct sunlight and providing an excellent visual experience overall.

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

• Type: Dynamic AMOLED 2X
• Size: 6.4 inches
• Resolution: 1080 x 2340 pixels
• Peak Brightness: 1450 nits

The S23 FE has a slightly larger display with decent brightness, suitable for most lighting conditions. However, it doesn’t reach the peak brightness levels of the S23.

Performance

Samsung Galaxy S23

• Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
• CPU: Octa-core (1×3.36 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2×2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2×2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3×2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
• GPU: Adreno 740

The S23 is a powerhouse with top-notch performance, ideal for gaming and intensive multitasking. It also features superior benchmarks compared to the S23 FE.

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

• Chipset: Exynos 2200 (International) / Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (USA)
• CPU: Octa-core (1×2.8 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3×2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4×1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) or (1×3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3×2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4×1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
• GPU: Xclipse 920 (International) / Adreno 730 (USA)

While the S23 FE offers good performance, it lags behind the S23 in terms of GPU power and overall speed. It’s still capable but doesn’t match the S23’s raw power.

Camera

Samsung Galaxy S23

• Rear Cameras: 50 MP (wide), 10 MP (telephoto with 3x optical zoom), 12 MP (ultrawide)
• Front Camera: 12 MP

The S23 excels in photography with its versatile triple-camera setup, offering excellent zoom and video recording capabilities, including 8K video.

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

• Rear Cameras: 50 MP (wide), 8 MP (telephoto with 3x optical zoom), 12 MP (ultrawide)
• Front Camera: 10 MP

The S23 FE’s camera setup is competent and offers good quality, but the S23’s setup provides slightly better image quality and video options.

Battery and Charging

Samsung Galaxy S23

• Battery Capacity: 3900 mAh
• Charging: 25W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless

The S23 has a decent battery life with fast charging options, but it might need a top-up before the end of a heavy usage day.

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

• Battery Capacity: 4500 mAh
• Charging: 25W wired, 15W wireless, reverse wireless

The S23 FE’s larger battery offers more extended usage time, which is great for users who are on the go and prefer less frequent charging.

Connectivity and Extras

Both phones support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6e, and have similar connectivity features, including USB Type-C, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC. The S23 supports USB Type-C 3.2, providing slightly faster data transfer rates compared to the S23 FE.

Conclusion

Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy S23 and the S23 FE depends on your priorities:

• Go with the Samsung Galaxy S23 if you want top-tier performance, a brighter display, and better camera capabilities. It’s the right choice for those who want the best of the best.
• Opt for the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option with good performance and a larger battery. It’s a solid choice if you prefer a larger device and don’t need the absolute highest specs.

Both phones offer excellent features and value, so consider what aspects are most important to you. Whether it’s camera quality, battery life, or performance, Samsung has something to fit your needs.

For more detailed reviews and updates, you can always check out Samsung’s official website or trusted tech review sites.