Samsung has been a key player, consistently introducing new devices to cater to a diverse consumer base. In 2022, Samsung took a unique approach by skipping the Fan Edition for the Galaxy S22.
However, they’ve made a comeback in 2023 with the Galaxy S23 FE, priced at $600—$200 cheaper than the standard Galaxy S23. This comparison will delve into various aspects of these two devices, exploring their design, display, camera capabilities, performance, and overall value for the user. Check out the latest prices here: Samsung Galaxy S23 and the Galaxy S23 FE.
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Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23 FE share a striking resemblance, with Samsung aiming to seamlessly integrate the FE model into the Galaxy S lineup. Holding both devices, the premium feel is evident, but nuances in design set them apart. The aluminum sidings on the S23 give it a glossy, premium look, whereas the S23 FE leans towards a slightly duller finish. The choice of glass also differs, with the S23 boasting Gorilla Victus 2 compared to Gorilla Glass 5 on the S23 FE.
A notable difference lies in the camera bumps on the back. Despite having similar sensors, the S23 FE’s camera bumps protrude more, potentially leading to a slight wobble when placed on a flat surface. Both phones share IP68 dust and water resistance, but the S23 FE is noticeably heavier, attributed to its larger 6.4-inch display compared to the S23’s 6.1-inch screen.
Button placement, USB Type-C port, speaker placement, and lack of Micro SD card support are consistent across both devices. However, the fingerprint scanner location varies, with the S23 FE employing an optical scanner at the bottom, while the S23 integrates an ultrasonic scanner higher up for improved security and convenience.
Display
The display is a critical component of any smartphone, and the S23 and S23 FE offer impressive screens. However, disparities emerge when closely examined. The most noticeable difference is the thickness of bezels, with the S23 FE featuring thicker ones compared to the S23. This impacts the overall handling, making the S23 more one-hand friendly.
While both devices boast full HD and 120 Hz OLED displays, the quality on the S23 seems to stand out. Despite the higher pixel density on the S23, the S23 FE’s display appears less punchy and vibrant. Outdoor visibility may be a concern for some, as the S23’s higher peak brightness (1750 nits compared to 1450 nits on the S23 FE) could provide better visibility in bright sunlight.
Camera Capabilities
The camera setup is an area where users often draw distinctions between smartphone models. The S23 and S23 FE share a 50-megapixel main wide lens and an identical ultra-wide lens, ensuring consistent photo quality. However, nuances emerge when examining the front-facing and telephoto lenses.
The S23 boasts a 12-megapixel front-facing camera, while the S23 FE features a slightly lower resolution 10-megapixel shooter. In side-by-side comparisons, the S23 tends to produce sharper images with more vibrant colors, revealing a subtle degradation in the S23 FE’s front camera quality.
The telephoto lenses on both phones offer 3x optical zoom, but the S23 FE’s lens is 8 megapixels compared to the S23’s 10 megapixels. Although the difference in megapixels might not be glaring, there’s a perceptible increase in sharpness with the S23’s telephoto lens.
Video capabilities are on par, with both devices supporting up to 8K resolution at 30fps. However, the S23 edges ahead with the ability to shoot 8K at 30fps, offering a slight advantage for users focused on high-quality video recording.
Build Quality and Handling
The build quality and handling of a smartphone contribute significantly to the overall user experience. Both devices share premium aesthetics, but the glossy back of the S23 FE makes it more susceptible to fingerprints and slightly slippery. In contrast, the frosted back of the S23 not only hides fingerprints better but also enhances grip.
Performance
Performance is a crucial factor for many users, determining the device’s ability to handle day-to-day tasks and demanding applications. The S23 and S23 FE showcase different processors based on geographical location. In North America, the S23 is equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, offering robust performance. However, users outside North America may receive an Exynos processor, which tends to be slower and less efficient.
In practical terms, for general usage such as web browsing, email, and news consumption, both devices deliver a comparable experience. The S23’s potential performance advantage becomes more noticeable for intensive tasks, such as mobile gaming, where the Snapdragon processor outshines the Exynos counterpart.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life and charging capabilities play a pivotal role in user satisfaction. Despite the S23’s potentially more power-hungry processor, the S23 FE features a larger 4500mAh battery compared to the S23’s 6.1-inch display.
Surprisingly, the S23 FE exhibits slightly better battery life, easily lasting a full day and occasionally stretching to a day and a half. Both devices support regular charging, wireless charging, and reverse charging. Pros, Cons, and reasons to choose on the NEXT PAGE…
Check out the latest prices here: Samsung Galaxy S23 and the Galaxy S23 FE.
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