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Samsung Galaxy S23 FE vs. Samsung Galaxy S23: Which Phone Is the Best Fit for You?

We break down the key differences between the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE and the Galaxy S23, including their hardware and concept.

Samsung Galaxy S23
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Yúbal Fernández

Writer

Tech journalist with over eight years of experience. I specialize in mobile devices, PCs and consumer tech, as well as software and apps. Head of Xataka Basics, where everyone can find complex tech topics explained in an easy and accessible manner. LinkedIn

In this post, we compare the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE (Fan Edition) and the standard Samsung Galaxy S23. This will help you understand the key differences between the two models and assist you in making an informed purchasing decision.

Although both phones belong to the same series, the S23 FE and the regular S23 have some notable differences. The comparison table below clearly presents these differences, followed by a more detailed explanation.

Galaxy S23 FE vs. Galaxy S23


SAMSUNG GALAXY S23 FE

SAMSUNG GALAXY S23

DISPLAY

6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display

60-120 Hz refresh rate

FHD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels)

Always-on Display

6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display

48-120 Hz refresh rate

FHD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels)

Always-on Display

SIZE AND WEIGHT

158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm

209 grams

146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm

168 grams

PROCESSOR

Snapdragon 8 Gen 1

Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

RAM

8 GB LPDDR5X

8 GB LPDDR5X

STORAGE

128 GB UFS 3.1

256 GB/512 GB UFS 4.0

128 GB UFS 3.1

256 GB/512 GB UFS 4.0

FRONT CAMERA

12 MP, f/2.2

12 MP, f/2.2

BACK CAMERA

Main: 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS

Tele: 8 MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x

Wide: 12 MP, f/2.2

Main: 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS

Tele: 10 MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x

Wide: 12 MP, f/2.2

BATTERY

4,500 mAh

25 W charging

Wireless charging

Charger not included

3,900 mAh

25 W charging

15 W wireless charging

4.5 W reverse wireless charging

Charger not included

CONNECTIVITY

5G

Wi-Fi 6E

Bluetooth 5.3

NFC

5G

Wi-Fi 6E

Bluetooth 5.3

NFC

OTHER

Ultrasonic fingerprint reader

IP68 water resistance

Dolby Atmos stereo sound

Ultrasonic fingerprint reader

IP68 water resistance

Gorilla Glass Victus 2 screen

Dolby Atmos stereo sound

PRICE

$599.99

$999.99

Both devices share many components, but the key difference is the processor. The chip in the Fan Edition model is considerably older. Although the phone was launched in October 2023, its processor was already two years old. This affects its performance and makes it less cutting-edge.

Additionally, there’s a difference in screen size. The Galaxy S23 FE features a slightly larger display than the S23. At 6.4 inches, the S23 FE screen stands halfway between the S23 and the S23+. It also boasts Full HD+ resolution and AMOLED technology.

The Fan Edition also has a significantly larger battery capacity, although it lacks features like reverse charging. This increased battery capacity should help the device last longer. Meanwhile, the camera is slightly different, particularly the telephoto lens, which has a smaller 8 MP resolution.

Differences in Concept

The Galaxy S devices represent Samsung’s top-tier offerings. Each year’s launch showcases the best that the manufacturer can provide, making these models the highlights of the brand’s catalog. However, not all Galaxy S devices are created the same way. Each has been designed with slightly different concepts in mind.

The Galaxy S FE models are aimed at the upper mid-range market. These devices offer slightly less power for users who don’t require the highest specs. In return, users benefit from features such as better battery life and a more budget-friendly price while still enjoying the same sleek design as their more powerful counterparts.

The Galaxy S and Galaxy S FE models share many internal features, including connectivity options, similar memory configurations, and comparable screen quality. While the S series may have enhanced performance, the Fan Edition prioritizes aspects that average users may value more, such as extended battery life.

Typically, Galaxy S devices are introduced at the beginning of each year, whereas the Fan Editions are released in the second half. As such, if you find a Galaxy S model that you like but feel you don’t need all that power, you should wait a few months for the FE launch.

Image | Xataka

Related | Best Mid-Range Smartphones 2024

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