Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
The Verdict
Apple's iPhone SE 3rd gen offers exceptional value with its A15 Bionic chip and iOS ecosystem at $429, but compromises significantly in display and battery. Its 4.7-inch 60Hz LCD feels dated compared to the Galaxy S23 FE's vibrant 6.4-inch 120Hz AMOLED screen. Samsung's offering doubles down on versatility with a 50MP main camera, telephoto lens, and 4500mAh battery versus the SE's modest 2018mAh capacity and single camera setup. Performance-wise, both are powerful, though the A15 edges out in optimization. Battery longevity heavily favors Samsung, providing all-day usage comfortably. Camera capabilities distinctly favor the S23 FE with multiple lenses and superior low-light performance via OIS. For users prioritizing raw processing power and OS preference, the SE delivers compelling value. However, the Galaxy S23 FE's superior display, battery endurance, and camera versatility justify its $170 premium for most consumers.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) if…
- →Most affordable iPhone with 5G
- →Powerful A15 Bionic chip
- →Compact and lightweight design
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE if…
- →Flagship features like 120Hz AMOLED and IP68 at a lower price
- →Bright 1450-nit display for good outdoor visibility
- →3x optical zoom telephoto is rare in this price range
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation)
Pros
- Most affordable iPhone with 5G
- Powerful A15 Bionic chip
- Compact and lightweight design
- Touch ID home button
- Long iOS software support
Cons
- Dated design with thick bezels
- Single rear camera
- Small 4.7-inch LCD display
- Lightning port instead of USB-C
- Modest battery life
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Pros
- Flagship features like 120Hz AMOLED and IP68 at a lower price
- Bright 1450-nit display for good outdoor visibility
- 3x optical zoom telephoto is rare in this price range
- Four years of OS updates guaranteed
- Wireless charging with reverse wireless PowerShare
Cons
- Exynos 2200 variant has weaker performance and efficiency
- Only 25W wired charging is slow for 2023
- Gorilla Glass 5 is older protection than Victus 2
- 8 MP telephoto resolution is low
- Heavier at 209 g due to older processor thermals
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation) | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Software | iOS 15 | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 144 g | 209 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 5 |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm | 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP | 50 MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS |
| Front camera | 7 MP | 10 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | — | 8 MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom, OIS |
| Ultrawide | — | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 2018 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Charging | 20W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 7.5W Qi | 15W, Wireless PowerShare |
| Display | ||
| Size | 4.7 inches | 6.4 inches |
| Type | Retina IPS LCD | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1334 x 750 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 625 | 1450 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Hexa-core | Octa-core |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core) | Xclipse 920 / Adreno 730 |
| Chipset | Apple A15 Bionic | Samsung Exynos 2200 / Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | Lightning | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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