Samsung Galaxy S10+ vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
The Verdict
Samsung's Galaxy S10+ commanded flagship pricing in 2019 with its stunning 120Hz-capable AMOLED display and versatile triple-camera setup featuring dual aperture technology. Four years later, the Galaxy S23 FE delivers superior value at $599, boasting a 120Hz refresh rate, faster 25W charging, larger 4500mAh battery, and a modernized 50MP main sensor with improved low-light performance. Software-wise, S23 FE runs Android 13 versus the aging Android 9 on the S10+. While the S10+ offers higher native display resolution (3040x1440) and slightly faster Snapdragon 855 performance, the S23 FE's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 variant provides substantially better real-world speed and efficiency. Connectivity favors the newer model with 5G support. Battery capacity increased 10% on the S23 FE, and its wireless PowerShare adds utility. For anyone shopping today, the Galaxy S23 FE represents exceptional value with modern features, superior longevity, and stronger all-around performance at 40% lower cost.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S10+ if…
- →Gorgeous Dynamic AMOLED display with HDR10+
- →Headphone jack retained
- →microSD card slot with up to 1 TB option
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
Samsung Galaxy S10+
Pros
- Gorgeous Dynamic AMOLED display with HDR10+
- Headphone jack retained
- microSD card slot with up to 1 TB option
- Dual aperture main camera was innovative
- Reverse wireless charging (Wireless PowerShare)
Cons
- No 5G support (separate 5G model existed)
- 60Hz display refresh rate
- Slow 15W wired charging
- Ultrasonic fingerprint scanner was slow
- Punch-hole selfie cutout was distracting
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 | Samsung Galaxy S10+ | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 9, One UI 1.1 | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 175 g | 209 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 6 | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 5 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 157.6 x 74.1 x 7.8 mm | 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 12 MP, f/1.5-2.4, dual aperture, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS |
| Front camera | 10 MP + 8 MP depth | 10 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | 12 MP, f/2.4, 2x optical zoom | 8 MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom, OIS |
| Ultrawide | 16 MP, f/2.2 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4100 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Charging | 15W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W wireless | 15W, Wireless PowerShare |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.4 inches | 6.4 inches |
| Type | Dynamic AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 3040 x 1440 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1200 | 1450 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.78 GHz) | Octa-core |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Xclipse 920 / Adreno 730 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 | Samsung Exynos 2200 / Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.1 | 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.
Explore more in phones, see all Samsung products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Samsung Galaxy S10+ or the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE.