Samsung Galaxy S23 FE vs Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
The Verdict
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE delivers superior value for mainstream users with a larger 6.4-inch display, newer Exynos 2200/Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, and more versatile camera system featuring 50MP main with 3x optical zoom and 8MP telephoto. Battery capacity reaches 4500mAh with faster 25W charging. Galaxy Z Flip 3 prioritizes innovation through its foldable design and compact form factor, offering a 6.7-inch inner display when unfolded but relies on an older Snapdragon 888 and smaller 3300mAh battery. Z Flip 3 costs $400 more primarily for the novelty factor. Unless foldable innovation is essential, S23 FE provides substantially better everyday performance, camera capabilities, and battery longevity at a more accessible price point.
Who Should Buy
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
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 if…
- →First mainstream affordable foldable at $999
- →IPX8 water resistance on a foldable
- →Much larger cover screen than Flip 5G
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
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
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
Pros
- First mainstream affordable foldable at $999
- IPX8 water resistance on a foldable
- Much larger cover screen than Flip 5G
- Compact and stylish when folded
- 120Hz inner display
Cons
- Poor battery life with 3300 mAh
- Slow 15W charging
- Dual 12 MP cameras are basic
- Visible display crease
- Snapdragon 888 thermal issues
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) | Android 11, One UI 3.1.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 209 g | 183 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 5 | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus |
| IP rating | IP68 | IPX8 |
| Dimensions | 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm | 166 x 72.2 x 6.9 mm (unfolded) |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS | 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS |
| Front camera | 10 MP, f/2.4 | 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 | 12 MP, f/2.2 |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 3300 mAh |
| Charging | 25W wired | 15W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W, Wireless PowerShare | 10W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.4 inches | 6.7 inches (inner), 1.9 inches (cover) |
| Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, foldable |
| Resolution | 2340 x 1080 | 2640 x 1080 (inner), 512 x 260 (cover) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz (inner) |
| Brightness (nits) | 1450 | 1200 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz + 3x2.42 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Xclipse 920 / Adreno 730 | Adreno 660 |
| Chipset | Samsung Exynos 2200 / Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.2 | USB-C 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 |
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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