Samsung Galaxy S23 FE vs Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
The Verdict
Samsung's Galaxy S23 FE delivers exceptional value at $599, featuring a capable 50MP main camera with OIS, vibrant 6.4-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, and solid Exynos 2200 performance for everyday tasks. Battery life spans a full day with 4500mAh capacity and 25W charging. Conversely, Galaxy Z Flip 5 at $1000 prioritizes innovation through its folding design with a 6.7-inch inner screen and 3.4-inch cover display, paired with the more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy. However, the Z Flip 5's smaller 3700mAh battery requires frequent charging, and its dual-camera setup lacks a telephoto lens. For practical photography and sustained usage, the S23 FE offers superior real-world performance and longevity. Choose Z Flip 5 for cutting-edge foldable technology; select S23 FE for reliable, versatile smartphone fundamentals at a significantly lower 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 5 if…
- →Much larger 3.4-inch cover screen allows full app use when folded
- →Compact pocketable flip form factor
- →Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 flagship chip
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 5
Pros
- Much larger 3.4-inch cover screen allows full app use when folded
- Compact pocketable flip form factor
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 flagship chip
- IPX8 water resistance
- Stylish design with many color options
Cons
- Small 3700 mAh battery drains quickly
- Only 12 MP main camera, no telephoto
- Slow 25W charging
- Inner display crease still noticeable
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) | Android 13, One UI 5.1.1 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 209 g | 187 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 5 | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IPX8 |
| Dimensions | 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm | 165.1 x 71.9 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/2.2 |
| 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 | 256 GB, 512 GB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 3700 mAh |
| Charging | 25W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W, Wireless PowerShare | 15W |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.4 inches | 6.7 inches inner, 3.4 inches cover |
| Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X LTPO |
| Resolution | 2340 x 1080 | 2640 x 1080 inner, 720 x 748 cover |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1450 | 1600 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core | Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz + 2x2.8 GHz + 2x2.8 GHz + 3x2.0 GHz) |
| GPU | Xclipse 920 / Adreno 730 | Adreno 740 |
| Chipset | Samsung Exynos 2200 / Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.2 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 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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