Samsung Galaxy S23 FE vs Sony Xperia 5 IV
The Verdict
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE delivers exceptional value at $599, featuring a larger 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with superior 1450 nits brightness and a versatile triple camera system headlined by a 50MP main sensor. Its 4500mAh battery with 25W charging provides solid endurance. Sony Xperia 5 IV commands a $999 premium for a more compact design, professional-grade camera with 4K@120fps capability, and a taller 6.1-inch OLED screen. However, its 12MP main camera lacks the resolution advantage, and the smaller 5000mAh battery combined with slower 30W charging doesn't justify the price gap. For mainstream users seeking better display brightness, stronger zoom capabilities, and superior value, Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the clear winner. Xperia 5 IV appeals primarily to videography professionals who value 120fps 4K recording and compact ergonomics.
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 Sony Xperia 5 IV if…
- →Compact 6.1-inch form factor at 172 g
- →5000 mAh battery in a compact body
- →3.5mm headphone jack
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
Sony Xperia 5 IV
Pros
- Compact 6.1-inch form factor at 172 g
- 5000 mAh battery in a compact body
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Wireless charging added (absent on 5 III)
- Excellent manual camera controls
Cons
- 12 MP cameras feel dated in 2022
- Slow 30W charging
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 thermal issues
- Niche appeal limits accessories and cases
- Auto camera mode behind iPhone and Pixel
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Sony Xperia 5 IV |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) | Android 12 |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 209 g | 172 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 5 | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS | 12 MP, f/1.7, OIS |
| Front camera | 10 MP, f/2.4 | 12 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@120fps |
| Telephoto | 8 MP, f/2.4, 3x optical zoom, OIS | 12 MP, f/2.4, 2.5x optical zoom |
| 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 | 5000 mAh |
| Charging | 25W wired | 30W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W, Wireless PowerShare | 15W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.4 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | OLED |
| Resolution | 2340 x 1080 | 2520 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1450 | 1000 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz + 3x2.5 GHz + 4x1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | Xclipse 920 / Adreno 730 | Adreno 730 |
| Chipset | Samsung Exynos 2200 / Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.2 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E |
| 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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