Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
The Verdict
Both phones share similar cores: Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, 50MP main cameras, and 8GB RAM. However, the Galaxy S23 ($799.99) commands its premium through superior processing power with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy versus the S23 FE's older Exynos 2200/Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, delivering notably faster performance and better sustained gaming. Its display shines brighter at 1750 nits versus 1450 nits, and it's thinner and lighter despite having a smaller 3900mAh battery. The S23 FE ($599.99) counters with a larger 6.4-inch screen, bigger 4500mAh battery for extended endurance, and Wireless PowerShare functionality. Camera performance is comparable, though the S23's telephoto sensor edges out at 10MP versus 8MP. For demanding users prioritizing raw speed and display quality, the S23 justifies its $200 premium. Budget-conscious buyers seeking screen size and battery life should consider the FE.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Samsung Galaxy S23 if…
- →Compact 6.1-inch size is rare in flagship phones
- →Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 flagship performance
- →Lightweight at 168 g for comfortable one-handed use
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 S23
Pros
- Compact 6.1-inch size is rare in flagship phones
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 flagship performance
- Lightweight at 168 g for comfortable one-handed use
- IP68 water and dust resistance
- Four years of OS and five years of security updates
Cons
- Small 3900 mAh battery limits all-day endurance
- Slow 25W charging with no charger in box
- Only 8 GB RAM
- No 4K@60fps ultrawide video recording
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 S23 | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 13, One UI 5.1 | Android 13 (One UI 5.1) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 168 g | 209 g |
| Material | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 5 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm | 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.8, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS |
| Front camera | 12 MP, f/2.2 | 10 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps |
| Telephoto | 10 MP 3x optical | 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 | 3900 mAh | 4500 mAh |
| Charging | 25W wired | 25W wired |
| Wireless charging | 15W | 15W, Wireless PowerShare |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.1 inches | 6.4 inches |
| Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2340 x 1080 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1750 | 1450 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.36 GHz + 2x2.8 GHz + 2x2.8 GHz + 3x2.0 GHz) | Octa-core |
| GPU | Adreno 740 | Xclipse 920 / Adreno 730 |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Samsung Exynos 2200 / 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 | 5.3 |
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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