The recent official release of the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is sparking a lot of comparisons with its counterparts, the Galaxy S23 and the S23 Plus. Given the striking similarities in design and some more or less subtle technical differences, and in anticipation of the release of the S23 FE, it is worth breaking down the elements that set these three models apart before making an informed purchasing decision.
Source: Photomontage by Frandroid
The Galaxy S23 FE has been officially launched. And even if we don’t have real confirmation of its arrival in France yet, everything indicates that it will arrive in early 2024. Then the question arises: Should you wait for it? We compared this S23 FE with its two counterparts, the Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus.
It’s important to note that the acronym “FE” stands for “Fan Edition,” a range that offers premium devices while being slightly more affordable than the South Korean company’s other high-end models. This is achieved through conscious compromises on features and functionality.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, S23 and S23 Plus: Comparison of the technical data sheets
| Model | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Samsung Galaxy S23 | Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 7.65cm x 15.8cm x 8.2mm | 7.09cm x 14.63cm x 7.6mm | 7.62cm x 15.78cm x 7.6mm |
| Manufacturer interface | A user interface | A user interface | A user interface |
| Screen size | 6.4 inches | 6.1 inches | 6.6 inches |
| definition | 2340×1080 pixels | 2340×1080 pixels | 2340×1080 pixels |
| Pixel density | 403dpi | 425dpi | 393dpi |
| technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| SoC | Samsung Exynos 2200 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| graphics chip | Xclipse 920 | Qualcomm Adreno 740 | Qualcomm Adreno 740 |
| Internal memory | N/C | 128GB, 256GB | 256GB, 0GB |
| Camera (rear) | Sensor 1: 50MP | Sensor 1: 50MP | Sensor 1: 50MP |
| Front photo sensor | 10MP | 12MP | 12MP |
| Definition of video recording | 8K @24fps | 8 THOUSAND | 8 THOUSAND |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| 5G | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fingerprint sensor | Under the screen | Under the screen | Under the screen |
| Plug type | USB Type-C | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
| Battery capacity | 4500mAh | 3900mAh | 4700mAh |
| Weight | 209g | 167g | 195g |
| Colors | Black, white, green, purple | Black, green, pink, beige | Black, green, pink, beige |
| Repairability index? | N/C | 8.2/10 | 8.2/10 |
| Price | N/C | €799 | €1,059 |
Product sheet | Product sheet View the test | Product sheet View the test |
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, S23 and S23 Plus: Design
Although the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is part of the S23 series, it has subtle design differences from the S23 and S23 Plus models. What all three devices have in common is an unmistakable family aesthetic, with the S23 FE being visually closer to the S23 Plus. In reality, the S23 FE’s aesthetic is characterized by slightly more rounded corners and a triple photo block, with each camera clearly demarcated and isolated from the others.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE // Source: Samsung
Surprisingly, the S23 FE is longer, wider, thicker and heavier, weighing 209 grams compared to 168 and 196 grams for the S23 and S23 Plus respectively.
Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus // Source: Samsung
All three are IP68 certified, guaranteeing their water and dust resistance. However, the S23 FE has a screen protected by Gorilla Glass 5, while the other two models benefit from Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which is significantly more robust.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, S23 and S23 Plus: Screen and performance
The Galaxy S23 FE features a 6.4-inch FullHD+ AMOLED display, slightly smaller than the S23 Plus (6.6 inches), and offers a 120Hz refresh rate. However, it is characterized by a lower maximum brightness, reaching only 1450 nits compared to 1750 nits in other models, and the absence of the always-on function. Also note that the screen edges are thicker on the S23 FE, which explains the difference in dimensions.
Although the S23 FE also runs Android 13 with OneUI 5.1, it offers lower performance due to its processor options: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the US and Exynos 2200 in Europe. Compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 that the Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus are equipped with, the S23 FE will have slightly reduced performance. But our biggest fear comes from the Exynos chip… The performance of the Exynos 2200 integrated into the Galaxy S22 did not meet expectations in terms of autonomy, power and thermal management.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, S23 and S23 Plus: Photo and connectivity
When it comes to photography, the S23 FE seems to be a bit behind. Although the main sensor is comparable, the telephoto sensor is different (8 megapixels versus 10) with an optics of 75mm versus 70mm on the S23, although both offer an equivalent x3 zoom. The S23 FE also has a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle sensor, but its selfie sensor is less sharp at 10-megapixel f/2.4, compared to 12-megapixel f/2.2 on the S23.
As far as connectivity goes, the S23 FE, similar to other S23 models, supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. However, it should be noted that the S23 FE only has dual-band, while other S23 models have tri-band, allowing the latter to support three separate Wi-Fi frequency bands at the same time, allowing for better performance depending on the network environment.
Should we wait for the Galaxy S23 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE presents itself as a cheaper alternative to the S23 series, despite some compromises in performance, photography and screen functions. However, its value proposition will depend heavily on its price positioning in the French market, especially given the expected price cuts on the S23 and S23 Plus models at the end of the year.
Due to the delayed release of the Galaxy S23 FE in Europe It is unclear how this model could create a significant market breakthrough. The breakthrough will probably depend on particularly attractive price positioning. Let’s also remember that it will probably be close to the release of the Galaxy S24.
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