Samsung Galaxy S23 vs S23 FE – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Samsung Galaxy S23 & Samsung Galaxy S23 FE share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Samsung Galaxy S23 rather than the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. 

Why Do I Recommend The Samsung Galaxy S23

  • The Samsung Galaxy S23 has a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip for faster processing, smoother gaming, & better efficiency, while the S23 FE has older Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor.
  • Samsung Galaxy S23 includes a sharper 10MP telephoto camera for clearer zoom shots, richer detail, & improved portrait photography, compared to the 8MP telephoto in the S23 FE.
  • It comes with a brighter display with 1750 nits peak brightness for better outdoor visibility, vibrant HDR playback, & more legible screen use in sunlight, compared to 1450 nits in the S23 FE.
  • The Samsung Galaxy S23 supports LPDDR5X RAM for faster multitasking, quicker memory access, & improved performance in demanding apps, while the S23 FE has LPDDR5 RAM.
  • Samsung Galaxy S23 features a 12MP front camera with Dual Pixel autofocus for sharper selfies, faster focusing, & better low-light video calls, compared to the 10MP fixed-focus camera in the S23 FE.
  • It features a premium Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back for enhanced durability, scratch resistance, & a more luxurious feel, compared to the plastic back of the S23 FE.
  • The Samsung Galaxy S23 uses faster UFS 4.0 storage for quicker app launches, file transfers, & system responsiveness, whereas the S23 FE has UFS 3.1 storage.
  • Samsung Galaxy S23 has a more compact and lightweight design for easier one-handed use, improved pocketability, & a more refined flagship feel, compared to the bulkier S23 FE.

Maybe the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy S23. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

FeatureSamsung Galaxy S23Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Chipset (Global)Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for GalaxyExynos 2200
Chipset (US)Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for GalaxySnapdragon 8 Gen 1
RAM TypeLPDDR5XLPDDR5
Storage TypeUFS 4.0UFS 3.1
Build MaterialGorilla Glass Victus 2 front/back + aluminum frameGorilla Glass 5 front + plastic back + aluminum frame
Display Size6.1 inches6.4 inches
Display Brightness1750 nits peak1450 nits peak
Display ProtectionGorilla Glass Victus 2Gorilla Glass 5
Storage Options128GB / 256GB / 512GB128GB / 256GB
Telephoto Camera10MP 3x optical zoom8MP 3x optical zoom
Front Camera12MP, Dual Pixel AF10MP, no Dual Pixel AF
Front Video Recording4K @ 30/60fps, 1080p @ 30fps4K @ 30fps, 1080p @ 30fps
Device Weight168g209g
Dimensions (mm)146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6158.0 x 76.5 x 8.2
Color OptionsLavender, Cream, Green, Phantom Black, ExclusiveGraphite, Cream, Mint, Purple, Indigo, Tangerine
Wireless ChargingYes, 15WYes, 15W
PriceCheck Samsung S23 PriceCheck S23 FE Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Operating System & UI: Both phones run Android 13 with Samsung’s One UI, offering a near-identical software experience including multitasking tools, personalization options, and system updates.
  • 5G Connectivity: Both support sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G, ensuring fast mobile data speeds and future-proof network support.
  • Main & Ultrawide Cameras: Each device features a 50MP main camera with Dual Pixel autofocus and OIS for sharp, detailed shots. They also share a 12MP ultrawide camera for capturing wide scenes and group shots.
  • Rear Video Recording: Both devices support advanced video capabilities like 8K video at 30fps, 4K at 60fps, and 1080p slow-motion up to 240fps, making them ideal for high-quality content creation.
  • Stereo Speakers with Dolby Atmos: Both deliver rich stereo sound through AKG-tuned dual speakers with Dolby Atmos for immersive audio whether you’re watching videos or gaming.
  • Wireless and Reverse Charging: Each phone supports 15W wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging to power up accessories like earbuds or other phones.
  • 25W Wired Fast Charging: Despite the battery size difference, both support 25W fast charging which delivers a quick top-up when paired with compatible chargers.
  • USB-C Port: Both use the USB Type-C 3.2 standard for faster data transfer and charging.
  • IP68 Water & Dust Resistance: Each device has IP68 certification, meaning they can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes and are protected from dust.
  • Biometric Authentication: Both phones offer an ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor and support facial recognition for fast and secure unlocking.
  • Samsung DeX & Knox: Enterprise and productivity users benefit from Samsung DeX for desktop-like multitasking and Samsung Knox for hardware-based security.

Common Features

FeatureSamsung Galaxy S23Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Operating SystemAndroid 13, One UIAndroid 13, One UI
5G ConnectivityYesYes
Main Camera50MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS50MP, f/1.8, Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS
Ultrawide Camera12MP, f/2.2, 120˚ FOV12MP, f/2.2, 123˚ FOV
Video (Rear Camera)8K @ 24/30fps, 4K @ 30/60fps, 1080p @ 240fps8K @ 24/30fps, 4K @ 30/60fps, 1080p @ 240fps
Stereo SpeakersYes, tuned by AKG with Dolby AtmosYes, tuned by AKG with Dolby Atmos
Wireless ChargingYes, 15WYes, 15W
Reverse Wireless ChargingYes, 4.5WYes, 4.5W
Fast Charging (Wired)25W25W
USB Type-C PortYes, USB Type-C 3.2Yes, USB Type-C 3.2
IP RatingIP68 dust/water resistantIP68 dust/water resistant
Fingerprint SensorUltrasonic under-displayUltrasonic under-display
Face RecognitionYesYes
Samsung DeX SupportYesYes
Samsung KnoxYesYes
Price Check Samsung S23 Price Check S23 FE Price

FAQ

Does the Samsung Galaxy S23 have better performance than the S23 FE?
Yes, the Galaxy S23 uses the newer and more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, while the S23 FE has the older Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 depending on region, resulting in better CPU and GPU performance on the S23.

Are both the Galaxy S23 and S23 FE water and dust resistant?
Yes, both phones have an IP68 rating, meaning they are resistant to dust and can withstand submersion in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.

Do the Galaxy S23 and S23 FE support wireless charging?
Yes, both support 15W wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging for charging accessories like earbuds.

Is the camera quality the same on the Galaxy S23 and S23 FE?
Not exactly. While both have the same 50MP main camera, the S23 has a superior 10MP telephoto and a better 12MP front camera with Dual Pixel autofocus.

Do both phones support 5G connectivity?
Yes, both the Galaxy S23 and S23 FE support 5G networks, including sub-6GHz and mmWave depending on region.

Which device has a larger battery capacity?
The Galaxy S23 FE has a larger 4,500mAh battery compared to the Galaxy S23’s 3,900mAh battery, offering potentially longer endurance.

Is the display quality the same between the two phones?
Both have Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with 120Hz refresh rate, but the S23 is brighter with a 1750 nits peak brightness, while the S23 FE reaches up to 1450 nits.

Can both phones record video in 8K?
Yes, both the S23 and S23 FE can record video in 8K at 24 or 30 frames per second, and 4K at up to 60fps.

Do both support Samsung DeX?
Yes, both devices support Samsung DeX, allowing desktop-like functionality when connected to a display or PC.

Are the materials and build quality the same on both phones?
No, the Galaxy S23 has Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both front and back with an aluminum frame, while the S23 FE uses Gorilla Glass 5 on the front and a plastic back.

Which phone is more compact and lightweight?
The Galaxy S23 is smaller and lighter at 168g, while the S23 FE is larger with a 6.4-inch display and weighs 209g.

Do they have the same RAM and storage options?
Both come with 8GB RAM, but the S23 uses faster LPDDR5X and offers up to 512GB storage with UFS 4.0, whereas the S23 FE uses LPDDR5 and UFS 3.1 up to 256GB.

Which phone offers better value for money?
The S23 FE offers better value for budget-conscious users by providing flagship features at a lower price, while the S23 targets users seeking premium specs and materials.

Do both phones receive the same software updates?
Yes, both are eligible for the same Android updates and Samsung’s long-term support policy, ensuring similar longevity in software features and security.

Can I use face recognition and fingerprint unlock on both?
Yes, both the Galaxy S23 and S23 FE offer ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanners and support facial recognition for unlocking the device.