When Samsung released the Galaxy S23 FE, many wondered how it stacked up against the original Galaxy S23. On paper, the two look quite similar both offer flagship-level performance, great cameras, and Samsung’s polished One UI experience. But dig deeper, and a few key differences start to emerge, especially when you factor in price, design, and long-term value.
Let’s do the comparison: Samsung Galaxy S23 FE vs S23.
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, both phones carry Samsung’s recognizable design language minimal, premium, and clean. The Galaxy S23 features an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both sides, giving it a more refined, sturdy feel. The S23 FE, meanwhile, uses Gorilla Glass 5 and an aluminum frame, which is still durable but not quite as tough as its sibling.
The S23 FE is also slightly larger and heavier, offering a more substantial in-hand feel. For some, that’s a plus; for others, the compact comfort of the regular S23 might be preferable. Both are IP68-rated, so they can handle dust and water without worry.
Display Comparison
Samsung rarely disappoints when it comes to displays, and both of these phones prove it. The Galaxy S23 features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, while the S23 FE comes with a 6.4-inch version of the same technology. Both support a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and vibrant color reproduction.
The difference lies in brightness and sharpness. The S23 gets slightly brighter under sunlight and has a bit more pixel density due to its smaller size. Still, for most users, both displays look equally stunning, great for movies, games, or scrolling through social media.
Performance and Software
Under the hood, things get interesting. The Galaxy S23 runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, a customized version designed for better sustained performance. The S23 FE, on the other hand, uses either the Exynos 2200 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, depending on the region.
In everyday use, the difference isn’t dramatic. The S23 FE handles multitasking, gaming, and app performance smoothly. However, the Snapdragon chip in the S23 gives it a bit more efficiency and thermal stability. If you push your phone hard with high-end gaming or long camera sessions, the regular S23 will feel more consistent.
Both run Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI 6 and promise years of software updates. That’s a big plus for users planning to keep their phones for a while.
Cameras: Familiar but Refined
Cameras have always been a strong suit for Samsung, and both these models reflect that. The Galaxy S23 sports a 50MP main sensor, 10MP telephoto lens, and 12MP ultrawide camera. The S23 FE keeps the same setup: a 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 8MP telephoto with slight tuning differences.
Photos from both phones are crisp, colorful, and detailed. The S23 has a bit more depth and contrast in challenging lighting, while the FE can sometimes lean toward brighter tones. The differences, though, are subtle. For video, both record up to 8K at 24fps with great stabilization, though the S23 holds an edge in consistency during long recordings.
On the front, both house a 10MP selfie camera that delivers sharp results with natural skin tones perfect for social media use.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is where the Galaxy S23 FE pulls slightly ahead. With a 4,500mAh battery compared to the S23’s 3,900mAh, it can last longer through heavy use. Both phones support 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging.
Despite the larger battery, the S23 FE doesn’t charge faster, which might disappoint some. But the extra endurance makes it a practical choice for users on the go who don’t want to plug in mid-day.
Connectivity and Audio
Both phones include 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and reliable GPS. Audio quality is excellent on both, with stereo speakers tuned by AKG delivering balanced, rich sound. There’s no 3.5mm headphone jack, something long gone in Samsung’s premium lineup but wireless audio quality is top-tier.
Price and Value
Here’s where the Galaxy S23 FE shines. At launch, it came in at a significantly lower price point, making it an appealing alternative for those who want flagship performance without paying flagship prices. You still get a premium design, strong performance, and long-term software support all at a lower cost.
For many, that price difference will be the deciding factor. The S23 is undeniably a more refined and slightly faster device, but the S23 FE brings 90% of the same experience for less money.
Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
If you want the best Samsung experience in a compact size, the Galaxy S23 remains the better pick. It feels more premium, runs cooler under pressure, and has a slight edge in camera consistency and display brightness.
But if you’re after value, the Galaxy S23 FE is hard to ignore. It delivers nearly identical day-to-day performance, a larger screen, better battery life, and long-term software updates all at a friendlier price. For most people, that’s the smarter buy.
In the end, the difference comes down to refinement versus value. The Galaxy S23 is the polished flagship, while the S23 FE is the practical performer that hits the sweet spot between performance and price.
See Also Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus vs S24 Plus: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
FAQs (Samsung Galaxy S23 FE vs S23)
Is the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE waterproof?
Yes, it carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, just like the S23.
Does the S23 FE have the same camera as the S23?
They share a similar 50MP main sensor setup, but the S23 has slightly better image processing.
Which phone has better battery life?
The S23 FE offers better endurance thanks to its larger 4,500mAh battery.
Do both phones use the same processor?
No. The S23 uses Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, while the S23 FE has Exynos 2200 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, depending on the region.
Which one is better for long-term use?
Both get years of software updates, but the S23’s stronger chip may hold up better over time.
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