In the world of smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is a more affordable version of the renowned S23 series. FE stands for Fan Edition and combines powerful features with a more attractive price. This makes it stand out in the S23 series and in comparison to the normal S23, thanks to its good price-performance ratio.
In this article, we take a close look at both the S23 and the S23 FE. We compare the various features from camera quality to processor performance and show what both models have to offer. You can also see the comparison of Samsung Galaxy S23 vs S23 FE on YouTube Shorts.
Heart of performance: The processor
Samsung S23: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
The Samsung Galaxy S23 relies on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor for good performance. The processor was introduced by Qualcomm in November 2022. Thanks to its advanced microarchitecture, it achieves clock speeds of up to 3.36 GHz. As an octa-core processor, it offers a good mix of powerful and energy-saving cores. This guarantees top performance in everyday life and when gaming.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 architecture has been redesigned to increase the efficiency and speed of the smartphone. These improvements ensure a better user experience. Since its launch in Europe in early 2023, the processor has found its way into many high-end smartphones and has impressed with its performance. It offers fast response times and smooth performance, even under heavy loads.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
The Samsung Exynos 2200 in the Galaxy S23 FE performs worse in terms of performance compared to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. The processor has a clock speed of 2.80 GHz and an AMD GPU that brings hardware-accelerated ray tracing to mobile devices for the first time. These technical specifications position the S23 FE firmly among the high-performance smartphones.
Despite this high performance, there have been discussions about the efficiency of the Exynos 2200. A direct comparison shows that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Galaxy S23 is about 30% more powerful in some benchmarks. In addition, the Exynos 2200 has been criticized for its high energy consumption.
Battery: Endurance and Efficiency
Galaxy S23: Compact and powerful
The Galaxy S23 has a 3900 mAh battery. Compared to other brands, the capacity seems rather low, but first impressions are deceptive. The efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor gives the S23 long battery life. Users can get by for 1.5 to 2 days on one charge, even with frequent use. Battery performance is also supported by extras such as reverse wireless charging and wireless charging. Thanks to Power Delivery 3.0, the battery is also half charged in just 30 minutes.
Galaxy S23 FE: Bigger battery = longer battery life?
The S23 FE has a 4500 mAh battery, which is 600 mAh larger than the S23. Equipped with a larger display and a less efficient processor, these components noticeably affect the battery life of the S23 FE. A 5000 mAh battery would probably have been a better choice for the S23 FE to achieve a similar usage time to that of the Galaxy S23.
The S23 FE is charged via cable with 25 watts. This means that the battery is almost full in just over an hour. The device also supports wireless charging with up to 15 watts.With these charging options, the Galaxy S23 FE offers flexibility and convenience in everyday use.
Camera: A look through the lens
Galaxy S23: High-quality shots
The Galaxy S23 features a triple camera setup that includes a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens, a 50MP main sensor, and a 10MP zoom lens. From capturing sweeping landscapes to detailed close-ups, the possibilities are endless. The video capabilities are no less impressive, with the option to record in up to 8K at 30 frames per second. This promises footage of exceptional detail and clarity. With these top-notch specifications, the S23 is guaranteed to deliver outstanding images and videos in a variety of environments and conditions.
Galaxy S23 FE: Versatile, but different
The Galaxy S23 FE follows with a similarly configured triple camera system. This consists of a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle lens, a 50 MP main sensor and an 8 MP zoom lens. Despite the slightly lower resolution of the zoom lens compared to the S23, the S23 FE's camera is only slightly behind in terms of versatility and quality. The FE allows video recording in up to 8k at 24 frames per second. This is slightly less than the S23, but still offers excellent quality for most needs. The camera setup proves that even with small differences in the technical specifications, the S23 FE is a strong device for photography enthusiasts.
Both models boast outstanding camera features and are equally attractive to fans of photography and videography, with each having its own advantages.
How do the mobile phones perform in everyday life?
The design of the Galaxy S23 series remains true to its elegant and minimalist lines. Both the S23 and the S23 FE feature a modern style. Small but subtle changes make the devices both visually appealing and practical.
Both models offer 128 or 256 GB of storage; memory expansion via microSD is not possible. In addition, they are well protected against dust and water thanks to IP-68 certification. So a day at the beach is no problem.
Samsung also promises to provide the models with Android updates for four years and security updates for five years. This makes the S23 series smartphones a future-proof investment for anyone looking for a long-term companion.
Galaxy S23: elegant and compact
The Galaxy S23 impresses with its elegant compactness. It has a 6.1-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1,080 x 2,340 pixels, which ensures sharp and vivid images. The refresh rate of 120 Hz enables smooth display, especially with moving content. At just 168 g, the S23 is one of the lightest smartphones. Its weight and slim design make it comfortable to hold even for long periods and ensure that it fits easily into any pocket. This makes it the perfect companion for everyday life.
Galaxy S23 FE: big and easy to grip
The Galaxy S23 FE has more screen space with its 6.4-inch display, ideal for multimedia fans and users of productive apps. Its AMOLED display shows content in a resolution of 2,380 x 1,080 pixels, which delivers razor-sharp images and text. The 120 Hz refresh rate ensures very smooth motion, which is noticeable in fast-paced games and when scrolling.At 209 grams, it's heavier, but still feels good in the hand and sturdy. The size and handling of the S23 FE offer a different user experience than the more compact S23 and underline its advantages for more intensive multimedia use.
What do the reviewers say?
The latest generation of the Samsung Galaxy S series, the S23 and S23 FE, have attracted a lot of attention since their release. Tech YouTubers like Technikfaultier, SwagTab and iKnowReview have published their opinions on the Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23 FE smartphones. They have highlighted both the pros and cons of these devices.
Feedback on the Samsung Galaxy S23:
- Performance: The powerful features with a new processor and fast memory ensure smooth use.
- Battery life: The battery life is robust, allowing for longer use without constant charging.
- Processing: The pleasant handling, the high-quality display and the good speaker quality are positive aspects.
- Main camera: The quality of the main camera, especially the vivid colors, the pleasant contrast and the successful video mode stand out positively.
- Ultra-wide-angle camera: There is criticism for the lack of autofocus and macro mode as well as the limited resolution and noise behavior in poor lighting conditions.
Feedback on the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
- Stereo speakers and IP68: Stereo speakers and IP68 certification ensure a good audio experience and make the device robust.
- Update promise: Samsung's promise of long-term software support including Android and security updates is a benefit to the device's longevity.
- Color options: A wide range of color options offers an attractive option for customers.
- performance deficits: Compared to the rest of the S23 lineup, the performance of the S23 FE is perceived as inadequate, especially because of the inefficient processor and outdated display technology.
- Missing unique selling points:The lack of significant innovations or specific features that would make the S23 FE stand out within the series or in comparison to other models is criticized.
Price check and price-performance: Which is more worthwhile?
When comparing the prices of the Galaxy S23 series, it is noticeable that the standard S23 model is available for 699 euros. The FE version with 128 GB storage, on the other hand, costs 949 euros. These price differences reflect the different features and performance of the models.
Price-conscious buyers who still value quality will find a good alternative in the market for refurbished devices. Refurbished models of both variants are often around 200 euros cheaper than new.This option is particularly attractive for those who are concerned about value for money and at the same time want to act in an environmentally friendly way.
Conclusion: Samsung Galaxy S23 vs. S23 FE - Which model is the right choice?
The decision between the Samsung Galaxy S23 and the S23 FE depends largely on the individual needs and priorities of the users. The main differences between the two models are in the areas of processor, camera, display, battery and price.
Differences between S23 and S23 FE
- Processor: The S23 is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which is more powerful than the Exynos 2200 in the S23 FE.
- Camera: The S23 offers higher photo quality with its 64MP telephoto zoom camera compared to the 8MP telephoto zoom camera of the S23 FE.
- Display: With a 6.4-inch display, the S23 FE offers more screen space than the 6.1-inch display of the S23.
- Battery: The S23 FE has a larger battery at 4,500 mAh than the S23 at 3,900 mAh, which promises longer battery life.
Decision criteria:
Users who value maximum performance and high-quality camera features and prefer a compact design will be better served with the S23.
For those who want a larger display and longer battery life while looking for good value for money, the S23 FE is a better choice.
Closing words:
The S23 and S23 FE models impress with their features and performance. The S23 is aimed at users who are looking for the highest performance and the best photography quality. In contrast, the S23 FE offers a convincing price-performance ratio with its larger display and longer battery life. Both benefit from four years of Android updates and five years of security updates, which emphasizes their longevity. Their elegant, minimalist design and the choice of colors and storage options make them attractive choices for different user groups.
