Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Review: Samsung is on the verge of launching its highly anticipated Galaxy S24 flagship phones in January, but that hasn’t stopped them from surprising us with another addition to their lineup – the Galaxy S23 FE.
Positioned as the fan edition, this smartphone aims to provide a more affordable alternative to the regular Galaxy S23 flagship, albeit with slightly scaled-down specs.
In this detailed review, we’ll explore the design, features, performance, and overall user experience of the Galaxy S23 FE.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Design: A Familiar Yet Refreshing Look
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE doesn’t deviate much from the typical Samsung smartphone design we’ve seen in recent years.
With four standard colors and two additional options when ordering directly from Samsung’s website, including the vibrant Tangerine, the phone offers a refreshing touch.
Despite not being as compact as the regular Galaxy S23, the 6.4-inch display and slightly curved edges provide a comfortable grip. The glass rear end exudes a premium feel, although it lacks the durability of the regular Galaxy S23’s Victus glass.
The phone boasts IP68 water and dust resistance, ensuring it can handle a bit of moisture. Unlocking options include an in-display fingerprint sensor and facial recognition, both of which work well, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Software: One UI 6.0 and Android 14
Running on Android 14 out of the box with Samsung’s One UI 6.0, the Galaxy S23 FE introduces subtle changes and features.
The new background play feature in Samsung’s internet browser allows for a seamless multimedia experience, enabling users to continue listening to audio while performing other tasks.
Full support for Samsung’s DeX mode provides a desktop-style experience when connecting the phone to a monitor or TV.
Despite occasional software hiccups, Samsung promises robust support with four guaranteed OS updates and an additional year of security updates, ensuring the device remains current until 2028.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Display: Vibrant and Crisp
The Galaxy S23 FE features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x display with a Full HD Plus resolution. Boasting vibrant colors, sharp contrast, and a maximum brightness of nearly 1500 nits, the display offers an immersive viewing experience, even in bright outdoor conditions.
While lacking LTPO technology, the 120Hz refresh rate contributes to smooth interactions, making it an ideal choice for media consumption.
Performance: A Decent Mid-Range Performer
Powered by Samsung’s Exynos 2200 chipset, the Galaxy S23 FE delivers a satisfactory everyday performance, although it falls slightly behind the regular Galaxy S23 with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
Gaming performance is acceptable but may exhibit occasional frame rate jutters during extended sessions. The phone tends to heat up under prolonged gaming, but without severe throttling. The inclusion of Samsung’s game booster tool helps enhance gaming experiences.
Battery Life: Mediocre Endurance
Equipped with a 4,500mAh battery, the Galaxy S23 FE’s endurance is somewhat disappointing due to the less efficient Exynos chipset. Users can expect around four to five hours of screen-on time under normal usage, with gaming reducing this figure further.
The 25W wired charging is not the fastest in the market, but the device supports 15W wireless charging, providing a convenient alternative.
Camera: Versatile Imaging Experience
Featuring a 50-megapixel primary camera with optical image stabilization, the Galaxy S23 FE captures impressive photos with vibrant colors and good detail.
The camera app offers various modes, including portrait, night mode, and a pro mode for enthusiasts.
The ultra-wide and telephoto lenses provide flexibility, although the telephoto’s performance may suffer in challenging lighting conditions.
Video recording capabilities, including 4K and 8K options, produce sharp and stabilized footage.
In short: Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Review, Specs, and Features
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Design | Glass & metal frame, IP68, Gorilla Glass 5. |
| Interface | In-display fingerprint, facial recognition. |
| Performance | Samsung DeX, occasional lag, 4 OS updates. |
| Display | 6.4″ Dynamic AMOLED, Full HD+, Stereo speakers. |
| Camera | 50 MP main with OIS, ultra-wide, telephoto. |
| Battery | 4,500mAh, struggles for premium life, 25W wired, 15W wireless charging. |
Conclusion: Is Samsung S23 FE worth buying?
While the Galaxy S23 FE offers a commendable experience with its vibrant display, versatile camera setup, and decent performance, its pricing may not make it the most compelling option.
Priced at $799.99 for the 128GB model and $859.99 for the 256GB, the S23 FE faces tough competition from alternatives like the Xiaomi 30T and Nothing Phone 2.
Considering potential discounts on the regular Galaxy S23 with the imminent S24 series launch, prospective buyers may find better value by waiting a bit longer.
Read Also: Asus Zenbook Duo 2024
People also ask
What is the difference between Samsung S23 and S23 FE?
| Feature | Samsung S23 | Samsung S23 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| Display | 6.1 inches, 1080p AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate | 6.4 inches, 1080p AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate |
| Cameras | 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto | 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 8MP telephoto |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 10MP |
| Battery | 3,900mAh | 4,500mAh |
| Design | Flat aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Flat aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Price | More expensive | Less expensive |
Q: Is the Galaxy S23 FE water-resistant?
A: Yes, the Galaxy S23 FE comes with an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, making it capable of handling moisture to a certain extent.
Q: What is the maximum storage capacity of the Galaxy S23 FE?
A: The base model of the Galaxy S23 FE offers 128GB of storage, but users can upgrade to 256GB for an additional £50.
Q: How long is the software support for the Galaxy S23 FE?
A: Samsung promises four guaranteed OS updates, including Android 14, and an additional year of security updates, ensuring software support until 2028.
Q: Does the Galaxy S23 FE support wireless charging?
A: Yes, the Galaxy S23 FE supports 15W wireless charging, providing users with a convenient option for juicing up their device.
Q: Can the Galaxy S23 FE handle gaming well?
A: While the Galaxy S23 FE delivers acceptable gaming performance for everyday use, extended gaming sessions may lead to heating, and the Exynos chipset might exhibit occasional frame rate jutters.
Q: How much is Samsung S23 Fe?
A: $799.99 for the 128GB model and $859.99 for the 256GB