Samsung Galaxy S23 FE vs Galaxy S23: Which model reigns supreme?

Specifications

First, let’s take a look at the spec sheets for both devices. Feel free to skip this section if you wish to get straight to the comparison.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has a 6.4-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1,450 nits. It’s powered by the Exynos 2200 chip which gets its juice from a 4,500 mAh battery that fills up at 25W. For photography, the phone has a 50MP + 8MP telephoto 3x optical zoom + 12MP ultrawide at the rear and a 10MP snapper upfront. Other features include Gorilla Glass 5 at the back and front with an aluminium frame in the middle and an IP68 rating.

Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy S23 has a 6.1-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 1,750 nits. It’s powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip which gets its juice from a 3,900 mAh battery that fills up at 25W. For photography, the phone has a 50MP + 10MP telephoto 3x optical zoom + 12MP ultrawide at the rear and a 10MP snapper upfront. Other features include Gorilla Glass Victus 2 at the back and front with an aluminium frame in the middle and an IP68 rating.

Design and display

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. (Image: Samsung)

From the spec sheet alone, it’s great to see that Samsung has kept the spirit of the FE models alive with the latest iteration. The Galaxy S23 FE is, by all means, a near-flagship and packs everything you’d expect from a Fan Edition device – including a telephoto lens and Dex support, which are features that have always been S series exclusives.

You can also tell from the spec sheet that the two devices are rather similar overall. But there are some key differences. For example, the Galaxy S23 FE has a 6.4-inch display, which is not only visibly bigger but also feels heftier in your hand. In fact, it is closer to the 6.6-inch screen size of the Galaxy S23+.

And with size comes weight. The Galaxy S23 FE tips the scales at 209 grams and measures 8.2 mm thick. You will definitely feel the difference when you hold it for a long time, compared to the featherlight Galaxy S23 (168 grams, 7.6 mm thick). The Galaxy S23 is more comfortable to use and carry, and it won’t give you a wrist ache. If you prefer a phone that is easy on your hand and pocket, the Galaxy S23 is the one for you.

The Galaxy S23 also has some other advantages over the FE model. It has a more premium matte finish that looks and feels better than the glossy one on the Galaxy S23 FE, which reminds us of the Galaxy A Series phones – and we don’t mean that as a compliment. The Galaxy S23 also has very slim and symmetric bezels, unlike the chunky ones on the FE model, which actually have grown larger than the previous generation – a step backwards for an otherwise impressive upgrade.

Performance

One thing that might make you hesitate before buying the Galaxy S23 FE is its performance. Sure, the Exynos 2200 chip inside it is a beast, but it’s not quite as ferocious as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 that powers the Galaxy S23. The latter is not only faster, but also more frugal with the battery juice.

The Samsung Galaxy S23. (Image: Samsung)

Speaking of which, the Galaxy S23 has a smaller 3,900 mAh battery than the Galaxy S23 FE, so you might end up with similar battery life on both devices. But if you’re a hardcore gamer who wants to max out the graphics settings on every game, you’ll be way better off with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.

Cameras

When it comes to snapping photos, the Galaxy S23 FE has a major upgrade over its predecessor: a 50MP main camera that matches the Galaxy S23’s resolution. That means you can expect some stunning shots from both phones, at least in good lighting conditions. However, the Galaxy S23 FE might fall short in some scenarios, especially when using the 8MP telephoto lens that probably won’t zoom as clearly as the Galaxy S23’s 10MP telephoto.

Galaxy S23 FE vs Galaxy S23: Which one to buy?

The Galaxy S23 FE is a great deal at Rs 59,999. It offers most of the flagship features of the Galaxy S23, such as the Exynos 2200 chip, decent cameras, and extras like IP68 rating and Dex support. You’ll hardly notice any difference in your daily use, unless you’re very picky about the details.

The Galaxy S23, on the other hand, is for those who want to splurge on a premium device that looks and feels more elegant and comfortable in the hand. It costs Rs 74,999, but you get a sleeker design, slightly better cameras, and a blazing-fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip that can handle anything you throw at it.

So, which one should you buy? It depends on your preferences and budget. If you want a compact powerhouse that can impress friends and foes, go for the Galaxy S23. If you want a budget-friendly phone that can still deliver a great Samsung experience, go for the Galaxy S23 FE.