After an almost two-year-long hiatus, Samsung has revived its Fan Version smartphone line with the Galaxy S23 FE. It brings some huge upgrades to its predecessor, like extra succesful cameras, a sooner chip, and a extra trendy design. However although it bears the Galaxy S23 branding, there are nonetheless some main variations that set the FE other than Samsung’s newest flagship smartphones. On this comparability, we’ll take a more in-depth take a look at the variations between the Galaxy S23 FE vs Galaxy S23 and provide help to choose the precise smartphone in your wants.
- With its beginning value of $599, the Galaxy S23 FE is cheaper than the whole mainline S23 sequence.
- In comparison with the bottom Galaxy S23’s 6.1-inch show, the Fan Version packs a bigger 6.4-inch show.
- The FE’s bigger footprint permits it to accommodate a considerably bigger 4,500mAh battery.
- The mainline Galaxy S23 sequence packs a much more highly effective and environment friendly Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset.
- In choose areas, Samsung will embody its in-house Exynos chipset within the Galaxy S23 FE. That’s not the case for the flagship S23 line; all areas get pleasure from the identical chip and related efficiency.
- In comparison with the equally sized Galaxy S23 Plus, the S23 FE is considerably cheaper however has a smaller battery and slower charging speeds. The FE additionally depends on older UFS 3.1 storage, which can lead to slower loading instances.
- Whereas all Galaxy S23 fashions function a glass again, the Fan Version skimps a bit with Gorilla Glass 5 safety on the again. The flagship fashions use Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for higher sturdiness.
- Samsung’s flagship smartphones embody a handful of additional premium options like eSIM assist and an ultra-wideband (UWB) chip within the Galaxy S23 Plus.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE vs Galaxy S23: Specs
| Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Samsung Galaxy S23 | Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus | |
|---|---|---|---|
Show | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 6.4-inch Tremendous AMOLED | Samsung Galaxy S23 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED | Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED |
Processor | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE USA: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Samsung Galaxy S23 Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
RAM | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 8GB | Samsung Galaxy S23 8GB | Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 8GB |
Storage | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE UFS 3.1: 128GB, 256GB | Samsung Galaxy S23 128GB (UFS 3.1), 256GB (UFS 4.0) | Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus UFS 4.0: 256GB or 512GB |
Battery and charging | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 4,500mAh battery | Samsung Galaxy S23 3,900mAh battery | Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 4,700mAh battery |
Cameras | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Rear: – 50MP primary: ƒ/1.8 aperture, OIS – 12MP ultrawide: ƒ/2.2 aperture, 123-degree FoV – 8MP telephoto: ƒ/2.4 aperture, 3x optical zoom Entrance: | Samsung Galaxy S23 Rear: – 50MP primary: ƒ/1.8 aperture, OIS – 12MP ultrawide: ƒ/2.2 aperture – 10MP telephoto: ƒ/2.4 aperture, 3x optical zoom Entrance: | Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus Rear: – 50MP primary: ƒ/1.8 aperture, OIS – 12MP ultrawide: ƒ/2.2 aperture – 10MP telephoto: ƒ/2.4 aperture, 3x optical zoom Entrance: |
Audio | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Stereo audio system | Samsung Galaxy S23 Stereo audio system | Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus Stereo audio system |
Safety | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE In-display fingerprint | Samsung Galaxy S23 In-display fingerprint | Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus In-display fingerprint |
Water resistance | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE IP68 | Samsung Galaxy S23 IP68 | Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus IP68 |
Connectivity | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Wi-Fi 6E | Samsung Galaxy S23 Wi-Fi 6E | Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus Wi-Fi 6E |
Software program | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE One UI 5.1 based mostly on Android 13 | Samsung Galaxy S23 One UI 5.1 based mostly on Android 13 | Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus One UI 5.1 based mostly on Android 13 |
Supplies | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Gorilla Glass Victus entrance | Samsung Galaxy S23 Gorilla Glass Victus entrance | Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus Gorilla Glass Victus entrance |
Dimensions and weight | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 157.9 x 76.5 x 8.1mm | Samsung Galaxy S23 146.3 x 70.8 x 7.6mm | Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus 157.7 x 76.2 x 7.6mm |
Based mostly on the spec sheet, we’re glad to report that Samsung hasn’t modified its technique with the Galaxy S23 FE. It consists of every little thing we’d usually count on from the Fan Version line and is basically a barely cut-down model of the flagship S23 sequence. Its show dimension sits between the common S23 and S23 Plus, in the end touchdown a bit nearer to the latter.
Regardless of the on-paper similarities, nonetheless, there are some key variations price contemplating. For instance, the Fan Version consists of an older SoC in comparison with the flagship Galaxy S23 fashions. The efficiency distinction shouldn’t be what’s most essential right here. It’s that the Galaxy S23 FE’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 is much behind the Galaxy S23’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 by way of effectivity.
The S23 FE makes use of an older chip, which spells unhealthy information for battery life.
In the actual world, the Fan Version smartphone could get hotter and chew by means of its battery faster. Elevated warmth output can also trigger the telephone to decelerate faster. The upper-end Galaxy S23 telephones will nearly all the time carry out higher in sustained workloads like video enhancing and gaming. These downsides could also be exacerbated in Europe and another worldwide markets the place Samsung will ship a special variant of the S23 FE powered by its personal Exynos 2200. You don’t have to fret about chipset variations when looking for the common Galaxy S23, as Samsung sells the identical Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 variant worldwide.
Shifting on, the Galaxy S23 FE’s base variant consists of 128GB of UFS 3.1 inside storage, which is similar because the vanilla S23. Nevertheless, the 256GB and better storage variants of the Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus embody the most recent UFS 4.0 storage tech. This may lead to sooner app opening instances and recreation loading speeds.
The Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus additionally supply a broader vary of connectivity choices than the S23 FE, though not by lots. The Fan Version line omits eSIM assist, for instance, which can be a deal breaker for frequent vacationers. Likewise, you received’t discover fancy extras like mmWave 5G assist and ultra-wideband (UWB) on the S23 FE. This isn’t essentially a deal breaker, nevertheless it highlights the place Samsung reduce corners to make a less expensive telephone.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE vs Galaxy S23: Measurement comparability
The Galaxy S23 FE appears to be like similar to the mainline S23 sequence, albeit with barely thicker bezels. If it weren’t for the shiny again on the S23 FE, you would possibly wrestle to inform it other than Samsung’s higher-end telephones. That goes in the wrong way too, sadly, as some cheaper Samsung telephones just like the Galaxy A54 5G additionally sport a really comparable design.
By way of dimension, the Galaxy S23 FE’s 6.4-inch show lands nearer to the S23 Plus’ 6.6-inch show. The bottom Galaxy S23’s 6.1-inch kind issue, in the meantime, makes it probably the most compact high-end Samsung telephone cash should buy. Other than the Galaxy Z Flip 5, anyway.
For the primary time within the sequence’ historical past, the S23 FE contains a glass again as a substitute of plastic. Nevertheless, it solely will get Gorilla Glass 5 safety, in contrast to the flagship’s all-Gorilla Glass Victus 2 development. Fortunately, no less than the entrance of the S23 FE will get Gorilla Glass Victus.
The S23 FE weighs 209g, almost 10% greater than the bigger S23 Plus.
The swap from plastic to glass on the again provides fairly a little bit of weight. That’s unlucky because the previous-gen S21 FE was one of many lightest telephones for its dimension and battery capability. The S23 FE has bulked as much as a hefty 209g, a distinction you’ll instantly discover within the hand. For context, its predecessor tipped the scales at simply 177g.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE vs Galaxy S23: Digital camera

Ryan Haines / Android Authority
For the Galaxy S20 FE and S21 FE, Samsung used the identical 12MP major sensor from the Galaxy S20 era. Fortunately, the corporate has lastly given the sequence a a lot wanted improve this time round. The Galaxy S23 FE has moved onto a 50MP primary sensor, which we count on will match the one current within the Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus.
Nevertheless, don’t count on the Fan Version to match its higher-end siblings in relation to the auxiliary cameras. The FE’s 12MP ultrawide and 8MP 3x telephoto lens could not ship as crisp photographs as on the common S23. Keep tuned for our evaluate of the S23 FE the place we’ll put the telephone by means of our suite of digicam checks.
Within the meantime, listed here are some photographs from the Galaxy S23’s primary digicam that ought to offer you an thought of what to anticipate.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE vs Galaxy S23: Battery life and charging

Ryan Haines / Android Authority
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
The improved chipset and show effectivity helped the compact Galaxy S23 submit spectacular battery life outcomes regardless of its small 3,900mAh battery. However don’t count on significantly better outcomes from the S23 Fan Version. We’ve already mentioned how the S23 FE’s older chip could negatively have an effect on battery life. Nevertheless, the unhealthy information doesn’t finish there.
The flagship Galaxy S23 trio additionally consists of extra environment friendly shows with the most recent in OLED tech from Samsung Show. The corporate often reserves these top-end shows for its premier smartphones, so we don’t count on them to trickle right down to the Fan Version mannequin throughout the identical 12 months. This implies the S23 FE received’t get as shiny and can devour 13-16% extra energy on the identical brightness ranges. Positive, these are minor variations, however you received’t discover them represented on most spec sheets.
The S23 FE’s last-gen {hardware} maintain it again from endurance greatness.
The S23 FE does have a big cell at 4,500mAh, nevertheless it received’t provide help to attain the two-day mark on a single cost. If endurance is a priority, I’d suggest the Galaxy S23 Plus and its even bigger 4,700mAh battery as a substitute.
The identical applies to charging speeds. Whereas the S23 Plus accepts 45W peak energy, the common S23 and S23 FE solely go as much as 25W. Put merely, you’ll have to attend nicely over an hour to totally cost both telephone. Samsung’s Tremendous Quick Charging isn’t the quickest within the smartphone trade, and also you’ll want a Energy Supply PPS appropriate wall charger to get probably the most of it.
The excellent news is that Samsung hasn’t positioned arbitrary limitations on wi-fi charging. All telephones bearing the S23 label assist Qi wi-fi charging at 15W and reverse wi-fi charging at 4.5W.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE vs Galaxy S23: Value and availability

Ryan Haines / Android Authority
- Galaxy S23 FE: Begins at $599
- Galaxy S23: Begins at $799
The Samsung Galaxy S23 launched in early 2023, with costs starting from $799 for the bottom mannequin to $1,199 for the S23 Extremely. The S23 Plus, in the meantime, occupied the center place, each by way of its dimension and $999 value. As of late, you might discover all three fashions on sale for no less than a pair hundred {dollars} cheaper. Even so, you may be stunned by the S23 FE’s sheer worth proposition.
Samsung has subverted our expectations with the Galaxy S23 FE’s pricing, which is available in at a powerful $599. In a world the place smartphones maintain getting dearer, it’s refreshing to see a $100 discount in comparison with the S21 FE from almost two years in the past.
Contemplating the quantity of uncooked {hardware} on supply, the S23 FE is a compelling selection and positively a contender for one of many prime Android telephones of the 12 months. Count on it to hit retailer cabinets late by October 2023.

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Barely bigger than S23
Good dimension battery
Competitively priced
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE vs Galaxy S23: Which one must you purchase?

Ryan Haines / Android Authority
The Fan Version sequence is one in all Samsung’s least predictable smartphone lineups, with no fastened timeline between releases. We didn’t get a Galaxy S22 FE in 2022, for instance, and the S21 FE launched weeks earlier than the S22. However the launch of the Galaxy S23 FE would possibly lastly put an finish to this inconsistency and alerts that Samsung lastly has a recreation plan and audience in thoughts.
Furthermore, the Fan Version makes (nearly) all the proper compromises to achieve its decrease $599 value level. In comparison with the flagship S23 household, you continue to get a stunning AMOLED show, close to flagship-grade efficiency, succesful cameras, and even premium options like IP68 water resistance and wi-fi charging.
Samsung made some sensible tradeoffs with the S23 FE, nevertheless it’s nonetheless not everybody’s cup of tea.
That mentioned, the Galaxy S23 FE isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. The flagship S23 smartphones pack a much more environment friendly chipset, instantly translating to higher sustained efficiency and battery life. They’re additionally accessible in smaller and bigger show sizes, should you don’t just like the S23 FE’s 6.4-inch canvas. To not point out, the S23 FE can also be the heaviest-ever Fan Version smartphone, surpassing even the S23 Plus. Lastly, the additional options like mmWave 5G, eSIM assist, and newer show tech you get within the S23 sequence don’t damage both.
On the finish of the day, it’s an in depth battle with no clear winner. The $599 price ticket does alleviate some shortcomings, nevertheless it is probably not sufficient for everybody. In case you want a compact smartphone or a powerhouse, I’d nonetheless vote for the Galaxy S23 or S23 Plus, but when saving money is an element, the Galaxy S23 Fan Version seems to be a superb selection.
Do you like the Galaxy S23, S23 Plus, or the Galaxy S23 FE?
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