Galaxy S23 FE • Unlocked vs Galaxy S23+ • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE (Fan Edition), released in October 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, launched in February 2023, are both Android smartphones offering distinct experiences within Samsung's ecosystem. While sharing the same operating system and a similar design language, the S23 Plus generally features more advanced internal components and a slightly larger display, positioning it as a more premium option compared to the S23 FE's focus on delivering core flagship features.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S23 Plus was introduced in February 2023, while the Galaxy S23 FE followed later in October 2023. This difference means the S23 FE benefits from a slightly longer period of future software updates.
• Software Longevity: Both models launched with Android 13 and are eligible for four major Android OS updates, extending their support up to Android 17. They also receive five years of security updates, ensuring continued protection against vulnerabilities.
• Build Materials: The Galaxy S23 Plus incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both its front and back, along with an Armor Aluminum frame, offering enhanced resistance to drops and scratches. The Galaxy S23 FE uses Gorilla Glass 5 for both panels and an aluminum frame, providing a solid level of protection. Both devices carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

The internal components of these smartphones contribute significantly to their daily performance and responsiveness.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 Plus is equipped with a more advanced processor, which translates to smoother operation for demanding applications, faster game loading times, and more efficient multitasking. The Galaxy S23 FE utilizes a previous generation processor, still capable of handling everyday tasks and most games, but with less headroom for future software and intensive workloads.
• Multitasking and Storage: Both devices typically come with 8GB of RAM, allowing for competent multitasking. Storage options for both models include 128GB and 256GB, with the S23 Plus also offering a 512GB variant. Neither device supports expandable storage via a microSD card.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a 4700mAh battery, which, combined with its efficient processor, generally provides extended usage times, often lasting a full day or more for many users. The Galaxy S23 FE has a 4500mAh battery, and while it can last a full day for moderate users, some reports indicate more frequent charging may be needed for heavy use, particularly with the Exynos variant.

The visual experience on both phones is delivered through high-quality displays, though with some notable distinctions.

• Display Technology and Size: Both phones feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for their vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Galaxy S23 Plus offers a larger 6.6-inch screen, providing a more expansive viewing area, while the Galaxy S23 FE has a 6.4-inch display.
• Brightness and Clarity: The Galaxy S23 Plus boasts a higher peak brightness of 1750 nits, making it more easily viewable in bright outdoor conditions. The Galaxy S23 FE reaches a peak brightness of 1450 nits, which is still ample for most environments. Both displays offer Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels), ensuring sharp and clear visuals for everyday content.
• Refresh Rate: Both devices feature a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. However, the S23 Plus offers a more adaptive refresh rate, capable of scaling down to 48Hz to conserve battery life when static content is displayed, whereas the S23 FE's adaptive range typically operates between 60Hz and 120Hz.

Both smartphones offer versatile camera systems designed to capture a variety of moments, with some differences in their capabilities.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S23 Plus features a triple-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens capable of 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S23 FE also has a triple-camera system, including a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. Both are capable of producing detailed images in good lighting.
• Low-Light and Video Performance: Both phones offer good low-light photography capabilities, with features like Nightography enhancing detail and brightness in dim conditions. For video recording, the Galaxy S23 Plus can capture 8K video at 30 frames per second, while the Galaxy S23 FE records 8K video at 24 frames per second. The S23 Plus also benefits from improved video stabilization.
• Front Camera: The Galaxy S23 Plus is equipped with a 12MP front-facing camera, providing clear selfies and video calls. The Galaxy S23 FE features a 10MP front camera, which also delivers good results for everyday use.