Galaxy S23 FE • Unlocked vs Galaxy S24 FE • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, released in October 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, launched in October 2024, represent Samsung's 'Fan Edition' approach to offering key flagship features in a more accessible package. While both devices run on the Android operating system, the newer S24 FE introduces an updated processor, a larger display, and extended software support, alongside new AI capabilities.

When considering the practical lifespan of these smartphones, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical durability.

• Release Timeline and Software Support: The Galaxy S23 FE, released in October 2023, launched with Android 13 and is promised four major OS updates and five years of security patches. In contrast, the Galaxy S24 FE, released in October 2024, launched with Android 14 and benefits from a significantly longer commitment of seven years of OS and security updates, extending its usable life considerably.
• Physical Durability: Both models feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. The Galaxy S23 FE uses Gorilla Glass 5 for its front and back, while the Galaxy S24 FE's display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+.
• Expected Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the longest possible software support and access to the latest Android features will find the Galaxy S24 FE offers a more extended practical lifespan due to its seven-year update policy. For those who typically upgrade their devices more frequently, the S23 FE still provides a robust update schedule.

The performance of a smartphone is largely determined by its internal components, influencing how smoothly applications run and how efficiently it handles demanding tasks.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S23 FE is powered by either the Exynos 2200 or the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, depending on the region. The Galaxy S24 FE features the newer Exynos 2400e processor, which is an underclocked variant of the Exynos 2400 found in the flagship S24 series. This newer processor in the S24 FE generally translates to improved processing power and graphical performance, offering a more responsive experience for complex applications and gaming.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both devices come with 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for smooth multitasking and switching between various applications. The enhanced processing power of the S24 FE's chipset contributes to quicker app loading times and a more fluid overall system responsiveness, particularly noticeable during intensive use.
• Storage Options: Both models offer 128GB and 256GB internal storage options, with the Galaxy S24 FE also providing a 512GB variant in some markets. Neither device supports expandable storage via a microSD card.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both the Galaxy S23 FE and S24 FE offer vibrant viewing experiences with some notable differences.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both smartphones feature a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, providing deep blacks and vibrant colors. They share a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels), ensuring sharp and clear visuals for everyday content consumption.
• Size and Brightness: The Galaxy S23 FE has a 6.4-inch display with a peak brightness of 1450 nits. The Galaxy S24 FE features a larger 6.7-inch display and boasts a higher peak brightness of 1900 nits, which can improve outdoor visibility, especially under direct sunlight.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both devices offer a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling, more fluid animations, and a more responsive touch experience.

The camera systems on both the Galaxy S23 FE and S24 FE are designed to capture detailed images and videos, with the newer model offering some refinements.

• Rear Camera System: Both phones feature a triple-camera setup on the rear. This includes a 50 MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12 MP ultrawide lens, and an 8 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The main sensor in both models is reported to be the same, the ISOCELL GN3, suggesting a similar baseline for image quality.
• Video Recording Capabilities: The Galaxy S23 FE supports 8K video recording at 24 frames per second. The Galaxy S24 FE enhances this by offering 8K video recording at 30 frames per second, providing smoother high-resolution video capture.
• Front Camera and Photography Performance: Both devices are equipped with a 10 MP front-facing camera. Users can expect solid image quality for everyday photography and improved low-light performance on both, with the S24 FE potentially benefiting from newer image processing algorithms associated with its updated processor.