Galaxy S23 FE • Unlocked vs Galaxy S24 • Locked T-Mobile

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, released in October 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy S24, launched in January 2024, are both Android smartphones from Samsung's Galaxy series. While the S23 FE aims to deliver a flagship-like experience at a more accessible point, the S24 represents the latest iteration of Samsung's main flagship line, introducing advancements in processing power, display technology, and software longevity. Both devices operate on the Android platform, offering a familiar user experience with Samsung's One UI.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical durability.

• Release and Software Support: The Galaxy S23 FE, released in October 2023, typically receives around four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates. In contrast, the Galaxy S24, launched in January 2024, benefits from Samsung's commitment to seven years of major OS updates and seven years of security updates, offering a significantly longer period of official software support.
• Physical Durability: Both phones feature an aluminum frame and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating a similar level of protection against environmental elements. The Galaxy S23 FE uses Gorilla Glass 5 on its front and back, while the Galaxy S24 incorporates the newer Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for enhanced scratch and drop resistance.
• Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the longest possible software longevity and the latest security patches will find the Galaxy S24 more aligned with their needs due to its extended update policy. The S23 FE still offers a substantial period of support, making it a viable option for several years.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to demanding games. Both the Galaxy S23 FE and Galaxy S24 offer capable hardware, but with distinct differences.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 FE is equipped with a processor that handles everyday applications and multitasking smoothly. For users engaging in more intensive activities like graphic-heavy gaming or advanced photo and video editing, the Galaxy S24, with its newer generation processor, provides a more responsive and fluid experience, ensuring smoother operation and faster app loading times.
• Multitasking and Storage: Both devices come with 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for managing multiple applications simultaneously without significant slowdowns. The Galaxy S23 FE offers 128GB or 256GB storage options, while the Galaxy S24 provides 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB configurations, offering more flexibility for users with extensive storage needs.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 FE features a 4500 mAh battery, generally providing a full day of use for typical users, though heavy usage may require more frequent charging. The Galaxy S24, despite having a slightly smaller 4000 mAh battery, often achieves comparable or even better battery life in real-world scenarios due to its more power-efficient processor and adaptive display technology. Users report the S24 can comfortably last through a long day of use.

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and both models offer high-quality viewing experiences with some key distinctions.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both the Galaxy S23 FE and Galaxy S24 feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for their vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. Both offer a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels), ensuring sharp and clear visuals for everyday viewing, browsing, and media consumption.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S23 FE has a peak brightness of 1450 nits, which is generally sufficient for outdoor visibility, though some users note it can be reflective in direct sunlight. The Galaxy S24 significantly enhances this with a peak brightness of 2600 nits, providing superior visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. Both phones offer a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. However, the S24 features an adaptive LTPO panel, allowing it to dynamically adjust its refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz, which contributes to better power efficiency.
• Size and Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S23 FE has a 6.4-inch display, offering a spacious viewing area. The Galaxy S24 features a slightly more compact 6.2-inch display, which some users may find more comfortable for one-handed use.

Both the Galaxy S23 FE and Galaxy S24 are equipped with versatile camera systems designed to capture a variety of moments, though the S24 introduces some refinements.

• Rear Camera System: Both devices share a similar main camera setup, featuring a 50MP primary sensor with optical image stabilization, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom on the S23 FE, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom on the S24. The S24's telephoto lens offers slightly more detail. Both deliver detailed shots in good lighting, with Samsung's characteristic vibrant color processing.
• Low-Light and Video Performance: In low-light conditions, both cameras perform capably, though the S24 may offer slightly improved image processing for more natural colors. For video recording, the S23 FE supports up to 8K at 24fps and 4K at 30/60fps. The Galaxy S24 enhances video capabilities with support for 8K at 24/30fps and 4K at 30/60/120fps, providing more options for high-resolution and slow-motion capture.
• Front Camera and Audio: The S23 FE features a 10MP front camera, while the S24 has a 12MP front camera, both capable of capturing detailed selfies. The S24's front camera also includes autofocus, which is beneficial for sharp selfies. Both phones offer decent speaker output for media consumption, though some users note the S23 FE's speakers can lack richness at higher volumes.