Galaxy S23 FE • Unlocked vs Galaxy S24+ • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, released in October 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus, launched in January 2024, represent different segments within Samsung's smartphone offerings. Both devices operate on the Android platform with Samsung's One UI, but the S24 Plus features more advanced hardware and an extended software support commitment. Key distinctions lie in their processing power, display technology, and overall system refinements.

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability features.

• Release Timeline & OS Support: The Galaxy S23 FE, released in October 2023, is promised four major Android OS updates and five years of security patches. The Galaxy S24 Plus, launched in January 2024, offers an extended commitment of seven years of major Android and One UI upgrades, alongside security patches, providing a significantly longer period of software relevance.
• Durability Features: Both models feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, offering protection against immersion. The S23 FE utilizes Gorilla Glass 5 for screen and back panel protection. The S24 Plus incorporates an Enhanced Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front, suggesting a more robust build quality and enhanced scratch resistance.
• Expected Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the longest possible software support and the latest durability enhancements will find the Galaxy S24 Plus better suited for extended use.

Performance is a key differentiator, impacting how smoothly applications run and how efficiently the device handles demanding tasks.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 FE is equipped with a processor that provides smooth performance for everyday tasks and most applications, though some users have reported occasional overheating and throttling during intense gaming or heavy multitasking. The Galaxy S24 Plus features a newer, more powerful processor, delivering enhanced speed and efficiency for demanding applications, intensive gaming, and advanced AI features.
• Multitasking & Responsiveness: The S23 FE typically comes with 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for general multitasking. The S24 Plus steps up with 12GB of RAM, offering more headroom for heavy multitasking and ensuring a highly responsive user experience even with numerous applications open simultaneously.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 FE has a 4,500mAh battery, generally lasting a full day with moderate use, though heavy usage may require more frequent charging. The Galaxy S24 Plus houses a larger 4,900mAh battery, which, combined with its more efficient processor, often provides extended usage, with some users reporting up to two days on a single charge. The S24 Plus also supports faster wired charging at 45W compared to the S23 FE's 25W.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and differences in screen technology and specifications can significantly affect the viewing experience.

• Display Technology & Clarity: Both devices feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. The Galaxy S23 FE offers a 6.4-inch Full HD+ display (2340 x 1080 pixels), providing clear visuals for typical viewing. The Galaxy S24 Plus has a larger 6.7-inch display with a higher QHD+ resolution (3120 x 1440 pixels), resulting in a noticeably sharper image and more detailed viewing experience.
• Brightness & Outdoor Visibility: The S23 FE's display reaches a peak brightness of 1,450 nits, offering good visibility in most lighting conditions. The S24 Plus boasts a significantly higher peak brightness of 2,600 nits, making it much easier to view content clearly in bright outdoor environments.
• Design & Viewing Experience: The S23 FE has more noticeable bezels around its display. The S24 Plus features thinner and more uniform bezels, contributing to a more expansive and immersive viewing experience.

The camera systems on both devices offer versatile photography and videography capabilities, with distinct strengths.

• Camera System Capabilities: Both phones feature a triple camera setup. The Galaxy S23 FE includes a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultrawide, and an 8-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S24 Plus also has a 50-megapixel main sensor and a 12-megapixel ultrawide, but it features a 10-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: The S23 FE delivers good results for everyday photography, with users generally finding its camera performance solid for its category. The S24 Plus benefits from upgraded sensors and improved computational photography, which translates to sharper images and enhanced low-light performance. The S24 Plus also introduces AI-powered editing features for greater creative control.
• Video Recording & Front Camera: Both devices are capable of high-quality video recording. For selfies, the S23 FE has a 10-megapixel front camera, while the S24 Plus features a 12-megapixel front camera, offering slightly more detail.