Galaxy S23 FE • Unlocked vs Galaxy S25+ • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, released in October 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, launched in February 2025, are Android-based smartphones from Samsung's Galaxy S series. While both devices offer a premium Android experience, the S25 Plus, as a newer flagship, introduces significant advancements in performance, display technology, and long-term software support compared to the S23 FE.

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

• Release Timeline and Software Support: The Galaxy S23 FE, released in October 2023, is guaranteed to receive four major Android OS updates and five years of security updates from its launch. In contrast, the Galaxy S25 Plus, launched in February 2025, benefits from Samsung's extended support policy, offering seven generations of OS upgrades and seven years of security updates, significantly extending its practical lifespan.
• Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, indicating protection against submersion in fresh water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. The S23 FE utilizes Gorilla Glass 5 on its front and back, along with an aluminum frame. The S25 Plus, being a newer model, incorporates Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for enhanced display and back protection, coupled with flat metal edges for a robust build.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S23 FE has a repairability score around 8.0 out of 10, partly due to the inclusion of pull tabs for easier battery replacement. While specific scores for the S25 Plus are not as widely detailed, recent reports indicate that Samsung's devices, including newer models, generally score lower in EU repairability assessments, particularly concerning ease of disassembly and declared software support duration within regulatory databases.

Performance is a key differentiator, impacting everything from app responsiveness to gaming and multitasking capabilities.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S23 FE is powered by a processor that was a top-tier option in 2022, providing smooth performance for daily tasks and capable handling of many games. The Galaxy S25 Plus features a significantly newer and more powerful processor, designed for cutting-edge performance, translating to faster app loading, more fluid multitasking, and superior performance in demanding applications and high-end gaming, with greater headroom for future software advancements.
• RAM and Storage: The S23 FE comes with 8GB of RAM and offers storage options of 128GB or 256GB. Notably, the 128GB variant uses UFS 3.1 storage, while the 256GB model utilizes the faster UFS 4.0. The Galaxy S25 Plus is equipped with 12GB of RAM and offers 256GB or 512GB of internal storage, providing more capacity and improved multitasking efficiency, all utilizing the faster UFS 4.0 technology.
• Battery Behavior: The S23 FE has a 4500 mAh battery, generally providing a full day of use for typical users, though heavy usage may require more frequent charging. Some users have reported an initial adjustment period for optimal battery performance. The S25 Plus features a larger 4900 mAh battery, with user reports indicating excellent battery life, often lasting 1.5 to 2 days with moderate usage.

The display is a primary interaction point, and differences in screen technology, resolution, and brightness can significantly impact the user experience.

• Display Technology and Size: Both devices feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Galaxy S23 FE has a 6.4-inch display. The S25 Plus features a larger 6.7-inch display, which also incorporates LTPO technology for more adaptive refresh rates and improved power efficiency.
• Resolution and Clarity: The S23 FE offers an FHD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels), providing clear visuals for everyday use. The S25 Plus steps up to a QHD+ resolution (3120 x 1440 pixels), resulting in a sharper and more detailed visual experience, particularly noticeable with high-resolution content and fine text.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both phones feature a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The S23 FE reaches a peak brightness of 1450 nits, offering good visibility in most scenarios. The S25 Plus boasts a significantly higher peak brightness of 2600 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight.

The camera systems on both devices offer versatile photography and videography capabilities, though with notable differences in their overall output and features.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S23 FE features a triple-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom. The S25 Plus also has a triple-camera system, including a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 12MP ultrawide camera, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: The S23 FE performs well in bright conditions, capturing detailed photos, and handles low-light situations adequately. However, some users have noted occasional HDR issues with the ultrawide camera and a perceived lack of detail in some telephoto shots. The S25 Plus delivers quality images with good detail and dynamic range, with color reproduction often described as more neutral. Its low-light performance is also strong, retaining detail with minimal noise.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: Both phones offer 8K video recording capabilities, with the S25 Plus supporting 8K at 30fps on its main camera and 4K at 60fps on other lenses. The S23 FE has a 10MP front camera, while the S25 Plus features a 12MP front camera, both capable of capturing sharp selfies and video calls. The S25 Plus also boasts excellent video stabilization across all cameras.