Galaxy S23 FE • Unlocked vs Google Pixel Fold • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE (Fan Edition), released in October 2023, offers a traditional smartphone experience, building on Samsung's established Galaxy S series. In contrast, the Google Pixel Fold, launched in June 2023, introduces a foldable design, providing a larger screen experience in a compact form factor. Both devices operate on the Android platform, but they cater to different user preferences through their distinct designs and feature sets.

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

• Software Support: The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is expected to receive four major Android OS updates and five years of security patches from its release. The Google Pixel Fold, being a Pixel device, is guaranteed five years of both OS and security updates from its launch date. This means the Pixel Fold may offer a slightly longer period of comprehensive software support.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy S23 FE features an IP68 rating for dust and water protection, and its display is protected by Gorilla Glass. The Pixel Fold boasts an IPX8 water resistance rating, but its foldable inner display has a plastic protective layer, while the cover screen uses Gorilla Glass Victus. User reports for the Pixel Fold have noted concerns regarding the durability of the inner display.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S23 FE has a relatively high repairability score, with accessible internal components and battery pull tabs. The Pixel Fold's repairability is considered manageable for some components, with Google providing spare parts and guides through partners, though the USB-C port is soldered to the logic board, and battery access can be difficult.

The performance of both devices is influenced by their internal components, affecting how smoothly they handle daily tasks and demanding applications.

• Processing Power: The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is equipped with an octa-core processor, which provides ample power for everyday use, including browsing, social media, and light gaming. The Google Pixel Fold also features an octa-core processor, designed to manage the demands of its dual-screen setup and Google's software features.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Pixel Fold comes with 12GB of RAM, offering substantial capacity for running multiple applications simultaneously and switching between them efficiently. The Galaxy S23 FE includes 8GB of RAM, which is suitable for most multitasking scenarios. Both devices offer 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, with the Pixel Fold also having a 512GB option, but neither supports expandable storage.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 FE has a 4500mAh battery, generally providing a full day of use for many users, though heavy usage or specific regional processor variants can lead to more frequent charging. The Pixel Fold houses a 4821mAh battery, and while some users report it lasting a full day, others find its endurance to be mixed, particularly with extensive use of the larger internal display. Both support wired fast charging, and the Galaxy S23 FE also offers wireless and reverse wireless charging.

The visual experience on these devices differs significantly due to their form factors and display technologies.

• Display Type and Size: The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE features a single 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The Google Pixel Fold provides a dual-screen experience: a 5.8-inch OLED cover display and a larger 7.6-inch foldable OLED internal display. The Pixel Fold's wider aspect ratio on its cover screen aims to provide a more usable experience when folded compared to some other foldable devices.
• Resolution and Clarity: Both devices offer Full HD+ resolution on their main displays, with the Galaxy S23 FE at 2340 x 1080 pixels and the Pixel Fold's cover display at 1080 x 2092 pixels. The Pixel Fold's internal display has a resolution of 1840 x 2208 pixels, providing a sharp viewing experience across its larger surface.
• Brightness and Smoothness: Both displays on the Pixel Fold and the Galaxy S23 FE support a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. The Galaxy S23 FE's display reaches a peak brightness of 1450 nits, while the Pixel Fold's cover display can achieve up to 1550 nits and its internal display up to 1450 nits, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions.

Both smartphones offer versatile camera systems designed for different photography needs.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE features a triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 50-megapixel main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and an 8-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS. The Google Pixel Fold also has a triple rear camera system, comprising a 48-megapixel main sensor (f/1.7), a 10.8-megapixel ultra-wide lens (f/2.2), and a 10.8-megapixel telephoto lens (f/3.05) with 5x optical zoom.
• Photography Performance: The Pixel Fold's cameras have been praised for their overall performance, leveraging Google's computational photography. The Galaxy S23 FE's cameras are noted for being upgraded and capable of producing good results. Both devices are expected to perform well in everyday photography, with OIS on key lenses helping with stability in various conditions.
• Front Cameras and Video: For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy S23 FE has a 10-megapixel front camera. The Pixel Fold offers two front cameras: a 9.5-megapixel sensor on the cover display and an 8-megapixel sensor on the internal display. Both devices are capable of high-quality video recording, with features that enhance clarity and stability.