Galaxy S23 FE • Unlocked vs iPhone SE (2022) • Locked T-Mobile

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, released in late 2023, and the Apple iPhone SE (2022), launched in early 2022, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While the Galaxy S23 FE offers a modern, expansive display and a versatile multi-camera system, the iPhone SE (2022) prioritizes a compact form factor and the long-term software support characteristic of its operating system. These devices cater to different user preferences, with one running on Android and the other on iOS.

When considering the longevity of these devices, both offer substantial software support and robust build quality, though their timelines differ.

• Software Updates: The iPhone SE (2022) typically receives iOS updates for approximately five to seven years from its release, offering extended software longevity. The Galaxy S23 FE, running Android, generally receives around four years of major OS updates and five years of security updates from its launch.
• Build Durability: Both phones feature glass fronts and backs with aluminum frames, contributing to a solid feel. The Galaxy S23 FE utilizes Gorilla Glass 5 for its display, while the iPhone SE (2022) features Ceramic Shield on the front, which is designed for enhanced drop performance.
• Water and Dust Resistance: The Galaxy S23 FE boasts an IP68 rating, indicating resistance to dust and submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes. The iPhone SE (2022) has an IP67 rating, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of fresh water for 30 minutes.

Both devices deliver capable performance for everyday tasks, though they achieve this through different hardware and software optimizations.

• Everyday Responsiveness: The iPhone SE (2022) offers smooth and quick performance across applications and multitasking, handling demanding apps with ease. The Galaxy S23 FE also provides a fluid user experience, adept at managing multiple applications and graphically intensive tasks.
• Storage Configurations: The Galaxy S23 FE is available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, paired with 8GB of RAM. The iPhone SE (2022) offers storage options of 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB, typically with 4GB of RAM.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 FE is equipped with a 4500 mAh battery, supporting wireless charging. User experiences suggest its battery life is generally average, with heavy usage potentially leading to quicker drainage. The iPhone SE (2022) has a 2018 mAh battery and also supports wireless charging. Its battery life is considered average, and 5G connectivity can accelerate battery consumption.

The visual experience on these smartphones presents a clear distinction in display technology and design philosophy.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S23 FE features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. In contrast, the iPhone SE (2022) comes with a more compact 4.7-inch Retina HD IPS LCD display.
• Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy S23 FE provides a Full HD+ resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels, resulting in sharp images and text. The iPhone SE (2022) has a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels, which delivers clear visuals on its smaller screen.
• Brightness and Smoothness: The Galaxy S23 FE's display can reach a peak brightness of 1450 nits, making it highly visible in bright outdoor conditions, and features a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations. The iPhone SE (2022) offers a typical maximum brightness of 625 nits and a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

The camera systems on these devices cater to different photographic needs, with one offering versatility and the other focusing on computational photography.

• Rear Camera Setup: The Galaxy S23 FE features a triple-camera system on the rear, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The iPhone SE (2022) has a single 12MP wide camera with optical image stabilization.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S23 FE's main camera performs well in various lighting conditions, including low light, and its telephoto lens provides zoom capabilities. The iPhone SE (2022) leverages its processing power for features like Smart HDR 4, Deep Fusion, and Portrait mode for human subjects, producing clear photos in good lighting. However, it lacks a dedicated Night Mode, which can impact low-light image quality.
• Video Recording: The Galaxy S23 FE is capable of recording 8K video at 24 frames per second and 4K video at 60 frames per second with its rear camera, and 4K at 30 frames per second with its front camera. The iPhone SE (2022) supports 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second with its rear camera and 1080p at 30 frames per second with its front camera.