Galaxy S23+ • Unlocked vs Galaxy S24 FE • Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, released in February 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, launched in October 2024, are both prominent smartphones within Samsung's diverse lineup. While the S23 Plus represents a more premium offering from its generation, the S24 FE aims to deliver a balanced experience with key features from its flagship series. The primary distinctions between these two devices lie in their release timelines, processor generations, and the extent of their software support, influencing their long-term usability and performance.

When considering the longevity of a smartphone, both the Galaxy S23 Plus and the Galaxy S24 FE offer robust build quality and software commitments, though with notable differences.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S23 Plus was released in February 2023, making it an earlier model compared to the Galaxy S24 FE, which launched in October 2024. This difference in release date directly impacts their remaining software support cycles.
• Software Support: The Galaxy S23 Plus was promised four generations of Android OS updates and five years of security updates from its release. In contrast, the newer Galaxy S24 FE benefits from Samsung's extended commitment, offering seven years of both OS upgrades and security updates, providing a significantly longer period of official support.
• Durability: Both devices feature an aluminum frame and are protected by Gorilla Glass on the front and back, contributing to their resistance against everyday wear and tear. The S23 Plus uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2, while the S24 FE features Gorilla Glass Victus+. Both also carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating a high level of protection against environmental elements.

The performance of a smartphone is largely determined by its internal components, and both the Galaxy S23 Plus and S24 FE are designed to handle a variety of tasks efficiently.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 Plus is equipped with a processor from its generation that was optimized for Galaxy devices, providing strong performance for demanding applications and multitasking. The Galaxy S24 FE, being a newer device, features a more recent generation processor, which is designed to offer efficient performance for daily use and includes enhancements for AI-powered features.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: Both phones come with ample RAM, allowing for smooth transitions between multiple open applications and responsive user interfaces. Users can expect fluid navigation and quick app loading times on both devices.
• Battery Behavior: Both the Galaxy S23 Plus and the Galaxy S24 FE are equipped with a 4700 mAh battery. In typical usage scenarios, both devices are capable of lasting through a full day for most users. The S23 Plus has been noted for its improved battery efficiency, often extending to two days for lighter users. The S24 FE also offers good battery life, benefiting from its efficient processor.

The visual experience on a smartphone is heavily influenced by its display, and both Samsung models offer vibrant and clear screens.

• Display Technology and Size: Both devices feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for their deep blacks and vibrant color reproduction. The Galaxy S23 Plus has a 6.6-inch display, while the Galaxy S24 FE offers a slightly larger 6.7-inch screen, providing a marginally more expansive viewing area.
• Resolution and Clarity: Both phones feature an FHD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels), ensuring sharp text and clear images for everyday viewing, streaming, and browsing.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: Both displays support a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, contributing to smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The Galaxy S23 Plus offers a peak brightness of 1750 nits, while the Galaxy S24 FE can reach up to 1900 nits, potentially offering better visibility in bright outdoor conditions.

For many users, the camera system is a crucial aspect of a smartphone, and both the Galaxy S23 Plus and S24 FE provide versatile photography capabilities.

• Rear Camera System: Both phones feature a triple-camera setup. The Galaxy S23 Plus includes a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The Galaxy S24 FE also has a 50MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide lens, but its telephoto lens is 8MP with 3x optical zoom. Both main cameras offer optical image stabilization (OIS) for clearer shots.
• Front Camera and Video: The Galaxy S23 Plus is equipped with a 12MP front camera, while the Galaxy S24 FE features a 10MP front camera. Both devices are capable of recording video at up to 8K resolution at 30 frames per second, offering high-quality video capture.
• Photography Performance: Both phones are noted for producing good quality photos in various lighting conditions. The S23 Plus is praised for its overall camera performance, often compared favorably to other flagships of its time. The S24 FE's camera system is considered competent, delivering solid results for its segment, and benefits from AI features for enhanced image processing.