After a nearly two-year-long hiatus, Samsung has revived its Fan Edition smartphone line with the Galaxy S23 FE. It brings some big upgrades to its predecessor, like more capable cameras, a faster chip, and a more modern design. But even though it bears the Galaxy S23 branding, there are still some major differences that set the FE apart from Samsung’s latest flagship smartphones. In this comparison, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between the Galaxy S23 FE vs Galaxy S23 and help you pick the right smartphone for your needs.
With its starting price of $599, the Galaxy S23 FE is cheaper than the entire mainline S23 series.
Compared to the base Galaxy S23’s 6.1-inch display, the Fan Edition packs a larger 6.4-inch display.
The FE’s larger footprint allows it to accommodate a significantly larger 4,500mAh battery.
The mainline Galaxy S23 series packs a far more powerful and efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset.
In select regions, Samsung will include its in-house Exynos chipset in the Galaxy S23 FE. That’s not the case for the flagship S23 line; all regions enjoy the same chip and associated performance.
Compared to the similarly sized Galaxy S23 Plus, the S23 FE is significantly cheaper but has a smaller battery and slower charging speeds. The FE also relies on older UFS 3.1 storage, which may result in slower loading times.
While all Galaxy S23 models feature a glass back, the Fan Edition skimps a bit with Gorilla Glass 5 protection on the back. The flagship models use Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for better durability.
Samsung’s flagship smartphones include a handful of extra premium features like eSIM support and an ultra-wideband (UWB) chip in the Galaxy S23 Plus.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FESamsung Galaxy S23Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
Display6.4-inch Super AMOLED
FHD+ (2,340 x 1,080)
19.5:9 aspect ratio
120Hz refresh rate6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED
FHD+ (2,340 x 1,080)
19.5:9 aspect ratio
120Hz refresh rate6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED
FHD+ (2,340 x 1,080)
19.5:9 aspect ratio
120Hz refresh rate
ProcessorUSA: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
Global: Samsung Exynos 2200Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
RAM8GB8GB8GB
StorageUFS 3.1: 128GB, 256GB128GB (UFS 3.1), 256GB (UFS 4.0)UFS 4.0: 256GB or 512GB
Battery and charging4,500mAh battery
25W wired charging
15W wireless charging
4.5W reverse wireless charging
No charger in the box3,900mAh battery
25W wired charging
15W wireless charging
4.5W reverse wireless charging
No charger in the box4,700mAh battery
45W wired charging
15W wireless charging
4.5W reverse wireless charging
No charger in the box
CamerasRear:
– 50MP main: ƒ/1.8 aperture, OIS
– 12MP ultrawide: ƒ/2.2 aperture, 123-degree FoV
– 8MP telephoto: ƒ/2.4 aperture, 3x optical zoom
Front:
– 10MP: ƒ/2.4 apertureRear:
– 50MP main: ƒ/1.8 aperture, OIS
– 12MP ultrawide: ƒ/2.2 aperture
– 10MP telephoto: ƒ/2.4 aperture, 3x optical zoom
Front:
– 12MP: ƒ/2.2 apertureRear:
– 50MP main: ƒ/1.8 aperture, OIS
– 12MP ultrawide: ƒ/2.2 aperture
– 10MP telephoto: ƒ/2.4 aperture, 3x optical zoom
Front:
– 12MP: ƒ/2.2 aperture
AudioStereo speakers
Dual mics
No 3.5mm jackStereo speakers
Dual mics
No 3.5mm jackStereo speakers
Dual mics
No 3.5mm jack
SecurityIn-display fingerprint
Samsung Knox
5 years of security updatesIn-display fingerprint
Samsung Knox
5 years of security updatesIn-display fingerprint
Samsung Knox
5 years of security updates
Water resistanceIP68IP68IP68
ConnectivityWi-Fi 6E
Bluetooth 5.3
NFC supportWi-Fi 6E
Bluetooth 5.3
NFC support
mmWave 5G
eSIM supportWi-Fi 6E
Bluetooth 5.3
NFC support
mmWave 5G
eSIM support
UWB chip
SoftwareOne UI 5.1 based on Android 13One UI 5.1 based on Android 13One UI 5.1 based on Android 13
MaterialsGorilla Glass Victus front
Metal frame
Gorilla Glass 5 backGorilla Glass Victus front
Metal frame
Gorilla Glass Victus 2 rear panelGorilla Glass Victus front
Metal frame
Gorilla Glass Victus 2 rear panel
Dimensions and weight157.9 x 76.5 x 8.1mm
209g146.3 x 70.8 x 7.6mm
168g157.7 x 76.2 x 7.6mm
196g
Based on the spec sheet, we’re glad to report that Samsung hasn’t changed its strategy with the Galaxy S23 FE. It includes everything we’d typically expect from the Fan Edition line and is essentially a slightly cut-down version of the flagship S23 series. Its display size sits between the regular S23 and S23 Plus, ultimately landing a bit closer to the latter.
