The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is one of the best smartphones available in its price range. Its main selling point is the balance it strikes between premium features and affordability. While you could opt for an older flagship model or one of the many budget alternatives, the S23 FE stands out for its solid build, eye-catching colors, and reliable performance. While it might not be as polished as the rest of the Galaxy S23 lineup, it delivers a major upgrade over other budget-friendly options. If the price and design appeal to you, the Galaxy S23 FE is worth considering.
Pros:
- Solid Build Quality: Durable and long-lasting.
- Vibrant Color Options: Standout designs, including exclusive colors on Samsung’s website.
- Impressive Design: Inspired by the Galaxy S23 Ultra, giving it a premium feel.
Cons:
- Bigger and Heavier: Slightly bulkier than the standard Galaxy S23.
- Thick Bezels: The display has uneven bezels, which might bother some users.
- Average Camera: While good, the camera isn’t quite as strong as the flagship S23 models.
Key Features at a Glance:
- Launch Date: December 2023
- Price: $599.99 / £599 / AU$899 (with deals dropping as low as $399)
- AI Features & OneUI 6.1: Latest updates include enhanced AI for generating text, photos, and more.
Why the Galaxy S23 FE is Still a Great Buy in 2024
Even with the release of the Galaxy S24, the Galaxy S23 FE remains an excellent option, especially if you can catch it on sale. With its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, the same chip that powered the Galaxy S22 Ultra, it’s still a powerful phone in its category. The OneUI 6.1 update also adds AI capabilities, ensuring the phone stays relevant with newer software features like AI-generated text messages and photos.
Who is the Galaxy S23 FE for?
Though Samsung no longer explicitly markets it as the “Fan Edition,” this phone is clearly made for Samsung enthusiasts who want to experience the best Samsung offers at a more affordable price. It’s akin to finding a great deal on a used luxury car or scoring designer fashion at a discount—you get premium features without paying flagship prices.
Why the Galaxy S23 FE is a Bargain
Priced at $599 at launch, the Galaxy S23 FE has already seen discounts as low as $399 during holiday sales. It fills the gap between Samsung’s premium Galaxy S23 and the more budget-friendly Galaxy A54, offering a compelling mid-range option.
Standout Features:
- Powerful Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, which also powered the Galaxy S22 Ultra.
- Solid Cameras: The main camera delivers high-quality images, and the additional camera modes make photography fun and easy.
- Unique Software: Samsung’s DeX feature, which lets you use your phone like a computer, is included—a rarity in budget phones.
- Wireless Charging: Not only does it support wireless charging, but it also has reverse wireless charging, allowing you to charge other devices.
Galaxy S23 FE vs. Competitors
In comparison to its competitors, the Galaxy S23 FE holds its own:
- Google Pixel 7: While Google’s device might have better image processing, the S23 FE surpasses it in overall performance and additional features like DeX.
- Motorola Edge: A cheaper alternative, but the S23 FE offers a better build, faster performance, and a more versatile camera setup.
- Apple iPhone 13: The iPhone 13 might perform slightly better, but it lacks the customization and features that Samsung fans appreciate, such as reverse wireless charging and telephoto zoom.
Design and Display: Bold and Durable
The Galaxy S23 FE sports a youthful design, featuring a variety of bold colors such as Mint, Graphite, Cream, Purple, and Tangerine. Its design mimics that of higher-end Galaxy phones, but with a thicker and more durable build. While some users might find it bulky, this heft contributes to its robust feel.
Display:
- 6.4-inch OLED: With HDR10+ support for a vibrant viewing experience.
- 120Hz Refresh Rate: Ensures smooth scrolling and gaming.
- Asymmetrical Bezels: The bezels around the display are larger than on other models, and their uneven size might distract some users.
Camera Performance: Solid, But Not Spectacular
The Galaxy S23 FE boasts a 50MP wide camera, along with a 12MP ultra-wide and 8MP telephoto zoom. The camera performs well under normal conditions, offering good image quality and several fun modes, such as Food Mode and Single Take. However, night photography isn’t its strong suit, and those looking for a superior camera experience might prefer the Google Pixel 7.
Performance: Fast and Reliable
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, the Galaxy S23 FE offers smooth performance across everyday tasks and demanding applications. Whether you’re editing photos or playing games, the phone handles it effortlessly.
Key Specs:
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB or 256GB options
- Battery: 4,500mAh, providing all-day battery life.
Software: Packed with Features, but Complex
Samsung’s OneUI 6.1 is loaded with features, but navigating them can be overwhelming. From Wireless Power Sharing to DeX, the phone offers functionality typically reserved for premium devices. However, these features are often buried deep within the settings menu, making them harder to find without using Bixby’s voice assistant.
Battery Life: Long-Lasting and Convenient
The 4,500mAh battery ensures that the Galaxy S23 FE lasts through a full day of heavy usage. It also supports 25W fast charging, along with 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, making it a versatile device for power users.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy the Galaxy S23 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is an excellent choice for those looking for a feature-rich smartphone that doesn’t break the bank. Its durable build, vibrant display, and solid performance make it stand out in the mid-range market. Whether you’re a fan of Samsung or simply looking for a reliable and affordable phone, the Galaxy S23 FE delivers excellent value for the money.