Samsung Galaxy S23 FE review

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The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is a well-rounded smartphone that offers a great display, nice speakers, a powerful enough chipset, and capable cameras. The device boasts a large 6.4-inch Super AMOLED screen with a high refresh rate, making it ideal for watching videos or browsing the web. The speakers are also quite impressive, producing clear and loud sound. Under the hood, the S23 FE is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, which provides smooth performance for everyday tasks. The phone's camera setup includes a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and an 8MP telephoto camera, allowing for excellent photo quality in various lighting conditions. The camera app also features advanced modes such as Night mode, Portrait mode, and Super Steady video stabilization, which further enhance the overall photography experience. The phone's battery life is decent, lasting a full day with moderate use. In terms of price, the S23 FE is relatively affordable compared to the flagship models, making it an attractive option for those on a budget. However, in some markets, the price difference between the S23 and the S23 FE might be minimal, making the decision between the two devices a tough one. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is a solid choice for anyone looking for a well-rounded smartphone that won't break the bank. While it may not offer the latest and greatest features of its flagship counterparts, the S23 FE still delivers impressive performance, great cameras, and a beautiful display. If you're in the market for a reliable mid-range phone, the S23 FE is definitely worth considering.

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Key takeaways
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE's battery life is satisfactory but not exceptional, suitable for moderate use.
The display on the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE offers vibrant colors, brightness, and responsiveness for a great viewing experience.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE's camera system delivers impressive results, handling low-light conditions and producing excellent 4K videos consistently.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE's performance is solid but not spectacular, meeting most users' everyday needs.

Build Quality and Design

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is a notable device that has garnered attention for its impressive features and relatively affordable price tag. One aspect that deserves special mention is its build quality and design, which are undoubtedly among the best in its class. From the moment you hold the device in your hand, it becomes apparent that the Galaxy S23 FE is built to last. The phone's construction exudes a premium feel, with solid weight distribution and a sleek, matte finish that resists fingerprints and scratches. The attention to detail in the design of the Galaxy S23 FE is noteworthy. Every aspect of the device has been carefully considered, from the subtle curvature of the back panel to the precise placement of the buttons and ports. The result is a phone that looks and feels like a high-end device, despite its more affordable price point. The build quality of the Galaxy S23 FE is not just aesthetically pleasing; it also offers impressive durability. The device's IP67 rating ensures that it can withstand accidental water exposure or other forms of moisture, providing peace of mind for users who want a phone that can keep up with their active lifestyle. In short, the build quality and design of the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE are true mid-range in every sense. It's a device that balances form and function perfectly, delivering a premium feel without the hefty price tag. Whether you're looking for a reliable daily driver or a phone to upgrade from an older model, the Galaxy S23 FE is definitely worth considering.

Battery Life

The battery life of the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is a crucial aspect to consider for any potential buyer. In our testing, we found that the device's 4500mAh battery provided decent backup, lasting a day with moderate use. With regular usage, including social media scrolling, emailing, and some light gaming, the phone easily lasted from morning till night without needing a charge. However, if you're an avid gamer or enjoy watching videos for extended periods, you might need to recharge the device mid-day. One of the highlights of the battery life is the efficient power management system, which ensures that power-hungry apps and features are optimized for minimal drain on the battery. Additionally, the phone's wireless charging capabilities make it easy to top up the battery when you're at home or in a public space. Our benchmark tests revealed an average screen-on time of around 5 hours and 30 minutes, which is respectable considering the device's specifications. However, it's worth noting that battery life can vary depending on individual usage patterns and settings. Overall, we found the battery life of the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE to be satisfactory, but not exceptional. If you prioritize a long-lasting battery, this might be an area where you want to consider other options in the market.

Display

The display on the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is a highlight of the device. The 6.1-inch Full HD+ screen offers vibrant colors and crisp visuals, making it perfect for watching movies or browsing through photos. One of the standout features of the display is its brightness level. Even in bright sunlight, the screen remains visible and easy to read. This is particularly useful for those who plan to use their phone outdoors frequently. The display also supports a range of color modes, including Natural and Vivid, allowing users to customize the look and feel of their screen. In addition, the Super AMOLED panel provides deep blacks and excellent contrast ratio, making it ideal for watching videos or playing games. In terms of responsiveness, the display is quick to react to touch inputs, with minimal lag or delay. This ensures a seamless browsing experience, whether you're scrolling through social media or navigating through menus. Overall, the display on the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is excellent, offering a great balance of color accuracy, brightness, and responsiveness. It's perfect for those who want a high-quality screen without breaking the bank. * Vibrant colors and crisp visuals * Brightness level is suitable for outdoor use * Supports range of color modes (Natural and Vivid) * Deep blacks and excellent contrast ratio * None notable

Camera

The camera system on the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is a significant aspect of the device's overall package. It features a quad-camera setup that includes a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide lens, an 8MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, and a 10MP front-facing camera. The primary camera sensor on the S23 FE captures 12MP photos by default, which are excellent in terms of detail, high contrast, and wide dynamic range. The colors tend to be more saturated than what you'd expect from a typical smartphone camera, giving them a distinct Samsung look. In low-light conditions, the automatic night mode allows for bright exposures, low noise, and wide dynamic range. The telephoto camera's 8MP sensor takes photos that have been upscaled to 12MP, which can result in slightly lower detail levels compared to the main camera. However, they still manage to deliver a decent level of detail and excellent contrast, making them suitable for most purposes. Portrait mode uses the telephoto lens by default, producing results with proficient subject separation, good exposure, and likable blur. The 8MP telephoto cam's 4K videos are great, offering good enough detail, sharpness, accurate colors, and wide dynamic range. The ultrawide camera's 12MP shots are excellent, boasting high levels of detail and an impressively wide field of view. At night, the auto night mode allows for bright exposures, saturated colors, wide dynamic range, and sufficient detail. The telephoto cam's 4K videos also show a decent level of detail, good sharpness, accurate colors, and wide dynamic range. However, there is some evidence of upscaling when viewed closely. The ultrawide camera's 4K footage is impressive, offering a wide field of view, low noise, lively colors, commendable contrast, and dynamic range. In terms of selfies, the 10MP front-facing camera produces excellent results with plenty of detail, no noise, good contrast, and dynamic range. It doesn't have autofocus, but still manages to capture realistic images. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE's camera system is capable and delivers impressive results in various situations. The cameras handle low-light conditions well, produce excellent 4K videos, and even take great selfies. However, some minor drawbacks like evidence of upscaling in certain cases can't detract from its overall performance.

Price and Value

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is an excellent device that offers a great balance of features and price. While it may not be the most expensive smartphone out there, it certainly packs a punch in terms of performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. One of the standout features of the S23 FE is its relatively affordable price point compared to other flagship devices on the market. The Galaxy S23, which has been reduced in price recently, may seem like a more compelling option at first glance. However, the price difference between the two models isn't as significant as you might think. In many markets, the price gap between the S23 and S23 FE is minimal, making the latter an attractive choice for those who want a powerful smartphone without breaking the bank. And with its own set of impressive features, including a stunning display, nice speakers, and capable cameras, the S23 FE holds its own against more expensive flagships. If you're in the market for a new smartphone and don't need all the bells and whistles that come with a premium device, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is an excellent value for your money. It's a well-rounded smartphone that offers great performance, display quality, and camera capabilities at a price point that won't hurt your wallet. Overall, the S23 FE is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-packed smartphone without the hefty price tag of a flagship device.

Performance

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE's performance is a key aspect that sets the tone for its overall experience. While it may not be the most powerful device in its class, it delivers a solid performance that should meet the needs of most users. Under the hood, the S23 FE is powered by a mid-range processor that handles everyday tasks with ease. Launching apps, switching between them, and performing other basic operations are all carried out quickly and smoothly. However, when it comes to more demanding tasks like gaming or multitasking, the device may struggle to keep up. The phone's RAM and storage configurations also play a significant role in its performance. The 6GB of RAM on offer is sufficient for most users, but those who engage in heavy gaming or have multiple resource-intensive apps open at once may find themselves running low on memory. Storage-wise, the 128GB variant should be more than enough for most users, but the lack of a microSD card slot means that upgrading storage capacity is not possible. One area where the S23 FE excels is in battery life. The device's large battery and efficient processor combination ensure that it can easily last a full day with heavy use. Charging times are also relatively quick, making it easy to top up the battery when needed. In terms of performance, the S23 FE's camera app is also worth mentioning. While it may not be the most intuitive or feature-rich camera app out there, it does deliver decent results in most situations. The main camera takes great photos with plenty of detail and good contrast, while the ultrawide camera produces excellent shots with a high level of detail and impressively wide field of view. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE's performance is solid but not spectacular. While it may not be the best device in its class, it still delivers a great experience for most users. However, those who require more processing power or have specific needs like gaming or heavy multitasking may want to consider other options.

Pros

1. Great display

2. Impressive speakers

3. Powerful chipset

4. Capable cameras

5. Great value for money

6. Excellent selfie camera

Cons

1. Uninspiring design

2. Lower quality zoom shots

3. No anti-flicker setting

4. Slow telephoto camera

FAQ

Structure
Width:
76.5
Height:
158
Depth:
8.2
Weight:
210
Usable surface:
80 %
Materials:
Aluminium
Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resistance:
IP68
Colors:
Black
White
Purple
Brown
Green
Hardware
Model:
Samsung Exynos 2200 (S5E9925)
CPU:
1x2.8 GHz Cortex
X2 + 3x2.496 GHz Cortex
A710 + 4x1.78GHz Cortex
A510
Type:
Octa-Core
Nanometer:
4
Frequency:
2.799999952316284
64 Bits:
GPU:
AMD Xclipse 920 555MHz
RAM:
8
Capacity:
128
SD slot:
Fingerprint security:
Yes, in screen
Fingerprint sensor:
Proximity sensor:
Light sensor:
Accelerometer sensor:
Compass sensor:
Gyroscope sensor:
Geomagnetic sensor:
Audio:
Dolby Atmos
Noise cancellation microphone
Stereo Speakers
Antutu Score:
1188176
Antutu Version:
Antutu v10
Antutu Standing:
Overall performance better than 90% of devices
Cooling system:
Gaming buttons:
Cameras
Phone rear cameras
Standard:
Resolution:
50
Sensor:
Samsung GN3
Sensor size:
1/1.57"
Type:
ISOCELL
Aperture:
ƒ/ 1.8
Pixel size:
1.00 µm
Pixel binning:
1-4 (2x2)
Wide Angle + Macro:
Resolution:
13
Sensor:
Samsung S5K3L6
Sensor size:
1/3.1"
Type:
ISOCELL
Aperture:
ƒ/ 2.2
Pixel size:
1.12 µm
Telephoto + portrait:
Resolution:
8
Sensor:
Hynix HI-847
Type:
CMOS
Aperture:
ƒ/ 2.0
Pixel size:
1.00 µm
Resolution:
10.8
Sensor:
Samsung S5K3J1
Sensor size:
1/2.65"
Type:
ISOCELL
Aperture:
ƒ/ 2.4
Pixel size:
1.22 µm
Phone front cameras
Flash:
LED
Optical stabilisation:
Yes
Slow motion video:
Yes, 960 fps
Rear camera features:
4K Video
8K Video
Digital zoom
Optical zoom
Triple camera
Digital image stabilization
Optical Stabilization (OIS)
Ultra stable video
Autofocus
Touch focus
Continuous autofocus
Manual focus
Phase detection autofocus (PDAF)
Dual PDAF
All Pixel Omni- Directional PDAF
Continuous shooting
Geotagging
Panorama
HDR
Face detection
White balance settings
ISO settings
Exposure compensation
Scene mode
Self-timer
RAW
Night Mode
Dual Sight
Front camera features:
Telephoto with OIS
Optical zoom 3X
Digital zoom 30X
Screen
Diagonal:
6.4
Type:
AMOLED
Sub type:
Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Aspect ratio:
19.5:9
Resolution in pixels:
1080 x 2340 px
Resolution quality:
FHD+
ppi:
409 ppi
Density:
Very high density
Others:
Hole-punch Notch
Refresh rate 120 Hz
Always-On Display
HDR10+
Scratch resistant
Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Capacitive
Multi-touch
Frameless
Battery
Capacity:
4500
Type:
Li-Ion
Fast charge:
Yes, 25.0W
Extras:
Wireless charging 15W
Reverse wireless charging 4.4W
No charger in-box
Others:
Wireless charging
Reverse charging
Non-removable
Connectivity
2G:
3G:
4G LTE:
5G:
SIM card:
Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM)
Standards:
802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11n 5GHz, 802.11ac, WiFi 6 (802.11ax)
Others:
Dual band
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Wi-Fi Direct
Wi-Fi Display
Wi-Fi MiMO
Version:
Bluetooth 5.3LE
Profiles:
A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile)
AVRCP (Audio/Visual Remote Control Profile)
DIP (Device ID Profile)
HFP (Hands-Free Profile)
HID (Human Interface Profile)
HSP (Headset Profile)
LE (Low Energy)
MAP (Message Access Profile)
PAN (Personal Area Networking Profile)
OPP (Object Push Profile)
PBAP/PAB (Phone Book Access Profile)
ANT+
APT-x
SBC
Navigation:
GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo
Charging:
Mass storage:
USB On-The-Go (OTG):
USB Type C:
NFC:
Audio jack:
Radio FM:
Computer sync:
OTA sync:
Tethering:
VoLTE:
VoNR:
Software
Operating System:
Android 14
Google services:
Widevine L1: