SAMSUNG is well known for creating budget-friendly FE mobiles to complement their fancy flagship releases – but which is the right choice for you?
We’ll be taking a deep dive into the features, specs and pricing of the Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23 FE in this versus so you’re well-informed when picking your next smartphone.
When it comes to smartphones, whether you’re team Android or Apple, Samsung should come to mind when thinking of high-quality devices – looking at what the S23 and FE have to offer, it’s for good reason too.
Samsung’s S23 series is the company’s flagship device released in February 2023, and comes with all the fancy bells and whistles you’ve come to expect from huge phone launches.
By contrast, the FE (‘Fan Edition’) is a more affordable version that’s packed with, you guessed it, the fan-favourite features minus a few features that aren’t voted in.
Regardless of if you’re on a tight budget or want the newest device and have deeper pockets both S23 options are fantastic choices for anyone looking for a new device.
If you’re someone who always has to have the latest phone, it might be worth holding out for a little while as the S24 is expected to release by the end of February.
Head to our Samsung Galaxy S24 rumours and release date page for all the latest info on this upcoming device.
As mentioned earlier, Samsung has a wide range of budget-friendly alternatives to the flagship releases, so if you’re weighing up your options, it’s worth reading our Samsung Galaxy A54 vs Galaxy S23 explainer.
If Samsung isn’t your usual choice of Android device, it’s definitely worth heading over to our Samsung Galaxy S23 vs Google Pixel 8 article to see how these two Android titans stack up against each other.
Since both devices come from the same range of mobile, it’s no wonder they share so much common DNA.
Both phones run on the Android operating system, so if you’re coming over from another device like the Google Pixel, you’ll already be familiar with the operating system, which is a nice bonus.
Both devices also come packed with the same 50-megapixel camera, so if camera quality is important to you, you’ll be getting crystal-clear images with both phones.
Despite having a fair few similarities, there are a few key differences.
Firstly, the S23 will cost more to purchase at £849 on sites like Amazon, whereas the FE is just £599.
Secondly, the screen is actually larger on the FE at 6.4 inches rather than the 6.1 on the S23, so if you like to keep up to date with shows and movies on the go, that might be worth considering.
In a pleasant twist for anyone shopping around on a tighter budget, the FE version has a larger screen at 6.4 inches.
While it beats the S23 by 0.3, it can make all the difference if you have substantial screen time because you enjoy catching up with things you might miss while on the daily work commute or school run.
Both the FE and S23 screens are made from the super-strong Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which improves on the already durable Victus one, meaning your device is even more drop and scratch-resistant – still probably worth getting a case to protect your investment.
Cameras are arguably one of the more important features when it comes to phones since they’re always on hand and are the most convenient way to capture a core memory.
Because we rely on our phones so much, you’ll be pleased to know both Samsung devices pack the same 50-megapixel rear wide-angle camera that works hand-in-hand with the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip.
This powerful internal processor helps leave you with one impressive hi-res images that, if you so choose, can put through the detail enhancer to make it pop just a little more.
The other lenses for both devices are 12 and 8 megapixels for ultra-wide and optical zoom telephoto images, respectively.
Samsung has had a winning design for the past few years that leaves little to improve upon, and the FE looks extremely similar to the S23 as it draws inspiration from its predecessor and embraces the classic aesthetic.
That said, the S23 FE comes in a a range of new colours to add a touch of variety.
The standard S23 has six colour options, with those being the standard Phantom Black, Cream, Green, Lavender Graphite and Lime.
In contrast, the FE comes in Indigo, Mint, Cream, Purple, Tangerine and Graphite.
Features are where you really begin to see where your money’s being invested, and will doubtless have a large impact on which device you choose.
The S23 provides you with access to key features that the FE misses out on, like optimal colour brightness, so no longer will the sun make you miss the best bits of a show or have you holding your hand over the screen to see that text message.
If you’re more of a night owl, the S23 is also the only device to cover your nighttime shots. The Nightography mode’s enhanced AI keeps details clear, even with minimal light – gone are the days of flash ruining a great photo.
There’s not too much difference when it comes to battery capacities, but unexpectedly the FE has a slightly larger battery at 4,500mAh, with the S23 coming in at 3,900mAh.
While both promise all-day phone usage, the FE is more than likely to last longer in between charges.
So if you’re a busy bee, it maybe the more affordable option that’s best for you.
Since the S23 is the flagship device of Samsung it comes with a higher price tag than the FE, its lite equivalent.
Retailers like Amazon sell the S23 for £849 and the cost-conscious FE for £569.01, so you’ll save £252.99 if you go for the budget-friendly option.
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