The S23 FE is a weird combine between Samsung’s Galaxy S22 flagship (from final yr) and the mid-range Galaxy A54, but it nonetheless carries the “S23” identify, and maybe the simplest argument in opposition to it could certainly be the Galaxy S22, which runs on the identical chip; has a fairly an identical digicam setup, and appears much more premium because of the thinner show borders.Nevertheless, I’ve realized my lesson because the launch of the Galaxy S21 FE, and I’m not going to inform you the Galaxy S23 FE is “a pointless telephone”, as a result of it isn’t. And if you understand how and when to drag the set off and purchase one, you may simply be getting probably the greatest smartphone offers of the yr!
So, let’s have a look at precisely why the Galaxy S23 exists; the way it stacks up in opposition to the competitors, and why shopping for one it would truly be an incredible thought… in some unspecified time in the future.
Samsung’s inexpensive Galaxy S23 FE flagship doesn’t look nice subsequent to the closest competitors from Google and Nothing proper now
Mockingly, the Galaxy S21 FE has a much more premium design than the Galaxy S23 FE, and should you don’t agree, you’re… Samsung.
Disclaimer: This isn’t meant to be an in depth comparability between the Galaxy S23 FE and its closest opponents, however there’s no means I can decide the S23 FE in isolation, so let’s see the way it stacks up in opposition to the Google Pixel 8, and Nothing Cellphone 2 in my subjective opinion…For those who’re in a rush, this is the fast abstract:
- The Pixel 8 could have a greater show than each the Galaxy S23 FE and Nothing Cellphone 2 (should you don’t thoughts the smaller measurement)
- Day-to-day efficiency ought to be fairly an identical throughout all telephones, since all of them provide roughly the identical uncooked energy; the Nothing Cellphone 2 ought to be probably the most dependable telephone for heavier duties, like gaming
- Battery life also needs to be kind of comparable, however will differ relying in your utilization; our exams present the Nothing Cellphone 2 ought to offer you an additional hour of use total
- Digital camera efficiency ought to go to the Pixel 8, with the Galaxy S23 FE in second place and the Nothing Cellphone 2 in third; unsurprisingly, Google’s professional picture processing helps the Pixel excel within the digicam division regardless of solely having two cameras
- Pixel 8 leaves the Galaxy S23 FE and Nothing Cellphone 2 far behind when it comes to software program assist with just about double the quantity of updates you’ll get (should you maintain the telephone for seven years, and if Google does certainly ship on its promise)
Though that is subjective, I’d choose the design of the Pixel 8 and Nothing Cellphone 2 over that of the Galaxy S23 FE any day. For me, the most important turnoff with Samsung’s inexpensive flagship are the thick borders across the show. I merely can’t look previous this, contemplating the Pixel 8 has tremendous skinny bezels, and the Nothing Cellphone 2 provides a symmetrical display border. I discover the Pixel 8 and Cellphone 2’s rear look extra engaging too, because the S23 FE seems fairly bland – in fact, some may choose the understated look.
Galaxy S23 FE vs Pixel 8 vs Nothing Cellphone 2: Samsung isn’t profitable the $600-700 Android battle like in 2020-2021
Nothing Cellphone 2 (left), Galaxy S23 FE (center), Pixel 8 (proper). Samsung’s inexpensive flagship doesn’t look anyplace as premium because it ought to, and you’ll blame the thick show borders.
| Galaxy S23 FE ($599 beginning worth) | Pixel 8 Professional ($699 beginning worth) | Nothing Cellphone 2 ($599 beginning worth) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Show | Within the show class, the Galaxy S23 FE would rank final in comparison with the opposite two telephones. Whereas the brightest of the S23 FE’s 6.4-inch panel is an identical to that of the Nothing Cellphone 2’s, the thick show borders make it really feel bigger than it’s, and provides it the look of a price range relatively than a flagship gadget. | In relation to the show, considerably surprisingly, the Pixel 8 wins right here because of its tremendous skinny show borders across the 6.2-inch panel, and super-high max brightness of 2000 nits, which ought to make the Pixel’s panel extra legible when it’s shiny exterior. Simply keep in mind that that is the smallest display of the bunch. | The Nothing Cellphone 2’s show is very nice, and positively the most suitable choice if you’d like the most important display (6.7-inches). Nevertheless, it has thicker bezels than the Pixel 8 (though they’re symmetrical), and it additionally doesn’t get as shiny outdoor, which places it in 2nd place (IMO). |
| Efficiency | When it comes to efficiency, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 model of the S23 FE is simply as highly effective because the Nothing Cellphone 2, which makes use of the identical chip. Nevertheless, should you reside exterior the US, the S23 FE’s Exynos 2200 received’t be pretty much as good. | The Pixel 8’s Tensor G3 chip is a pleasant enchancment over the Tensor G2 nevertheless it’s nonetheless susceptible to overheating infrequently. That being stated, it’s principally on par with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 when it comes to uncooked energy. | I’d have to provide the slight edge to the Nothing Cellphone 2 on the subject of the processor, because it comes with the tried and examined Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in all areas of the world in contrast to the S23 FE). |
| Battery life and charing | Since we haven’t examined the battery lifetime of the Galaxy S23 FE, one of the best I can do is inform you that it’ll most certainly final about so long as the Galaxy S22+, which has the identical measurement cell, and a really comparable show. In different phrases, it’ll actually final you a complete day of regular use. | Pixels aren’t recognized for his or her stellar battery life, however in response to our battery take a look at, the Pixel 8 ought to final a bit longer than the Pixel 7, which is to say… not that lengthy. After all, our benchmarks and your real-life utilization will differ. If you need a extra private verdict, my Pixel 7 Professional’s battery leaves so much to be desired in comparison with my Galaxy S23 Extremely or iPhone 14 Professional. | In line with our exams, the Nothing Cellphone 2 and its barely bigger 4,700 mAh cell win right here. General, the Cellphone 2 ought to offer you an additional hour of use in comparison with the Pixel 8 and the Galaxy S23 FE (judging by our S22+ battery take a look at). The Cellphone 2 additionally takes the cake when it comes to quick charging however not by a lot. |
| Digital camera | When it comes to cameras, the S23 FE has a virtually an identical digicam setup to that of the Galaxy S22, and the identical chip (which processes all of the images and movies). In different phrases, you’ll be able to anticipate comparable outcomes to that of the S22, which takes nice, Instagram-ready images and movies throughout the board – albeit a bit too saturated and oversharpened. The “secret” weapon of the Galaxy S23 FE’s digicam system is the 3x optical zoom lens, which offers you noticeably higher footage not solely at 3x but additionally at 5x and 10x zoom in comparison with the Pixel 8 and Nothing Cellphone 2. | The Pixel 8 brings three notable digicam enhancements over the Pixel 7: the pink lens flaring is gone, which makes for a lot cleaner images with totally different gentle sources; Portrait mode is significantly better than earlier than; it provides you Google’s new, magical AI digicam options like Greatest Take, which you’ll be able to’t discover on the older mannequin, not to mention the Galaxy S23 FE or Nothing Cellphone 2.
From our images and movies evaluating the Pixel 8 to the Galaxy S23 (which ought to have an an identical/higher digicam than the S23 FE), I’d say the Pixel 8 takes probably the most pure images and greatest movies right here. Purchase the Pixel should you’re “shopping for a digicam as an alternative of a telephone”. |
The Nothing Cellphone 2 was by no means meant to be a “digicam telephone”, which suggests the images and movies you’ll get from it received’t “wow” you. That being stated, Nothing has now despatched a number of software program updates, which have positively improved the Cellphone 2’s digicam efficiency. I’m certain this digicam will just do superb for social media images and movies (for most individuals), however don’t search for the Pixel’s stage of computational images right here. If something, the Cellphone 2 has a extra pure processing in images, which some folks may like. |
| Software program assist | When it comes to software program assist, which is fairly vital, contemplating it’s what retains your telephone related in the long term, the Galaxy S23 FE will get 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of safety patches. However there’s a catch right here. The S23 FE launches with Android 13 when Android 14 is now out (on Pixel telephones), which suggests you principally lose out on one main OS replace. Bizarre transfer, Samsung… | As you may’ve heard, Pixel 8 is the brand new king of software program assist. With 7 years of OS and safety updates promised by Google, this telephone ought to keep related for twice as lengthy in comparison with the Galaxy S23 FE and Nothing Cellphone 2. To not point out, main Android updates will probably be coming a lot quicker to the Pixel in comparison with every other Android telephone. | The Nothing Cellphone 2 will get 3 years of OS updates and 4 years of safety patches, which suggests it’s not the telephone to get should you’re somebody who retains their gadget for 5 years. |
Galaxy S23 FE: Why Samsung’s most weird smartphone launch in 2023 may become probably the greatest offers of the yr (should you’re affected person)
I fairly like the colours of the Galaxy S23 FE.
The Galaxy S23 FE makes you marvel… If Samsung isn’t making an attempt to make the greatest telephone within the “inexpensive flagship” section… What’s the firm making an attempt to realize? Recycle previous components? Hold the Galaxy hype going till the Galaxy S24 is out? Or just put out a brand new telephone for the vacation season?
All/not one of the above may be true, however I’m nonetheless glad the Galaxy S23 FE exists, and that’s as a result of it’s going to be the proper inexpensive flagship to purchase on sale! Similar to the Galaxy S21 FE. Let me elaborate…
The Galaxy S23 FE will probably be an incredible deal… very quickly
The $600 Galaxy S23 FE seems extra like a $200 price range telephone from the entrance.
With a premium construct, a flagship SoC, a triple digicam setup with optical zoom, a battery that may final you a complete day, 4 years of Android updates, and extras like wi-fi charging and water and dust-resistance, this seemingly “pointless” inexpensive flagship can be a steal for $300-400.
So… it’s best to positively purchase the Galaxy S23 FE. Simply not proper now. And never for $600.