Alright, let's break down the Nokia G100 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. We've got a clear David vs. Goliath situation here, so let's dive into the nitty-gritty and see what each phone brings to the table.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the key technical specifications, along with what they actually mean for your daily usage:
| Feature | Nokia G100 | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 166.6 × 76.7 × 8.9 mm | 158 × 76.5 × 8.2 mm | S23 FE is more compact and easier to handle, while the G100 is slightly bulkier. |
| Weight | 195.1g | 209g | G100 is a bit lighter and might feel more comfortable during longer use, S23 FE has a bit more premium feel due to its density |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard, non-foldable phones, no surprises here. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.52" | 6.4" | G100 has a slightly larger screen, good for media consumption, S23 FE has smaller screen making it easier for one hand use |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2340 | S23 FE has a much sharper display; text and images will look clearer and crisper. G100 has a more pixelated screen |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 269 | 403 | S23 FE’s higher PPI results in a significantly sharper picture. More pixel-per-inch means less noticeable pixelation |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | S23 FE offers much better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, G100 has an adequate display but nowhere near the S23FE |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S23 FE has smoother scrolling and animations making the user interface feel more fluid. G100 has a standard refresh rate |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical brightness, which is odd, may be a error with data input |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Exynos 2200 (4nm) | S23 FE has a much more powerful and efficient chipset, leading to snappier performance and better gaming. G100 chipset is more budget focused |
| AnTuTu Score | 201,615 | 1,188,176 | S23 FE will run apps and games significantly faster, much more noticeable difference, smoother experience, more future proof |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Xclipse 920 | S23 FE has a much more powerful GPU, for better graphics performance. G100 is more suited for basic tasks |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 13MP (f/2.0) | 50MP (f/1.8), 1/1.57" sensor | S23 FE captures more detailed photos with better low-light performance. G100 is more suitable for basic photography |
| Telephoto + Portrait | N/A | 8MP (f/2.0) | S23 FE offers additional optical zoom capabilities and portrait photography. G100 does not have these capabilities |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP (f/2.4) | 10.8MP (f/2.4), 1/2.65" sensor | S23 FE has a slightly better selfie camera with more detail and larger sensor, G100 is more basic |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP (f/2.2) | N/A | G100 can capture wider shots, where S23FE does not have that capability, G100 wide angle shots will not be very high quality |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP (f/2.4) | N/A | G100 has a dedicated depth sensor, though not high quality compared to S23FE, S23FE does not have this sensor |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 13MP (f/2.2), 1/3.1" sensor | S23 FE can take wide-angle and detailed macro shots. G100 is limited in this feature |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps; Slow-mo: 120fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, Slow-mo: 960fps | S23 FE offers far superior video recording capabilities, better quality and slow motion capture. G100 can only capture 1080p at 30fps |
| DXOMark Score | N/A | Overall: 127, Photo: 124, Video: 131 | S23 FE has been benchmarked and proves to have a better camera experience |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | G100 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. S23FE will have similar battery life due to its processor efficiency |
| Charging | 15W | 25W | S23 FE charges faster, reducing waiting time. |
| Wireless Charging | N/A | 15W | S23 FE has the capability to charge wirelessly, where G100 does not |
| Reverse Charging | N/A | 4.4W | S23 FE has the capability to charge other devices wirelessly, where G100 does not |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | S23 FE comes with a newer OS, will likely get updates longer, G100 may not see updates to android 13 |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | S23 FE has faster and more stable Wi-Fi. G100 may have slower speeds, higher latency and less reliable network connectivity |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | S23 FE has a newer Bluetooth version, offering better connection quality and more features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | S23 FE supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy, especially in challenging conditions. G100 has less systems therefore less accurate locations |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM functionality for using two phone numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | S23 FE offers more internal storage space. Both phones do not support expandable storage |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB | 8GB | S23 FE has more RAM, resulting in smoother multitasking. G100 will have less smooth performance and apps may reload more often |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers microSD card support. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | S23 FE offers a more immersive audio experience with stereo speakers, noise cancellation on calls |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | G100’s side-mounted sensor might be slightly more convenient. The S23 FE fingerprint sensor is basic. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | S23 FE is more resistant to scratches and impacts |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | G100 includes a barometer, while the S23 FE has a compass. Sensor differences are not very impactful on user experience |
2. Key Insights
Nokia G100:
- Strengths:
- Slightly lighter, making it comfortable for prolonged use.
- Larger battery capacity for potentially longer battery life.
- Includes a Barometer sensor
- Has wide angle camera for those that want that
- More affordable price point.
- Competitive Advantages:
- More affordable and designed to meet basic user needs.
- Offers dedicated depth sensor and a wide-angle lens, options not available in S23FE
- Trade-offs & Limitations:
- Lower resolution, pixel density, and older display technology (IPS LCD).
- Significantly weaker processor and GPU, leading to slower performance.
- Lower quality camera performance
- Less premium build quality
- Slower charging
- Lacks wireless charging
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE:
- Strengths:
- Superior AMOLED display with higher resolution, pixel density, and refresh rate.
- Much more powerful processor and GPU, ensuring smoother performance and better gaming.
- Far better camera quality, with 50MP main sensor, telephoto lens, and improved video recording.
- Fast 25W charging
- Wireless and reverse wireless charging
- Stereo speakers, better audio quality
- Newer Bluetooth and WiFi technologies.
- More premium build quality.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Excellent display, camera, and overall performance.
- More future-proofed hardware.
- Trade-offs & Limitations:
- Smaller battery capacity (though likely compensated by a more efficient processor).
- Slightly heavier and larger.
- Basic fingerprint sensor.
- More expensive.
- No charger included
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Nokia G100:
- Best for: Budget-conscious users who need a basic phone for everyday tasks like calling, texting, browsing social media, light media consumption and aren't very performance heavy. People who just need a functional, reliable device.
- Use Cases: A first smartphone for a child or elderly person, a backup phone, for people who value affordability and battery life.
- Samsung Galaxy S23 FE:
- Best for: Users who value performance, display quality, a high-quality camera, and a more premium experience.
- Use Cases: Mobile gamers, avid photographers, users who need reliable performance, those who enjoy high-resolution media, individuals who value premium features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance and display quality to you? If you prioritize smooth performance, crisp visuals and a premium display, the S23 FE is the clear winner. If you just need a phone that is functional the G100 can suffice
- What is your budget? The G100 is significantly more affordable, while the S23 FE comes at a higher price point. If you need to save money the G100 is a more sensible choice
- What features are most important to you? If you need high quality images and videos, fast charging and wireless charging the S23FE will be the better choice, but if you value battery life and a wide angle lens the G100 may work better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget Saver - If you just need a functional phone and need to save money, the Nokia G100 is the more logical choice.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Quality Seeker - If you’re someone who prioritizes performance and enjoys smooth and responsive phone usage, with a top quality camera, then the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is a much better choice
- Scenario 3: All Arounder If you need a reliable phone that will last the day and has a decent camera, but don't care about the premium features, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is still the better choice
My Choice and Why
If I were making the choice myself, I would without a doubt pick the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. While the G100 has a few advantages like its slightly larger battery and wide angle lens, the differences in performance, display quality, camera quality, and the added premium features are far too significant to ignore. I need a phone that is smooth and responsive for gaming and heavy usage, plus a high quality camera for content creation. The higher resolution screen and 120hz refresh rate make it a much better experience overall and makes using the phone enjoyable. I am willing to sacrifice the slightly larger battery and wide angle lens to gain the better processor, display, camera, charging and other premium features. The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is simply a much more capable and enjoyable device and is worth the added premium.
