Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison between the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G and the Galaxy S24 FE. I'm excited to break down the specs and see how they translate to real-world use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table breaking down the key technical specifications of each phone, along with their practical implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 FE | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-02 | 2024-10-03 | The S24 FE is significantly newer, suggesting more modern features and software support. |
| Dimensions | 165.4 × 76.9 × 8.4 mm | 162 × 77.3 × 8 mm | The A23 5G is slightly taller and thicker, while the S24 FE is a bit wider. The A23 5G might feel slightly bulkier. |
| Weight | 197g | 213g | The A23 5G is lighter, which can make it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.7" | The S24 FE has a slightly larger display, providing more screen real estate for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 1080x2340 | Very similar sharpness, though the S24 FE has slightly lower vertical resolution. This will be unnoticeable to most users. |
| PPI | 400 | 385 | Both have a high pixel density. The A23 5G is negligibly sharper, again, unnoticeable in daily usage. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | The S24 FE's AMOLED display offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, making for a richer visual experience, especially in direct sunlight. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones provide smooth scrolling and animations with a 120Hz refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1900 nits | The S24 FE has significantly higher brightness, making it much more usable in bright, outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Exynos 2400e (4 nm) | The S24 FE's newer chipset provides significantly better performance in all tasks from gaming to day-to-day use. |
| AnTuTu Score | 418,000 | 1,600,000 | The S24 FE provides a much more responsive user experience and is better for resource-intensive tasks, such as gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Xclipse 940 | The S24 FE's GPU will handle graphics-intensive tasks and games considerably better. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor, 0.64µm pixels | 50MP f/1.8, 1/1.57" sensor, 1.00µm pixels | The S24 FE's larger sensor and pixel size capture more light, resulting in better low-light performance and detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 10.8MP f/2.4, 1/2.65" sensor, 1.22µm pixels | The S24 FE has a higher resolution and a larger sensor for more detailed and brighter selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 8MP f/2.4, 1/4.4" sensor, 1.00µm pixels | The S24 FE includes a telephoto lens allowing for optical zoom, a feature not present in the A23 5G. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP f/2.2 | 13MP f/2.2, 1/3.1" sensor, 1.12µm pixels | The S24 FE has a much higher resolution and larger sensor, leading to better quality ultrawide shots. |
| Portrait (Depth) Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | The A23 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait effects, though results can often be achieved via software. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | The A23 5G has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, which is not available in the S24 FE. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | The S24 FE offers much higher video resolution and frame rate options, better for videography enthusiasts. |
| DxoMark Mobile Score | NA | 133 | S24 FE has a significantly higher DxoMark Score, meaning the camera takes better photos and videos. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4700mAh | The A23 5G has a slightly larger battery, though differences in display and processor can affect real-world battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Both support 25W fast charging, resulting in similar charging speeds. |
| Features | Bypass Charging | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, 15W Wireless Charging | The S24 FE supports wireless charging and reverse charging, while the A23 5G does not. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, Max 14 | Android 14 | The S24 FE comes with a newer version of Android out of the box, providing access to the latest features and optimizations. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, WiFi 6E | The S24 FE supports WiFi 6E, offering faster speeds and more stable connections on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.3 LE | The S24 FE has a more recent Bluetooth version, potentially offering more energy efficiency and better audio codecs. |
| SIM Support | Single SIM (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM / eSIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | The S24 FE allows for two SIMs to be used simultaneously, great for those with business and personal numbers. The S24 FE also supports eSIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | N/A | 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB | The S24 FE has significantly more internal storage available than the A23 5G. |
| RAM | N/A | 8 GB | The S24 FE has a higher RAM capacity, allowing for smoother multitasking and more apps to be active in the background. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic Audio | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | The S24 FE offers more premium audio features for a better experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both use fingerprint sensors, but the A23 5G uses a more advanced side-mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | The S24 FE has much more durable glass on the front, reducing the risk of scratching and breaking. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | A23 5G has additional biometric sensors, while S24 FE has additional Motion and Environmental sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G:
- Strengths:
- Lighter build, which may be preferred by some users for everyday use.
- Slightly larger battery capacity.
- More advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Dedicated depth and macro lens, though their impact may be limited in real-world scenarios.
- Limitations:
- Older chipset, which means lower processing power and graphical capabilities.
- Basic LCD screen with lower brightness, poor experience in sunlight.
- Basic camera setup without a telephoto lens.
- Lacks advanced features such as wireless charging, reverse charging, and stereo speakers.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE:
- Strengths:
- Significantly more powerful chipset for a much smoother, faster user experience.
- Superior AMOLED screen with vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and much higher brightness.
- More capable camera with larger sensors, better image processing, and a telephoto lens.
- Advanced features such as wireless charging, reverse charging, and stereo speakers.
- Newer software, offering access to the latest features and security updates.
- Higher DxoMark score means better image quality.
- More internal storage available (up to 512GB).
- Dual SIM support with eSIM functionality.
- WiFi 6E support with faster speeds.
- Limitations:
- Slightly heavier build.
- Smaller battery capacity (though real-world performance might vary).
- No dedicated macro or depth sensor.
- Basic fingerprint sensor.
Overall:
The S24 FE is the superior device in almost all aspects. It offers a substantially better display, much greater performance, more advanced camera capabilities, and a suite of premium features that are not present in the A23 5G.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize affordability over top-tier performance and features. It could be suitable for casual users who primarily use their phones for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and calls.
- Use Cases:
- Users who want a basic smartphone for communication.
- Users who are not heavy gamers or content creators.
- Those who prefer a lighter phone for extended use.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, power users, and individuals who want a premium smartphone experience without the flagship price tag. It's excellent for those who value display quality, camera performance, gaming, and want a device that will remain relevant for years.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gamers who require smooth and high frame-rate performance.
- Users who consume a lot of media and want a high-quality display.
- Photography enthusiasts who want a versatile camera system.
- People who value speed, responsiveness, and multitasking.
- Those who need advanced features like wireless charging and reverse charging.
- People who often work on their phones and need a very quick and seamless experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide between these two phones:
- How much do you value performance? If smooth, lag-free operation and the ability to handle demanding games and apps are crucial, the S24 FE is the clear choice. If you have basic usage, the A23 5G may suffice.
- How important is the display quality and camera capabilities? If you appreciate vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and a high-quality camera system, the S24 FE's AMOLED screen and superior camera will be worth the investment. If you're fine with a basic display and just want to take occasional photos or videos, the A23 5G may be fine.
- What is your budget and how long do you plan to keep the phone? The A23 5G will come with a lower price tag, however, the S24 FE is worth the cost as the user experience and future-proofing are substantially better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You want a basic phone for calling, texting, and social media and have a strict budget: The A23 5G is your pick.
- Scenario 2: You enjoy mobile gaming, photography, and watching movies and prioritize smooth performance and a high-quality experience: The S24 FE is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3: You want a balance of features and a better camera but don't want to pay flagship prices: The S24 FE offers the best value in this segment.
Conclusion
Both phones serve different needs. The Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is a good, basic phone, however the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is far superior and will offer the user a more enjoyable and practical user experience. The S24 FE is well worth the additional cost.
Which One Would I Choose?
For me, it's unequivocally the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. As someone who values smooth performance, a great display, and a capable camera system, the S24 FE hits all the right notes. The Exynos 2400e chip ensures the device will remain quick and responsive for years, and the AMOLED screen with 1900 nits brightness makes all the difference for outdoor visibility. While the A23 5G has its merits in terms of affordability, the S24 FE provides a far superior experience that aligns perfectly with my needs as a tech journalist and enthusiast. The additional features such as the telephoto lens, stereo speakers, reverse charging, and wireless charging sweeten the deal.
