Samsung Galaxy S23 FE vs Realme 12x - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Realme 12x
Realme 12x
Realme

General

Launch Date October 5, 2023 April 7, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 99.11 cm³ 99.56 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.06 "/g 3.51 "/g
Weight 209 g 190 g
Height 158 mm 165.6 mm
Width 76.5 mm 76.1 mm
Thickness 8.2 mm 7.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Purple
  • Graphite
  • Mint
  • Cream
  • Indigo
  • Tangerine
  • Glowing Black
  • Feather Green

Display

Screen Size 6.4 " 6.67 "
Resolution 1080 x 2340 720 x 1604
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 83.2 % 85.1 %
Pixel Density 403 PPI 264 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 625 nits
Peak Brightness 1450 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 109.86 mAh/in² 112.39 mAh/in²
Battery Density 45.4 mAh/cm³ 50.22 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Exynos 2200 (4 nm) - International Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x2.8 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) - International Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Xclipse 920 - International Mali-G57 MC2

Connectivity

USB Version N/A 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C, OTG USB Type-C 2.0

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 13 14
Maximum OS Version 17

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureSamsung Galaxy S23 FERealme 12xPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm165.6 x 76.1 x 7.9 mmThe S23 FE is slightly shorter and narrower, potentially offering a more comfortable one-handed grip.
Weight209g190gThe Realme 12x is noticeably lighter, reducing hand fatigue during extended use.
Build MaterialsNot specifiedNot specifiedBuild quality and durability cannot be assessed without material information.
Fingerprint SensorUnder displaySide-mountedPreference-based; under-display is modern, side-mounted can be faster and easier to reach.
Display
Display TypeDynamic AMOLED 2XIPS LCDAMOLED offers significantly better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, resulting in a superior viewing experience.
Display Size6.4"6.67"The Realme 12x offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive content consumption.
Resolution1080 x 2340720 x 1604The S23 FE boasts a much sharper display (403 ppi vs 264 ppi), resulting in clearer text and images. The difference will be noticeable in everyday use.
Refresh Rate120Hz120HzBoth offer smooth scrolling and animations.
Peak Brightness1450 nitsNot Specified (625 nits HBM)The S23 FE offers significantly higher peak brightness, ensuring excellent outdoor visibility even in direct sunlight. The lack of a specific peak brightness for the Realme 12x is a notable omission.
Performance
ChipsetExynos 2200 (4nm)Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm)The Exynos 2200 generally offers better graphical performance, benefiting demanding games and applications. However, real-world performance can vary due to optimization.
CPUOcta-core (1x2.8 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)The S23 FE's CPU configuration suggests potentially higher peak performance.
GPUXclipse 920Mali-G57 MC2The Xclipse 920 is generally considered more powerful, offering smoother gaming and faster graphics rendering.
RAM8GB8GBBoth offer sufficient RAM for multitasking.
Storage256GB256GBBoth offer ample storage.
Camera
Video Capabilities8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, etc.1080p@30fpsThe S23 FE offers vastly superior video recording capabilities, including higher resolution (up to 8K) and frame rates. The limited 1080p@30fps of the Realme 12x is a significant disadvantage for video enthusiasts.
Specific sensor detailsMissingMissingDetailed camera sensor specifications (e.g., megapixels, aperture) are crucial for a thorough comparison and are missing for both phones.
Battery
Capacity4500 mAh5000 mAhThe Realme 12x has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. However, real-world battery life depends on various factors, including software optimization and display type.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Advantages:

  • Superior Display: AMOLED with higher resolution and brightness.
  • More Powerful Performance: More capable chipset and GPU.
  • Significantly Better Video Recording: Higher resolution and frame rate options.

Realme 12x Advantages:

  • Lighter Weight: More comfortable for extended use.
  • Larger Battery: Potential for longer battery life.
  • Potentially Lower Price: Although both are in the "medium price" range, Realme devices often undercut competitors on price.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE: Users who prioritize display quality, performance, and versatile camera features. Ideal for mobile gaming, content creation, and consuming media.

Realme 12x: Users who prioritize battery life and a lightweight design. Suitable for everyday tasks, social media, and light gaming. Budget-conscious users might also find it appealing.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? Determine if the price difference justifies the S23 FE's advantages.
  2. What are your primary use cases? Prioritize features based on your needs (gaming, photography, general use).
  3. How important is display quality and performance? The S23 FE significantly outperforms the Realme 12x in these areas.

My Choice: Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

While the Realme 12x offers a larger battery and lighter weight, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE's significantly superior display, performance, and video recording capabilities make it the better overall device for me. The sharper, more vibrant AMOLED screen and the powerful Exynos 2200 are crucial for my usage, which includes gaming, media consumption, and occasional content creation. The much more advanced video capabilities of the S23 FE are a defining factor. I'm willing to compromise slightly on battery life and weight for these substantial advantages. The lack of detailed camera specs prevents a complete assessment, but based on the available information, the S23 FE is the clear winner.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.