Samsung Galaxy S23 FE vs Samsung Galaxy A15 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date October 5, 2023 December 16, 2023
Release Year 2023 2023

Physical

Volume 99.11 cm³ 103.28 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.06 "/g 3.25 "/g
Weight 209 g 200 g
Height 158 mm 160.1 mm
Width 76.5 mm 76.8 mm
Thickness 8.2 mm 8.4 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Purple
  • Graphite
  • Mint
  • Cream
  • Indigo
  • Tangerine
  • Brave Black
  • Optimistic Blue
  • Magical Blue
  • Personality Yellow

Display

Screen Size 6.4 " 6.5 "
Resolution 1080 x 2340 1080 x 2340
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 83.2 % 84.3 %
Pixel Density 403 PPI 396 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 800 nits
Peak Brightness 1450 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 109.86 mAh/in² 118.34 mAh/in²
Battery Density 45.4 mAh/cm³ 48.41 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Exynos 2200 (4 nm) - International Mediatek Helio G99 (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 17

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureSamsung Galaxy S23 FESamsung Galaxy A15Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4 mmS23 FE is slightly smaller and thinner. Negligible difference in everyday use.
Weight209g200gS23 FE is slightly heavier, but the difference is minimal.
Fingerprint SensorUnder displaySide-mountedPreference-based. Under-display is considered more modern, side-mounted can be faster and more reliable.
Display
Size6.4"6.5"A15 has a marginally larger screen.
TypeDynamic AMOLED 2XSuper AMOLEDS23 FE's Dynamic AMOLED 2X likely offers better color accuracy, contrast, and overall visual quality.
Refresh Rate120Hz90HzS23 FE offers smoother scrolling and animations. Noticeable in everyday use, especially for gaming.
Peak Brightness1450 nitsNot specifiedS23 FE offers significantly higher peak brightness, ensuring better visibility in direct sunlight. The lack of specification for A15 hinders direct comparison but suggests a lower brightness.
Resolution1080 x 23401080 x 2340Identical resolution, resulting in similar sharpness on both devices.
Performance
ChipsetExynos 2200 (4nm)Mediatek Helio G99 (6nm)Exynos 2200 generally provides superior performance, especially in demanding tasks like gaming. 4nm architecture suggests better power efficiency than 6nm.
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)S23 FE boasts a more powerful CPU architecture, translating to faster processing speeds and better multitasking.
GPUXclipse 920Mali-G57 MC2Xclipse 920 offers significantly better graphics performance, crucial for gaming and graphically demanding applications.
RAM8GB6GB/8GB8GB RAM in S23 FE allows for smoother multitasking and better handling of demanding applications.
Storage256GB128GB/256GBBoth offer ample storage options, although S23 FE's base model offers more storage than A15's base model.
Camera
Video Capabilities8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, etc.1080p@30fpsS23 FE offers vastly superior video recording capabilities with higher resolution and frame rate options.
Battery
Capacity4500mAh5000mAhA15 has a larger battery capacity, potentially resulting in longer battery life. However, real-world battery life depends on various factors including chipset efficiency and display usage.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: Significantly faster processor and GPU for demanding tasks and gaming.
  • Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a more fluid user experience.
  • Brighter Display: Better visibility in direct sunlight.
  • Advanced Camera Features: Significantly better video recording capabilities.

Samsung Galaxy A15 Advantages:

  • Larger Battery: Potentially longer battery life.
  • Potentially Lower Price: Depending on the specific RAM/storage configuration.

Trade-offs:

  • S23 FE: Higher price for superior performance and features.
  • A15: Compromised performance and features for potential lower price and longer battery life.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE: Users who prioritize performance, a smooth display, and advanced camera features, especially for gaming, content creation, and multitasking.

Samsung Galaxy A15: Users who prioritize battery life and affordability for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and communication.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The S23 FE is likely more expensive.
  2. What are your primary smartphone usage patterns? Gaming, content creation, or basic tasks?
  3. How important is battery life to you? A15's larger battery might be crucial for some.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Gamer: S23 FE for its superior performance and smooth display.
  • Casual User: A15 for basic tasks and longer battery life if budget is a constraint.
  • Content Creator: S23 FE for its advanced camera capabilities and processing power.

My Choice: Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

While the Samsung Galaxy A15 offers a larger battery and potentially lower price, the S23 FE's significant performance advantages, smoother display, and superior camera make it the better overall choice for me. The Exynos 2200 and 120Hz display offer a substantially improved user experience for demanding tasks and everyday use. I prioritize a smooth and responsive experience, and I am willing to pay a premium for that. The brighter display is also a significant advantage for outdoor use. While battery life is important, I find the performance and feature upgrades of the S23 FE to be more compelling. The A15 serves a specific niche for budget-conscious buyers primarily focused on basic functionality and long battery life, but the S23 FE offers a more well-rounded and future-proof package.

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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