Samsung Galaxy S23 FE vs Sony Xperia 1 VI - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date October 5, 2023 June 3, 2024
Release Year 2023 2024

Physical

Volume 99.11 cm³ 98.3 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.06 "/g 3.39 "/g
Weight 209 g 192 g
Height 158 mm 162 mm
Width 76.5 mm 74 mm
Thickness 8.2 mm 8.2 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Purple
  • Graphite
  • Mint
  • Cream
  • Indigo
  • Tangerine
  • Black
  • Platinum silver
  • Khaki green
  • Scar red

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 % 86.5 %
Pixel Density 403 PPI 396 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
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 50.86 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Exynos 2200 (4 nm) - International Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x2.8 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) - International Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
GPU Xclipse 920 - International Adreno 750

Connectivity

USB Version N/A 3.2
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C, OTG USB Type-C 3.2, OTG, Video Output

Software

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

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureSamsung Galaxy S23 FESony Xperia 1 VIPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm162 x 74 x 8.2 mmXperia 1 VI is taller and slightly narrower, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use.
Weight209g192gXperia 1 VI is noticeably lighter, improving portability.
Fingerprint SensorUnder displaySide-mountedPersonal preference, though under-display is often considered more modern.
Display
Size6.4"6.5"Negligible difference in screen real estate.
TypeDynamic AMOLED 2XLTPO OLEDBoth offer excellent color accuracy and deep blacks. Dynamic AMOLED 2X generally has more vibrant colors.
Resolution1080 x 23401080 x 2340Identical resolution, resulting in similar sharpness.
Refresh Rate120Hz120HzBoth offer smooth scrolling and animations.
Peak Brightness1450 nitsNot specifiedS23 FE offers superior outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. Lack of data for Xperia limits comparison.
Performance
ChipsetExynos 2200 (4 nm)Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 generally offers significantly better performance and efficiency.
CPUOcta-core (1x2.8 GHz Cortex-X2...)Octa-core (1x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4...)Xperia 1 VI's newer CPU architecture should provide a noticeable performance advantage in demanding tasks and multitasking.
GPUXclipse 920Adreno 750Adreno 750 generally delivers superior graphics performance for gaming and other visually intensive applications.
RAM8GB12GBXperia 1 VI's larger RAM allows for more apps to run in the background without reloading, improving multitasking.
Storage256GB512GBXperia 1 VI offers double the storage, beneficial for users who store lots of media or large files.
Camera
Video Capabilities8K@24fps, 4K@60fps...4K@120fps, 1080p@120fps...Both offer extensive video recording options. Xperia 1 VI's emphasis on OIS/EIS suggests better video stabilization. Specific sensor details are lacking for a complete comparison.
Battery
Capacity4500 mAh5000 mAhXperia 1 VI's larger battery likely translates to longer battery life.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Advantages:

  • Brighter Display: Significantly higher peak brightness ensures better outdoor visibility.
  • Potentially Wider Color Availability: More color options cater to diverse preferences.

Sony Xperia 1 VI Advantages:

  • More Powerful Processor & GPU: Provides smoother performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
  • Larger RAM and Storage: Enhanced multitasking capabilities and ample space for files.
  • Larger Battery: Potentially longer battery life.
  • Newer OS: Starts with a more current Android version.
  • Superior Video Stabilization: Likely better video quality due to emphasized OIS/EIS.

Trade-offs:

  • Xperia 1 VI's taller design might be less ergonomic for some users.
  • S23 FE's Exynos processor might have lower performance and efficiency compared to the Snapdragon in the Xperia.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE: Users prioritizing a bright display for outdoor use, vibrant colors, and a wider range of color options. Good for casual users and those on a tighter budget.

Sony Xperia 1 VI: Power users, mobile gamers, content creators, and anyone needing top-tier performance, ample storage, long battery life, and advanced video recording capabilities.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions:

  1. What is your budget? Both are mid-range, but the Xperia 1 VI might be priced higher due to its specs.
  2. What are your primary use cases? Gaming, content creation, or casual use?
  3. How important is battery life and performance?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Heavy gamer: Xperia 1 VI for its superior performance.
  • Outdoor enthusiast: S23 FE for its brighter display.
  • Casual user on a budget: S23 FE might offer better value.

My Choice: Sony Xperia 1 VI

While the brighter display of the S23 FE is attractive, the Sony Xperia 1 VI's superior performance (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 12GB RAM), larger battery, double the storage, and newer Android OS make it a more compelling overall package for my needs. I prioritize long-term performance and future-proofing, and the Xperia 1 VI aligns better with these priorities. The emphasis on video stabilization suggests superior video quality, which is important to me. Although peak brightness data is missing for the Xperia 1 VI, I am willing to potentially compromise in this area for the significant gains in other crucial areas.

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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