Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Review

Key Features

• Display: 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and a peak brightness of 1450 nits. Resolution is 1080 x 2340 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 403 ppi. It is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
• Processor: International version features the Samsung Exynos 2200 (4 nm) chipset, with an octa-core CPU (1x2.8 GHz Cortex-X2, 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710, 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) and Xclipse 920 GPU.
• Cameras: Triple rear camera setup consisting of a 50MP primary (Samsung GN3 sensor, 1/1.57", f/1.8, 1.0µm pixels, OIS), a 13MP ultrawide (Samsung S5K3L6 sensor, 1/3.1", f/2.2, 1.12µm pixels), and an 8MP telephoto (Hynix HI-847 sensor, f/2.0, 1.0µm pixels) with 3x optical zoom and OIS. Front camera is 10.8MP (Samsung S5K3J1 sensor, 1/2.65", f/2.4, 1.22µm pixels).
• Battery: 4500 mAh Li-Ion battery with 25W fast charging support, 15W wireless charging and 4.5W reverse wireless charging.
• Operating System: Android 13, upgradable to Android 17.
• Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and USB Type-C with OTG support.
• Build: Dimensions of 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm, weighing 209 grams.
• Other: Under-display fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos support, and available in multiple colors.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Vibrant and smooth 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with HDR10+ support.
• Capable Exynos 2200 chipset (for International variant), suitable for most tasks and gaming.
• Versatile triple camera system with OIS and 3x optical zoom.
• Good battery life with 25W fast charging and wireless charging capabilities.
• Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos enhance audio experience.
• Future-proofed with upgrades to Android 17.
• Available in multiple color options.

Cons:

• The Exynos 2200 chipset performance may not match that of flagship processors and there can be performance variation between the International and North American variants.
• No charger included in the box, requiring an additional purchase.
• 25W charging is not as fast as some competitors.
• No microSD card slot for expandable storage.
• Gorilla Glass 5 is not the latest version of the protective glass.

User Experience

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE delivers a generally positive user experience. The 120Hz AMOLED display provides smooth scrolling and vivid colors, enhancing multimedia consumption and gaming. The Exynos 2200 chipset, while not the absolute best, manages day-to-day tasks and most games without significant lag. The user interface is smooth and customizable thanks to Samsung's One UI. The triple camera setup offers flexibility for various shooting scenarios, with generally good image quality especially from the main sensor. Battery life comfortably lasts a day for moderate users. The inclusion of stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos creates a compelling multimedia experience. However, the lack of an included charger and the absence of a microSD card slot may be a drawback for some users.

Hardware & Design

The device has a glass front and back with an aluminum frame giving it a premium feel. The dimensions are 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm, and it weighs 209 grams. The 6.4-inch display has a hole-punch notch for the front camera. It is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5. The phone has a clean and minimalist design, available in multiple color options like Purple, Graphite, Mint, Cream, Indigo and Tangerine. The placement of the power button and volume rocker on the right side of the device is standard. There is a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer and no 3.5mm headphone jack. The fingerprint sensor is integrated under the display for convenient unlocking.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is a well-rounded mid-range device that offers a premium display, capable performance (especially the international version), a versatile camera system and decent battery life. While it does have some drawbacks like the lack of an included charger, no microSD card support, and the Exynos chipset not being the top of the line, it still provides good value for the money, especially at the lower end of its price range. It's a viable option for users seeking a premium-feeling phone without the flagship price.