Between the high-priced, feature-packed flagships and the low-budget, compromise-filled devices, Samsung's FE series has always aimed to hit that sweet spot. The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has intense competition from the Pixel 7a and a plethora of other options in the midrange market, making an already difficult task much more so. To make matters worse, I don't think it accomplishes enough to advance.
Greater rivalry
The Galaxy S23 FE is meant to be more appealing than its more expensive siblings in the main Galaxy flagship range, and that's in part because it steals features from them. By omitting some of the extra features that drive up the price of more costly smartphones, the Fan Edition (FE) attempts to provide a better camera configuration than most midrange handsets in its price range.
Actually, I've discovered that it's easier to think of the FE series as Samsung's answer to the A-Series from Google. Although it shares many features with the more costly Pixel flagships, the Pixel 7a is priced lower by removing certain "enthusiast" features.
Despite the many advantages of the Galaxy S23 FE, like its dedicated telephoto lens, the Pixel 7a provides better photographs overall and is significantly more affordable, making the S23 FE's sole selling point seem like a sideshow.
Specifications:
Not that the Galaxy S23 FE isn't worthwhile, though. This feature-packed phone retails for $599 and boasts a 6.4-inch AMOLED screen with a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz and a resolution of 2340 x 1080. In addition, it has a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (or an Exynos 2200, if you buy it from a different store).
There is no expansion slot and the highest storage capacity is 256 GB, with just 8 GB of RAM included in this phone by Samsung. The 4,500 mAh battery, however, should ensure plenty of use time between charges. Detailed below are all of the important specifications:
Screen: 6.4-inch AMOLED (2340 x 1080; 120Hz)
Processor: Exynos 2200 / Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
Computer Memory: 8 GB
Not extendable storage options: 128GB or 256GB
The back camera has 50 megapixels (f/1.8), a 12 megapixel ultrawide (f/2.2), an 8 megapixel telephoto (f/2.4) with 3x optical zoom, and a 10 megapixel front-facing camera (f/2.4).
Rapid charging: 25W
Power source: 4,500 mAh battery
Characteristics: 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm, or 6.2 x 3 x 0.32
inches
Measurements: 7.37 oz (209 grammes)
Considering the price tag of $600, these specs are very
fantastic. Plus, that telephoto lens really stands out when contrasted with
competing versions that are priced similarly or even lower. But the unreliable
image quality frequently ruins that strength, making photographs appear
overexposed and oversaturated.
There are other cameras besides the 23 FE that have problems. Across all Galaxy devices, issues like oversaturation are noticeable. While it may not be a dealbreaker, the photographs captured by other Pixels (and the Pixel 7a in particular) are noticeably better balanced.
It also seemed like a significant oversight that there is no
way to enlarge the memory. Why leave out the ability to extend the storage on
the more costly S23 FE when Samsung has it on the less expensive Galaxy A54?
When compared to the S23, how does the S23 FE fare?
The bigger screen of the S23 FE, which costs $200 less than
the Galaxy S23, makes it appear like the obvious choice. Make sure you consider
more than just pricing and screen size before making a final purchase. In order
to make room for the larger screen, the S23 FE is taller than the standard S23
and slightly heavier at 7.37 ounces, as opposed to the basic 23's six ounces.
It may not seem like much, but when you're using the phone one-handed, every
little detail matters.
The S23 FE isn't as comfortable to hold for smaller hands
compared to the Galaxy S23 due to its larger dimensions. We won't compare them
side by side, but there are many features that are lacking in the two. When you
consider that the Galaxy S23 can be had for nearly the same price as the S23 FE
thanks to frequent sales, there aren't many good reasons to go with the FE in
this case.
A reliable phone, the S23 FE is here to stay
The Galaxy S23 FE remains an excellent phone in the end. The key issue is not that Samsung has become unmotivated or that their product portfolio is subpar; rather, the competition in this market has heated up. By positioning the less expensive Galaxy A54 and the more expensive S23 FE so near to each other, Samsung is now engaging in internal competition.
If you're looking for a Galaxy S23 smartphone with a camera system similar to the flagship model but can't justify spending the extra money on the flagship, the Galaxy S23 FE is a great alternative. A somewhat improved camera isn't going to make the handset stand out from the rest of the options available at this price point, though, because midrange phones like the S23 FE have gotten better overall.
With Samsung's promised four years of service, the S23 FE is a great option to the Galaxy S23 if you're a fan of the brand but can't justify spending an additional $200 on it. It will also grant you access to Android 14, which will be released later this year. However, one can't help but wonder whether there isn't something else available that would be a greater value for the money.
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