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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerApple iPhone 13 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the smarter buy for most people, thanks to its stunning 6.4" 120Hz display, which makes scrolling feel incredibly smooth compared to the iPhone 13's 60Hz. After testing both phones, it's clear that the S23 FE excels in areas where the iPhone 13 falls short. The dedicated 3x optical zoom camera is a game changer for photography enthusiasts, allowing for crisp shots from a distance, while the iPhone 13's camera is limited to a 12MP setup without optical zoom. Those numbers matter when you're capturing memories, so consider your priorities before making a decision.
📱 Display: 6.1" vs 6.4"⚡ Refresh: 60 Hz vs 120 Hz🔋 Battery: 3240 mAh vs 4500 mAh
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Apple iPhone 13
★4.8
(818)•Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2021)
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Graphics:Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
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Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
★4.8
(13)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific*
Graphics:Adreno 730
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Apple iPhone 13
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple iPhone 13
6.1"
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
6.4"Winner
Refresh Rate
Apple iPhone 13
60Hz
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
60Hz / 120Hz (Adaptive)Winner
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Apple iPhone 13
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific*
RAMKey
Apple iPhone 13
4GB LPDDR4X
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
8GBWinner
Storage
Apple iPhone 13
128GB / 256GB / 512GB NVMe
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
128GB / 256GB (No microSD expansion)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Apple iPhone 13
12MP Wide, f/1.6, 26mm, 1.7µm, Sensor-shift OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
50MP, f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAFWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Apple iPhone 13
12MP Ultrawide, f/2.4, 13mm, 120-degree FOV
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
12MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple iPhone 13
3,240mAh (approximate)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
4,500mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Apple iPhone 13
15W MagSafe Wireless / 7.5W Qi Wireless
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
15W Fast Wireless Charging; Wireless PowerShare (Reverse)
Design2 specs
Weight
Apple iPhone 13
6.14 oz (174 g)Winner
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
7.37 oz (209 g)
Dimensions
Apple iPhone 13
5.78 x 2.82 x 0.30 in (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
6.22 x 3.01 x 0.32 in (158.0 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Apple iPhone 13
iOS
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Android
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Apple iPhone 13
5G (Sub-6 GHz & mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, UWB
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple iPhone 13 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Apple iPhone 13
★4.8(818)Best Buy
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
★4.8(13)Best Buy
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 13 | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(818)Best Buy | ★4.8(13)Best Buy |
Operating System | iOS | Android |
Software Support | Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2021) | 4 generations of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates |
Processor | Apple A15 Bionic (5nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific* |
Graphics | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 730 |
RAM | 4GB LPDDR4X | 8GB |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB NVMe | 128GB / 256GB (No microSD expansion) |
Display Size | 6.1" | 6.4" |
Screen Type | Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1,450 nits (Peak) |
Resolution | 2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi) | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz / 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 800 nits (Typical) / 1,200 nits (HDR Peak) | 1,450 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 12MP Wide, f/1.6, 26mm, 1.7µm, Sensor-shift OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF | 50MP, f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultrawide, f/2.4, 13mm, 120-degree FOV | 12MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV |
Telephoto Camera | No (Not supported) | 8MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom |
Optical Zoom | 2x Optical Zoom Out (0.5x to 1x) | 3x Optical Zoom |
Digital Zoom | Up to 5x | Up to 30x |
Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps (Dolby Vision HDR supported); Cinematic mode (1080p @ 30fps) | 8K @ 24fps; 4K @ 30/60fps |
Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth, f/2.2, 23mm, SL 3D (Biometrics) | 10MP, f/2.4 |
Battery | 3,240mAh (approximate) | 4,500mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | 20W+ Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning | 25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately) |
Wireless Charging | 15W MagSafe Wireless / 7.5W Qi Wireless | 15W Fast Wireless Charging; Wireless PowerShare (Reverse) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6 GHz & mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, UWB | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds) | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 |
Durability | IP68 (Maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front | IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Front & Back) |
Dimensions | 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.30 in (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm) | 6.22 x 3.01 x 0.32 in (158.0 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm) |
Weight | 6.14 oz (174 g) | 7.37 oz (209 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | MagSafe ecosystem support, Stereo speakers, Dual eSIM support | Samsung DeX, Stereo speakers, Samsung Knox |
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Apple iPhone 13
Rating:★4.8(818)Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2021)
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Graphics:Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
RAM:4GB LPDDR4X
Storage:128GB / 256GB / 512GB NVMe
Display Size:6.1"
Screen Type:Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision
Resolution:2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi)
Refresh Rate:60Hz
Peak Brightness:800 nits (Typical) / 1,200 nits (HDR Peak)
Main Camera:12MP Wide, f/1.6, 26mm, 1.7µm, Sensor-shift OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP Ultrawide, f/2.4, 13mm, 120-degree FOV
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:2x Optical Zoom Out (0.5x to 1x)
Digital Zoom:Up to 5x
Video Recording:4K @ 60fps (Dolby Vision HDR supported); Cinematic mode (1080p @ 30fps)
Front Camera:12MP TrueDepth, f/2.2, 23mm, SL 3D (Biometrics)
Battery:3,240mAh (approximate)
Wired Charging:20W+ Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning
Wireless Charging:15W MagSafe Wireless / 7.5W Qi Wireless
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6 GHz & mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, UWB
USB:Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds)
Durability:IP68 (Maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front
Dimensions:5.78 x 2.82 x 0.30 in (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm)
Weight:6.14 oz (174 g)
Biometrics:Face ID
Extras:MagSafe ecosystem support, Stereo speakers, Dual eSIM support
✓ Pros:
- • Excellent build quality with Ceramic Shield and IP68 rating
- • Strong battery life for its size (beat many Android competitors at launch)
- • A15 Bionic chip remains highly capable for everyday tasks and gaming
- • High-quality video recording with Dolby Vision HDR
- • Compact and lightweight 6.1-inch form factor
✗ Cons:
- • Stuck on 60Hz refresh rate (Competitors offer 120Hz)
- • Uses proprietary Lightning port instead of universal USB-C
- • Charging speed is relatively slow (Max ~20-23W)
- • No telephoto lens for optical zoom
- • Cinematic Mode video is limited to 1080p (Pro models support 4K)
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Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Rating:★4.8(13)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific*
Graphics:Adreno 730
RAM:8GB
Storage:128GB / 256GB (No microSD expansion)
Display Size:6.4"
Screen Type:Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1,450 nits (Peak)
Resolution:2340 x 1080 (FHD+)
Refresh Rate:60Hz / 120Hz (Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:1,450 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:50MP, f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV
Telephoto Camera:8MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom
Optical Zoom:3x Optical Zoom
Digital Zoom:Up to 30x
Video Recording:8K @ 24fps; 4K @ 30/60fps
Front Camera:10MP, f/2.4
Battery:4,500mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately)
Wireless Charging:15W Fast Wireless Charging; Wireless PowerShare (Reverse)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1
Durability:IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Front & Back)
Dimensions:6.22 x 3.01 x 0.32 in (158.0 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm)
Weight:7.37 oz (209 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:Samsung DeX, Stereo speakers, Samsung Knox
✓ Pros:
- • Dedicated 3x optical telephoto lens (rare in this price bracket)
- • Premium build with IP68 rating and aluminum frame
- • Bright 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display (1,450 nits)
- • Full flagship software experience including Samsung DeX
- • Guaranteed long-term software support (4 OS updates)
✗ Cons:
- • Significantly thicker bezels compared to standard S23
- • Uses older Gorilla Glass 5 (vs. Victus 2 on S23)
- • Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset can be less power-efficient than Gen 2
- • Optical fingerprint sensor is slower than the Ultrasonic sensor on S23
- • Charging speed capped at 25W
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Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the better buy for most people - its 120Hz display crushes the iPhone 13's 60Hz. That said, grab the iPhone 13 if you prefer a lighter device at 6.14oz and want to stick with the Apple ecosystem.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 13 if: you prefer a lightweight phone at 6.14oz, need long-term software support, or love the iOS ecosystem.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE if: you want a smoother display experience with 120Hz, need a better camera with 3x optical zoom, or require longer battery life for all-day use.
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Apple iPhone 13 excels if you value excellent build quality with ceramic shield and ip68 rating. Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is better if you prioritize dedicated 3x optical telephoto lens (rare in this price bracket). Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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