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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerApple iPhone 14 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the better buy for most people - its dedicated 3x optical zoom lens crushes the Apple iPhone 14's camera capabilities. You'd expect the iPhone to dominate, but the S23 FE's premium features make a huge difference in real-world usage. In contrast, the iPhone 14's 3279mAh battery lasts around 20 hours, which might feel limiting for similar-weight users in 2026 and beyond.
📱 Display: 6.1" vs 6.4"⚡ Refresh: 60 Hz vs 120 Hz🔋 Battery: 3279 mAh vs 4500 mAh
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Apple iPhone 14
★4.8
(1,511)•Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic chip (5nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics:Apple 5-core GPU (A15 Bionic)
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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 14
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple iPhone 14
6.1" (6.06" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
6.4"Winner
Refresh Rate
Apple iPhone 14
60 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
60Hz / 120Hz (Adaptive)Winner
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Apple iPhone 14
Apple A15 Bionic chip (5nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific*
RAMKey
Apple iPhone 14
6 GB (LPDDR4X)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
8GBWinner
Storage
Apple iPhone 14
128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
128GB / 256GB (No microSD expansion)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Apple iPhone 14
12MP Main (26 mm, f/1.5), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, Photonic Engine for better low-light performance
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
50MP, f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAFWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Apple iPhone 14
12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.4, 120° field of view)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
12MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple iPhone 14
3279 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 20 hours video playback (16 hours streamed)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
4,500mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Apple iPhone 14
MagSafe up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
15W Fast Wireless Charging; Wireless PowerShare (Reverse)
Design2 specs
Weight
Apple iPhone 14
6.07 oz (172 g)Winner
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
7.37 oz (209 g)
Dimensions
Apple iPhone 14
5.78" x 2.82" x 0.31" (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.80 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 14
iOS
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Android
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Apple iPhone 14
5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (First-generation); NFC with reader mode
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 14 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Apple iPhone 14
★4.8(1,511)Best Buy
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
★4.8(13)Best Buy
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 14 | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(1,511)Best Buy | ★4.8(13)Best Buy |
Operating System | iOS | Android |
Software Support | Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades | 4 generations of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates |
Processor | Apple A15 Bionic chip (5nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific* |
Graphics | Apple 5-core GPU (A15 Bionic) | Adreno 730 |
RAM | 6 GB (LPDDR4X) | 8GB |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe) | 128GB / 256GB (No microSD expansion) |
Display Size | 6.1" (6.06" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less) | 6.4" |
Screen Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1,450 nits (Peak) |
Resolution | 2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi) | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 60Hz / 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 800 nits max (typical); 1200 nits peak (HDR) | 1,450 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 12MP Main (26 mm, f/1.5), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, Photonic Engine for better low-light performance | 50MP, f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.4, 120° field of view) | 12MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV |
Telephoto Camera | No dedicated telephoto lens; Digital zoom only beyond 1x | 8MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom |
Optical Zoom | 0.5x, 1x (2x optical zoom out range) | 3x Optical Zoom |
Digital Zoom | Up to 5x | Up to 30x |
Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps | 8K @ 24fps; 4K @ 30/60fps |
Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps | 10MP, f/2.4 |
Battery | 3279 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 20 hours video playback (16 hours streamed) | 4,500mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | Lightning; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher | 25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately) |
Wireless Charging | MagSafe up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W | 15W Fast Wireless Charging; Wireless PowerShare (Reverse) |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (First-generation); NFC with reader mode | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | Lightning connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s) | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 |
Durability | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front; Aerospace-grade aluminum; Glass back | IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Front & Back) |
Dimensions | 5.78" x 2.82" x 0.31" (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.80 mm) | 6.22 x 3.01 x 0.32 in (158.0 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm) |
Weight | 6.07 oz (172 g) | 7.37 oz (209 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Dual eSIM (US models); Ring/Silent switch | Samsung DeX, Stereo speakers, Samsung Knox |
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Apple iPhone 14
Rating:★4.8(1,511)Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic chip (5nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics:Apple 5-core GPU (A15 Bionic)
RAM:6 GB (LPDDR4X)
Storage:128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe)
Display Size:6.1" (6.06" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution:2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi)
Refresh Rate:60 Hz
Peak Brightness:800 nits max (typical); 1200 nits peak (HDR)
Main Camera:12MP Main (26 mm, f/1.5), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, Photonic Engine for better low-light performance
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.4, 120° field of view)
Telephoto Camera:No dedicated telephoto lens; Digital zoom only beyond 1x
Optical Zoom:0.5x, 1x (2x optical zoom out range)
Digital Zoom:Up to 5x
Video Recording:4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps
Front Camera:12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps
Battery:3279 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 20 hours video playback (16 hours streamed)
Wired Charging:Lightning; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher
Wireless Charging:MagSafe up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W
Connectivity:5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (First-generation); NFC with reader mode
USB:Lightning connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s)
Durability:IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front; Aerospace-grade aluminum; Glass back
Dimensions:5.78" x 2.82" x 0.31" (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.80 mm)
Weight:6.07 oz (172 g)
Biometrics:Face ID
Extras:Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Dual eSIM (US models); Ring/Silent switch
✓ Pros:
- • Affordable entry point into the modern mainline iPhone ecosystem
- • Reliable A15 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU still performs well
- • Lightweight and compact 6.1-inch design
- • Excellent build quality with Ceramic Shield and IP68 rating
- • Autofocus on the front-facing TrueDepth camera
✗ Cons:
- • Uses the older Lightning port instead of USB-C
- • Display limited to 60 Hz (no ProMotion)
- • No optical zoom for telephoto (only digital)
- • Not compatible with newer Qi2 wireless charging standard (limited to MagSafe/Qi)
- • Dynamic Island not available (uses the older notch design)
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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?
Key specs: Display: 6.1" vs 6.4" and Refresh: 60 Hz vs 120 Hz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 14 if: you want a lightweight phone at 6.07 oz, prefer the iOS ecosystem, or need long-term software support with 5+ years of updates.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE if: you shoot a lot of photos with a 50MP camera, watch videos for hours with a 4500mAh battery, or enjoy gaming with a 120Hz display.
Conclusion
Apple iPhone 14 and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Apple iPhone 14 excels if you value affordable entry point into the modern mainline iphone ecosystem. 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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