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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSamsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra wins if you prioritize photography and performance with its stunning 200MP camera and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Meanwhile, the S23 FE is a great option for those looking to save some money without sacrificing core features. Key specs: Display: 6.8" vs 6.4" and Battery: 5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh.
📱 Display: 6.8" vs 6.4"🔋 Battery: 5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh⚖️ Weight: 8.25 oz vs 7.37 oz
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Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
★4.4
(1,332)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
Graphics:Qualcomm Adreno 740
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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
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)Winner
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
6.4"
Refresh Rate
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
1–120Hz (Adaptive)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
60Hz / 120Hz (Adaptive)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific*
RAMKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
8GB / 12GB LPDDR5XWinner
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
8GB
Storage
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0)Winner
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
128GB / 256GB (No microSD expansion)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
200MP Wide (f/1.7, 85° FOV), Laser AF, OISWinner
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
50MP, f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF
Ultra-Wide Camera
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
12MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
5,000 mAh (Typical)Winner
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
4,500mAh (Typical)
Wireless Charging
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
15W Fast Wireless Charging; Wireless PowerShare (Reverse)
Design2 specs
Weight
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
8.25 oz (234 g)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
7.37 oz (209 g)Winner
Dimensions
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
6.43" x 3.07" x 0.35" (163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
6.22 x 3.01 x 0.32 in (158.0 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; 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: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
★4.4(1,332)Best Buy
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
★4.8(13)Best Buy
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,332)Best Buy | ★4.8(13)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates | 4 generations of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific* |
Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno 740 | Adreno 730 |
RAM | 8GB / 12GB LPDDR5X | 8GB |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0) | 128GB / 256GB (No microSD expansion) |
Display Size | 6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.4" |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1,450 nits (Peak) |
Resolution | 3088 x 1440 pixels (QHD+), 500 ppi | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 1–120Hz (Adaptive) | 60Hz / 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1,750 nits (Peak) | 1,450 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 200MP Wide (f/1.7, 85° FOV), Laser AF, OIS | 50MP, f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) | 12MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV |
Telephoto Camera | 10MP Telephoto (3x optical, f/2.4) + 10MP Periscope (10x optical, f/4.9); OIS | 8MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom |
Optical Zoom | 3x, 10x Optical Zoom | 3x Optical Zoom |
Digital Zoom | Up to 100x Space Zoom | Up to 30x |
Video Recording | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps | 8K @ 24fps; 4K @ 30/60fps |
Front Camera | 12MP Front (f/2.2, 80° FOV), Dual Pixel AF | 10MP, f/2.4 |
Battery | 5,000 mAh (Typical) | 4,500mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | Up to 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0 (Adapter sold separately) | 25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately) |
Wireless Charging | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare | 15W Fast Wireless Charging; Wireless PowerShare (Reverse) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 |
Durability | IP68 (Water resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Front & Back) |
Dimensions | 6.43" x 3.07" x 0.35" (163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm) | 6.22 x 3.01 x 0.32 in (158.0 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm) |
Weight | 8.25 oz (234 g) | 7.37 oz (209 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Integrated S Pen (2.8ms latency); Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox | Samsung DeX, Stereo speakers, Samsung Knox |
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Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Rating:★4.4(1,332)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
Graphics:Qualcomm Adreno 740
RAM:8GB / 12GB LPDDR5X
Storage:256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0)
Display Size:6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display
Resolution:3088 x 1440 pixels (QHD+), 500 ppi
Refresh Rate:1–120Hz (Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:1,750 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:200MP Wide (f/1.7, 85° FOV), Laser AF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Telephoto Camera:10MP Telephoto (3x optical, f/2.4) + 10MP Periscope (10x optical, f/4.9); OIS
Optical Zoom:3x, 10x Optical Zoom
Digital Zoom:Up to 100x Space Zoom
Video Recording:8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps
Front Camera:12MP Front (f/2.2, 80° FOV), Dual Pixel AF
Battery:5,000 mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:Up to 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0 (Adapter sold separately)
Wireless Charging:Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1
Durability:IP68 (Water resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Dimensions:6.43" x 3.07" x 0.35" (163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm)
Weight:8.25 oz (234 g)
Biometrics:Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition
Extras:Integrated S Pen (2.8ms latency); Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox
✓ Pros:
- • Class-leading 200MP main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom
- • Custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy provides top-tier performance
- • Excellent battery life with 5,000mAh capacity
- • Integrated S Pen adds unique productivity features
- • Premium build with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and IP68 rating
✗ Cons:
- • Slow charging speed (45W) compared to competitors
- • Large and heavy (8.25 oz) form factor is difficult for one-handed use
- • Expensive starting price
- • No microSD card slot for expandable storage
- • Included USB cable is only USB 2.0 despite port supporting 3.2
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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 Ultra is the better buy for most people - its 200MP camera crushes the S23 FE's 50MP.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra if: you need the best camera for photography, you want top-tier performance for gaming, or you value a larger screen for media consumption. (6.8" display, 5000 mAh battery)
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE if: you want a lighter phone for daily use, you prefer a more budget-friendly option, or you want solid performance without the extra frills. (6.4" display, 4500 mAh battery)
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra excels if you value class-leading 200mp main camera and versatile 10x optical zoom. 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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