← Back to Smartphones
2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSamsung Galaxy S23 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the premium choice here, boasting a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and a compact 6.1" display. In real-world use, the S23's impressive peak brightness of 1750 nits makes outdoor visibility a breeze, while the FE’s dedicated 3x optical telephoto lens is a game-changer for photography enthusiasts. If you want better performance for gaming and a lightweight design, the S23 shines,.
📱 Display: 6.1" vs 6.4"🔋 Battery: 3900 mAh vs 4500 mAh⚖️ Weight: 5.93 oz vs 7.37 oz
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Samsung Galaxy S23
★4.4
(101)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of OS upgrades (Android 14, 15, 16, 17); 5 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2028)
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.36GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8GHz A715, 2x2.8GHz A710, 3x2.0GHz A510)
Graphics:Adreno 740 (719 MHz)
Check Amazon Price→
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
Check Amazon Price→
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
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Samsung Galaxy S23
6.1" (6.1" full rectangle; 5.9" accounting for rounded corners)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
6.4"Winner
Refresh Rate
Samsung Galaxy S23
Adaptive 48–120 Hz
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
60Hz / 120Hz (Adaptive)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Samsung Galaxy S23
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.36GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8GHz A715, 2x2.8GHz A710, 3x2.0GHz A510)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific*
RAMKey
Samsung Galaxy S23
8 GB (LPDDR5X)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
8GB
Storage
Samsung Galaxy S23
128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB (UFS 4.0) / 512GB (UFS 4.0)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
128GB / 256GB (No microSD expansion)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Samsung Galaxy S23
50MP Wide (24 mm, f/1.8), Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
50MP, f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF
Ultra-Wide Camera
Samsung Galaxy S23
12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° FOV), Super Steady video
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
12MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Samsung Galaxy S23
3900 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 22 hours video playback
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
4,500mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Samsung Galaxy S23
Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (up to 15W); Wireless PowerShare (4.5W)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
15W Fast Wireless Charging; Wireless PowerShare (Reverse)
Design2 specs
Weight
Samsung Galaxy S23
5.93 oz (168 g)Winner
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
7.37 oz (209 g)
Dimensions
Samsung Galaxy S23
5.76" x 2.79" x 0.30" (146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 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
5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
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 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Samsung Galaxy S23
★4.4(101)Best Buy
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
★4.8(13)Best Buy
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S23 | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(101)Best Buy | ★4.8(13)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 4 generations of OS upgrades (Android 14, 15, 16, 17); 5 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2028) | 4 generations of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.36GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8GHz A715, 2x2.8GHz A710, 3x2.0GHz A510) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific* |
Graphics | Adreno 740 (719 MHz) | Adreno 730 |
RAM | 8 GB (LPDDR5X) | 8GB |
Storage | 128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB (UFS 4.0) / 512GB (UFS 4.0) | 128GB / 256GB (No microSD expansion) |
Display Size | 6.1" (6.1" full rectangle; 5.9" accounting for rounded corners) | 6.4" |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1,450 nits (Peak) |
Resolution | 2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+, 425 ppi) | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | Adaptive 48–120 Hz | 60Hz / 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1200 nits (HBM); 1750 nits peak (outdoor) | 1,450 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 50MP Wide (24 mm, f/1.8), Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS | 50MP, f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° FOV), Super Steady video | 12MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV |
Telephoto Camera | 10MP Telephoto (70 mm, f/2.4), PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom | 8MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom |
Optical Zoom | 3x optical zoom; 30x Space Zoom | 3x Optical Zoom |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x | Up to 30x |
Video Recording | 8K video at 24/30 fps; 4K at 30/60 fps; Slow motion 1080p at 240/960 fps | 8K @ 24fps; 4K @ 30/60fps |
Front Camera | 12MP Front (26 mm, f/2.2), Dual Pixel PDAF; 4K video at 30/60 fps | 10MP, f/2.4 |
Battery | 3900 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 22 hours video playback | 4,500mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | USB-C; Up to 50% in ~30 minutes with 25W adapter (sold separately) | 25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately) |
Wireless Charging | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (up to 15W); Wireless PowerShare (4.5W) | 15W Fast Wireless Charging; Wireless PowerShare (Reverse) |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (up to 5 Gb/s) | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 |
Durability | IP68 (up to 1.5 m freshwater for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back | IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Front & Back) |
Dimensions | 5.76" x 2.79" x 0.30" (146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm) | 6.22 x 3.01 x 0.32 in (158.0 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm) |
Weight | 5.93 oz (168 g) | 7.37 oz (209 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint (under display); Face recognition | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox; Stereo speakers tuned by AKG; Dual eSIM support (varies by carrier) | Samsung DeX, Stereo speakers, Samsung Knox |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Samsung Galaxy S23
Rating:★4.4(101)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of OS upgrades (Android 14, 15, 16, 17); 5 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2028)
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.36GHz Cortex-X3, 2x2.8GHz A715, 2x2.8GHz A710, 3x2.0GHz A510)
Graphics:Adreno 740 (719 MHz)
RAM:8 GB (LPDDR5X)
Storage:128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB (UFS 4.0) / 512GB (UFS 4.0)
Display Size:6.1" (6.1" full rectangle; 5.9" accounting for rounded corners)
Screen Type:Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution:2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+, 425 ppi)
Refresh Rate:Adaptive 48–120 Hz
Peak Brightness:1200 nits (HBM); 1750 nits peak (outdoor)
Main Camera:50MP Wide (24 mm, f/1.8), Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° FOV), Super Steady video
Telephoto Camera:10MP Telephoto (70 mm, f/2.4), PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom
Optical Zoom:3x optical zoom; 30x Space Zoom
Digital Zoom:Up to 30x
Video Recording:8K video at 24/30 fps; 4K at 30/60 fps; Slow motion 1080p at 240/960 fps
Front Camera:12MP Front (26 mm, f/2.2), Dual Pixel PDAF; 4K video at 30/60 fps
Battery:3900 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 22 hours video playback
Wired Charging:USB-C; Up to 50% in ~30 minutes with 25W adapter (sold separately)
Wireless Charging:Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (up to 15W); Wireless PowerShare (4.5W)
Connectivity:5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (up to 5 Gb/s)
Durability:IP68 (up to 1.5 m freshwater for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back
Dimensions:5.76" x 2.79" x 0.30" (146.3 x 70.9 x 7.6 mm)
Weight:5.93 oz (168 g)
Biometrics:Ultrasonic Fingerprint (under display); Face recognition
Extras:Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox; Stereo speakers tuned by AKG; Dual eSIM support (varies by carrier)
✓ Pros:
- • Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip outperforms standard version
- • Compact, lightweight design is easy to use with one hand
- • Bright 1750 nits display ensures excellent outdoor visibility
- • Versatile camera system with genuine 3x optical zoom
- • Solid battery life for its size class (3900 mAh)
✗ Cons:
- • Base 128GB model uses slower UFS 3.1 storage (256GB+ uses UFS 4.0)
- • Charging speed is limited to 25W (significantly slower than competitors)
- • Lacks UWB (Ultra-Wideband) support found in Plus/Ultra models
- • Refresh rate floor is 48Hz (not 1Hz like LTPO panels on Ultra)
- • Small screen size may be limiting for heavy media consumption
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
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
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is the better buy for most people - its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip crushes the S23 FE's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 if: you want the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 performance, prefer a lighter phone at 5.93oz, or need excellent outdoor visibility with 1750 nits brightness.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE if: you want a larger screen for media consumption, need 4500mAh battery life for longer usage, or prioritize a dedicated camera lens for photography.
Conclusion
Samsung Galaxy S23 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?
Samsung Galaxy S23 excels if you value powerful snapdragon 8 gen 2 for galaxy chip outperforms standard version. 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.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.