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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSony Xperia 1 VI vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Get the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE unless you need serious photography features. The specs show the Sony Xperia 1 VI excels with its unique 85-170mm continuous optical zoom, perfect for capturing distant subjects. The S23 FE is a solid pick for general use, but if you're after cutting-edge photography, the Sony is worth the extra investment.
📱 Display: 6.5" vs 6.4"🔋 Battery: 5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh⚖️ Weight: 6.77 oz vs 7.37 oz
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Sony Xperia 1 VI
★4.3
(41)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Graphics:Adreno 750
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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
Sony Xperia 1 VI
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Sony Xperia 1 VI
6.5"Winner
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
6.4"
Refresh Rate
Sony Xperia 1 VI
1Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
60Hz / 120Hz (Adaptive)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Sony Xperia 1 VI
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific*
RAMKey
Sony Xperia 1 VI
12GB LPDDR5XWinner
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
8GB
Storage
Sony Xperia 1 VI
256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1.5TB)Winner
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
128GB / 256GB (No microSD expansion)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Sony Xperia 1 VI
48MP (Effective) / 52MP (Total), f/1.9, 24mm, 1/1.35" Exmor T, OIS
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
50MP, f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAFWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Sony Xperia 1 VI
12MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 123-degree FOV, AF (Macro support)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
12MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Sony Xperia 1 VI
5,000mAhWinner
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
4,500mAh (Typical)
Wireless Charging
Sony Xperia 1 VI
15W Qi Wireless Charging + Reverse Wireless Charging
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
15W Fast Wireless Charging; Wireless PowerShare (Reverse)
Design2 specs
Weight
Sony Xperia 1 VI
6.77 oz (192 g)Winner
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
7.37 oz (209 g)
Dimensions
Sony Xperia 1 VI
6.38 x 2.91 x 0.32 in (162 x 74 x 8.2 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
Sony Xperia 1 VI
5G (Global Bands - Limited US Carrier Support), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
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: Sony Xperia 1 VI vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Sony Xperia 1 VI
★4.3(41)Amazon
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
★4.8(13)Best Buy
| Criterion | Sony Xperia 1 VI | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.3(41)Amazon | ★4.8(13)Best Buy |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 3 OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates | 4 generations of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific* |
Graphics | Adreno 750 | Adreno 730 |
RAM | 12GB LPDDR5X | 8GB |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1.5TB) | 128GB / 256GB (No microSD expansion) |
Display Size | 6.5" | 6.4" |
Screen Type | LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz Adaptive, Powered by BRAVIA | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1,450 nits (Peak) |
Resolution | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) — *Note: Downgraded from 4K on previous models* | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 1Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive) | 60Hz / 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1,300 nits (Typical High Brightness) / ~1,500 nits (Peak) | 1,450 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 48MP (Effective) / 52MP (Total), f/1.9, 24mm, 1/1.35" Exmor T, OIS | 50MP, f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 123-degree FOV, AF (Macro support) | 12MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV |
Telephoto Camera | 12MP Continuous Optical Zoom, f/2.3-3.5, 85mm-170mm, OIS, Tele-macro | 8MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom |
Optical Zoom | 3.5x to 7.1x Continuous Optical Zoom | 3x Optical Zoom |
Digital Zoom | Up to 21x (AI Super Resolution) | Up to 30x |
Video Recording | 4K HDR @ 120fps (All lenses) | 8K @ 24fps; 4K @ 30/60fps |
Front Camera | 12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.9" Exmor RS, 4K @ 60fps | 10MP, f/2.4 |
Battery | 5,000mAh | 4,500mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | 30W USB-PD (50% in 30 min) — *Charger not included* | 25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately) |
Wireless Charging | 15W Qi Wireless Charging + Reverse Wireless Charging | 15W Fast Wireless Charging; Wireless PowerShare (Reverse) |
Connectivity | 5G (Global Bands - Limited US Carrier Support), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps), Video Out (DisplayPort) | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 |
Durability | IP65/IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front) / Victus (Back) | IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Front & Back) |
Dimensions | 6.38 x 2.91 x 0.32 in (162 x 74 x 8.2 mm) | 6.22 x 3.01 x 0.32 in (158.0 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm) |
Weight | 6.77 oz (192 g) | 7.37 oz (209 g) |
Biometrics | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Full-stage stereo speakers, Dedicated Shutter Button | Samsung DeX, Stereo speakers, Samsung Knox |
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Sony Xperia 1 VI
Rating:★4.3(41)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Graphics:Adreno 750
RAM:12GB LPDDR5X
Storage:256GB / 512GB UFS 4.0 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1.5TB)
Display Size:6.5"
Screen Type:LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz Adaptive, Powered by BRAVIA
Resolution:2340 x 1080 (FHD+) — *Note: Downgraded from 4K on previous models*
Refresh Rate:1Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:1,300 nits (Typical High Brightness) / ~1,500 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:48MP (Effective) / 52MP (Total), f/1.9, 24mm, 1/1.35" Exmor T, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 123-degree FOV, AF (Macro support)
Telephoto Camera:12MP Continuous Optical Zoom, f/2.3-3.5, 85mm-170mm, OIS, Tele-macro
Optical Zoom:3.5x to 7.1x Continuous Optical Zoom
Digital Zoom:Up to 21x (AI Super Resolution)
Video Recording:4K HDR @ 120fps (All lenses)
Front Camera:12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.9" Exmor RS, 4K @ 60fps
Battery:5,000mAh
Wired Charging:30W USB-PD (50% in 30 min) — *Charger not included*
Wireless Charging:15W Qi Wireless Charging + Reverse Wireless Charging
Connectivity:5G (Global Bands - Limited US Carrier Support), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps), Video Out (DisplayPort)
Durability:IP65/IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front) / Victus (Back)
Dimensions:6.38 x 2.91 x 0.32 in (162 x 74 x 8.2 mm)
Weight:6.77 oz (192 g)
Biometrics:Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
Extras:3.5mm Headphone Jack, Full-stage stereo speakers, Dedicated Shutter Button
✓ Pros:
- • Exclusive 85-170mm true continuous optical zoom lens
- • Rare flagship features: 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD slot
- • Outstanding battery life (often rated 2 days) with 5,000mAh cell
- • Display is significantly brighter and more power-efficient (LTPO) than predecessors
- • Professional-grade camera apps (Photography Pro, Video Pro) merged for ease of use
✗ Cons:
- • NOT officially sold in the US (No warranty, missing key US 5G bands like Band 71)
- • Display resolution downgraded to 1080p (loss of unique 4K identity)
- • Charging speed (30W) is very slow compared to price-tier competitors
- • Expensive import price ($1,300+) for a phone with limited support
- • Box contents are empty (No charger, no cable)
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.
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Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the better buy for most people - its dedicated 3x optical zoom lens crushes the Sony Xperia 1 VI’s camera capabilities for everyday photography.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Sony Xperia 1 VI if: you need a unique 85-170mm optical zoom for versatile photography, you watch a lot of videos on-the-go with its 5000mAh battery, or you want expandable storage with a microSD card.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE if: you prefer a premium build with an IP68 rating, you want a phone with guaranteed long-term software support for 4 OS updates, or you enjoy a brighter display with peak brightness at 1,450 nits.
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Sony Xperia 1 VI excels if you value exclusive 85-170mm true continuous optical zoom lens. 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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