Galaxy S23 FE Vs Galaxy S23 Ultra

Galaxy S23 FE
Galaxy S23 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:226.00

Versus €708.98 new

See options
Galaxy S23 Ultra
Galaxy S23 Ultra
Starting at

Refurbished price:430.00

Versus €1,409.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, released in October 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, launched in February 2023, are both Android smartphones from Samsung's Galaxy S series. While sharing the same operating system and Samsung's One UI, the S23 Ultra represents a top-tier flagship experience, offering advanced features and capabilities, whereas the S23 FE aims to deliver a premium experience with a focus on essential features. These devices cater to different user priorities, with distinctions in their camera systems, display technology, and overall performance.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release date, software support, and physical durability. Both the Galaxy S23 FE and S23 Ultra benefit from Samsung's commitment to extended software updates, ensuring a practical lifespan for users.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S23 Ultra was released in February 2023, preceding the Galaxy S23 FE, which launched in October 2023. This difference in release means the S23 Ultra has been available for a longer period.
  • Software Support: Both devices run on Android with Samsung's One UI. The Galaxy S23 Ultra is expected to receive at least five years of software updates, including four major Android version updates and monthly security patches, from its release. The S23 FE, being a newer device, will also benefit from a similar extended support policy, ensuring it remains current with the latest features and security enhancements for several years.
  • Repairability: The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a good repairability rating, with features like battery pull tabs designed to simplify battery replacement. The Galaxy S23 FE also incorporates design elements like battery pull tabs, contributing to a relatively high repairability score. Both devices feature Gorilla Glass protection on the front and back, and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, contributing to their physical durability.

Year of Release

2023

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance is a key differentiator, impacting how smoothly applications run, how quickly tasks are completed, and the overall responsiveness of the device. Both models offer capable performance, but with varying levels of power and efficiency.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S23 Ultra is equipped with a current-generation processor designed for demanding tasks, offering enhanced performance for gaming, complex applications, and multitasking. The Galaxy S23 FE utilizes a previous-generation processor, which still provides smooth performance for everyday use, including browsing, social media, and moderate gaming. Users will experience quick app loading times and responsive navigation on both devices, though the S23 Ultra handles more intensive workloads with greater ease.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 Ultra features a 5000 mAh battery, which, combined with its efficient processor, often provides extended usage, with many users reporting it can last through a full day of heavy use and potentially longer with moderate usage. The Galaxy S23 FE has a 4500 mAh battery. While it can typically last a full day for average users, heavy usage, especially with demanding tasks like gaming or 4K video recording, may lead to more frequent charging. Both support wired and wireless charging.
  • Storage and RAM: The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers a wider range of storage options, including larger capacities, and typically comes with more RAM, which benefits extensive multitasking and demanding applications. The Galaxy S23 FE provides standard storage configurations and 8GB of RAM, suitable for most users' needs.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer vibrant viewing experiences, though with distinct characteristics in terms of resolution, brightness, and size.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: Both the Galaxy S23 FE and S23 Ultra feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for their vibrant colors and deep blacks. The S23 Ultra boasts a larger 6.8-inch display with a Quad HD+ resolution (3088x1440 pixels), providing exceptional sharpness and detail. The S23 FE has a 6.4-inch display with a Full HD+ resolution (2340x1080 pixels), offering clear and crisp visuals for everyday viewing.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers a peak brightness of 1750 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. Some reports indicated a potential peak brightness of up to 2200 nits. Its adaptive refresh rate can scale from 1Hz to 120Hz, providing smooth scrolling and animations while optimizing power consumption. The Galaxy S23 FE has a peak brightness of 1450 nits, which is still bright enough for comfortable outdoor use, and features a consistent 120Hz refresh rate for a fluid user experience.
  • Viewing Experience: The larger, higher-resolution display of the S23 Ultra is well-suited for immersive media consumption, detailed work, and gaming. The S23 FE's display provides a quality viewing experience for general use, streaming, and gaming, with its size being a comfortable middle ground for many users.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440 x 3088

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on both devices are designed to capture high-quality images and videos, but the S23 Ultra offers a more versatile and advanced setup for photography enthusiasts.

  • Camera System Capabilities: The Galaxy S23 Ultra features a quad-camera system, highlighted by a 200-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and two 10-megapixel telephoto lenses offering 3x and 10x optical zoom. This setup provides extensive flexibility for various photographic scenarios. The Galaxy S23 FE comes with a triple-camera system, including a 50-megapixel main camera, a 12-megapixel ultrawide, and an 8-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom.
  • Photography Performance: The S23 Ultra excels in capturing highly detailed and vibrant photos, particularly in low-light conditions, and its advanced zoom capabilities allow for clear distant shots. The S23 FE delivers good quality photos in various conditions, with its 50-megapixel main sensor providing clear and colorful images for everyday photography.
  • Video Recording: The Galaxy S23 Ultra supports video recording up to 8K resolution at 30 frames per second (fps), and 4K at 30/60fps. The Galaxy S23 FE can also record video in up to 8K at 24fps and 4K at 30fps. Both devices offer optical image stabilization (OIS) for smoother video.
  • Front Camera and Audio: Both phones feature capable front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls. The S23 Ultra has a 12-megapixel front camera, while the S23 FE has a 10-megapixel front camera. Both devices offer stereo speakers for an enhanced audio experience.

Main camera

50 megapixels

200 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience, from connectivity to physical design.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy S23 FE and S23 Ultra support 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections. The S23 Ultra features USB Type-C 3.2, while the S23 FE uses USB 3.2 Gen 1 for data transfer and charging. Neither device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Sensors and Security: Both phones incorporate an in-display fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The S23 Ultra uses an ultrasonic sensor, while the S23 FE uses an optical sensor. Both also support face recognition.
  • Dimensions and Build: The Galaxy S23 Ultra is a larger and slightly heavier device, with dimensions of 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm and a weight of 234 grams. It features an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back. The Galaxy S23 FE is more compact and lighter, measuring 158.0 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm and weighing 209 grams. It also has an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass 5 protection on the front and back. Both devices carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
  • Additional Features: The Galaxy S23 Ultra includes an integrated S Pen, offering enhanced productivity and creative capabilities. The S23 FE supports Samsung DeX, allowing for a desktop-like experience when connected to an external display.

Weight

209 g

233 g

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.8

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE and Galaxy S23 Ultra cater to distinct user needs within the Android smartphone market. User feedback for the Galaxy S23 Ultra often praises its exceptional camera system, particularly its zoom capabilities, and its long-lasting battery life, making it a strong choice for those who prioritize photography and extended usage. Its powerful performance is also frequently highlighted for handling demanding applications and multitasking. Some users, however, note its larger size and weight as a potential consideration.

The Galaxy S23 FE is generally well-received for offering a premium feel and solid performance for everyday tasks. Users appreciate its vibrant display and capable camera for general photography. Common feedback suggests that while its battery life is sufficient for a full day of moderate use, heavy users might find themselves needing to charge more frequently. Its processor, while capable, is a generation older than the Ultra's, which some power users might notice during intensive gaming or very heavy multitasking.

Users who prioritize a top-tier camera experience, maximum performance for demanding applications, and the integrated S Pen for productivity will find the Galaxy S23 Ultra well-suited to their needs. Its larger display and extended battery life also appeal to those who consume a lot of media or require their device to last through long periods of use. Conversely, users who seek a balanced smartphone experience with a strong display, good camera, and reliable performance for daily tasks, without the need for the absolute latest processor or advanced zoom capabilities, may lean toward the Galaxy S23 FE. It offers a premium build and features that are more than adequate for most users.

For those considering either device, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative, allowing access to these capable smartphones while making a sustainable choice.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons