Galaxy S23 FE Vs Galaxy S24+

Galaxy S23 FE
Galaxy S23 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:226.00

Versus €708.98 new

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Galaxy S24+
Galaxy S24+
Starting at

Refurbished price:399.00

Versus €1,167.06 new

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Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE (Fan Edition), released in October 2023, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus, launched in January 2024, are both Android smartphones from Samsung's Galaxy series. While the S23 FE aims to deliver a flagship-like experience with some compromises, the S24 Plus represents a more premium offering with enhanced specifications and a longer software support commitment. Both devices run on the Android operating system, but the S24 Plus benefits from a newer version at launch and an extended update policy.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release dates, software support, and physical durability.

  • Release Timeline and Age: The Galaxy S23 FE was released in October 2023, making it slightly older than the Galaxy S24 Plus, which launched in January 2024. This difference in release date directly impacts their potential lifespan regarding software updates.
  • OS Support Duration: The Galaxy S23 FE is promised four years of major OS updates and five years of security updates. In contrast, the Galaxy S24 Plus offers a significantly longer commitment, with seven years of both OS and security updates. This extended support means the S24 Plus will remain current with the latest Android features and security patches for a considerably longer period.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning they can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. The S23 FE uses Gorilla Glass 5 on its front and back, while the S24 Plus features Gorilla Glass Victus 2, offering enhanced protection against drops and scratches.

Year of Release

2023

2024

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from app usage to demanding games. Both the Galaxy S23 FE and S24 Plus offer capable hardware, but with distinct differences in their processing power and memory configurations.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S23 FE is powered by a processor that handles demanding apps and multitasking smoothly, providing a responsive user experience for most tasks. The Galaxy S24 Plus, however, features a newer generation processor, which delivers faster CPU and GPU speeds, resulting in even smoother operation for intensive applications and graphics-heavy gaming.
  • RAM and Storage: The S23 FE comes with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB. The S24 Plus elevates this with 12GB of RAM, providing more headroom for extensive multitasking and ensuring applications remain responsive even with many open. It also offers larger base storage options, starting at 256GB and going up to 512GB.
  • Overall System Responsiveness: While both devices offer a fluid experience, the S24 Plus's more powerful processor and increased RAM contribute to a noticeably snappier feel, especially when switching between numerous applications or running resource-intensive tasks. Users who frequently engage in mobile gaming or heavy productivity will likely perceive a greater benefit from the S24 Plus's enhanced performance.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and both the Galaxy S23 FE and S24 Plus offer vibrant viewing experiences, though with key distinctions in their technology and capabilities.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: Both phones feature Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays, known for their deep blacks and vibrant colors. The S23 FE has a 6.4-inch screen with a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2340 pixels). The S24 Plus, on the other hand, boasts a larger 6.7-inch display with a Quad HD+ resolution (1440 x 3120 pixels), offering a sharper and more detailed visual experience.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The S23 FE offers a peak brightness of 1450 nits, which is suitable for most indoor and outdoor conditions, though some users might find it reflective in direct sunlight. The S24 Plus significantly increases peak brightness to 2600 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor environments. Both devices feature a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. The S24 Plus further enhances this with an LTPO panel, allowing for a variable refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz, which can contribute to better power efficiency.
  • Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The S24 Plus's larger screen and higher resolution provide a more immersive viewing experience, particularly for media consumption and detailed content. The S23 FE's slightly smaller screen might be preferred by users who favor a more compact device for one-handed use.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1440 x 3120

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

Both the Galaxy S23 FE and the Galaxy S24 Plus are equipped with versatile camera systems designed to capture a variety of moments, from everyday snapshots to more artistic compositions.

  • Rear Camera System: Both phones feature a triple-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The S23 FE's telephoto lens is 8MP, while the S24 Plus features a 10MP telephoto lens. This slight difference in megapixel count for the telephoto lens may offer marginally more detail in zoomed-in shots on the S24 Plus.
  • Photography Performance: Both devices are capable of capturing detailed images in various lighting conditions. The S23 FE performs well in low light, though its Night mode could see improvements. The S24 Plus, with its newer processing capabilities, may offer subtle enhancements in image processing, particularly in challenging lighting scenarios, leading to more refined results.
  • Video Recording and Audio: Both phones support high-resolution video recording, including 8K at 24fps on the S23 FE and up to 8K on the S24 Plus. The S23 FE also offers 4K at 30/60fps. While specific microphone and speaker quality details can vary, both are expected to provide clear audio for calls and a satisfactory media consumption experience, consistent with Samsung's smartphone offerings.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of a smartphone.

  • Connectivity Options: Both the Galaxy S23 FE and S24 Plus support 5G connectivity, ensuring fast mobile data speeds where available. They also include modern Wi-Fi standards, with the S23 FE supporting Wi-Fi 6E and the S24 Plus supporting Wi-Fi 7, offering potentially faster and more stable wireless connections. Both feature Bluetooth 5.3 for connecting to accessories.
  • Ports and Biometrics: Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. Neither phone includes a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. For security, both integrate an under-display fingerprint sensor.
  • Physical Design and Materials: The S23 FE measures 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm and weighs 209g, featuring Gorilla Glass 5 on the front and back with an aluminum frame. The S24 Plus is slightly larger but thinner and lighter at 158.5 x 75.9 x 7.7 mm and 196g (or 197g for mmWave models), utilizing Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for enhanced durability and an aluminum frame. The S24 Plus's design offers a slightly more refined and lighter feel in hand.

Weight

209 g

197 g

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE and Galaxy S24 Plus cater to different user priorities within the Samsung ecosystem. Users generally praise the S23 FE for offering a solid overall experience with a capable camera system and a vibrant display, making it a well-rounded device for everyday use. Some common criticisms for the S23 FE include its slightly older processor compared to other devices in its release year and its battery life, which some heavy users might find requires more frequent charging.

The Galaxy S24 Plus, on the other hand, receives commendation for its brighter, higher-resolution display, significantly longer software support, and enhanced performance, making it a strong contender for users seeking a more premium and future-proof device. Its larger battery capacity also contributes to extended usage times. Criticisms for the S24 Plus are less frequent but often relate to its size, which might be less comfortable for users preferring smaller phones.

Users prioritizing a balance of features and a capable camera for general use may find the Galaxy S23 FE well-suited to their needs. It offers a robust experience for students, professionals, and travelers who value a reliable smartphone without needing the absolute latest in processing power. Conversely, users who prioritize cutting-edge performance, a superior display for media and gaming, and a significantly longer period of software updates will likely lean towards the Galaxy S24 Plus. Its extended support makes it a compelling choice for those who plan to keep their device for many years, aligning with the benefits of choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for a more sustainable choice.

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