Galaxy S23 FE Vs iPhone 14

Galaxy S23 FE
Galaxy S23 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:226.00

Versus €708.98 new

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iPhone 14
iPhone 14
Starting at

Refurbished price:287.25

Versus €759.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, released in October 2023, and the Apple iPhone 14, launched in September 2022, represent two distinct approaches to a premium smartphone experience. While both devices offer robust performance and capable camera systems, they differ significantly in their operating systems and display technologies. The Galaxy S23 FE runs on Android with Samsung's One UI, providing a customizable experience, whereas the iPhone 14 operates on Apple's iOS, known for its streamlined interface and ecosystem integration.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of a smartphone, factors like software support and physical resilience are key.

  • Software Longevity: The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE launched with Android 13 and is guaranteed to receive four major Android OS updates, extending its software support until Android 17, along with five years of security updates. The iPhone 14, released with iOS 16, typically receives iOS updates for approximately five to six years from its launch date.
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion. The iPhone 14 incorporates a Ceramic Shield front panel and a glass back. While the iPhone 14 has shown resilience in bend tests, some reports suggest it can be prone to damage from drops. The Galaxy S23 FE's display is protected by Gorilla Glass 5.
  • Repairability: The iPhone 14 series introduced a more repair-friendly design with a removable back panel, potentially making certain repairs easier.

Year of Release

2023

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from browsing to demanding applications.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: The Galaxy S23 FE is powered by an octa-core processor, with specific chipsets varying by region (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the US, Exynos 2200 elsewhere). This hardware enables smooth handling of demanding apps and multitasking. The iPhone 14 utilizes a powerful current-generation processor, which provides a fluid user experience and efficient handling of various applications.
  • Multitasking Capabilities: The Galaxy S23 FE comes with 8GB of RAM, which supports efficient multitasking and app switching. The iPhone 14, while not explicitly detailed in all search results for its base model, is known for its optimized software and hardware integration that allows for seamless multitasking.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 FE is equipped with a 4500mAh battery, supporting 25W wired and 15W wireless charging. User experiences vary, with some reporting average battery life, especially with heavy use or the Exynos variant, while others find it sufficient for a full day. The iPhone 14 offers all-day battery life, with up to 20 hours of video playback. Users generally find its battery solid, though heavy usage might require charging by evening.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, influencing everything from media consumption to daily navigation.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S23 FE features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels), offering vivid colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 14 sports a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, also known for its vibrant colors and high contrast.
  • Smoothness and Responsiveness: The Galaxy S23 FE boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth scrolling experience and fluid animations, which is particularly noticeable during gaming and browsing. The standard iPhone 14, however, has a 60Hz refresh rate, which is standard for everyday tasks but does not offer the same level of fluidity as higher refresh rate displays.
  • Brightness for Outdoor Use: The Galaxy S23 FE's display can reach a peak brightness of 1450 nits, making it comfortably usable in direct sunlight. The iPhone 14's Super Retina XDR display also offers good brightness levels for outdoor visibility.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

For many users, the camera system is a deciding factor, capturing everyday moments and special occasions.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S23 FE is equipped with a versatile triple-camera setup: a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS. This configuration allows for a range of photographic styles, from wide landscapes to zoomed-in shots. The iPhone 14 features an advanced dual-camera system, including a 12MP main camera and an Ultra Wide camera, both designed for improved low-light performance.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S23 FE's main camera delivers strong results in good lighting and handles low-light situations well with its Night Mode. The iPhone 14 also excels in capturing detailed photos, particularly with its enhanced low-light capabilities.
  • Video Recording: The Galaxy S23 FE can record video at up to 8K resolution at 24 frames per second (fps) and 4K at 60fps. The iPhone 14 supports 4K Dolby Vision HDR recording, offering high-quality video capture.
  • Front Camera: For selfies, the Galaxy S23 FE has a 10MP front camera. The iPhone 14 also features a capable front-facing camera for clear self-portraits and video calls.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and device utility.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Galaxy S23 FE uses a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer. The iPhone 14 continues to use Apple's proprietary Lightning port. Both support modern Wi-Fi standards and Bluetooth for wireless connections.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S23 FE incorporates an in-display optical fingerprint scanner for secure unlocking. The iPhone 14 relies on Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S23 FE weighs 209g and measures 158.0 x 76.5 x 8.2mm. The iPhone 14 is lighter at 172g and has dimensions of 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8mm, making it a more compact device. The Galaxy S23 FE also supports reverse wireless charging, allowing it to charge other compatible devices.

Weight

209 g

172 g

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE and iPhone 14 cater to users with differing priorities, each offering a compelling set of features. User feedback for the Galaxy S23 FE often praises its vibrant display and capable camera system, particularly its versatility with a telephoto lens. However, some users have noted concerns regarding battery life and potential overheating, especially with the Exynos processor variant. The iPhone 14 is frequently lauded for its smooth performance, reliable ecosystem, and improved low-light photography. Common criticisms include its 60Hz display, which some find less fluid compared to competitors, and the continued use of the Lightning port.

Users prioritizing a highly customizable Android experience with a high refresh rate display and a versatile camera system, including a dedicated telephoto lens, may find the Galaxy S23 FE well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who value the streamlined iOS ecosystem, consistent performance, and strong privacy features, along with a compact design, may lean towards the iPhone 14. Both devices offer robust performance for everyday use and media consumption. For those seeking an eco-friendly and quality-assured alternative, considering a refurbished version of either model can be a sustainable choice.

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