Galaxy S23 FE Vs iPhone 14 Plus

Galaxy S23 FE
Galaxy S23 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:207.00

Versus €708.98 new

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iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Plus
Starting at

Refurbished price:317.00

Versus €879.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, released in October 2023, and the iPhone 14 Plus, launched in October 2022, offer distinct smartphone experiences. While the Galaxy S23 FE runs on Android and focuses on a versatile camera system, the iPhone 14 Plus operates on iOS, emphasizing a large display and robust battery performance. Both devices cater to users seeking capable smartphones, but they diverge in their core features and ecosystem.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their respective release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

  • Software Longevity: The iPhone 14 Plus, released in October 2022, typically receives major iOS updates for approximately five to six years from its launch. The Galaxy S23 FE, launched a year later in October 2023, is promised four major Android OS updates and five years of security patches from Samsung. This means the Galaxy S23 FE will likely receive software support for a longer duration into the future. [8]
  • Physical Durability: Both devices feature robust construction. The iPhone 14 Plus incorporates a Ceramic Shield front cover and a glass back with an aluminum frame, offering IP68 water and dust resistance. [1, 4, 6, 18, 26] The Galaxy S23 FE also boasts an IP68 rating, with a Gorilla Glass 5 front, Gorilla Glass Victus 5 back, and an aluminum frame. [8, 10, 11, 12, 20, 35]
  • Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary, both manufacturers design their devices with certain repair considerations. Users seeking to extend the life of their device might consider quality-assured refurbished options, which offer a sustainable choice for continued use.

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 app usage to multitasking and gaming.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 14 Plus is equipped with a capable processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, ensuring a responsive user experience. [1, 4, 5] The Galaxy S23 FE features a current-generation processor, either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or the Exynos 2200 depending on the region, which provides ample power for everyday use, gaming, and productivity tasks. [3, 8, 19, 24]
  • Multitasking and Storage: The iPhone 14 Plus comes with 6GB of RAM, facilitating efficient app switching and background processes. [13, 16, 28] The Galaxy S23 FE offers 8GB of RAM, which can provide a slight edge in managing numerous open applications simultaneously. [8, 14, 24] Both devices offer various storage configurations, with the iPhone 14 Plus available up to 512GB and the Galaxy S23 FE up to 256GB, neither supporting expandable storage. [1, 4, 8, 11, 14, 16, 18, 24]
  • Battery Performance: The iPhone 14 Plus is known for its extended battery life, offering up to 26 hours of video playback, making it suitable for users who need their device to last through long periods of use. [1, 23, 30] The Galaxy S23 FE houses a 4500 mAh battery, which generally provides all-day power for most users and supports both wired and wireless charging. [8, 14, 19, 24]

Memory (GB)

8 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

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

  • Display Technology and Size: The iPhone 14 Plus features a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering deep blacks and vibrant colors. [1, 2, 4, 21] The Galaxy S23 FE has a slightly smaller 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, also known for its rich colors and contrast. [3, 8, 14, 25] Both technologies provide an immersive viewing experience.
  • Resolution and Brightness: The iPhone 14 Plus offers a resolution of 2778 x 1284 pixels at 458 ppi, with a typical brightness of 800 nits and a peak of 1200 nits for HDR content. [1, 2, 4, 21] The Galaxy S23 FE provides a 1080 x 2340 pixel resolution and a peak brightness of 1450 nits, which can be beneficial for outdoor visibility. [3, 8, 14, 25]
  • Refresh Rate: A key differentiator is the refresh rate. The Galaxy S23 FE features a 120Hz refresh rate, resulting in smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. [3, 8, 14, 25] The iPhone 14 Plus maintains a standard 60Hz refresh rate. [2]

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1284 x 2778

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems designed to capture a variety of moments, though with different approaches to hardware and software.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S23 FE features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. [3, 7, 8, 10, 22, 25] This configuration allows for flexibility in capturing different perspectives, from wide landscapes to zoomed-in subjects. The iPhone 14 Plus utilizes a dual-camera system with a 12MP main sensor (with sensor-shift OIS) and a 12MP ultrawide lens. [1, 4, 5, 15, 27]
  • Photography Features: The Galaxy S23 FE supports 8K video recording at 24fps and offers features like Nightography for improved low-light performance. [3, 7, 11] The iPhone 14 Plus excels in video with 4K Dolby Vision HDR recording up to 60fps, Cinematic mode for depth-of-field effects, and Action mode for stabilized video capture. [1, 4, 5, 15, 27] Its Photonic Engine enhances image processing in various lighting conditions. [1, 5, 6]
  • Front Camera: For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy S23 FE has a 10MP front camera. [3, 7, 8] The iPhone 14 Plus features a 12MP TrueDepth front camera with autofocus and advanced portrait capabilities. [1, 4, 15, 27]

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and daily convenience.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity and Wi-Fi 6 for fast wireless speeds. [1, 4, 10, 13, 24, 32] The Galaxy S23 FE uses a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer, a widely adopted standard. [10, 12, 24] The iPhone 14 Plus uses Apple's proprietary Lightning port. [1, 4] Both support Bluetooth 5.3 for accessories. [1, 4, 13, 24]
  • Biometric Security: The iPhone 14 Plus relies on Face ID for secure facial recognition. [1, 4] The Galaxy S23 FE incorporates an optical under-display fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication. [8, 10, 12, 25]
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone 14 Plus measures 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.8 mm and weighs 203 grams, offering a large screen in a relatively slim profile. [1, 4, 5, 16] The Galaxy S23 FE is slightly more compact at 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm and weighs 209 grams. [9, 24, 25] Both feature an aluminum frame and glass construction, contributing to a premium feel. [1, 4, 20, 26, 29, 35] The iPhone 14 Plus also includes safety features like Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via satellite. [5, 6, 18]

Weight

209 g

150 g

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.7

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the iPhone 14 Plus often highlights its exceptional battery life and the reliability of the iOS ecosystem as major strengths. [23] Users appreciate the large display for media consumption and the consistent performance for everyday tasks. Some common criticisms include the 60Hz refresh rate, which can feel less fluid compared to devices with higher refresh rates, and the continued use of the Lightning port. [18]

For the Galaxy S23 FE, users generally praise its versatile camera system, particularly the inclusion of a telephoto lens, and the vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display. The promise of extended software updates is also a significant positive. Some users note that while the processor is capable, it might not offer the absolute peak performance of more expensive flagship models. [8, 19]

Users prioritizing a large display with industry-leading battery endurance and seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem may find the iPhone 14 Plus well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who value a high refresh rate display, a more flexible camera system with optical zoom, and the customization options of the Android platform might lean towards the Galaxy S23 FE. Both devices represent strong choices in their respective categories, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly alternative for acquiring either model.

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