Galaxy S23 FE Vs iPhone 14 Pro

Galaxy S23 FE
Galaxy S23 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:226.00

Versus €708.98 new

See options
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:424.00

Versus €1,339.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, released in October 2023, and the Apple iPhone 14 Pro, launched in September 2022, represent distinct approaches to high-performance smartphones from their respective manufacturers. While both devices offer advanced capabilities, they differ in their operating systems, core hardware, and design philosophies. The Galaxy S23 FE runs on Android, providing a customizable user experience, whereas the iPhone 14 Pro operates on iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem and streamlined interface. These differences cater to varying user preferences in terms of software environment and overall device interaction.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, several factors contribute to their expected lifespan, including software support and physical durability.

  • Release Timeline and OS Support: The iPhone 14 Pro, released in September 2022, typically receives iOS updates for approximately 5-6 years from its launch, potentially extending its software longevity until around late 2027 or 2028. The Galaxy S23 FE, launched in October 2023, is expected to receive four generations of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates, meaning it could see major Android versions until 2027 and security patches until 2028.
  • Software Longevity Expectations: Both devices offer substantial software support, ensuring access to new features and security enhancements for several years. The iPhone 14 Pro, being an older device, has a slightly shorter remaining update window compared to the newer Galaxy S23 FE.
  • Repairability and Build: The iPhone 14 Pro features a Ceramic Shield front cover and a stainless steel frame, contributing to its robust build. The Galaxy S23 FE utilizes Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and back, paired with an aluminum frame. The Galaxy S23 FE has been noted for its relatively high repairability, with components like the battery designed for easier replacement. Both devices carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion.

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 navigating applications to demanding multimedia use. Both the Galaxy S23 FE and iPhone 14 Pro deliver responsive experiences, though they achieve this with different underlying architectures.

  • Processor Capabilities: The iPhone 14 Pro is equipped with a powerful processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, ensuring a fluid user experience across the iOS ecosystem. The Galaxy S23 FE features a capable processor that provides fast booting and app loading times, offering solid performance for everyday use and gaming.
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPhone 14 Pro, with its optimized software and hardware integration, offers seamless transitions between apps and efficient background process management. The Galaxy S23 FE, with 8GB of RAM, is well-suited for multitasking, allowing users to switch between multiple applications without significant slowdowns. The iPhone 14 Pro comes with 6GB of RAM.
  • Storage Options: The Galaxy S23 FE is available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage. The iPhone 14 Pro offers a wider range of storage configurations, including 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB options.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 FE houses a 4500 mAh battery, which generally provides all-day power for moderate users. Heavy usage, particularly gaming or 4K video recording, can lead to faster battery drain. The iPhone 14 Pro has a 3200 mAh battery, which typically lasts a full day with varied usage. Some users have noted that its battery life, while sufficient for a day, might not be a significant improvement over its predecessor.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer high-quality viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S23 FE features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels. The iPhone 14 Pro comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering sharp visuals with a resolution of 2556 x 1179 pixels at 460 pixels per inch.
  • Brightness Levels: The Galaxy S23 FE's display can reach a peak brightness of 1450 nits, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions. The iPhone 14 Pro boasts higher peak brightness, reaching up to 1000 nits typical, 1600 nits for HDR content, and an impressive 2000 nits for outdoor use, enhancing readability in bright sunlight.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both smartphones feature an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz, contributing to smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The iPhone 14 Pro's ProMotion technology can dynamically adjust its refresh rate down to 1Hz to conserve battery life, especially for static content or its always-on display.
  • Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S23 FE offers a slightly larger screen, which can be beneficial for media consumption and productivity tasks. The iPhone 14 Pro's display, while smaller, is known for its exceptional color accuracy and contrast, providing a premium visual experience.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1179 x 2556

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both the Galaxy S23 FE and iPhone 14 Pro are equipped with advanced camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos, though they approach imaging with different strengths.

  • Camera System Capabilities: The Galaxy S23 FE features a triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and an 8-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The iPhone 14 Pro also has a triple-camera system, with a 48-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultrawide, and a 12-megapixel telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom.
  • Photography Performance: The Galaxy S23 FE's main camera excels in well-lit conditions, producing vivid and detailed photos. Its low-light performance is also capable, especially with Night Mode activated. The iPhone 14 Pro's 48-megapixel main camera, which defaults to 12-megapixel images using pixel binning, delivers excellent detail and color accuracy in good lighting. Its low-light performance is strong, particularly with the main sensor.
  • Video Recording Quality: The Galaxy S23 FE can record video up to 8K at 24 frames per second (fps) and 4K at 60 fps. The iPhone 14 Pro supports 4K video recording at various frame rates up to 60 fps, and includes features like Cinematic mode for shallow depth-of-field effects and Action mode for stabilized video.
  • Front Camera and Audio: The Galaxy S23 FE has a 10-megapixel front camera, capable of capturing detailed selfies. The iPhone 14 Pro features a 12-megapixel TrueDepth front camera with autofocus, offering sharp selfies and advanced facial recognition. Both devices provide a good audio experience for calls and media consumption, with the iPhone 14 Pro featuring stereo speakers.

Main camera

50 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical features and design elements differentiate these two smartphones, impacting daily usability and interaction.

  • Connectivity Options: Both devices support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Galaxy S23 FE includes Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. The iPhone 14 Pro supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3.
  • Port Types and Biometrics: The Galaxy S23 FE uses a USB-C port for charging and data transfer and features an under-display optical fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The iPhone 14 Pro utilizes Apple's proprietary Lightning port and relies on Face ID for biometric authentication.
  • Dimensions and Handling: The Galaxy S23 FE measures 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm and weighs 209 grams, offering a slightly larger form factor. The iPhone 14 Pro is more compact at 147.5 x 71.5 x 7.85 mm and weighs 206 grams, making it easier for one-handed use for some users.
  • Build Materials and Unique Features: The Galaxy S23 FE combines Gorilla Glass 5 with an aluminum frame. The iPhone 14 Pro features a Ceramic Shield front, a textured matte glass back, and a stainless steel frame. The iPhone 14 Pro also introduced the Dynamic Island, an interactive area around the front camera cutout that displays alerts and background activities.

Weight

209 g

206 g

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

User feedback for the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE often highlights its strong display, capable camera system, and solid overall performance as praise points. Many users appreciate its balance of features, making it a compelling option within its category. Common criticisms sometimes point to its battery life, which, while generally sufficient, may require more frequent charging for heavy users, and some note that its processor, while powerful, is not the absolute latest generation.

The iPhone 14 Pro receives frequent praise for its exceptional camera quality, particularly its main sensor's detail and low-light capabilities, as well as the fluid performance delivered by its optimized software and hardware. The Dynamic Island is also often cited as an innovative and useful feature. Some users have expressed concerns regarding its battery life compared to previous Pro Max models or other flagships, and the continued use of the Lightning port is sometimes mentioned.

Users prioritizing a larger display, a highly customizable Android experience, and a strong camera system with a dedicated telephoto lens may find the Galaxy S23 FE well-suited to their needs. It offers a robust feature set for everyday productivity and entertainment. Conversely, users who value a compact form factor, a highly integrated ecosystem, cutting-edge camera technology with advanced video features, and a consistently smooth iOS experience might lean towards the iPhone 14 Pro. Both devices represent excellent choices, and for those considering a more sustainable option, quality-assured refurbished models of either device are available, offering an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new.

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