Galaxy S23 FE Vs Xiaomi 12T Pro

Galaxy S23 FE
Galaxy S23 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:226.00

Versus €708.98 new

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Xiaomi 12T Pro
Xiaomi 12T Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:201.00

Versus €1,199.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE and the Xiaomi 12T Pro are both Android smartphones designed to offer a robust experience. Released in October 2023 and October 2022, respectively, these devices present different strengths, particularly in their camera systems and charging capabilities. Both run on the Android operating system, providing access to a wide ecosystem of applications and services.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Release Timeline: The Xiaomi 12T Pro was released in October 2022, making it approximately a year older than the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, which launched in October 2023. This difference in release date impacts their respective software support cycles.
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy S23 FE shipped with Android 13 and is expected to receive several years of major Android updates, with an upgrade to Android 14 already available. The Xiaomi 12T Pro launched with Android 12 and MIUI 13, and has since been updated to Android 15 and HyperOS 3, indicating a commitment to software longevity.
  • Physical Durability: The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE features an IP68 rating, offering significant dust and water resistance, and uses Gorilla Glass 5 on both its front and back for protection. The Xiaomi 12T Pro has an IP53 rating, providing splash resistance, and also utilizes Gorilla Glass 5 for its front display.

Year of Release

2023

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both smartphones are equipped with powerful internal components designed for smooth operation, though they approach performance with slightly different priorities.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 FE handles demanding applications and multitasking efficiently, providing a responsive user experience for everyday tasks and gaming. The Xiaomi 12T Pro, with its advanced processor, delivers strong performance for intensive gaming and heavy multitasking, ensuring applications load quickly and run smoothly.
  • Storage and Multitasking: Both devices offer 8GB of RAM, with the Xiaomi 12T Pro also having a 12GB RAM option, which can benefit users who frequently switch between many applications. Storage options for both include 128GB and 256GB, with the Galaxy S23 FE lacking expandable storage.
  • Battery Behavior: The Xiaomi 12T Pro features a larger 5000mAh battery, often providing extended usage times, and supports exceptionally fast 120W wired charging, capable of a full charge in a short period. The Galaxy S23 FE has a 4500mAh battery with 25W wired charging and also supports 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. Some users of the Galaxy S23 FE have noted mixed battery performance, with some experiencing less than a full day of heavy use and occasional heating.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both devices is designed to be immersive, with distinct display technologies and characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and sharp FHD+ resolution (2340x1080 pixels). The Xiaomi 12T Pro comes with a larger 6.67-inch CrystalRes AMOLED display, providing a higher resolution of 1220x2712 pixels, which translates to excellent clarity and detail.
  • Brightness and Smoothness: Both phones offer a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and responsive interactions. The Galaxy S23 FE can reach a peak brightness of 1450 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The Xiaomi 12T Pro also provides strong brightness and features like HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support for enhanced media consumption.
  • Viewing Experience: The slightly larger screen of the Xiaomi 12T Pro may offer a more expansive viewing area for media and gaming, while the Galaxy S23 FE's display provides a compact yet vibrant experience.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1220 x 2712

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

AMOLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer versatile camera systems, though they emphasize different aspects of photography and videography.

  • Main Camera Capabilities: The Xiaomi 12T Pro is notable for its 200MP main camera, which can capture highly detailed images, especially in well-lit environments. The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE features a 50MP main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), delivering clear and vibrant photos in various conditions, including good low-light performance.
  • Versatility and Additional Lenses: The Galaxy S23 FE includes a 12MP ultrawide lens and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, offering flexibility for different photographic scenarios. The Xiaomi 12T Pro complements its main sensor with an 8MP ultrawide and a 2MP macro lens, though user feedback suggests the secondary cameras are less impressive than the main sensor.
  • Video and Audio Recording: Both devices are capable of recording 8K video, providing high-resolution footage. For audio, the Xiaomi 12T Pro features dual speakers tuned by Harman Kardon with Dolby Atmos support, offering a rich audio experience for media consumption. The Galaxy S23 FE also includes stereo speakers.

Main camera

50 megapixels

200 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

20 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both phones support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data. The Galaxy S23 FE supports Wi-Fi 6e and Bluetooth 5.3, while the Xiaomi 12T Pro supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. The Xiaomi 12T Pro also offers eSIM support, providing flexibility for network usage. Both devices utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
  • Biometrics and Sensors: Both smartphones feature in-display fingerprint sensors for secure unlocking. The Galaxy S23 FE also includes face recognition.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S23 FE has dimensions of 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm and weighs 209g, offering a comfortable grip. The Xiaomi 12T Pro is slightly larger and lighter at 163.1 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm and 205g. Both devices feature a premium feel with glass backs.

Weight

209 g

204 g

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.67

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE and the Xiaomi 12T Pro each offer a compelling set of features, catering to different user preferences. The Galaxy S23 FE is often praised for its vibrant display, reliable camera system with a dedicated telephoto lens, and its IP68 water and dust resistance. Users appreciate its balanced performance for daily tasks and its integration within the Samsung ecosystem. However, some users have expressed concerns regarding its battery life, particularly with the Exynos processor variant, and occasional heating under heavy load.

The Xiaomi 12T Pro is frequently highlighted for its impressive 200MP main camera, exceptionally fast 120W wired charging, and its large, high-resolution display. Its powerful processor ensures smooth performance for demanding applications and gaming. Criticisms often point to its less capable secondary cameras and a lower IP53 rating for splash resistance compared to the S23 FE. The absence of wireless charging is also a noted point for some users.

Users prioritizing a highly detailed main camera, rapid charging speeds, and a larger, sharper display for media consumption may find the Xiaomi 12T Pro well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value a more versatile camera system with optical zoom, robust water and dust protection, wireless charging capabilities, and a slightly more compact design might lean towards the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. Both devices represent strong choices in the Android smartphone market, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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