The Struggles and Triumphs of the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
I uncovered all the compelling reasons to purchase Samsung's most puzzling phone of the year
I discovered all the reasons to buy Samsung’s most puzzling phone of the year.
ENBLE’s key takeaways
- The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the latest Android phone from Samsung, boasting a 6.4-inch display, triple camera system, and OneUI software features.
- Priced at $599, it falls between the Galaxy A54 5G ($449) and the more premium Galaxy S23 ($799).
- If you want a Samsung phone that offers great value without compromising on essential features like IP rating, wireless charging, and software support, the Galaxy S23 FE is worth considering.
I’ve been putting the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE through its paces for the past two weeks, and let me tell you, finding the best buying advice for this device has been no walk in the park.
Now, don’t get me wrong. At $599, this Android phone offers solid value, with many of its best features rivaling those found in phones twice the price. However, its uninspiring design, late-year release, and the absence of the “Fan Edition” branding have taken away some of the allure that its predecessor had.
So, why does the Galaxy S23 FE exist? After much contemplation and a few wild brainstorming sessions, I’ve come up with the definitive list of reasons why you should consider buying Samsung’s latest smartphone, despite it being the company’s most perplexing release this year.
Let’s start with the design. There are elements I find appealing, like the 6.4-inch AMOLED display that refreshes at 120Hz. In most lighting conditions, this screen is more vibrant and brighter than any other sub-$600 phone I’ve tested. Plus, the absence of curved edges makes it much easier to apply a screen protector — a surprisingly rare advantage these days.
On the flip side, the aluminum sides of the Galaxy S23 FE could use some refinement. While they appear polished and durable, they don’t seamlessly blend into the back glass, resulting in a rougher feel against your palm. The bezels are also quite thick for a 2023 phone, but we won’t dwell too much on that.
Speaking of durability, the Gorilla Glass 5 front panel may seem like a downgrade compared to more expensive phones equipped with Gorilla Glass Victus. However, in day-to-day use, the lower level of hardness means this display is less prone to scratches and scuffs. As someone who tends to carry their phone in a pocket alongside keys and coins, this is an important advantage.
Colors in the smartphone world are becoming increasingly mundane, but that’s not the case with the Galaxy S23 FE. Samsung, as it often does with its FE line, offers this device in breathtaking shades of Cream, Graphite, Mint, and Purple. The Purple variant, reminiscent of our beloved friendly dinosaur Barney, truly makes the phone stand out in a sea of monotonous hues. So, if you enjoy flaunting your phone without a case, the Galaxy S23 FE will treat you well.
Now let’s address the compromises that come with a $599 phone, which primarily involve the processor and camera system. The Galaxy S23 FE is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, capable of handling demanding tasks like video editing and running game emulators. However, it doesn’t take long for the phone to warm up, resulting in frame rate drops and app freezes. Had Samsung opted for the more power-efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Plus, released just months after the 8 Gen 1, the Galaxy S23 FE would have been in a vastly superior position.
As for the cameras, the 50MP main sensor impresses me with its surprisingly accurate color reproduction. It captures photos that easily pass the eye test and boasts a shutter speed that competes favorably with the $900 iPhone 15 Plus and the $1,700 OnePlus Open — both of which I was also testing. However, the 12MP ultrawide and 8MP telephoto lenses, though versatile, cannot match the level of detail and clarity offered by the main sensor.
ENBLE’s buying advice
To sum it up, here are the reasons why you should seriously consider purchasing the Galaxy S23 FE:
- It features one of the best displays in the sub-$600 market, ideal for streaming and gaming on the go.
- The Gorilla Glass 5 provides low-key benefits for users who are prone to scratches and scuffs.
- The Mint and Purple colors make other phones look downright dull.
- It offers an IP68 rating and wireless charging support, which are often missing from phones in this price range.
- Samsung promises up to five years of security patches and four years of operating system updates.
That being said, while the Galaxy S23 FE falls between the Galaxy A54 and S23 in the Samsung hierarchy, it doesn’t diminish the value of either device. In fact, during this holiday shopping season, you’re more likely to find the two older Samsung phones on sale than the recently launched S23 FE.
If retailers decide to slash $100-$200 off the Galaxy S23 model, as they did during July’s Prime Day event, convincing consumers to choose the S23 FE will be an uphill battle for Samsung. But let’s hope they learn from this and make their next release a truly irresistible offering!
What are your thoughts on the Galaxy S23 FE? Are you enticed by its features and value, or do you have concerns? Let us know in the comments below!
