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Galaxy S23 FE vs. Galaxy S23: What’s the difference?

By Timothy Teoh October 10, 2023

Samsung recently launched a new lineup of Fan Edition (FE) gadgets, including the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. Samsung FE devices are the no-frills versions of the initial flagship models. The FE models are typically scaled down to a certain extent, allowing them to be priced more affordably.

Prior to today, the last Galaxy S series to receive a FE version was the Galaxy S21 series in 2021. For whatever reason, last year’s Galaxy S22 series did not have an FE edition.

With official confirmation that Samsung will add an FE edition to the latest Galaxy S23 series, let’s look briefly at the differences between the new Galaxy S23 FE, and the original Galaxy S23.

Galaxy S23 FE vs Galaxy S23: Specs

Galaxy S23 FEGalaxy S23
ProcessorExynos 2200Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 For Galaxy
Display6.4″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, FHD+, 120Hz6.1″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, FHD+, 120Hz
Rear Camera50MP (f/1.8) Main w/ OIS + 12MP (f/2.2) Ultrawide + 8MP (f/2.4) Telephoto50MP (f/1.8) Main w/ OIS, + 12MP (f/2.2) Ultrawide + 10MP (f/2.4) Telephoto
Rear Camera Zoom3x Optical Zoom, 30x Digital Zoom3x Optical Zoom, 30x Digital Zoom
Rear Recording8K UHD (7680 x 4320px) @ 24fps8K UHD (7680 x 4320) @ 30fps
Front Camera 10MP12MP
RAM/Storage8GB/128GB, or 8GB/256GB8GB/128GB, or 8GB/256GB
Battery4,500mAh, 25W Charging4,500mAh, 25W Charging
DurabilityCorning Gorilla Glass 5; IP68 ratingCorning Gorilla Glass Victus 2; IP68 rating
PriceStarts RM2,999Starts RM3,899

Physically, the obvious difference between the two comes down to size. The Galaxy S23 FE sports the larger 6.4″ display, in comparison with the 6.1″ screen of the Galaxy S23; though it is still a shade smaller than the 6.6″ display of the Galaxy S23+.

Other than that, both displays are Dynamic AMOLED 2X, with FHD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rates.

Build is more or less similar, with both versions having a glass black and an aluminum frame. There is a difference in protective glass, with the FE getting the less sturdier Gorilla Glass 5 as compared to the Gorilla Victus 2. They both share IP68-rated dust and water resistance.

Moving on to specifications, it seems the CPU is one area in which Samsung has decided to scale back on on the FE version. As a refresher, the Galaxy S23 series utilizes an optimized version of Qualcomm’s latest flagship processor – the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 For Galaxy. The custom processor is believed to have faster speeds than the original Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 used on other devices.

In comparison, Samsung has opted for its proprietary Exynos 2200 chipset for the Galaxy S23 FE, a chipset that’s about 10 months older than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.

Only time will tell if there is a noticeable lack in performance. Most consumers just want a usable device anyway and are not as perceptive to millisecond delays, so the S23 FE might be a decent price-friendly option for them.

When it comes to cameras, though they both have a 50MP main camera and a 12MP ultrawide, the telephoto on the S23 FE is slightly lesser at 8MP, versus the 10MP telephoto on the S23. Whichever option you choose, you will have the same 3x optical zoom and 30x digital zoom.

Batteries remain the same on either models, with 5,000mAh capacity and 25W wired charging.

Galaxy S23 FE: Price in Malaysian and availability

The Galaxy S23 FE is available in Malaysia starting 10th October. It will retain at RM2,999 for the 8GB+128GB variant; and RM3,299 for the 8GB+256GB variant. You can put in your orders on the Samsung official website here.

At the time of writing (10th October), Samsung is having an early bird promo which sees an RM300 price slash on either variants.

You will have the choice of four colours: Mint, Cream, Graphite, and Purple.

Read more of our articles below!

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    vivo V29 5G: Aura Light 2.0 brings out the best in smartphone portrait photography

    By Timothy Teoh October 09, 2023

    You know those times when you ask a friend to snap a photo of you, and it doesn’t come out any good? It’s a shame really, when you’re dressed to the nines but have zero photos to show for. 

    Well, that won’t be the case any longer, thanks to the vivo V29 5G that just launched in Malaysia! vivo’s latest superstar V series comes with the upgraded Aura Light 2.0 to give your photos studio-like and Insta-worthy portraits. Not to mention, it comes in a glamorous Starry Purple that’ll surely turn heads wherever you go!

    Dazzling in Starry Purple

    The vivo V29 5G is more than a device, it’s a fashion piece; a bold statement of confidence and brilliance that sparkles when clasp in your hands.

    Literally.

    Coming in a dazzling Starry Purple and embellished with shimmering glitter, the vivo V29 resembles the dense clutter of stars in the night sky. Layered with a reflective sheen, the phone emits two tones of purple that mesmerizes the eyes of the beholders. Beyond that, the aerospace grade metal that lines the border of the device gives it a sleek and durable quality.

    Elegance is further refined in its 7.46mm sleek form. This, coupled with a curved display, lends the vivo V29 a modern aesthetic that gets with the times.

    The excellent craftsmanship in blending both design, ergonomics, and hardiness are due for applause.

    Aura Light 2.0: Better portraits, better you

    Ladies, put on your dresses. Gentlemen, suit up. It’s time for a photoshoot. Remember the Aura Light that debuted in the vivo V27?

    Well, it’s gotten an upgrade.

    If you’re still unfamiliar with what the Aura Portrait is, it is essentially a built-in ring light in the vivo V29 5G. Yes, you heard right – a ring light! You no longer have to depend on your harsh camera flash that results mostly in overexposed shots.

    Now, you can easily create studio-like portraits simply with your vivo phone, even more so with the Aura Portrait 2.0 which is 36% brighter than before!

    With 360° even lighting to provide that charming soft glow to your facial profile, the Aura Light 2.0 ensures there are no bad sides to your portraits.

    Say goodbye to photos that are too warm, or too cold. Unnatural colour balance is simply not in the vocabulary of the Aura Light 2.0 thanks to the new Smart Colour Temperature Adjustment. This allows the Aura Light to adjust colour temperatures to harmonize with ambient lighting.

    Want a portrait in a fine-dining restaurant but the tungsten glow is too harsh? Let the Aura Light 2.0 do its work and neutralize that yellow for you. Or, if you are aiming for that artistic street portrait under the street lamp, go ahead and adjust the slider precisely to the colour temperature you want.

    Of course, all the work of the Aura Light 2.0 will not be fruitful without the 50MP OIS Ultra Sensing Camera that captures flagship level, social media-worthy photos for your grid!

    More than just pretty photos

    Are pretty photos the only good thing about the vivo V29 5G? Absolutely not.

    The vivo V29 5G boast exceptional well-rounded performance with 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage. Trust us when we say, you’re going to want to get the 512GB variant to store all the photos you’re about to take.

    vivo has pulled out all the stops for the V29 5G, making it the clearest screen on the V series to date. You’ll be treated with a 6.78″ 1.5K AMOLED display, with a luxurious 3D curved edge for that premium touch. It is also HDR10+ certified to bring true-to-life dynamic range content right to your palms.

    As you decide hours on end which glamorous photos of yourself to post, you can be assured that SGS Eye Protection is keeping your eyes safe from harmful blue light.

    If you’re constantly shuffling between places, you’ll be glad to know that the vivo V29 5G supports 80W fast charging on its 4,600mAh battery. To give you an idea of how fast 80W charging is, that’s 50% in just 18 minutes. By the time you’ve gotten glammed up and ready, you’ll have ample battery.

    Leave it a little longer, and you’ll have a fully charged phone within the hour.

    vivo V29 5G: A trendsetter’s dream

    With impeccable craftsmanship in design, unparalleled portrait prowess, and performance built to impress – the vivo V29 5G is the dream of any trendsetter.

    The Aura Light 2.0 is not merely a wave to ride on. It is a creator’s tool, tailored to those who understand the importance of content creation in today’s social media landscape.

    The vivo V29 5G comes in two variants, which you can purchase from the links below:

    First sale starts from the 28th of September to the 27th of October. Early buyers during this period will be entitled to exclusive gifts worth up to RM995, including TWS earbuds (RM259), V29 5G protective cover (RM69), V29 5G screen protector (RM69), vivo care 1+1* extended warranty (RM199) and vivo care 1 year screen protection (RM399).

    You can make your purchase on the vivo Malaysia Estore, or on the vivo official store on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok.

    This article is brought to you by vivo Malaysia