Galaxy S23 FE vs. Galaxy S23: What’s the difference?
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 FE | Galaxy S23 | |
| Processor | Exynos 2200 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 For Galaxy |
| Display | 6.4″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, FHD+, 120Hz | 6.1″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, FHD+, 120Hz |
| Rear Camera | 50MP (f/1.8) Main w/ OIS + 12MP (f/2.2) Ultrawide + 8MP (f/2.4) Telephoto | 50MP (f/1.8) Main w/ OIS, + 12MP (f/2.2) Ultrawide + 10MP (f/2.4) Telephoto |
| Rear Camera Zoom | 3x Optical Zoom, 30x Digital Zoom | 3x Optical Zoom, 30x Digital Zoom |
| Rear Recording | 8K UHD (7680 x 4320px) @ 24fps | 8K UHD (7680 x 4320) @ 30fps |
| Front Camera | 10MP | 12MP |
| RAM/Storage | 8GB/128GB, or 8GB/256GB | 8GB/128GB, or 8GB/256GB |
| Battery | 4,500mAh, 25W Charging | 4,500mAh, 25W Charging |
| Durability | Corning Gorilla Glass 5; IP68 rating | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2; IP68 rating |
| Price | Starts RM2,999 | Starts 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.
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