Samsung is back with a Fan Edition of the Galaxy S23, but how do you like this affordable device and is it a good buy? We tested it and in this review you can read our experiences with the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE.
This is the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE review
Samsung released the first FE device in 2020. With the S20 Fan Edition, the manufacturer stripped down the regular S20 model to the most important hardware and saved on the housing. Samsung also did this with the S21 FE, not with the S22 series and again in December 2023 with the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE.
With a suggested retail price of 699 Euros, the Galaxy S23 FE is indeed cheaper than the regular S23 at launch, but this smartphone is now available for €679. Is the S23 FE the best buy? In this review of the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE we weigh the pros and cons for you.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE review
Design Hardware Screen Software
Cameras Battery and charging Conclusion Buy
Recognizable design
At first glance it is immediately clear that we have a Samsung device in our hands. With the Galaxy S23 FE, the manufacturer continues the same design style as on the regular S23 series and cheaper A models. In fact, the FE’s casing looks almost identical to that of the Galaxy A54. It has a size of 6.4 inches, the side is made of aluminum and the back is made of glass.
We were able to test the device in the purple color. That should be your thing, but the silver rings around the cameras look especially nice. The smartphone is also available in black, off-white and mint green, if purple doesn’t quite suit you. The phone fits well in the hand, but is not as easy to operate with one hand as the smaller 6.1-inch S23.
The smartphone has a USB-C port and loud stereo speakers. There is no headphone jack, but that is normal on high-end devices these days.
The lock and volume buttons are located on the right side and the fast optical fingerprint scanner is incorporated below the screen. The housing is also IP68 dust and waterproof, which comes in handy on a rainy day.
Not the fastest hardware, but smooth
The chip on which the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE runs is causing some commotion here and there. Many (and secretly we too) would have liked to see the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip as in the Galaxy S23. Instead, Samsung has opted for a faster version of the Exynos 2200 chip. This processor was also in the Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus from almost two years ago.
Samsung’s Exynos chip is less fast and energy efficient than the Snapdragon, but to be honest you don’t notice much of that in daily use. This way you can switch smoothly between apps and stutters are rare. The loading time of apps is also not noticeably slow. Do you play really heavy mobile games? Then the S23 FE is not the best choice.
Our test model has 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage space. Do you think that is too little? Then you can also go for a 256GB model. This allows you to store even more photos, videos and apps locally. Of course, you can also use Google Drive to back up your documents to the cloud.
Gorgeous screen
The fact that the phone feels so fast is thanks to the 120Hz screen with a variable refresh rate. This means that it alternates between a maximum of 120 images per second (while scrolling, for example) and a minimum of 60 images (when you view a static page). This way you save battery, but navigation remains smooth.
It is an AMOLED panel, which means that the S23 FE displays bright colors and that black is really black. You especially notice this when watching dark films or video games. The screen has a maximum brightness of 1450 nits, which makes it easy to read in bright daylight. The resolution of 2340 by 1080 pixels ensures a sharp picture, without the screen consuming a lot of energy.
All in all, it is a high-quality display as we have come to expect from Samsung. The only disadvantage is that the edges are a bit thicker than on the regular S23. The chin is certainly noticeable at first. Fortunately, you get used to this after a while, but do you want a screen that extends to the edges? Then look further.
Latest software
Samsung has a recognizable Android shell that differs considerably from stock Android. The S23 FE comes out of the box with Android 14 – the latest version of the mobile operating system – and the accompanying One UI 6 shell from Samsung. Are you used to a bare-bones version of Android, like you see on the Pixels? It may take some getting used to, but One UI 6 offers a lot of useful extras.
The ‘Quick settings’ menu is more extensive and you can open it faster. You can also change the location and style of the clock on the lock screen. Dragging apps, widgets and other files is now easier with two hands and the camera app is a bit clearer. All in all, the Android 14 shell is clear and modern in design.
Samsung is giving the Galaxy S23 FE in the Netherlands three major Android updates, which means that you will still receive Android 15, 16 and 17. You will also receive security updates until 2028. The manufacturer thus digitally protects you against malicious parties. A nice prospect.
Cameras for almost every situation
Where the S23 FE stands out is with its cameras. The three lenses on the back are all very usable and photograph in high quality. This way you can shoot beautifully exposed, sharp and naturally colored photos with the 50 megapixel main camera. Even at night the lens performs well. Although the dark and blurry areas in photos show some noise, the images are clear and usable.
Main camera
Then there are two additional lenses. First, the wide-angle lens with a resolution of 12 megapixels. While photographing, you will clearly notice when the camera switches to this lens. The raw image looks less sharp and grayish.
Wide angle lens
However, the automatic post-processing manages to make up for this to a large extent and the final image looks very nice. Only in the dark does the wide-angle lens not hold up and you will have to switch to the main camera.
Telephoto lens
And then the lens that distinguishes the S23 FE from cheaper smartphones: the telephoto lens. This allows you to zoom in up to 3 times without losing quality. Although the lens ‘only’ has a resolution of 8 megapixels, it takes sharp photos from a distance (even in the dark), which can provide unique perspectives.
Battery life is fine
There is little to complain about the battery of the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. With a size of 4500 mAh, it is considerably larger than the regular S23. However, the less efficient chip seems to ensure that the battery does not necessarily last longer. In practice, this means that with average use you will simply make it to the end of your day. As soon as you go to bed, you have to put the smartphone on the charger.
By charging the S23 FE overnight, you won’t notice much of the 25 Watt charging speed. This charges the phone in about an hour and a half. That is slow compared to many other manufacturers, but Samsung has a good reason for it. According to the manufacturer, the slower charging speed means that the battery has a longer lifespan and maintains a higher maximum battery capacity.
This is less convenient if you want to charge quickly before leaving the house, but otherwise there is little to criticize about the battery. Wireless charging is also supported with a maximum speed of 15 Watts and you can charge other devices wirelessly by placing them on the back of the device. This is not quick, but is useful in emergency situations.
Conclusion of the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE review
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is a solid smartphone in many areas. The cameras are usable in many circumstances, the chip is fast enough and the battery lasts all day. In addition, you will receive updates up to and including Android 17, which means that you can use it for years to come.
It has a suggested retail price of 699 euros not the best deal. The regular S23 is now available from €679 and offers a much better chip, premium materials and longer battery life in a compact housing.
Fortunately, the S23 FE is also quickly dropping in price, because you can get it for €604. Do you want a smartphone with a large screen, long software support and does the fastest hardware matter less to you? Then the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is definitely worth it.
Positives
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Clear AMOLED screen
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Battery lasts all day
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Three high quality cameras
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Five years of security updates and major updates up to Android 17
Negatives
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Battery charges slowly
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Not the best value for money
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Chip not the fastest and most economical
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