Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the affordable sibling of the S23 series, bringing premium features at a lower price. I spent a lot of time using it and I can tell you it’s a solid choice for those who want the best performance without the hefty price tag. 

The phone balances sleek design, smooth performance, and a reliable camera—ideal for anyone looking for a powerful phone on a budget.

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Specifications

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Beautiful AMOLED display with 120Hz for smooth visuals.
• Solid camera performance for a midrange phone.
• IP68 water resistance, so no worries about accidental spills.
• Fast charging with wireless options for convenience.
• Four years of software updates, keeping the phone future-proof.

Cons

• Midrange chipset, so gaming performance isn't top-tier.
• Hefty at 209g, making it a bit bulky.

Features of Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

1. Display

The 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen is a visual treat. It’s bright, with colors popping and blacks looking deep. 

The 120Hz refresh rate makes everything—from scrolling through social media to watching videos—feel smooth. I found the 1450 nits brightness enough even in direct sunlight, which is a plus for outdoor use.

2. Camera

The triple-camera setup delivers solid results. The 50MP primary sensor captures sharp and vibrant images, and I liked the balance it struck between saturation and detail. 

The 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom is handy for zoom shots, while the 12MP ultrawide comes in great for landscape photography. The selfie camera, though just 10MP, gets the job done for video calls and casual selfies.

3. Performance

The Exynos 2200 in the international variant and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the US both provide smooth day-to-day performance. I had no issues multitasking. While not a gaming powerhouse, the phone handles regular tasks with ease. 

If you’re into heavy gaming, you might notice the Exynos chipset lagging a bit compared to premium models.

4. Battery Life

With a 4500mAh battery, I easily got through a full day of moderate use—browsing, social media, and a bit of Netflix. The 25W wired charging isn't the fastest, but it’s reasonable at this price. 

You can juice it up to 50% in about 30 minutes, which saved me a few times when I needed a quick charge. The 15W wireless charging adds convenience. The reverse wireless charging feature is a nice touch for topping off earbuds or another phone.

5. Solid Build Quality

The phone feels premium with its Gorilla Glass 5 on both sides and an aluminum frame. The IP68 rating adds peace of mind. It can survive the occasional drop into the water. Though it’s on the heavier side at 209g, the sturdy build gives it a reassuring feel.

Final Thoughts

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE checks all the boxes for anyone seeking a well-rounded, reliable smartphone. It doesn’t quite match the raw power of the flagship S23, but that’s not the point here. This is a phone for people who want flagship-level features without paying flagship prices.

For me, the vibrant display, solid camera performance, and durability make it a winner at this price point. 

Sure, there are some compromises—no microSD slot and a midrange chipset—but for most users, these won’t be deal-breakers.