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Make no mistake, this Android smartphone is a bargain. We do not yet know its price in France, but its predecessor, the Galaxy S21 FE (yes, the S22 FE model was snatched by Samsung) was offered half the price of its big brother the S21.
Still, the design of the Galaxy S23 FE is uninspired. And its release at the end of the year clearly suggests that Samsung does not have much interest in its “Fan Edition” brand.
So why does the Galaxy S23 FE exist? After much thought, I’ve come up with the definitive list of reasons why you should buy Samsung’s latest smartphone, even if it’s the company’s most confusing release this year.
The main takeaways for the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
- The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the company’s latest Android smartphone, featuring a 6.4” display, triple camera system and OneUI overlay.
- With a starting price of $599 in the United States (the price has not yet been communicated in France where it is planned to be marketed however), it is curiously located between the Galaxy A54 5G (€500) and the Galaxy S23 (€960), more high-end.
- Users should consider the Galaxy S23 FE if they want a value-for-money Samsung smartphone that doesn’t compromise on more subtle things like IP rating, wireless charging, and software support .
I’ve been testing the Galaxy S23 FE over the past couple of weeks and I have to admit that I’ve had a lot of trouble finding the best buying advice.
First, let’s talk about the design. There are elements that I like, but also others that appeal to me very little. For example, I really like the 6.4” flat AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. In most lighting conditions, this display is more vivid and brighter than any other phone less than around 600-700 euros that I tested. And the lack of a curved screen (which the industry as a whole finally seems to be moving away from) means it’s much easier to apply a screen protector.
The Galaxy S23 FE therefore seems rougher around the edges
On the downside, the aluminum sides, while polished and seemingly tough enough to withstand a drop or two, don’t curve into the rear glass as delicately as I would have liked. The Galaxy S23 FE therefore feels rougher around the edges, especially when pressed against the palm of the hand. The edges are also excessively thick for a 2023 phone.
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As for its durability, this model is equipped with a Gorilla Glass 5 front, a little less efficient on paper than the Gorilla Glass Victus found on more expensive phones, but secretly better for daily use.
Indeed, while Gorilla Glass 5 isn’t as shatterproof as its successor, its lower level of hardness means the screen is also less likely to suffer scratches and scuffs. I may not drop my phone every day, but I carry it in a pants pocket that can hold coins, keys, and other small items that can leave marks on the screen.
A smartphone at this price level necessarily contains compromises
Smartphone colors often get boring, but that’s not the case here. Samsung, as with previous FE models, offers the Galaxy S23 FE in various colors including purple (photo below). The latter is more of a Barney purple than anything else and helps the device stand out in a sea of dark-colored phones. If you are used to using your smartphone without a case or with one of the transparent TPU cases, you will be delighted.
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A smartphone at this price level necessarily contains compromises that must be taken into account with the Galaxy S23 FE, mainly concerning the processor and the camera. The device is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, which is quite capable of handling more arduous tasks like video editing and running game emulators.
But it only takes a few minutes before the phone starts to heat up, causing the frame rate to drop and the app to crash. If Samsung had opted for a more energy-efficient chipset, like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Plus released a few months after the 8 Gen 1, the Galaxy S23 FE would have had better performance.
A Pro shooting mode with focus peaking makes the Galaxy S23 FE’s camera a little more suitable for photographers. June Wan/ZDNET
As for the cameras, I’m most impressed by the 50-megapixel main sensor, which captures surprisingly color-accurate photos that will definitely pass the eye test. The shutter speed is also better than I expected, coming close to the €1120 of the iPhone 15 Plus and the €1850 of the OnePlus Open which I also tested. Where the triple camera system falls short is in the 12MP ultra-wide and 8MP telephoto lenses, which, while I appreciate their versatility, cannot produce as much detail and clarity as the main sensor.
ZDNET Buying Tips for the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
In summary, here is the list of reasons why you should buy the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, including a few extras that are subtle but make a noticeable difference:
- One of the best displays on the sub-$600-$700 market, ideal for streaming and gaming on the go.
- Gorilla Glass 5 is relatively beneficial for users who don’t drop their phone often, but potentially face scratches and scuffs frequently.
- Mint and mauve colors make other phones look boring. IP68 rating and wireless charging are often missing from phones in this price range. That is not the case here.
- Samsung promises up to five years of security patches and four years of operating system updates.
That said, if the Galaxy S23 FE is located between the Galaxy A54 and the S23 in Samsung’s hierarchy, it does not lose its value. In fact, you’re more likely to find these two Samsung products on sale at the end of the year more easily than the S23 FE, which launched only a few weeks ago.
Source: “ZDNet.com”