Samsung Electronics has today launched the Galaxy S23 FE alongside the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Galaxy Tab S9+ FE, a new addition to their Fan Edition (FE) series. This device is a significant upgrade from the previous S21 FE, with several key enhancements, particularly in the chipset and camera departments.
Display and Design
The device features a flat 6.4” Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with FHD+ resolution and a refresh rate of 60-120Hz. The phone measures 158 x 76.5 x 8.2mm and weighs 209g, making it larger and heavier than the S21 FE.
The body and internals of the phone are made out of recycled materials – pre-consumer aluminum and glass, plus post-consumer plastic.
Performance
The Galaxy S23 FE is powered by an “Advanced 4nm Processing” chipset. While Samsung has not explicitly stated which chipset is used, it’s likely either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or the Exynos 2200, depending on your location. This is a solid upgrade over the Snapdragon 888/Exynos 2100 of the S21 FE.
The base configuration now includes 8GB of RAM, eliminating the outdated 6GB option. The storage options are 128GB or 256GB, with no expansion slot available.
Camera
The Galaxy S23 FE boasts a major upgrade in its main camera, now featuring a 50MP sensor, up from 12MP.
However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t put the S23 FE on par with the S23 or even S22 phones. The device still has lower resolution ultrawide (10MP, 123°) and telephoto cameras (8MP, 3x). Additionally, the selfie camera has been downgraded to 10MP after two generations of 32MP sensors in the FE models.
Software and Battery
In terms of longevity, the Galaxy S23 FE follows other high-end Samsung devices with four OS updates and five years of security patches. The phone comes with Android 13/One UI 5.1 out of the box and is rated IP68 for dust and water resistance.
Despite being chunkier than its predecessor, this new model does not increase the battery capacity, which remains at 4,500mAh. Wired charging similarly remains at 25W (0-50% is done in 30 minutes). Wireless charging is supported as well.
Availability
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE will go on sale on October 5, starting at $599. Despite some compromises compared to the true S23 models, the Galaxy S23 FE offers several key upgrades over its predecessor, making it a compelling choice for Samsung fans.
In Kenya, Samsung confirmed that the Galaxy S23 FE is available from Ksh. 99,999 in modern, bold colors, including Mint, Cream, Graphite, and Purple.
| Galaxy S23 FE Full Specs | |
| Display | 6.4-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display Super Smooth, Adaptive 120Hz refresh rate (60~120Hz) |
| *Measured diagonally, actual viewable area is less due to rounded corners and camera hole. | |
| Dimensions & Weight | 76.5 X 158 X 8.2mm, 209g |
| Camera | 12MP Ultra-Wide Camera
50MP Wide Camera
8MP Telephoto Camera
10MP Front Camera
|
|
AP |
Advanced 4nm Processing |
| *May differ by market and carrier. | |
| Memory
& Storage |
8GB + 128GB 8GB + 256GB |
| * Available storage capacity is subject to preloaded software. * Memory option may vary by market. |
|
| Battery | 4,500mAh |
| *Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated (minimum) capacity is 4,370mah. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors. | |
| Charging* | Wired charging*: Up to 50% charge in around 30 mins with 25W Adapter** Fast Wireless Charging 2.0*** Wireless PowerShare**** |
| *Wired charging compatible with QC2.0 and AFC. | |
| **25W Power Adapter sold separately. Use only Samsung-approved chargers and cables. | |
| ***Wireless charging compatible with WPC. | |
| ****Wireless PowerShare is limited to Samsung or other brand smartphones with Qi wireless charging, such as Galaxy S23 Ultra, S23+, S23, Z Fold 5, Z Fold 4, Z Flip4, S22 series, Z Fold3 5G, Z Flip 5, Z Flip3 5G, S21 FE 5G, S21 series, Z Fold2, Note20 series, S20 series, Z Flip, Note10, Note10+, S10e, S10, S10+, Fold, S9, S9+, S8, S8+, S8 Active, S7, S7 edge, S7 Active, S6, S6 edge, S6 Active, S6 edge+, Note9, Note8, Note FE and Note5. Only available with certain Samsung Galaxy wearables such as Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Buds2, Buds Pro, Buds Live, Watch5, Watch5 Pro, Watch4, Watch4 Classic, Watch3, Watch Active2, Watch Active, Gear Sport, Gear S3, Galaxy Watch and Galaxy Buds. If battery power is lower than 30% Wireless PowerShare may not function. May not work with certain accessories, covers, other brand devices or some Samsung wearables. During PowerShare, it may affect call reception or data services, depending on your network environment. | |
| OS | Android 13 |
| Network and Connectivity | 5G*, LTE**, Wi-Fi 6E***, Wi-Fi Direct Bluetooth® v 5.3 |
| *Requires optimal 5G network connection, available in select markets. Check with your carrier for availability and details. Download and streaming speeds may vary based on content provider, server connection and other factors. **Availability of LTE model varies by market and carrier. Actual speed may vary depending on market, carrier, and user environment. ***Wi-Fi 6E network availability may vary by market, network provider and user environment. Requires optimal connection. Will require a Wi-Fi 6E router. |
|
| Security | Samsung Knox, Samsung Knox Vault |
| Water Resistance | IP68 |
| *IP68 Rating: Conducted under lab test conditions. Water resistant in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes and protected from dust, dirt, and sand. Rinse residue/dry after wet. Not advised for beach or pool use. Water and dust resistance of your device is not permanent and may diminish over time. | |
Source: Samsung
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