Samsung has officially unveiled the Galaxy S23 FE, its latest Fan Edition smartphone, in the market. This impressive device takes the reins from the Galaxy S21 FE and represents a substantial leap forward in both features and design.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE features an elegant glass sandwich design and sports a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display equipped with a high-refresh-rate of 120Hz. Additionally, it boasts an impressive 50MP primary camera, a 3X telephoto lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), and the innovative Nightography feature.
Driving its performance is the Exynos 2200 chip, coupled with a substantial vapor chamber for enhanced thermal management. The smartphone operates on Android 13, overlaid with One UI 5.1, and is powered by a robust 4500mAh battery, supporting 25W fast charging.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Key Specs:
- Display: 6.4-inch FHD+ (2340 x 1080 pixels) Dynamic AMOLED 2X with 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Exynos 2200 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB (UFS 3.1)
- Rear camera: 50MP (wide) + 12MP (ultrawide) + 8MP (telephoto) with OIS
- Front camera: 10MP
- Battery: 4500mAh with 25W fast charging
- Operating system: Android 13
- Other features: Stereo speakers, IP68 dust and water resistance, 5G connectivity
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Review:
To begin with, the smartphone has undergone a comprehensive transformation in terms of its specifications. It boasts the latest-generation SoC, an upgraded camera setup, and an enhanced cooling system, promising improved performance.
Additionally, the phone adopts the contemporary trend of individually positioned camera lenses, aligning with Samsung’s 2023 lineup.
After spending some time with the device, here are our initial Samsung Galaxy S23 FE review.
Display and Design
Samsung has consistently employed a glass sandwich design across its flagship range, spanning the Galaxy S and Galaxy Z series. Surprisingly, the Galaxy S23 FE, while maintaining its affordability, boasts this premium design, aligning it seamlessly with the higher-priced models from the renowned South Korean manufacturer.
Furthermore, it embraces the contemporary trend of individually housed camera lenses, positioning it on par with, if not ahead of, other devices within its category.
The phone boasts robust side rails that enhance its ergonomic grip, ensuring comfortable handling. With its 6.4-inch display, it remains compact enough for effortless one-handed usage.
Regarding the display, the smartphone boasts a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with 120Hz refresh rate. This adaptive feature intelligently switches between 60Hz and 120Hz based on the content being viewed, a capability we observed performing admirably during our hands-on experience with the device. The color saturation and brightness levels were consistent and matched our expectations.
Read More: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Review
Camera
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE can be seen as a slightly more accessible variant of the Galaxy S23 series, but it doesn’t compromise on quality. This smartphone boasts the same impressive 50MP primary sensor found in the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23+. Additionally, the SE version includes a 3X telephoto lens for added versatility. Notably, Samsung has introduced the Nightography feature for the first time in the Fan Edition lineup, enhancing its camera capabilities.
During our photography sessions with the phone, we observed that it embodies the signature Samsung camera style—delivering sharp details, vibrant colors, and a touch of slight oversaturation.
The phone’s video capabilities shine with the ability to record in impressive 8K resolution and support for smooth 4K video at 60fps. Furthermore, the front camera features the trusted 12MP dual pixel technology sensor, a familiar feature from other flagship Samsung devices.
Performance
In contrast to the Galaxy S23 series, which runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, Samsung has opted to equip the Galaxy S23 FE with the Exynos 2200 chip for the international unit and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 for the USA unit.
The Exynos 2200, a flagship chip, utilizes a cutting-edge 4nm process and employs an octa-core configuration. Samsung’s focus with the Galaxy S23 FE is to deliver a seamless gaming experience, and to achieve this, they’ve included a substantial vapor chamber for effective thermal management.
During the initial setup of the phone, we did notice a slight warming, but it quickly stabilized and remained consistent even during a brief COD Mobile session. Although our usage has been limited so far, the device has demonstrated effective thermal management, and its overall performance has the hallmark of a true flagship.
Operating on Android 13 with Samsung’s customized One UI 5.1, the device is supported by a robust 4500mAh battery, complemented by 25W fast charging capabilities. Given its screen size, the battery capacity appears promising for typical daily activities. Yet, for a more accurate assessment of real-world performance, we’ll delve deeper in our comprehensive review. Stay tuned for those detailed insights.
Conclusion
The camera configuration, boasting a 50MP primary sensor, 3X telephoto lens with OIS, and Nightography, shows potential. Performance, anchored by the Exynos 2200 chip and ample vapor chamber, appears robust, but extended use will provide a clearer picture of its capabilities. With a 4500mAh battery, daily usage seems well-supported. For an in-depth analysis, stay tuned for our full Galaxy S23 FE review.
