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  3. Samsung Galaxy S23 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE: Epic Showdown
Samsung Galaxy S23 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE - specs that change what you think you know about these two models
Lifestyle

Samsung Galaxy S23 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE: Epic Showdown

25 Ways to Identify Which Samsung Galaxy You Have: The Complete Guide Reading Samsung Galaxy S23 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE: Epic Showdown 17 minutes
By Paris ContadorNov 7, 2025 0 comments
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The phone world is a battleground. But not all fighters are created equal. The S series has always owned the top spot. Now, Samsung dropped two phones ready to throw down. The S23 5G. And the S23 FE. It's a straight-up fight for the crown. The ultimate Samsung Galaxy S23 5g vs Samsung Galaxy s23 FE specs showdown. This isn’t a game. This is for all the glory.


Just like we brought you iPhone vs Samsung, we’re back with yet another stellar showdown. It's time to find out what's what. We're not here to be nice. We're here to find the winner. The undisputed champion. Is it the premium, all-out S23? Or the smart, savvy S23 FE? We'll get to the bottom of it. We've got the info. We've got the attitude. Let’s do this.

Quick Links

Samsung Galaxy S23 5G Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Alternative Options FAQ Final Thoughts

TL;DR: Quick Decision Guide

You want the short version? We got you:

Choose the Galaxy S23 5G if - You want the absolute best. A phone that’s faster. Built tougher. And has a top-tier camera. You don’t mind paying a premium for a truly awesome phone

Choose the Galaxy S23 FE if - You're a smart shopper. You want a bigger screen. A battery that lasts all day. And a phone that gives you all the core flagship features without the insane price tag

They're both great phones. They both have awesome cameras and software. But the S23 has more raw speed. The S23 FE has more endurance. The S23 is a premium player. The S23 FE is the value king. The performance gap is real. The S23 5G’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is a serious upgrade over the FE’s 8 Gen 1. But the FE’s battery is a champ. It easily outlasts the S23 5G.

Comparing Options

Let's get down to the samsung galaxy s23 5g vs samsung galaxy s23 fe specs

s23 vs s23 fe comparison chart

Criteria Breakdown

Even the S22 Ultra had some of the best Android widgets, but times have changed. We’re here to talk about what’s real. We won’t bore you with a table. We’ll show you why these phones matter. It comes down to a few things. Screen. Speed. Camera. Battery. Build. Price. We’ll break down exactly what to look for and why it makes a difference. We’re not here to be a bunch of nerds. We're here to give it to you straight. To tell you what’s real and what’s just hype. We're breaking it all down.

Samsung Galaxy S23 5G

What the Galaxy S23 5G is Best Known For

If you’re a fan of phones that feel amazing in your hand, this is the one. The Galaxy S23 5G is a compact premium phone that doesn’t cut corners. It's for the person who wants a top-tier device without the massive size. This phone is all about the details. It has a slick processor, an amazing camera, and a build quality that feels seriously premium. It’s got Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for toughness. And a slick aluminum frame. It’s for the person who wants it all, but in a small package.
Galaxy  S23 5G (left), Galaxy S23 FE (right)
Source: PC Mag - Spotting the Samsung Galaxy S23 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE differences in specs is the surefire way to choosing the right S23 model for you.

Galaxy S23 5G Features

This phone packs a serious punch. The display is a beautiful 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED. It gets super bright, up to 1,750 nits. So you can see it even in direct sunlight. The refresh rate is a smooth 120Hz. The camera system is top-notch. It has a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. The brain is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy. It’s a custom-tuned chip that is ridiculously fast. The phone is packed with smart camera features. The battery is a 3,900mAh, which gets you through a day. It supports wireless charging and Samsung's DeX desktop mode. It's a complete package. Now, Is the S23 waterproof? It is - with an IP68 rating, but you’ll still want one of our most protective phone cases.

Galaxy S23 5G Pros

  • The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is a complete weapon. It handles anything. Gaming? Easy. Multitasking? Easy as pie

  • It's a small phone with a big attitude. It's easy to hold and use with one hand

  • It takes epic photos and videos. The low-light performance is amazing

  • The glass and aluminum construction is built to last

  • It has all the 5G you'll ever need

Galaxy S23 5G Cons

  • This phone costs a lot. For some people, the price is just too high for what you get

  • Smaller battery at 3,900mAh battery - can get you through a day though -unless you’re a heavy user

  • The base model offers limited storage at only 128GB with a slower storage speed

  • No Expandable Storage - You can’t add a microSD card

Galaxy S23 5G Criteria Evaluation

Display Quality (4.5/5): The screen is bright, clear, and smooth. It’s a great display. The only thing keeping it from a perfect score is the fact that it’s not the absolute brightest on the market. But it’s close.

Performance (5/5): This is where it shines. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is a pure performer. It has no problem with any task. It gets a perfect score here.

Camera System (4.5/5): The photos and videos are top-tier. It's one of the best cameras you can get on a phone this size. It's not the ultimate camera, but it’s right up there.

Battery Life (4/5): The battery is adequate for most people. But it's not a battery champion. It's good, but it's not epic.

Build Quality (5/5): The glass and aluminum construction feel amazing. It's a premium phone. It looks and feels expensive. It's a perfect score here.

Value (3.5/5): You get a lot of phone. But you pay a lot for it. The premium price makes it a tough sell for some.

Galaxy S23 5G Community Reviews

For S23 5G vs S23 FE specs, here's what has people talking:

“...Still smooth and fast, some occasional hiccups rarely and sometimes launcher (non-samsung one) reloads after gaming, but 99% of time there are no issues…” - Reddit user


“...it will heat if you game while charging…” - Reddit user

Galaxy S23 5G Pricing

The S23 5G launched at $799 for the 128GB model. It goes up from there, but the price reflects what you get. This is a premium phone. It’s for the person who wants top-of-the-line tech and isn't afraid to pay for it.


If you go with the Galaxy S23 - you’re going to need to keep it safe and sound. Do yourself a solid and grab one of our Rokform Rugged cases to keep it ready for whatever.

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

What the Galaxy S23 FE is Best Known For

This phone is packing a revolution for the money. The Galaxy S23 FE has built its reputation on giving you the good stuff without the ridiculous price tag. It's for the person who wants a big screen and a battery that lasts all day. It’s known for offering a tad bit less of what the S23 has, but for a lot less cash. It’s a smart choice for people who are all about value. You know, when you’re rocking any Galaxy, it’s safe to say that even the S23 FE is bound to need the top Samsung phone accessories out there.
Galaxy S23 (left), S23 FE (right)
Source: The Indian Express - Samsung Galaxy S23 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE - the battle of faster chip or light on the wallet continues.

Galaxy S23 FE Features

The S23 FE has a big, beautiful 6.4-inch screen. It has a super smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The brightness is a little lower than the S23, but it’s still more than enough for everyday use. The camera system has a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto. It takes great photos. The brain is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or the Exynos 2200. It's not as fast as the S23's chip, but it's more than enough for daily tasks. The real hero here is the battery. It's a massive 4,500mAh. It just keeps going and going. You’ll get through a full day with no problem. And it has all the Galaxy AI features.

Galaxy S23 FE Pros

  • This phone is a smart move. It gives you all the core features without the insane price tag. You're getting a phone that performs way above its weight class

  • The 4,500mAh battery is a total tank. It’s got the endurance to get you through a full day, no problem. You won’t be scrambling for an outlet

  • This is for the big-screen fans. The 6.4-inch display is perfect for streaming and gaming. It’s a full screen experience in your hands

  • The main camera is on point. It takes amazing photos that you'll be stoked to share. You won't be let down by the quality here

  • It runs the same software as the S23 and gets the same updates. You’re set for years to come

Galaxy S23 FE Cons

  • It’s fast. But it's not the fastest. The older chip will show its age in demanding games

  • The build is tough, but the plastic back feels less luxurious than glass

  • The screen is great. But it doesn't get as bright as the S23's. You might squint a little in the sun

Galaxy S23 FE Criteria Evaluation

  • Display Quality (4/5): It's got a big, bold screen that looks great. We'll knock it down a point because it doesn't get as bright as the S23, but you'll still be happy with what you see

  • Performance (4/5): The speed is there for daily use. It gets the job done without any lag. It just can't keep up with the top dogs on a raw power test

  • Camera System (4/5): The main camera is a solid shooter. It takes amazing photos. The only thing holding it back is the telephoto lens. It just doesn't have the same clarity for zoomed shots

  • Battery Life (4.5/5): This is a huge win. The battery is a marathon runner. It'll easily get you through a full day even with heavy use

  • Build Quality (4/5): The phone feels good in your hand. It's built to last. It just doesn't have the premium feel of a glass back

  • Value (5/5): This is where it crushes the competition. It's a full-on victory. You're getting a whole lot of phone for a lower price

Galaxy S23 FE Community Reviews

When it comes down to the wire of S23 FE vs S23 5G, the people have spoken:

“...Battery life lasts me all day, and I only charge to 85%. You won't notice that it's not a $1,000 phone…” - Reddit user


“...honestly, it was a terrible phone, especially going from an S2. The phone overheated, the battery life was trash, and it was just an inferior product to the regular S23…” - Reddit user 

Galaxy S23 FE Pricing

The S23 FE kicks off at just $599 for the 128GB model. Don't let that price fool you. This isn't a budget phone. It’s a smart choice. You're getting a serious piece of hardware for a fraction of the cost. It's a deal that’s almost too good to be true.


Listen up. You’ve got a sweet new phone. It needs protection. We don't have a case made specifically for the S23 FE. But that doesn't mean you can't get that Rokform protection you crave. Snag a case made for your device, and then get our Universal adapter. You'll get our patented Roklock you can count on. It's the best of both worlds.

Alternative Options

You’ve got a lot of choices out there. We’ve looked at the S23 5G and the S23 FE. But what else is out there that you should think about? Before the S25 dropped, we were on the edge of our seats listening to S25 rumors. But even the latest Galaxy, it may not be the phone for you, Take a look below at some notables -

Google Pixel 8

This phone is all about the camera and AI. It's got a special chip built for AI. The camera is a point-and-shoot dream. You can get epic photos with a little help from AI. It’s a smart phone for a smart user.

iPhone 15

This phone is all about that smooth Apple experience. It has a USB-C port. The cool Dynamic Island. A high-resolution 48MP main camera. And it's a slick phone that just works.

OnePlus 11

This phone is a speed demon. It has a super-bright screen. The top-tier Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. And a camera that’s tuned by Hasselblad. It also has a huge battery with crazy fast charging. It’s a well-rounded phone that delivers premium features for a fair price.

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G

For budget fans, this is the way to go. It has a great screen. A solid camera. And it works with the Samsung ecosystem. It's a great phone for a great price. It doesn't have all the high-end features, but it gets the job done.

FAQ

Which phone has better performance for gaming?

The S23 5G is the clear champ here. It has a newer processor that’s built for speed. It runs demanding games at higher frame rates and stays cool doing it. The FE is good for a casual gamer, but it can’t hang with the S23 when things get hot. The S23 has some of the best features and accessories for a gaming setup, and its superior performance is one of them.

How significant is the battery life difference?

Samsung battery life is always something to consider. The S23 FE is the clear winner. Its 4,500mAh battery is way bigger than the S23's. That means you get 2-3 extra hours of screen time. The S23 is good for a day of use, but the FE will easily get you through a full day of heavy use with juice to spare.

Are the cameras really that different?

The cameras are not that different for most people. They both have the same main sensor and take great photos. But if you're into zoom, the S23 is a better choice. It has a 10MP telephoto lens that gives you clearer, sharper zoomed photos. But for everyday shots, the S23 FE is a solid option. It’s a good thing you can easily check out Google Pixel vs Samsung to see which camera system works best for you.

Which phone will get updates longer?

Both of these phones are set for a long haul. They both get 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of security patches. They’ll stay current and secure for a long, long time. So this is a tie. The latest Galaxy, the S25 still needs accessories in 2025. This just goes to show how long phones are in it to win it these days.

Is the build quality difference worth the extra cost?

The S23 feels more premium. The glass back feels great in your hand. But the FE's plastic back is tougher. It won't shatter if you drop it. It's the difference between a high-end feel and a durable design. Either way, you'll need something to protect it. That’s where our Tactical phone cases come in.

Final Thoughts

So, for Samsung Galaxy S23 5G vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, it's a classic choice. One is a compact, premium player. The other is a value champion. Both are a win, but they're built for two different missions. No matter which you choose, you've just dropped serious cash. That's a rookie mistake. Don't leave it to chance.


We build gear for people who live life on the edge. We've heard the stories. Phones dropped from cell towers or even half-baked in the oven. Our gear, like our Galaxy phone cases- survives that stuff. It’s what we do. Our S23 Magnetic Rugged Case is a best-seller for a reason. It's got an integrated MAGMAX™ magnet system that’s compatible with MagSafe. You get extra-strength magnetic mounting on any surface. It has a twist-lock for bikes, motorcycles, and cars. And it’s slim. But with 6-foot military-grade drop protection. It’s the ultimate case. Military-grade protection is what we do. Our cases are built for the real world.


If you play golf, the Galaxy S23 Eagle 3™ Phone Case is a golf must-have. Brent Grant, a PGA Tour professional, says, “If you play golf and you don’t have the Eagle 3™ phone case, get one!” It attaches instantly to your golf cart. Gives you hands-free access to GPS yardage. And you can video your swing. It’s slim, light, and MagSafe compatible. If you like the Ultra versions and Notes better than the S23 lineup, the Galaxy S Pen and Rokform cases are still a perfect match!


For the S23 FE, we have still got you covered. Our Universal adapter works with any case. You can attach this to give you the patented Roklock you can count on. It gives you the best of both worlds.


The phone you choose is only as good as the gear you have. You need to maximize its potential. Our mounts for every activity and accessories will make your life easier. Whether you go with the premium S23 5G or the value-focused S23 FE, we’ve got your back. See what’s coming soon - only at Rokform.

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25 Ways to Identify Which Samsung Galaxy You Have: The Complete Guide

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