Samsung Galaxy S23 FE review: here are the most confusing reasons to buy this smartphone

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 careful consideration, I have compiled the definitive list of reasons why you should buy Samsung’s latest smartphone, even if it is the most confusing version of the company this year.

The main points to remember for the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

• 
  
  The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the latest Android smartphone of the
  company, featuring a 6.4″ screen, a triple camera system
  and the OneUI overlay.
  
• 
  
  With a starting price of $599 in the United States, (the price is not yet
  released in France where it is planned to be marketed however), it
  oddly enough, it is located between the Galaxy A54 5G (€500) and the Galaxy S23
  (960 €), more upscale.
  
  
  
• 
  Users should consider the Galaxy S23 FE if they want a
  Samsung smartphone with a good value for money that doesn
  compromise on more subtle elements such as the protection factor,
  wireless charging and software support.
  

I have been testing the Galaxy S23 FE over the past two weeks
and I must admit that I had a hard time finding the best
buying tips.

First of all, let’s talk about the design. There are elements that I like, but also others that attract me very little. For example, I really like the 6.4″ flat AMOLED screen with a refresh rate of 120 Hz. In most lighting conditions, this screen is more vivid and brighter than any other phone at less than the order of 600-700 euros that I tested. And the absence of a curved screen (which the industry as a whole seems to be finally abandoning) means that it is much easier to apply a screen protector.

So the Galaxy S23 FE seems rougher around the edges

On the other hand, the aluminum sides, although polished and apparently strong enough to withstand one or two falls, do not curve into the rear glass as delicately as I would have liked. So the Galaxy S23 FE looks rougher around the edges, especially when you press it against the palm of your hand. The edges are also excessively thick for a 2023 phone.

June Wan/ZDNET

As for its durability, this model is equipped with a Gorilla Glass 5 glass front, a little less efficient on paper than the Gorilla Glass Victus glass found on more expensive phones, but secretly better for everyday use.

Indeed, if the Gorilla Glass 5 is not as unbreakable as its successor, its lower level of hardness means that 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 trouser pocket that can hold coins, keys and other small items that can leave traces 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 for the 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 allows the device to stand out in a sea of phones with dark colors. If you are used to using your smartphone without a case or with one of the transparent TPU cases, you will be delighted.

June Wan/ZDNET

A smartphone at this price level necessarily contains compromises that must be taken into account with the Galaxy S23 FE mainly concern the processor and the camera. The device is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, quite capable of handling more arduous tasks such as video editing and running game emulators.

But it only takes a few minutes before the phone starts to heat up, which causes the frame rate to drop and the application to crash. If Samsung had opted for a more energy-efficient chipset, such as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Plus released a few months after the 8 Gen 1, the Galaxy S23 FE would have had a better performance.

A Pro shooting mode with peaking focus makes the camera of the Galaxy S23 FE a little more suitable for photographers. June Wan/ZDNET

As for the cameras, I am especially impressed by the 50 megapixel main sensor, which captures surprisingly true-to-color photos and which will certainly pass the eye test. The shutter speed is also better than I expected, approaching the €1120 of the iPhone 15 Plus and the €1850 of the OnePlus Open that I also tested. Where the triple camera system is not up to the task, it is at the level of the 12 MP ultra-wide and 8 MP telephoto lenses, which, although 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 screens on the market for less than €600-700, ideal for streaming and games on the go.
• The Gorilla Glass 5 is relatively advantageous for users who do not drop their phone often, but who are potentially frequently confronted with scratches and scuffs.
• Mint and purple colors make other phones boring.The IP68 protection rating and wireless charging are often absent from phones in this price range. This 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, it is more likely that you will find these two Samsung products on sale more easily at the end of the year than the S23 FE, which was launched only a few weeks ago.

Source: “ZDNet.com “