The primary camera of the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE boasts a resolution of 50 megapixels, and it is equipped with a 4500mAh battery.
Samsung’s FE series has consistently garnered favoritism among fans, beginning with the initial release of the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE. This device boasted nearly flagship-level specifications, positioning itself between the highest-end A Series smartphone and the entry-level S Series smartphone in terms of pricing. This year, Samsung presented two FE devices: the updated S21 FE featuring Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888 and the new Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, equipped with the Exynos 2200 SoC and numerous features that give it the appearance of a flagship device on paper. The question arises: does the much-anticipated Samsung Galaxy S23 FE live up to the brand’s commitment when they first introduced the ‘Fan Edition’ smartphone? And is it worth purchasing at a starting price of Rs. 59,999? Let’s delve into this comprehensive review of the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Price in Nigeria
I’ve been testing the base variant of the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, featuring 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage in the Mint color option, priced at Rs. 59,999. An alternative 256GB storage variant with the same 8GB of RAM is available at Rs. 64,999. This places the smartphone in close proximity to the vanilla Samsung Galaxy S23, equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC. The device is offered in two additional color options: Graphite and Purple. Notably, Samsung has introduced two special edition colors for online purchase – Indigo and Tangerine. While the 256GB storage variant is a welcome addition, a higher-end variant with increased RAM could have justified the price more effectively.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Review: Design
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE adopts a design reminiscent of its predecessors, sharing the same design language as the Samsung Galaxy S23 and the Samsung Galaxy A54. It features matte-finished aluminum side rails, responsive volume rockers, and a tactile power key, embodying the characteristics expected of a flagship smartphone. The device accommodates a dual nano SIM card slot with the option to use either one physical and an E-SIM or two physical SIM cards simultaneously. Unfortunately, it lacks expandable storage, which may disappoint some users. The inclusion of a USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port and adequately loud stereo speakers enhances the device’s usability. Notably, Corning’s Gorilla Glass 5 protects both the display and the back panel, with a glossy finish that differs from the matte finish on the Samsung Galaxy S23.
However, the glossy finish makes the smartphone susceptible to fingerprints and smudges. With a thickness of 8.22mm and a weight of 209 grams, the device feels slightly bulkier than typical smartphones, leaning towards the heavier side. It earns points for being IP68 certified for dust and water resistance, though. During my usage without a case, I observed scuffs and scratches on the display glass within a few days, despite the protection offered by Corning’s Gorilla Glass 5. While the smartphone’s thickness and weight are noticeable, it still exudes the premium aesthetic associated with Samsung flagships.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Review: Display
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels. The display impresses with vibrant colors and sharpness, but the bezels are notably thick for a device in its price range, marketed as an entry-level flagship. These bezels remain conspicuous even when immersed in content, detracting somewhat from the overall visual experience.
The display is HDR10+ certified and supports a peak brightness of up to 1450 nits, ensuring excellent visibility indoors and outdoors. I encountered minimal discoloration when using the smartphone in harsh sunlight. Users have the flexibility to choose between a standard 60Hz refresh rate or an adaptive refresh rate of 120Hz, providing a smooth experience while navigating the UI, apps, or engaging in gaming activities.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Review: Camera:
The device incorporates a triple-rear camera setup, featuring a primary 50-megapixel camera with an f1.8 aperture and a 24mm focal range equipped with OIS. Additionally, there’s an 8-megapixel telephoto camera offering 3x optical zoom with f2.4 aperture and a 75mm focal range, complete with OIS. Rounding out the trio is a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera with an f2.2 aperture.
The camera system impresses with its ability to focus on moving subjects, facilitated by PDAF for both the primary and telephoto cameras. Daylight shots from the primary camera exhibit sharpness from corner to corner, capturing good details in both shadows and highlights. Bokeh, even without activating the portrait mode, presents a pleasing effect, avoiding excessive saturation levels. The telephoto camera maintains consistent saturation levels but produces slightly softer images.