Samsung Galaxy S23 FE: Flagship features for a rock-bottom price?

 

When it comes to Samsung, the anticipation surrounding their flagship offerings is always palpable. Yet, in recent years, Samsung has upped its game with the introduction of the "Fan Edition" (FE) phones – a nod to the brand's dedicated fanbase. The idea was simple: provide a more budget-friendly alternative to their flagship series while retaining as many top-tier features as possible. With the unveiling of the Galaxy S23 FE, it appears that Samsung has not only lived up to this promise but, in many ways, exceeded it.

The S23 FE is designed to cater to those who want close-to-flagship features without the flagship price. From its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip in select countries to its gaming capabilities and camera prowess, this model is gearing up to be a favorite among Samsung enthusiasts. With that said, let's delve deep into what the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has to offer.

 

Unpacking the Value

The S23 FE comes in a sleek compact box, promising a taste of premium at every step. What's inside? The handset, some booklets, a Type-C to Type-C cable, and of course, the ever-useful SIM tray ejector pin. Oh, and did I mention? This beauty got its first taste of limelight in India.

Under the Hood

At the heart of this device is the Samsung Exynos 2200 processor. Don't let the fancy name fool you – this flagship-level processor is designed for heavy lifting. Not only does it boast a 4nm chipset, but it also sports a vapor chamber cooling system that's 3.9 times larger than usual. So, if you're thinking of running intensive apps, fear not! This handset laughs in the face of heat.

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As if that wasn't enough, it's also the first in the FE series to support ray tracing. What's that, you ask? Imagine replicating the complexities of natural lighting and shadows in games, making for a jaw-droppingly realistic gaming experience. Yup, that's ray tracing, folks. Usually a thing for high-end laptops, but Samsung just casually added it into a phone. No big deal.

Design and Display

The S23 FE has indeed undergone a design transformation. This time, instead of the plastic back like its predecessor (the S21 FE), the S23 FE proudly sports a glass back and a sturdy aluminum frame which, if you squint a little, flaunts its curves for a comfy grip. Front and back? Both shielded with Corning Gorilla Glass 5. 

Plus, Samsung's gone all eco-friendly with recycled aluminum sides which are now in matte finish, making them less prone to fingerprint smudges and an elegant floating camera design. Available in graphite, mint, and the ever-royal purple.

Samsung's AMOLED displays have always been a talking point, and the S23 FE is no exception. It flaunts an AMOLED display with an adaptive refresh rate that swings between 60 and 120Hz. Colors pop out, and the crispness is evident. Moreover, the phone features Vision Booster – a technology that ensures optimal screen visibility outdoors regardless of how sunny or bright the conditions are.

The camera housing has also been tweaked to resemble that of the flagship Galaxy S23, with individual camera islands giving it a distinct appearance. Furthermore, the phone is slightly heavier than the S21 FE, probably due to the incorporation of glass and the enlarged vapor chamber (3.9 times larger). 

Camera

The front camera is no slouch with 10MP and dual pixel technology. Turn it around and you get a 12MP Ultra Wide, a whopping 50MP OIS camera, and a 3x telephoto lens of 8MP.  Wide-angle shots capture minute details and impressively, the primary camera can shoot 8K videos at 24FPS, and the front camera supports 4K videos at 60FPS. 

The introduction of OIS combined with VDIS technology ensures stable and clear video footage. The ultra-wide lens maintains consistency in colors and tones with the primary lens, which is commendable. Not to forget, the 10MP front-facing camera ensures selfies are clear, with accurate skin tones and commendable edge detection, even in challenging lighting conditions.

Software and Features

Out of the box, the S23 FE runs on Android 13 with Samsung's One UI 5.1. However, an update to One UI 6 is expected soon. Samsung ensures longevity with a promise of 4 years of Android upgrades, which means the device should see updates up until Android 17. Moreover, it comes with 5 years of security updates.

Samsung hasn't skimped on premium software features either. From Wireless Samsung DeX to Link to Windows, Secure Folder, Wireless PowerShare, Samsung Wallet, and more – the S23 FE packs all the goodies you'd expect in a flagship.

Battery, Price, and Final Thoughts

While one might have hoped for a 5,000mAh battery, the S23 FE sports a 4,500mAh battery. Under standard usage, it gives about 13 hours of juice. This includes activities like navigation, social media browsing, emails, gaming, and occasional calls. It also supports 25W wired charging. And now, the burning question: the price. Hold onto your hats – it's priced at a sweet Rs.49,999. At this price, it ticks boxes across departments, be it camera, performance, or battery life.

Final thoughts, Galaxy S23 FE's Price and Trade-In Tango

The Galaxy S23 FE is a significant upgrade over the S21 FE. It blends the line between flagship and mid-range devices, offering flagship features at a much more affordable price. At under 50,000 rupees (after discounts), it's a no-brainer for anyone looking for a premium experience without the hefty price tag.

Unveiled on Oct. 3, The Galaxy S23 FE is set to make its much-anticipated debut on Oct. 26. No need for an endless search; this one will be accessible, whether you're fond of shopping directly from Samsung, browsing on Amazon, swinging by Best Buy, or relying on carriers like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile.

Now, onto the financial side of things. The Galaxy S23 FE starts at a competitive $600 for the 8/128GB variant. And Samsung’s offering an appealing trade-in deal for those looking to upgrade. That Galaxy S20 FE you have? It can fetch you a $200 credit. Sporting a Galaxy S22 or an iPhone 13 mini? That'll be a cool $300 off. Even the Galaxy A54 isn’t left behind, earning a respectable $200 credit.

For those keen on getting multiple Samsung devices, there's a bundle on offer: Galaxy S23 FE, Tab S9 FE, and Buds FE, all for just $1,000, saving you a tidy sum.

In comparison to the Galaxy S23, the S23 FE offers a solid deal, especially when considering the specs and the $200 price difference. With its robust 8GB RAM and choice of storage, the Galaxy S23 FE presents an attractive proposition for its price point.

In a nutshell, the Galaxy S23 FE appears to offer both value and performance. Looking forward to seeing it in action!