Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Review – A Lower Priced Alternative Device


 Samsung is back again offering the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE "Fan Edition" device which is marketed as an alternative device to the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 Plus. The specifications are different from the Galaxy S23 series, so is the S23 FE still an impressive device and worth buying in Malaysia?



SPECIFICATIONS


Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

6.4” Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen. 120 Hz

1080 x 2340 pixels (403ppi)

Gorilla Glass 5

Exynos 2200 processor (4nm

1 X 2.8 GHz Cortex-X2 chip

3 X 2.50 GHz Cortex-A710

4 X 1.8 GHz Cortex-A510

Xclipse 920 Graphics Chip

RAM 8GB LPDDR5 RAM

Internal Storage 128/256GB UFS 3.1

Main Camera 50MP f/1.8, PDAF, OIS (Wide Angle)

12MP f/2.2 (Ultra Wide Angle)

8MP f/2.4, PDAF, 3x Optical Zoom (Telephoto)

10MP f/2.4 Selfie Camera

4500mAh battery

25W wired charging

SIM/Telephony Dual SIM nano / 4G

NFC Yes

No Audio Jack

Waterproof IP68

Scan System Fingerprint scan under the screen

Face Scan

Sale Price RM 2999 (8GB/128GB)

RM 3299 (8GB/256GB)

DESIGN

The color of the device I received is Green (Mint) however this device comes with 4 color options in the market which are Purple, Cream, Graphite and Green. The frame of the device is made of aluminum. According to Samsung, the design of the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is taken from the iconic design of the Galaxy S23 Series and prioritizes classic aesthetic values in its design.


The front and back of the device uses a Gorilla Glass 5 glass panel that aims to protect the body of the device to be more durable while also adding cosmetic value to the device. In terms of protection level, it is not comparable to the S23, S23+ and S23 Ultra which are equipped with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and a more durable Aluminum Armor frame.



The power button and audio adjustment are on the right side and are easy to press. At the bottom there is an audio grille and a charging hole while the tray for the SIM is placed at the top. Two nano SIMs are supported along with one eSIM.


Then on the back there is certainly a camera lens with a three-bump design that emerges and at a glance is the same as the design on the A54 and A35 series. This follows Samsung's actions to standardize all of its device designs this year.



The body of the device feels premium when held and is comfortable in the grip but this device is quite heavy (209g) compared to the previous Samsung Galaxy S23 with a much lighter weight (167g). In my view, the design of the device's body seems to apply minimalist elements in terms of design and also available colors. It depends on the judgment and taste of some people, but I personally feel that the design is too simple and makes this device look cheap.


SCREEN

Next, the screen of this Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra device is flat and there is a small circle at the top of the screen for the selfie camera. This device also uses Gorilla Glass 5 for protection purposes. The screen also has a refresh rate of 120Hz with a 6.4" Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen and HDR10+ resolution. However, the refresh rate can be changed to 60Hz in the settings section if the device's battery is to be saved.



I also use this device to watch some high resolution video content on Youtube. Vivid color reproduction and video display clarity is good and clear. I believe this device is also capable of providing a good viewing experience on Netflix with HDR mode support provided. But, a slight drawback on the screen is that the bezel is quite thick but does not interfere with the display when watching videos or when using other applications.



BIOMETRIC


The fingerprint scanner feature on the device is built into the bottom of the screen and works well as it can detect fingers quickly. But, I can say that I was a little bit wrong with the experience of using the face scan on the device. This is because it often fails to detect my face when trying to unlock the device and I have to try it several times before it finally succeeds. So I prefer to use fingerprint detection or enter a pin number as a password.



USAGE AND SOFTWARE – One UI 5.1


This Samsung Galaxy S23 FE uses an Exynos 2200 processing chip, 8GB RAM memory (up to 8GB virtual RAM) and 128GB internal storage. This device also comes with the One UI 5.1 operating system based on Android 13 and throughout use, all applications can run smoothly. without having to deal with any problem of time delay or being stuck.


Even though many applications run simultaneously and frequently switch usage, scrolling is still smooth. The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is also confirmed to receive four Android version updates and five years of security patches. Therefore, for those who want a device that can be used for a long time, this Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the right device.




Other features and functions that I like on this device include:


Color Palette – The color range can be modified according to taste so that the color of the application icon, button and background changes according to the preferred color.

Stacked Widgets – Can customize Widgets on the screen display by using the Stack Widget function.

GIFs – Can create GIF images from photos in Gallery without having to download a different app.

Emergency SOS – The side button is pressed 5 times to make an emergency call and message. The current location can also be sent directly to all emergency contact lists so that help can be received immediately.

Remaster Feature - This 'remaster feature' allows the quality of the image to be improved to be clearer and more beautiful without having to download a different application.

BENCHMARK – Exynos 2200


While this device was first launched in Malaysia and its specifications were revealed a few weeks ago. Many started voicing a sense of error and disappointment when the Exynos 2200 processor chip came with the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. This is because many feel that the Exynos 2200 is not a good processor chip.


However, during the two weeks I've been using the device, there haven't been any noticeable performance issues. All applications can run well and smoothly. But I don't deny it, there is still a heating issue when using it. although the noticeable heating problem did not occur while playing the game, but I noticed that the device became hot when I used it to make a video call lasting more than 10 minutes. Not only that, the smoothness of video calls is also affected when the device's body heats up.


To measure the performance of the device, benchmark tests using Antutu 3D, Geekbench 6 and 3D Mark show benchmark scores that are at a good level. Here are the benchmark results and their comparison with the Nothing Phone (2) and the Oppo Reno10 Pro+ which uses the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip.


Geekbench 6


Samsung Galaxy S23 FE – 1599/3876

Nothing Phone (2) – 1734/4576

Oppo Reno10 Pro+ – 1408/3786

AnTuTu 3D


Samsung Galaxy S23 FE – 1,003,909

Nothing Phone (2) – 1,142,277

Oppo Reno10 Pro+ – 1,137,709

Wild Life Extreme


Samsung Galaxy S23 FE – 2240

Nothing Phone (2) – 2584

Oppo Reno10 Pro+ – 2754


Despite many complaints from people after knowing that the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE comes with an Exynos 2200 processor chip because of doubts about its capabilities, in this review I want to say that those doubts are contrary to my experience during using this device as a daily device.


CAMERA


I continue this review by giving an insight into the capabilities of the device's camera where this part is my favorite part of the device. The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE comes with three cameras on the back, namely a 50MP wide-angle camera, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens and an 8MP telephoto. The picture result using this device is very beautiful and clear. The color of the picture is also bright and looks realistic.


I was very happy when I saw the results of photos taken using its excellent ultra-wide-angle mode. The clarity of the objects in the picture is still preserved, the focus does not run away and the color description also remains consistent.




The zoom capability on the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is also worthy of my praise because it can do up to 30x zoom. However, the image results with shots up to 30x zoom are less than satisfactory and the clarity of the image is no longer preserved well. But the zoom rate at 5x is still good and the image still looks sharp, clear. Bright picture colors also manage to produce impressive pictures.






Night time shots are also clear and the device's camera is still capable of producing bright, low-noise images even in low-light conditions on night mode settings. The camera's ability to produce good pictures at night is definitely helped by the Nightograpfy system available on the device.




While the results of selfies using the front camera of the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE look softer and the color is slightly faded when compared to the rear camera. Background details are also less clear. But basically, the quality of selfies using this device is still at a good level and can detect the main subject clearly.


This Samsung Galaxy S23 FE also has the ability to record video at 1080p resolution up to 240fps, 4K at 30fps and 8K. Normally I will only record videos with 4K resolution and I believe the average user will too. But for those who like to record videos with 8K resolution or need to use it for some reason then this device can definitely meet your needs.


BATTERY


I can write with confidence that I am impressed with the battery on this device where it comes with a battery capacity of 4500mAh which is bigger than the Samsung Galaxy S23. The device's battery can last all day after being fully charged and the SOT reading reaches around 7 to 8 hours for a light usage rate spanning 2 days of use.


The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE also supports 25W charging which takes about an hour to fully charge the battery. Wireless charging can also be used at the same time making this device comparable to flagship devices but at a lower price. Only the black USB-A to USB-C cable is included without the charging head.


WHAT'S IN THE BOX?

Here's a list of what comes in the box with every Samsung Galaxy S23 FE purchase:


1x Samsung Galaxy S23 FE.

1x USB-A to USB-C Cable.

1x Sim Pin.

1x Set of manual and safety book.

CONCLUSION

In my opinion after more than two weeks of using this Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, it is a device that is worth the price offered. The software setup, the camera capabilities are impressive and the performance is also very good. Samsung seems to be giving customers the opportunity to get the features of the Galaxy S23 at a lower price as well as promising a similar user experience.


So, with the price of RM2999 offered along with the capabilities and waterproof features available will definitely provide a good daily use experience. But if you are someone who likes to play games or make frequent video calls, maybe this device is not for you because of the frequent heating issues.


Pro


The camera's ability to produce quality images.

Large 4500mAh battery capacity and long lasting battery life.

Smooth 120Hz screen display.

IP68 waterproof.

Support 4 Android versions and 5 years security.

Cons


Face detection is slow.

No charger in the box.

Charging is only 25W.



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