Galaxy S23 FE review

Design and feel: Heavier, sharper, and still colorful — Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

A phone built for fans on a budget

The Galaxy S23 FE weighs 209g and comes in Finishes vary by region and storage. Its protection is listed as IP68. Those details affect grip, pocket comfort, and how carefully the phone must be handled.

Display: Smooth but surrounded by big bezels — Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

The Galaxy S23 FE inherits the design language of the Galaxy S23 Ultra, with a flat front and back protected by Gorilla Glass 5 and an aluminum frame. That frame, however, has noticeably sharp edges that can dig into your palms during prolonged use, making it less comfortable to hold than the rounded S23. The phone also gained significant weight compared to its predecessor: at 209 grams, the S23 FE is heavier than both the Galaxy S23 and the Galaxy S23 Plus, even though its 6.4-inch display is smaller.

This added bulk makes the phone feel dense and substantial in the hand, but it also contributes to a sturdy, well-built impression. The glossy back is prone to collecting fingerprints, though the available color options—Mint, Graphite, Cream, Purple, Indigo, and Tangerine—add some personality. The latter two are exclusive to Samsung’s online store. While the IP68 rating ensures peace of mind against water and dust, the use of Gorilla Glass 5 instead of the newer Victus 2 found on the more expensive S23 models is a clear cost-saving measure.

Overall, the build quality remains high, but the trade-offs in comfort and materials are noticeable.

Cameras and video — Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

The 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel on the Galaxy S23 FE offers a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, delivering fluid scrolling and responsive touch interaction. Colors are vibrant, and the 1080p resolution provides adequate sharpness for everyday content consumption. However, the display is let down by its large bezels, which reduce the screen-to-body ratio to around 83%. This wasted space makes the phone physically larger than it needs to be—it’s actually slightly bigger and heavier than the Galaxy S23 Plus, despite having a smaller screen.

The thick borders around the display also draw attention to the front-facing camera, which has a reflective ring that makes it more visible than on other S23 models. While the OLED technology ensures deep blacks and strong contrast, the overall viewing experience is somewhat marred by the chunky bezels and the prominence of the selfie camera. For browsing, video playback, and casual gaming, the display performs well, but it lacks the polished, edge-to-edge look of more premium phones.

If you’re shopping for a device with a more refined screen, check out our phone directory for other options.

Cameras: Three solid shooters at a lower price — Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE brings a triple-camera setup that feels lifted straight from a more expensive device. You get a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and an 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. That telephoto lens is a rare find at this price point, and it lets you capture distant subjects without losing detail. The camera experience is consistent with the rest of the Galaxy S23 series, so you can expect reliable colors and decent low-light performance.

Selfie quality is strong, though you may notice a reflective ring around the front lens that makes it stand out against the screen. For a phone that launched at $599, this camera array offers genuine versatility. If you want to compare its imaging skills against other models, use our phone finder tool.

Performance and battery: Fast enough with wireless charging — Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

Inside the Galaxy S23 FE, you’ll find either a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 chip, depending on your region, paired with 8GB of RAM. This hardware handles everyday tasks and gaming with ease, though it’s not quite as refined as the pricier S23 models. The 4,500mAh battery is a highlight, offering solid all-day endurance. Charging speeds are modest at 25W wired and 15W wireless, but the inclusion of wireless charging at this price level is a welcome bonus.

The phone runs Android with Samsung’s One UI, and it has received the Galaxy AI update, which adds smart features like text generation and photo editing. The display is a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X with a 120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and animations smooth. For a direct spec comparison, check our side-by-side comparison.

Is the Galaxy S23 FE right for you? — Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE review: A solid fan service with real value

The Galaxy S23 FE delivers a true fan edition experience: it keeps the core features of the flagship series while trimming costs in smart ways. The design borrows heavily from the Galaxy S23 Ultra, though the phone is heavier at 209 grams and has thicker bezels, resulting in an 83% screen-to-body ratio. The aluminum frame is sturdy, but its sharp edges can dig into your palms after extended use. You get IP68 dust and water resistance, which is excellent for this price range.

However, Samsung used Gorilla Glass 5 instead of the newer Victus 2, which feels like a missed opportunity. The build quality is still strong, with tight gaps between materials, and the glossy back is fingerprint-prone but attractive. Available in colors like Mint, Graphite, and Tangerine, the S23 FE offers variety. If you’re a Samsung fan who wants a capable phone without paying flagship prices, this model is a practical choice that balances cost and quality well.