Samsung Galaxy S23 FE review: Best phone under 1 lakh?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE (Fan Edition) promises to bring the flagship experience with reliable cameras, good performance, an awesome display, speakers, and more on paper. But does it truly deliver on that promise? Well, let's find out in this review of the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE where I'll be talking about its strengths, potential weaknesses, and pain points alongside trying to answer if it's the phone you should get for around NPR 85,000. But before that, here's a quick rundown of what you are getting specs wise.

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Specifications

• Body: 76.5 x 158 x 8.2 mm, 209 gm,
• IP Rating: IP68 dust and water ingress protection
• Display: 6.4″ FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O, 120Hz refresh rate
• Chipset: Exynos 2200 5G (4nm)
• CPU: Octa-core
  • 1x Cortex-X2 (2.8 GHz)
  • 3x Cortex-A710 (2.52 GHz)
  • 4x Cortex-A510 (1.82 GHz)
• GPU: Xclipse 920 - International
• Memory: 8GB LPDDR5 RAM, 256GB internal storage
• Software & UI: One UI 6 on top of Android 14
• Rear Camera: Triple (with LED flash) – 50MP primary lens with f/1.8 aperture, OIS, Dual Pixel AF – 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens with f/2.2 aperture, 123º FOV – 8MP telephoto with f/2.4 aperture, 3x optical zoom
• Front Camera: 10MP, f/2.2 lens (punch-hole)
• Security: In-display fingerprint sensor (Optical), Samsung Knox
• Sensors: Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyro, Geomagnetic, Hall, Proximity, Ambient Light
• Battery: 4,500mAh with 25W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, reverse wireless charging

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE review 

Design

• Dimensions 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm
• Weight 209 g (7.37 oz)
• Build: Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame

Starting off with the design, which I personally find quite appealing. Unlike the A-series Galaxy phones that come with plastic frames of relatively cheap quality and lack a glass back, the S23 FE features metal frames. This not only enhances the phone's durability but also adds a satisfying weight and heft, providing a premium feel when held. Although it's not as compact as the regular S23, the phone offers a comfortable grip, making it suitable for one-handed usage.

A standout feature is the phone's IP68 dust and water resistance. This means it can withstand submersion in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes without sustaining any damage. Similar to the high-quality display, the design and build of the S23 FE earn it an A+ rating, contributing to an overall premium and robust feel.

Display

• Type: Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1450 nits (peak)
• Size: 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio)
• Resolution: 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)

Although the bezels on this device are relatively large, don't let that distract you from the impressive display quality it offers. The display surpasses Samsung's A-Series lineup, presenting vibrant colors and sharp imagery similar to its more expensive S-siblings. The touch responsiveness, complemented by a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, and the vibration feedback add to the overall user experience.

Saturation, contrast levels, and color accuracy are commendable for the device's price point, and it holds HDR10+ certification. This ensures an immersive viewing experience on streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. The display's brightness is noteworthy, providing clear visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. It's interesting to note not only how high the brightness can go but also how comfortably it adapts for nighttime viewing. In terms of security, the absence of an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor is compensated by the inclusion of an optical fingerprint sensor, which, while decent, maybe slightly slower compared to some Chinese smartphones. The overall display experience is excellent for its price, and the addition of stereo speakers further enhances the enjoyment of movies and music.

Performance

• OS: Android 14 One UI 6 (up to Android 17)
• Chipset:
  • Exynos 2200 (4 nm)
• CPU:
  • Octa-core (1x2.8 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) - International
  • Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) - USA
• GPU:
  • Xclipse 920

Let's delve into the performance aspect. The S23 FE is equipped with the Exynos 2200 5G chipset, previously used in the European variant of the S22 series two years ago. This chipset faced criticism for issues like performance throttling, overheating, and subpar gaming performance back then. However, Samsung seems to have addressed these concerns by optimizing the processor at multiple levels for the S23 FE.

While I initially experienced some overheating and performance throttling, after two software updates, the Exynos 2200 has demonstrated a significantly improved and stable performance. While having the Samsung Galaxy 8+ Gen 1 processor would have been fantastic, however, the Exynos 2200, in its current state, performs admirably. The device smoothly handles multitasking, gaming, and various other tasks, offering a satisfactory overall performance.

Gaming 

Based on my testing, both PUBG and Genshin Impact ran smoothly at 60 fps on the S23 FE. However, prolonged gaming sessions did generate some heat, although it didn't escalate into significant overheating. Considering the level of performance it delivers, I believe it should be satisfactory for the majority of users.

Furthermore, Samsung ensures that the S23 FE will receive updates up to Android 17, promising a future-proof experience for an extended period. With this continued support, the device is likely to remain optimized and up-to-date for an extended duration.

Camera

The camera on the S23 FE is impressive, especially considering its price point. In comparison to other smartphones within this range, it excels in capturing more pleasing and better images. In daylight settings, it delivers detailed pictures reminiscent of classic Samsung smartphones. The colors are vibrant and saturated, and the camera performs exceptionally well in capturing solid close-up shots. The overall camera performance adds considerable value to the device. While the camera quality on the S23 FE is commendable, it falls slightly short when compared to the flagship S23 Series. Specifically, when using 3X zoom, portraits may appear soft and hazy. The performance of the ultra-wide lens is not as exceptional. Nevertheless, the device still produces good-looking pictures in both daytime and low-light conditions. The selfies and portraits are well-optimized, capturing pleasing skin tones, and when you zoom into the pictures, you'll find plenty of details. Despite the minor shortcomings in certain aspects, the camera on the S23 FE manages to deliver a satisfying overall photography experience. When it comes to videography, the S23 FE offers fairly stable video footage up to 4K 30 fps, and you can seamlessly switch between lenses. The front camera also captures nice-looking footage, making it a good choice for vlogging. The videos exhibit good contrast and dynamic range, making the S23 FE a solid option for content creators. While the S23 FE provides a nice camera experience, it's essential to note that it doesn't quite reach the level of flagship devices. However, it outperforms phones in the 50-60k price range, making it a compelling choice for users seeking a well-rounded camera performance at a more affordable price point.

Battery: Carry the damn charger!

When it comes to the battery, the S23 FE doesn't offer an exceptionally long endurance, so it's advisable to carry your charger for peace of mind. The relatively small 4500 mAh battery may contribute to this, especially when considering that 5000 mAh has become a common standard in contemporary smartphones. While a 25W charger is available, it needs to be purchased separately, following a somewhat inconvenient practice that originated with flagship phones, a trend started by iPhones.

However, if you make your purchase through our affiliate partners Dizikart and Sherisha Mobile Hub, you can take advantage of a free charger, mitigating the inconvenience associated with buying it separately.

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Review Conclusion

In conclusion, the Samsung S23 FE presents a compelling package, offering a premium experience at a reasonable price. Its standout features include a vibrant display, a durable and aesthetically pleasing design, and a commendable camera system that, while not reaching flagship levels, outperforms many competitors in its price range. The device's Exynos 2200 5G chipset, delivers stable performance, ensuring smooth multitasking and gaming experiences as well Overall, the Samsung S23 FE emerges as a strong contender in the premium mid-range market, providing a well-balanced combination of features, performance, and affordability for users who seek a premium smartphone experience without splashing double the amount its generally needed for flagship phones.

• Check out our review video of the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE:

Samsung Galaxy S23 Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Great display and speakers
• Excellent cameras set up for the price
• Sleek design
• IP68 rating
• Exynos 2200 doesn't disappoint

Cons:

• Average battery backup
• Heating issues (during heavy work loads)