Samsung S23 FE Review: Is This Really for the Fans?
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- Опубліковано 1 чер 2024
- Samsung's S23 FE or "Fan Edition" is a very...interesting phone. But who is it for exactly? Let's talk about that.
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To me the FE line has always been about offering value to the flagship line. You get much more premium hardware than the A line at a much better price then the rest of the coordinating S flagship line.
Honestly at this price you can probably get a good quality second hand S22 or even S23😜
@@kyrios8518 why would you take your chances on a used phone with no warranty over a brand new phone with a 1 year warranty? Also the 23fe has a larger screen and a much larger battery than either of these phones. This is where people make the mistake - this phone is not aimed at the tech informed crowd. It's an entry level to their flagship line without some of the fancier bells and whistles.
@@mcsnoopster Seems to me more like a premium A54 than a budget S23, but perhaps that's a matter of perspective. My main concern is it's named this way so people will buy it thinking they got a good deal on a real S23 when they didn't.
@@hermanwooster8944Thats fair but as with any product anyone buying something based off a model number will run into problems. The s23fe offers wireless charging that the a54 doesn't which is always where Samsung separates the value line A series from the more premium S series. I think both are great phones personally for the price but the wireless charging kissing on the A54 is something to note.
@@mcsnoopster Exactly! My wife traded in her old A52 for the S23 FE...and loves it. She is not a state of the art fanatic, just wants a quality phone that will last several years, operates smoothly, great display, and takes nice pics. She was set to get the A54 and likely would have liked it, but she loves her S23 FE. I think the problem is that many folks WANT a state of the art phone, but can't or won't pay for one, so they buy the FE because with the "S23" designation, they are hoping for a flagship phone.
I just got it and I really like it. Lots of people are hating on it but its ideal for the right person, like me.
Seems like a good phone, my Se 3 has bigger bezels and only 1 camera on the back. Somehow I survive just fine. lol People just love to complain about just about anything, we are all very lucky or unlucky maybe, to be living in a time where we have these powerful little computers that can fit in our pockets.
It's not an fe if they put a different chip in it it's simply a much worse phone than the standard s23, don't buy it because you going to have a deep longing for the s23 standard.
@hescomingsoon-ob2fb still wondering when that "deep longing" you promised is going to be here 😂
Most phones are good enough. The only thing flagships have going for it is mostly the camera
I have the standard s23 and my wife has the s23 FE. I prefer a smaller phone while she prefers a larger screen. She is NOT a tech fanatic, not a serious gamer and a "point & shoot" photographer. She just wanted a phone that would last a good 3-4 years and operate smoothly. Why the SE instead of the A54? (She traded in her old A52 that she had really liked) For just a few more bucks she gets a much better processor that will scale better for long term usage. Personally, when I use her s23 FE I notice very little difference from using my S23. The display looks as nice, operates just as smoothly, and I quickly forget the bezels. It is a step up from the "A" series, more like a "S" series phone. If I had to have the S23 FE in place of my S23, I would be happy enough with it. Keep in mind of course, like my wife, I'm not a huge gamer and fit into the "duffer" photographer category. IMHO the S23 FE is NOT a "fan" version but it's a great choice for those wanting a quality experience but not obsessed about the state of the art.
Dex mode, Dynamic amoled, Flagship chipset, Wireless charging and better camera. Yes it’s part of the S23 series. 😊
I'm still using 3.5 year old S20 5g. The UI is super smooth. Cameras don't have shutter lag and the phone is 6.2 inch, which is super handy. I can't believe how a 3.5 year old Snapdragon 865 runs this well. So in my opinion, 8gen1 will be more tha adequate in this price range
@@tawsikabdullah Yes. That chipset really does matter. Not everybody changes phones every 1-2 years. At the same time, not everybody wants or needs the top-end phone. That doesn't mean that they want junk either. IMHO the s23 FE fits a nice niche - people who want and appreciate a quality phone but don't require state-of-the-art. Besides which, a lot depends on HOW you purchase your phones. With trade in through our carrier, the price difference between the A54 and s23 FE was pretty minor.
@@pcarlson214What kind of battery life does it have vs your s23? Screen on time?
Thanks for this user review. I agree a lot with keeping a phone 3-4 years 👍🏿. S23 FE is a better option.
I bought the 23FE yesterday, upgrading from a 3 year old S10. When I was doing my research of this phone, I knew it will be slightly heavier, but not as heavy as it actually is. Its a heavy boy. But the important thing for the everyday user, it works.. and it works well. Runs and looks almost identical to my S10 (which I only upgraded because the charging port was giving me issues. I am not one who needs the latest and greatest every year). Runs smoother but nothing night and day spectacular compared to my old S10. I'm sure that after using this phone for awhile and if I go back to my old phone just to see any difference, I would notice a difference. I'm glad I have a phone that is the current latest (but not greatest) for now and it works.
Do you face any heating issues now ?
@@praveenn4567Nope, not at all. Phone works great
Let's be honest you should have noticed a difference right away.
@@praveenn4567 Nope, not at all
@@katinasoutherland7693 Not as much as I expected tbh
This particular FE feels like the fancier higher Ace and A7 line (A7 to A73) back then. I love it since the specs are good enough for people like me who just love to take photos of my love ones and events. The build feels great, has some regular flagship features, and saves me few bucks. I use my phone like an old person anyway and don't play games even though this is capable so I am fine with this one.
It has flagship camera so we know it's gonna be decent even after years
This is the correct review
exactly!!
As a senior, I like this phone. I am not as tech savory as young folks and have adapted to it very quickly. It cost more than I was use to spending for a phone. But, I am very satisfied!
I had the S20 FE and upgraded to the Pixel 7a when it came out. But if I knew the S23 FE was close, I would have considered it.
Great review man! I also share the same feeling you have towards the S23FE. To me it feels more like a phone Samsung put together with left over parts at their warehouse including the aging Snadragon 8 gen 1 which does have heating issues and throttling issues. Right now in the US for Black Friday, I just got one for my dad at Best Buy for $400 which is a much better price for this phone than it's original $599 price.
Great post the phone is still on sale for Black Friday. 🎉🎉🎉 im buy one too
Hey Mark, hope all is well, great video as always. Your thumbnails get my attention every time.
LOL! Watching this and realizing I am part of the 97% of people that really don't care. I have the S23 FE. Man I love mine. Happy with the Price and basics it offers while doing everything I need at a high level. Great review.
There is so much hate for this phone, but I love it. Every single feature this phone doesn't have is something I do not care about, and 4 years of guaranteed updatea is great.
The cameras look great too. Even if the quality might not be as good as other phones in the price range, I love having a telephoto lens.
Watching this on my s20 FE. Runs smooth still. Idk if i want to change yet 😊
Good day Sir, what icon pack are you using?
What icon pack you are using?
1:11 which icon pack did you use there? I really wanna know
I agree with Mark's point on large bazels given on S23 Fe edition so ok what if it's a midrange flagship phone but they had given small bazels in S21 fe edition which was way better than this phone.
True, I have a S21 FE and I've seen the S23 FE in person and its bezels are hilarious. What a massive joke
@@kalamaywhy does it matter
what charging cable was that? Looks dope.
Hey, thanks for the quick look but was this phone made from like extra parts? Samsung had laying around and that’s why it’s like the “Frankenstein edition
S23 LE - Leftover Edition
I like the theme on your S23 FE. Would you mind sharing its name or where it can be downloaded from?
I don't think the series is called Fan Edition anymore and it may be for all the reasons you gave in the video. They now just call the products FE.
what is the icon pack that you are using there?
Looks like Flat Squircle - Icon Pack by FLDESIGN judging by the Gmail and Chrome Icon
What's is that theme on your s23 fe?
A short and great opinion about a phone
I have s23 fe its great phone good camera with 30x and great styles i wish people stop hating s23 fe i think people are wrong
what icon pack do you use???
What theme or launcher are you using?
can it be considered a compact phone?
@mark spurrell Pleasa share the wallpaper and what the icon name.thanks
your theme looks amazing! how do i do that on my s21 😭
I think what the Fan Edition naming means is offering casual fans the best possible value they can get that sits right in the middle of midrange A series and Flagship S series
I'm not a Android phone user, but my Se 3 has bigger bezels than this phone and only 1 camera. It also has a 2 year old processor and it more than fits my needs. I'm sure whoever gets this phone, it will be fine, we (me included) are way too spoiled.
Share that wallpaper please, it’s gorgeous
Which icon pack are using
Those thick bezels have put me off!! Ugliest FE ever released.
How did you make the home screen and icons?
Would you recommend this over the one plus 11 now that it's on sale less than the s23 fe? My main concern is the battery life and heating risk with the sd 8th gen 1 as a casual user, even though the camera quality looks better.
OnePlus 11 is a better buy: 8 Gen 2 and fast charging. One the other hand, OneUi, Samsung Routines, Samsung DEX …🤔.
Pricing is not the same depending where you live.
S23 FE is 399$ in Amazon and best buy rn
Op11 is better in every aspect (better screen, battery life by a wide margin, doesn't throttle or overheats, better cameras, way faster charging, etc).
Yo what theme is that?
Hey mark can u link the wallpaper plz
Does the s23 fe have display output?Thanks!
Where can I find that theme? Thank you
Not sharing wallpaper mark ?
Is the screen, real glass ?
So is it worth paying an extra 250$-300$ to go for S23 plus or is this just fine at around 650$ in my country?
the extra 300 is worth it
Hey Mark can you please share wallpaper please
Which icon pack?
You had me at "Samsung S23FEe" 🤭🤭
What was Samsung Thinking ? The same chunky design as the A54..even heavier..& branding it an S series ?
The name of the theme on the phone??!!
Hey can you link the Wallpaper please ? 😮🙏🏻
Great Shame this could be Flagship killer, if only they used worldwide Snapdragon Gen 1 plus.
Also like the original FE had a SD Slot.
Maybe able to use a SPen which would make it unique compare to the other s Series, and be a cheap additional to the Ultra
Come on Samsung if you want to make more sales, you need to push yourself that bit hard.
Next year they will launch a snapdragon version of s23 fe
Does anyone know the icon pack name??
What's the name of your phone theme
I'm getting older so this is good enough for me.
I like the bezels for one hand usage. Last chance of accidental touches.
I have been a user of fan edition phones since last 3 years. I have used the S20 FE 5g and then the S21 FE, both the phones were ultimate. There was no comparison to these phone in the price range. I recently upgraded to the latest S23 FE and honestly saying I am really disappointed with this one. The phone gets heated quickly and lags for few seconds as you unlock it. The earlier models I used came with Snapdragon processors but this one has an Exynoss processor. I think Samsung should look into it and get it fixed. I think if someone is paying INR 65000 for a phone, the phone should atleast not lag while using. I am really disappointed this time. I would recommend people to chose another phone instead of this one.
USA and canada gets the snapdragon version.
Lucky people...
What would you suggest S23FE and Pixel 7 in Canada?
S23fe is heavier. I like stock android more. Both phone are equal. If you are super heavy user go with the Samsung
@@Tylshelthanks 👍🏼
Bottom line - better buy the 21fe for half the cost and additional 2 android updates left. Even the front glass is better on the 21fe , gorilla glass victus instead of the gorilla glass 5.
2 are left till android 15 than one more year with security patches.
if its a snapdragon variant since the last FE to have snapdragon everywhere was the S20 FE 5g
@@serrael-182yes. It was a typo. Still a better buy today.
Is this 256GB version phone worth $439 after rebates?
Can u teach me how you make the button look so aestetic . Please
I got my Pixel 8 in black caseology case and life is great 😀👍!
Watching from my S23FE 💜
You’re definitely right about calling it “FEE”. Its a decent phone but I wouldn’t consider this a “fans” or enthusiast choice
The glass on the FE is better. The glass on the normal S23 is soft and easy to scratch.
The bezels 💔💔💔😢
Is available Snapdragon 8 gen 1 in India?
It's free over at Metro by Tmobile with a number port.
As a "fan" upgrading from an older Samsung phone I would have appreciated a headphone jack and expandable storage. Alas, my microSD card is now confined to my desk drawer.
Nothing really complicated about it. Spec wise it's fine. Fans like one UI, the build quality and samsung services and it is all here. Just decide based on your budget.
*Dear Samsung, bring back the SD Card and Aux Port!!*
If you are used to the S10 and want something similar, preferably with a "flat screen", what do you recommend?
3.5 and memory cards are fine.
The updated Samsung phones do not have memory cards
Sony phones
Thanks for all the answers. Is it practical and possible to use an S10 for a few more years? Or should you change?
I think it's ok. I been using it for a week now but I honestly don't see a huge difference between my a54 🤷♂️
Hey Is it similar to a54?
The side reels are slightly horrendous, you should also have added.
Been using it for the last weeks and very happy with it, maybe battery is avarege (5.30-6 hr screen tiöe with 120hz) but other than that definitely recommend it to anyone, especially for people live where there is a huuuuge gap between this and the regular s23
Brother How are you getting that sot ? I have it for a week, and I'm hardly getting 4 hours sot.
Is it gonna get better?
(Mine is Exynos version)
@@amir_mahdi_kiyaei8808 Funny thing, I dont get that SoT anymore either... max is 5 hours with wifi/mobile data mixed, I dont think the batterry is perfect. Maybe it will become better with android 14 upgrade, let's wait and see..
I have the s21 FE its awesome.
You're not missing much. I actually prefer the design of the S21 fe better
The FE can be had for much less that the $629 and when you compare it to the S23 that has a SMALLER display AND has the same cameras resolution and charging speeds at HUNDREDS of dollars more! In fact I bought an UNLOCKED Snapdragon Gen 1 S23FE with 256Gb of storage for $509 in early Nov. of last year and at this price for the performance it's really a NO brainer! The Snapdragon Gen 1 is actually faster than the Exynos used in the S22 series. The display is plenty bright enough even for sunlight and the bezels are really no different than the S20FE that sold like hotcakes in its day and It does not bother me.
IMO the 6.4 display size is the "sweet-spot" being not too big and not too small like the S23 which is TOO small and the S23 Ultra just being to damn big. It can do ANYTHING you throw at this phone and does it VERY good with a really good battery performance. The FE has 90% of the features of the ULTRA with the ONE UI 6.1 and not big on superior 100Mp pictures or seldom ever do videos. Being a NOTE user for MANY years I never really used the S-Pen except for once in a blue moon. The FE is a great compromise on performance, features, and mainly PRICE! I REFUSE to PAY $1300+ for a phone that is really only good for 2years at best anymore! Hell, I may even go for the S24FE when it comes out at the end of this year (doubt it though).
I think your conclusion of them failing to make a phone for the tech fans is a bit off, the tech fans that want to pay for the newest fancy one buy the newest fanciest one. This is more for people who want solid phone but not to pay excess for bleeding edge tech beyond what's actually used most commonly. Fans edition is an easier to market term for benchmark phone or good enough for someone wanting a solid quality phone. I for example like tech but I don't actually want a massive beast of a thing that looks like I'm compensating for something. Also the comment on the big bezels, all reviewers seem to point out big bezels like they are a plague or something. Bezels of that sort of size make it allot easier to hold the phone without blocking the screen or affecting what your trying to do on screen, have you ever found yourself trying to copy and paste text right up to the edge of the screen and struggled because even the slimmest case is getting in the way at the edge of the screen because you want to the bezels to not exist at all? To me the whole minimal bezel trend is just form over function in many cases and subjective what you prefer. However I'd argue bezels similar to the Fe are more practical. Please someone explain to me what the screens with the curved edges are actually doing for you other than floating your boat as you run your finger over the edge and feel extra special because you paid extra for a status symbol phone.
I have a Galaxy S20 FE 5G, should I exchange it for this new S23 FE?
A huge upgrade with less price 😊
I would rather buy Samsung S 23 plus or ultra instead of this rip off.
What's the reasoning behind the 600 dollar price tag when there are better option like pixel 8 or nothing 2 with 700 dollar😶🌫️🤔
I got my mom the s23 fe, great phone for her needs & way better than the pixel 6 she had that was a pos from day one. She’s not a techie like I am & doesn’t need the features my s24 ultra or iPhone 15 pro max has.
Wich one has the AI camera?
For me, the virtual proximity sensor is a deal braker.
A true fan edition would have included a charger in the box, case, dongle, micro sd slot and headphone jack. That’s what the fans want
It's a snapdragon 8 gen 1 chip inside a Samsung A34. Nothing else. Absolute garbage.
I want whatever theme that is he has
Got one for 400 this bf. Good value
does it has a jack?
No headphone jack
the battery on my S21 FE sucks after 2 years. But, I can't bring myself to buy another phone yet.
For MetroPCS yes. But the big boy carriers The Ultra is King!!!
Fan edition means flagship like specs with affordable price tag.
Did Samsung mentioned that it's a phone built for Samsung fans??
I'm a Samsung fan but to be honest, I'm not a fan of the Galaxy S lineup since the death of the S20 ultra, the last Samsung Galaxy Flagship that has a built in micro SD card slot
Now the micro SD card slot is reserved to the A line up and to be honest, I'm not a fan of phones without expansion slot like the newer galaxy S and iPhones,
@@droiddevx03 mind your own business or go kiss my ass.
Weird. S23FE don't have Extynos 2200?
The S23 FE here in Canada/US has the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, overseas I believe it does have the Exynos 2200, yes.
Are you Canadian?@@MarkSpurrell
Holy shit this release was a dissapointment. I know it's cheaper than the s series but looking at my base s23 and seeing those bezels on the fe...A-range phones have the same if not thinner bezels apart from the chin. I see no reason to go for the fe over the a54.
The cpu will be fine for the next few yrs. My s20 fe is still smooth in 2024.
It just seems like a bad buy, you can get the S23 for barely 100$ more with the much better processor and the better build quality. It looks like they had a ton of leftover parts from making the A54 that they used alongside using the 8G1 that they must've not been able to rid their hands of.
if it had the Snapdragon 8 gen 2 it would be a straight buy for me but unfortunately the SOC is trash
sooo between this an my S20FE 5G, the only difference really is the CPU and slightly bigger battery...
Atleast its a snapdragon
No headphone jack or SD card slot, it's not a fan edition
My note 9 from 2017 is better then most of current phones ,I tried them all but end up going back to the note9 ,technology didn't really evolve except the camera witch I don't really care about
I can do much more than just basic tasks with that phone. If you use that for just basic tasks then you can give that to me. I know how to get the most out of that device.
Personally I got an s23fe next to my iphone 12pro. I am happy: for 620 dollars I got also free case and a buds next to the phone itself. Their value is 130 dollars so in the end I got a phone for 490 dollars. Not to mention 1 year factory screen insurance as another gift.
I checked phones before but I do not want secondhand phones and minimum packages.
I am happy with the camera and made art videos with less equipped phones back in 2020 (Xiaomi mi9).
I am satisfied with it and the functionality is amazing in my eyes in comparison to Apple's.
Beside, I prefer a known, old brand for a reliable quality over some Chinese miracles. I was into Nothing phone 2 due to its cool design but the camera is weak and the S23 fe is way better.
I had a Xiaomi mi9 years ago, which was the flagship model of the brand.... After a year the phone literally died . Until today I have no idea why.
I never had it with a Samsung or iphone or Nokia Lumia (had it too).
And the bezels: yes they are big, but even my iphone has big ones.
1 thing what could have been nicer: rhe size of the screen is too big to my taste.