The State of the Galaxy S Lineup

Since early 2023, Samsung’s refreshed premium tier has been available to consumers, spearheaded by the Galaxy S23, the larger S23+, and the high-performance S23 Ultra. For this generation, the South Korean manufacturer decided to break with tradition rather than simply relying on established formulas. This shift included the integration of a unique processor tailored specifically for the Galaxy series and a massive camera upgrade for the Ultra model. However, these advancements came at a literal cost. Samsung significantly increased pricing across the board, with even the standard S23 model starting just under the 1,000-euro mark in European markets. This steep entry price naturally raised questions about value and whether the new features justified the financial leap, prompting rigorous testing of the trio in lab environments to see if they could hold their ground.

Introducing the Value Alternative

Amidst the high costs of the main 2023 flagship line, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE arrived in October as a more budget-conscious alternative. With a release price of $599, it sits well below the launch MSRP of previous flagships, including the $799 Samsung Galaxy S22. For consumers looking to balance performance with affordability, the choice often narrows down to this newer “Fan Edition” or the older, premium Galaxy S22, released back in February 2022. While the S22 is physically older, it retains the build quality of a top-tier device, creating an interesting clash between a former flagship and a modern mid-range contender.

Design and Display Differences

When holding the devices, the physical differences are immediately apparent. The Galaxy S22 is a compact powerhouse, measuring 5.75 inches in height and weighing a light 5.89 ounces. It features a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with razor-thin bezels, achieving an 88.57% screen-to-body ratio. In contrast, the S23 FE is substantially bulkier, weighing 7.37 ounces and sporting a larger 6.4-inch screen. While both phones offer a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and similar 1080p resolutions, the build materials tell a story of cost-cutting for the newer model. The older S22 utilizes the more durable Gorilla Glass Victus on the back, whereas the S23 FE relies on the slightly older Gorilla Glass 5. Despite these differences, both devices maintain an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, ensuring durability against the elements.

Processing Power and Performance

Under the hood, the situation is surprisingly level. According to the specifications, both the Galaxy S22 and the S23 FE are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset built on a 4 nm process. Both feature an octa-core setup with comparable clock speeds, though the S22’s prime core is clocked slightly higher at 3.00 GHz compared to the FE’s 2.8 GHz. Interestingly, performance benchmarks paint a favorable picture for the newer FE model. in GeekBench 6 testing, the S23 FE scored 1566 in single-core and 3839 in multi-core performance, noticeably outpacing the S22, which scored 884 and 3081 respectively. This suggests better optimization in the newer device despite utilizing similar silicon architecture. Both models start with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of non-expandable storage.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the most significant advantages the S23 FE holds over its predecessor is battery capacity. The newer chassis houses a robust 4500 mAh battery, a substantial upgrade over the S22’s modest 3700 mAh cell. This hardware difference translates directly into real-world endurance. Browsing tests revealed that the S23 FE lasted an impressive 16 hours and 15 minutes, significantly outlasting the S22’s 12 hours and 23 minutes. Similarly, video playback on the FE extended to over 8 hours, edging out the S22. Charging speeds remain a draw, with both devices supporting 25W wired charging and 15W wireless capabilities, along with reverse wireless charging features.

Camera Systems Comparison

Samsung has equipped both phones with a versatile triple camera setup, headlined by a 50 MP main sensor with optical image stabilization and an F1.8 aperture. While the primary shooters are nearly identical on paper, the secondary cameras reveal where the S22 maintains its premium status. The S22 features a 12 MP ultra-wide sensor and a 10 MP telephoto lens with a larger sensor size than its counterpart. The S23 FE steps down slightly with an 8 MP telephoto lens, though it still manages to offer 3x optical zoom. For video enthusiasts, the S22 offers superior slow-motion capabilities, reaching 960 fps at 720p, a feature absent on the FE’s spec sheet. Ultimately, while the S23 FE brings modern battery life and processing tweaks to the table, the S22 holds its ground with a more premium build and superior secondary camera hardware.