Samsung has quite a lot of totally different telephones to select from and it could get fairly complicated. Two common fashions are the Galaxy A55 from the decrease mid-range and the Galaxy S23 FE affording an reasonably priced flagship expertise.
Each telephones provide totally different options, focusing on totally different segments of the mid-range cellphone market. This poses the query, is it price paying additional for the feature-lite S23 FE if the A55 affords a whole mid-range bundle?
Let’s evaluate the 2 fashions in numerous classes to find out which is the higher purchase.
Design & Construct
The Galaxy S23 FE (now outdated by the Galaxy S24 FE) sports activities a design that carefully mirrors its flagship sibling, the Galaxy S23, however in a bigger, bulkier type issue. It options Gorilla Glass 5 back and front panels with an aluminium body, which supplies it a premium really feel.
The S23 FE is IP68 rated, offering wonderful mud and water resistance, although it does have chunky bezels and a major chin. It measures 158 x 76.5 x 8.2mm and weighs 209g, making it lighter than the Galaxy A55, however not as comfy to deal with.
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The Galaxy A55, then again, affords a refined design paying homage to the Galaxy S24, with flat edges and a premium construct that includes an aluminium body and a glass again. The usage of Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the entrance additionally provides higher sturdiness.
It’s barely greater and heavier at 61.1 x 77.4 x 8.2mm and 213g than the S23 FE. The cellphone encompasses a distinctive raised housing for the ability and quantity buttons and likewise boasts an IP67 score, making it much less proof against water.
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Regardless of that, when it comes to design, the Galaxy A55 affords a extra fashionable fashion and higher general construct. It additionally sits higher within the hand.
Display screen & Audio system
The Galaxy S23 FE is supplied with a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED show with a Full HD+ decision and a 120Hz refresh charge. Whereas the display screen offers vibrant colors and helps HDR10+, its peak brightness is considerably restricted at 1450 nits.
The stereo audio system provide loud audio, although the excessive frequencies may be piercing at increased volumes.
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The Galaxy A55 comes with a bigger 6.6-inch AMOLED show, additionally that includes a Full HD+ decision and a 120Hz refresh charge. The show is barely much less vivid, maxing out at 1000 nits underneath vivid ambient gentle with auto brightness enabled.
The color accuracy is stable, and the stereo audio system present first rate readability, albeit with a typical lack of bass for a mid-range cellphone.
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Though the Galaxy A55’s display screen is not going to be as vivid because the one on the S23 FE, it’s barely bigger and higher for media consumption.
Specs & Efficiency
The Galaxy S23 FE is powered by the Exynos 2200 chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM and storage choices of 128GB or 256GB.
Whereas its efficiency is first rate for on a regular basis duties, it falls brief in demanding functions. The dearth of a microSD slot for storage growth may be a downside for some customers.
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The Galaxy A55 options the Exynos 1480 chipset, additionally with 8GB of RAM and storage choices of 128GB or 256GB, with the addition of a microSD slot for growth.
This chipset additionally offers clean day-to-day efficiency and superb power effectivity. Nonetheless, it nonetheless lags behind in GPU efficiency, making it much less preferrred for high-end gaming.
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In our Geekbench 5 multi-core check, the Galaxy S23 FE scored 3987 factors, whereas the Galaxy A55 scored 3447 factors.
Each telephones deal with on a regular basis duties brilliantly and you’ll hardly ever see any distinction between them.
Whereas each are usually not gaming beasts, the Galaxy S23 FE is the higher selection right here. Particularly as, when it comes to pure efficiency, it proves to be superior.
Cameras
The Galaxy S23 FE is supplied with a flexible digital camera system: a 50MP foremost digital camera, a 12MP ultrawide, an 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom and a 10MP entrance digital camera.
The principle and ultrawide cameras ship stable efficiency with vibrant colors and good element, whereas the telephoto lens provides versatility. The selfie digital camera, although decrease in decision than the A55, nonetheless produces good outcomes.
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The Galaxy A55 digital camera setup encompasses a 50MP foremost digital camera, a 12MP ultrawide, a 5MP macro and a 32MP entrance digital camera.
The principle digital camera performs effectively in good lighting, however evening pictures and ultrawide pictures present noticeable high quality drop-offs. The macro lens is a pleasant addition for closeup pictures, although not important. The selfie digital camera excels in producing detailed and natural-looking pictures.
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Each telephones take good high quality pictures, so the principle distinction right here can be what you want: telephoto lens on the S23 FE or macro lens on the A55. For selfie followers, the A55 will show to be the higher selection.
Battery Life & Charging
The Galaxy S23 FE homes a 4500mAh battery, supporting 25W wired and 15W wi-fi charging. Whereas the battery life is sufficient for a full day of reasonable use, its charging velocity shouldn’t be the quickest in its class.
Utilizing an applicable Samsung charger, the S23 FE will get to 55% in half-hour.
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The Galaxy A55 encompasses a bigger 5000mAh battery, additionally supporting 25W wired charging however with out wi-fi charging. It affords spectacular battery life, usually lasting as much as two days with common use.
Just like the S23 FE, the A55 will get to round 50% in half-hour. It does, nevertheless, provide a bigger battery and doubtlessly longer operation on a single cost.
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Regardless of the shortage of wi-fi charging, it proves to be a better option than the S23 FE when it comes to battery life and charging capabilities.
Software program & Apps
Operating on Android 14 with One UI 6, each telephones present a clean and customisable consumer expertise.
Nonetheless, the interface can really feel cluttered in comparison with inventory Android and Samsung’s digital assistant, Bixby, continues to be not very helpful.
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Samsung guarantees 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of safety updates for each telephones.
However the benefit of the Galaxy S23 FE is that it affords superior Galaxy AI options. The Galaxy A55, at the very least for the second, doesn’t have entry to them.
Worth & Availability
Priced at £599/$579.99, the Galaxy S23 FE is positioned barely above the mid-range section.
It faces competitors from discounted flagships and different sturdy mid-range choices, particularly the A55, making its worth proposition a bit difficult.
The Galaxy A55 begins at a extra reasonably priced £439 within the UK, providing wonderful worth with its premium construct, bigger show and environment friendly efficiency.
Whereas it’s not accessible within the US, your closest selection is the Galaxy A35 5G for $399. It’s not too dissimilar however continues to be an inferior product with a less expensive construct, inferior efficiency and a lesser digital camera setup.
To see the competitors that these telephones are up in opposition to, take a look at our record of the perfect mid-range telephones.
Do you have to purchase the Galaxy S23 FE or Galaxy A55?
Selecting between the Galaxy S23 FE and the Galaxy A55 is determined by your priorities. The Galaxy S23 FE affords higher efficiency, Galaxy AI and has wi-fi charging, however at a better value level.
However, the Galaxy A55 offers a extra fashionable design and sturdy construct, bigger show and higher battery life, all for a cheaper price, making it a greater possibility for budget-conscious patrons.
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When you dwell within the US, the S23 FE is the one selection. Nonetheless, in the event you’re searching for the flagship expertise and AI options of the S collection, it’s higher to comply with our itemizing of the Galaxy S24 collection offers and purchase it on promotion.