Samsung has stirred issues up a bit in its mid-range telephones phase, which may presumably confuse many potential prospects. The Galaxy S23 FE, though a part of the S collection and providing a number of flagship options, is far nearer to the cheaper A collection, which incorporates its rival, the Galaxy A55.
Each telephones supply completely different options, focusing on completely different segments of the mid-range cellphone market. This poses the query, is it value paying further for the feature-lite S23 FE if the A55 provides a whole mid-range package deal?
Let’s evaluate the 2 fashions in several classes to find out which is the higher purchase.
Design & Construct
The Galaxy S23 FE sports activities a design that intently 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 provides it a premium really feel.
The S23 FE is IP68 rated, offering glorious mud and water resistance, although it does have chunky bezels and a big chin. It measures 158 x 76.5 x 8.2mm and weighs 209g, making it lighter than the Galaxy A55, however not as snug to deal with.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
The Galaxy A55, then again, provides a refined design harking back 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 larger and heavier at 61.1 x 77.4 x 8.2mm and 213g than the S23 FE. The cellphone contains a distinctive raised housing for the facility and quantity buttons and in addition boasts an IP67 score, making it much less proof against water.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Regardless of that, when it comes to design, the Galaxy A55 provides a extra fashionable model and higher general construct. It additionally sits higher within the hand.
Display screen & Audio system
The Galaxy S23 FE is provided with a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED show with a Full HD+ decision and a 120Hz refresh fee. Whereas the display supplies vibrant colors and helps HDR10+, its peak brightness is considerably restricted at 1450 nits.
The stereo audio system supply loud audio, although the excessive frequencies could be piercing at greater volumes.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
The Galaxy A55 comes with a bigger 6.6-inch AMOLED show, additionally that includes a Full HD+ decision and a 120Hz refresh fee. The show is barely much less brilliant, maxing out at 1000 nits underneath brilliant ambient gentle with auto brightness enabled.
The color accuracy is strong, and the stereo audio system present first rate readability, albeit with a typical lack of bass for a mid-range cellphone.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Though the Galaxy A55’s display is not going to be as brilliant 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 quick in demanding purposes. The shortage of a microSD slot for storage growth could be a disadvantage for some customers.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
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 supplies easy day-to-day efficiency and excellent power effectivity. Nonetheless, it nonetheless lags behind in GPU efficiency, making it much less perfect for high-end gaming.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
In our Geekbench 5 multi-core take a look at, 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 will not be gaming beasts, the Galaxy S23 FE is the higher alternative right here. Particularly as, when it comes to pure efficiency, it proves to be superior.
Cameras
The Galaxy S23 FE is provided with a flexible digicam system: a 50MP major digicam, a 12MP ultrawide, an 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom and a 10MP entrance digicam.
The primary and ultrawide cameras ship strong efficiency with vibrant colors and good element, whereas the telephoto lens provides versatility. The selfie digicam, although decrease in decision than the A55, nonetheless produces good outcomes.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
The Galaxy A55 digicam setup contains a 50MP major digicam, a 12MP ultrawide, a 5MP macro and a 32MP entrance digicam.
The primary digicam performs effectively in good lighting, however evening photographs and ultrawide pictures present noticeable high quality drop-offs. The macro lens is a pleasant addition for closeup photographs, although not important. The selfie digicam excels in producing detailed and natural-looking pictures.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Each telephones take good high quality pictures, so the primary distinction right here will likely 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 alternative.
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 will not be the quickest in its class.
Utilizing an acceptable Samsung charger, the S23 FE will get to 55% in half-hour.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
The Galaxy A55 contains a bigger 5000mAh battery, additionally supporting 25W wired charging however with out wi-fi charging. It provides spectacular battery life, typically lasting as much as two days with common use.
Much like the S23 FE, the A55 will get to round 50% in half-hour. It does, nonetheless, supply a bigger battery and doubtlessly longer operation on a single cost.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
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 easy and customisable consumer expertise.
Nonetheless, the interface can really feel cluttered in comparison with inventory Android and Samsung’s digital assistant, Bixby, remains to be not very helpful.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
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 provides superior Galaxy AI options. The Galaxy A55, a minimum of 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 phase.
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 inexpensive £439 within the UK, providing glorious worth with its premium construct, bigger show and environment friendly efficiency.
Whereas it’s not obtainable within the US, your closest alternative is the Galaxy A35 5G for $399. It’s not too dissimilar however remains to be an inferior product with a less expensive construct, inferior efficiency and a lesser digicam setup.
To see the competitors that these telephones are up in opposition to, take a look at our checklist of the most effective mid-range telephones.
Verdict
Selecting between the Galaxy S23 FE and the Galaxy A55 relies on your priorities. The Galaxy S23 FE provides higher efficiency, Galaxy AI and has wi-fi charging, however at the next worth level.
However, the Galaxy A55 supplies a extra fashionable design and strong construct, bigger show and higher battery life, all for a cheaper price, making it a greater possibility for budget-conscious patrons.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Should you stay within the US, the S23 FE is the one alternative. Nonetheless, when you’re on the lookout 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.