Samsung has stirred issues up a bit in its mid-range telephones phase, which may presumably confuse many potential clients. The Galaxy S23 FE, though a part of the S sequence and providing a number of flagship options, is way nearer to the cheaper A sequence, 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 price paying further for the feature-lite S23 FE if the A55 gives an entire 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 sports activities a design that intently mirrors its flagship sibling, the Galaxy S23, however in a bigger, bulkier kind 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 big 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.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
The Galaxy A55, alternatively, gives 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 incorporates a distinctive raised housing for the ability and quantity buttons and in addition boasts an IP67 ranking, making it much less proof against water.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Regardless of that, by way of design, the Galaxy A55 gives a extra fashionable type 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 offers 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 will be piercing at larger 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 vibrant, maxing out at 1000 nits underneath vibrant ambient mild with auto brightness enabled.
The color accuracy is strong, and the stereo audio system present respectable 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 won’t be as vibrant 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 respectable for on a regular basis duties, it falls brief in demanding purposes. The shortage of a microSD slot for storage growth is likely to 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 offers easy day-to-day efficiency and superb vitality effectivity. Nonetheless, it nonetheless lags behind in GPU efficiency, making it much less superb for high-end gaming.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
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 not often see any distinction between them.
Whereas each are usually not gaming beasts, the Galaxy S23 FE is the higher alternative right here. Particularly as, by way of pure efficiency, it proves to be superior.
Cameras
The Galaxy S23 FE is provided with a flexible digicam system: a 50MP foremost 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 incorporates a 50MP foremost digicam, a 12MP ultrawide, a 5MP macro and a 32MP entrance digicam.
The primary digicam performs effectively in good lighting, however night time photographs and ultrawide images 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 images.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Each telephones take good high quality images, so the principle distinction right here might 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 ample for a full day of average use, its charging pace isn’t 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 incorporates a bigger 5000mAh battery, additionally supporting 25W wired charging however with out wi-fi charging. It gives 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 probably longer operation on a single cost.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Regardless of the dearth of wi-fi charging, it proves to be a better option than the S23 FE by way of 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 gives superior Galaxy AI options. The Galaxy A55, a minimum of for the second, doesn’t have entry to them.
Value & 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 robust 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 wonderful worth with its premium construct, bigger show and environment friendly efficiency.
Whereas it’s not accessible 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, try our checklist of one of the best mid-range telephones.
Verdict
Selecting between the Galaxy S23 FE and the Galaxy A55 is dependent upon your priorities. The Galaxy S23 FE gives 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 lower cost, making it a greater possibility for budget-conscious patrons.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
In the event you dwell within the US, the S23 FE is the one alternative. Nonetheless, for those who’re on the lookout for the flagship expertise and AI options of the S sequence, it’s higher to comply with our itemizing of the Galaxy S24 sequence offers and purchase it on promotion.
