Samsung has stirred issues up a bit in its mid-range telephones phase, which may probably confuse many potential clients. The Galaxy S23 FE, though a part of the S collection and providing a number of flagship options, is way nearer to the cheaper A collection, which incorporates its rival, the Galaxy A55.
Each telephones provide completely different options, concentrating on completely different segments of the mid-range telephone market. This poses the query, is it value paying further for the feature-lite S23 FE if the A55 presents an entire mid-range package deal?
Let’s examine 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 comfy to deal with.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
The Galaxy A55, then again, presents 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 telephone encompasses a distinctive raised housing for the ability and quantity buttons and likewise 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 presents a extra fashionable fashion and higher total 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 provide loud audio, although the excessive frequencies might 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 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 respectable readability, albeit with a typical lack of bass for a mid-range telephone.
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Though the Galaxy A55’s display 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 respectable for on a regular basis duties, it falls quick in demanding functions. The shortage of a microSD slot for storage enlargement 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 enlargement.
This chipset additionally offers easy day-to-day efficiency and excellent vitality effectivity. Nonetheless, it nonetheless lags behind in GPU efficiency, making it much less ultimate 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 usually are 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 provided with a flexible digicam system: a 50MP primary digicam, a 12MP ultrawide, an 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom and a 10MP entrance digicam.
The primary and ultrawide cameras ship stable 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 encompasses a 50MP primary digicam, a 12MP ultrawide, a 5MP macro and a 32MP entrance digicam.
The primary digicam 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 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 principle distinction right here will probably 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 satisfactory 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 encompasses a bigger 5000mAh battery, additionally supporting 25W wired charging however with out wi-fi charging. It presents spectacular battery life, typically 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, nonetheless, provide 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 more sensible choice 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 presents superior Galaxy AI options. The Galaxy A55, no less than 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 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 glorious 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 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 record of the very best mid-range telephones.
Verdict
Selecting between the Galaxy S23 FE and the Galaxy A55 is dependent upon your priorities. The Galaxy S23 FE presents higher efficiency, Galaxy AI and has wi-fi charging, however at the next value level.
Then again, 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 reside within the US, the S23 FE is the one selection. Nonetheless, should 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.