When Samsung released the Galaxy S23, many owners of the S20 FE faced a familiar dilemma: should they upgrade? The S20 FE was praised for its balance of performance and affordability, while the S23 brought flagship-level improvements across the board. But does the leap justify the cost? For users weighing whether the upgrade is truly worth it, the answer depends on usage patterns, budget, and expectations from a smartphone.
This breakdown compares key aspects—performance, camera, display, battery life, and software support—to give a clear picture of what’s gained (or lost) by moving from the S20 FE to the S23.
Performance: A Generational Leap
The most significant difference between the two phones lies under the hood. The S20 FE launched with either the Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990, depending on region—solid chips in 2020 but now noticeably behind current standards. In contrast, the S23 features the custom-tuned Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, optimized specifically for improved efficiency and thermal management.
Benchmarks tell the story clearly: the S23 delivers nearly double the CPU performance and over 2.5x faster GPU speeds than the S20 FE. This translates into real-world benefits like faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance—even at high settings in titles like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile.
Additionally, the S23 comes with 8GB of RAM standard (vs. 6GB/8GB on S20 FE), allowing for better background app retention and fewer reloads when switching between tasks.
Camera Quality: Night and Day Difference
Photography is another area where the S23 pulls far ahead. While the S20 FE offered decent photos in daylight, its low-light performance and zoom capabilities were limited. The S23 introduces a completely redesigned main camera: a 50MP sensor with larger pixels (1.8µm after pixel binning), advanced HDR, and superior noise reduction.
In practical terms, this means sharper detail, truer colors, and dramatically better night shots. The S23 also includes an improved 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom (up from 3x hybrid on the S20 FE), making distant subjects clearer without digital degradation.
“Smartphone photography has evolved beyond megapixels—it’s about computational processing, sensor size, and AI optimization. The S23 represents today’s gold standard.” — David Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechPulse
The ultrawide camera sees modest gains, but stabilization and distortion correction are better. Front-facing video now supports 4K recording, a feature absent on the S20 FE.
Display and Build: Refinement Over Revolution
Both phones feature 6.5-inch displays with 120Hz refresh rates, but the similarities end there. The S20 FE uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with Full HD+ resolution and plastic covering, contributing to a slightly less premium feel. The S23 upgrades to a brighter, flatter, and more durable Gorilla Glass Victus 2, with peak brightness reaching 1750 nits—ideal for outdoor visibility.
The S23 also adopts a more compact form factor despite similar screen size, thanks to slimmer bezels and a tighter footprint. At 168g, it’s lighter than the S20 FE (190g), making it easier to handle one-handed.
| Feature | S20 FE | S23 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 865 / Exynos 990 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| RAM | 6GB / 8GB | 8GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.8, larger sensor) |
| Telephoto | 8MP (3x hybrid zoom) | 10MP (3x optical zoom) |
| Front Camera | 32MP (1080p video) | 12MP (4K video) |
| Battery | 4500mAh | 3900mAh |
| Charging | 25W wired, 15W wireless | 25W wired, no wireless charging |
| Software Support | Up to Android 13 (ended) | Android 13, up to Android 17 (expected) |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Weight | 190g | 168g |
Battery Life and Charging: Smaller Battery, Smarter Efficiency
On paper, the S23’s 3900mAh battery is smaller than the S20 FE’s 4500mAh unit. Yet, real-world usage often shows comparable or even better endurance on the S23. Why? Because the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is vastly more power-efficient, especially under load. Tasks that drained the S20 FE quickly—like streaming video or GPS navigation—are handled with less energy draw.
That said, heavy users may still find themselves needing a top-up by late evening. The lack of wireless charging on the S23 (removed compared to S20 FE) may disappoint some, though 25W fast charging remains supported.
Software and Longevity: Future-Proofing Your Device
One of the most compelling reasons to upgrade is software support. The S20 FE received three OS updates (up to Android 13) and four years of security patches, which have now concluded. In contrast, the S23 is guaranteed four OS upgrades (up to Android 17) and five years of security updates, meaning it will remain secure and functional well into 2028.
If you plan to keep your phone for more than two years, this extended support makes the S23 a smarter long-term investment. It also ensures compatibility with future apps, banking services, and productivity tools that may drop support for older Android versions.
Mini Case Study: Maria’s Upgrade Decision
Maria had been using her S20 FE since 2021. By mid-2023, she noticed apps loading slower, occasional stutters during video calls, and diminishing battery life—down to 5 hours of screen time. She considered buying a refurbished S21 or sticking with her current device.
After testing the S23 at a store, she was struck by how smoothly apps opened, how vibrant the photos looked, and how cool the phone stayed during extended use. She upgraded and found that not only did daily tasks feel snappier, but her photography hobby improved significantly. Low-light shots of cityscapes at night were clean and detailed, something her old phone struggled with.
For Maria, the $600 upgrade paid off in both performance and peace of mind knowing she’d have updates until 2028.
Checklist: Should You Upgrade?
Use this checklist to determine if the move from S20 FE to S23 makes sense for you:
- ✅ Are you experiencing slowdowns or app crashes regularly?
- ✅ Do you want significantly better photo and video quality?
- ✅ Do you plan to keep your phone for 3+ years?
- ✅ Is 5G connectivity important for your carrier or location?
- ✅ Are you frustrated by shorter battery life on your current device?
- ✅ Can you take advantage of trade-in offers or installment plans?
If you answered “yes” to three or more, the S23 is likely a worthwhile upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the S23 much faster than the S20 FE?
Yes. The S23’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is roughly twice as fast in CPU tasks and over 2.5x faster in graphics performance. Everyday actions like opening apps, scrolling through feeds, and multitasking feel noticeably smoother.
Does the S23 have worse battery life because of the smaller battery?
Not necessarily. Despite the smaller capacity, the S23’s superior processor efficiency and optimized software often result in similar or slightly better battery life under normal use. However, power users may still need to charge by evening.
Can I get wireless charging on the S23?
No. Unlike the S20 FE, the S23 does not support wireless charging—a trade-off Samsung made for a slimmer design and improved durability. You’ll need to rely on 25W wired charging.
Conclusion: Is Upgrading Worth It?
For casual users who primarily browse, message, and stream, the S20 FE may still suffice—especially if it’s functioning well. But for anyone seeking faster performance, better cameras, longer software support, and a more modern design, the Galaxy S23 is a meaningful upgrade.
The jump from the S20 FE to the S23 isn’t just incremental; it reflects nearly three years of technological advancement in processing, imaging, and efficiency. If you’re ready to invest in a phone that will stay relevant and performant for years, the S23 delivers strong value—even at its higher price point.
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