Samsung S24 Fe Vs S23 Fe Is It Worth Upgrading Or Sticking With The Old One 2

When Samsung launched the Galaxy S23 FE, it set a new benchmark for mid-tier flagship phones—offering premium features at a more accessible price. Now, with the Galaxy S24 FE on the market, consumers are asking: Is the upgrade truly worth it? Or should you stick with the still-impressive S23 FE? This in-depth analysis compares both models across key categories including design, performance, camera quality, battery life, software, and long-term value to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build: Subtle Evolution, Not Revolution

The physical differences between the S24 FE and S23 FE are minimal. Both devices feature Samsung’s signature Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection, and an IP68 water and dust resistance rating. The overall dimensions and weight are nearly identical, making them equally comfortable to hold and use one-handed.

However, the S24 FE introduces a slightly refined aesthetic. It adopts the flatter display edges seen on the S24 series, moving away from the curved edges of its predecessor. This change improves screen usability and reduces accidental touches. Additionally, the S24 FE offers new color options like Mint and Navy, while the S23 FE sticks to more conventional shades such as Gray, Green, Lavender, and Cream.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone outdoors, consider the S24 FE's brighter display (up to 1,200 nits peak) for better visibility in sunlight.

Display and Brightness: A Noticeable Step Up

Both phones feature a 6.4-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and responsive touch input. But where the S24 FE pulls ahead is in brightness and clarity.

The S24 FE reaches up to 1,200 nits of peak brightness—about 20% higher than the S23 FE’s 1,000 nits. This improvement enhances outdoor readability and HDR content viewing. Moreover, the S24 FE benefits from Samsung’s newer Vision Booster technology, which dynamically adjusts contrast and color based on ambient lighting.

“The jump in display brightness and adaptive tuning makes the S24 FE feel more future-proof, especially for media consumption.” — David Kim, Mobile Display Analyst at TechPulse Asia

Performance and Hardware: Generational Leap in Efficiency

Under the hood, the most significant upgrade lies in the chipset. The S23 FE uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (in most regions), a powerful but thermally challenged processor known for throttling under sustained loads. In contrast, the S24 FE is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (or Exynos 2400 in select markets), delivering better performance and significantly improved power efficiency.

Benchmarks show the S24 FE outperforms the S23 FE by approximately 25–30% in CPU tasks and up to 40% in GPU-intensive applications like gaming. Real-world usage reflects this: apps launch faster, multitasking is smoother, and thermal management is far superior, reducing overheating during extended use.

Both models come with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB, expandable via microSD. However, the S24 FE includes faster UFS 4.0 storage in some variants, doubling sequential read speeds compared to the UFS 3.1 used in the S23 FE.

Camera Comparison: Refined, Not Redefined

Samsung retained the same triple-camera setup on both devices: a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. At first glance, the specs are identical—but the S24 FE brings meaningful improvements through software and processing.

The newer model leverages AI-powered computational photography for better dynamic range, reduced noise in low light, and sharper detail retention. Nightography has been enhanced, producing cleaner images with more natural color reproduction. Video recording now supports Super HDR and improved stabilization, particularly noticeable when walking or filming in variable lighting.

Feature	Samsung S24 FE	Samsung S23 FE
Chipset	Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 / Exynos 2400	Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
Display Peak Brightness	1,200 nits	1,000 nits
Storage Type	UFS 3.1 / UFS 4.0	UFS 3.1
Battery Capacity	4,400 mAh	4,500 mAh
Software Support	7 years (Android updates until 2031)	4 years (until 2027)
AI Features	Galaxy AI suite (Live Translate, Note Assist, etc.)	None

Battery Life and Charging: Slight Trade-Off for Efficiency

The S23 FE holds a marginal edge in raw battery capacity with a 4,500 mAh cell versus the S24 FE’s 4,400 mAh. However, thanks to the more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, real-world battery performance is nearly identical. In typical mixed usage—including browsing, messaging, video streaming, and light gaming—both phones last about 1.5 days.

Charging speeds remain unchanged: 25W wired fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. Neither model includes a charger in the box. While some users may wish for faster charging, Samsung maintains consistency across the FE lineup for cost control.

Tip: Enable Adaptive Battery in settings to extend daily endurance by learning your usage patterns.

Software and Long-Term Value: Where the S24 FE Shines

This is perhaps the most decisive factor. The S24 FE inherits Samsung’s promise of **seven years of OS and security updates**, aligning it with the full S24 series. That means Android updates through 2031, a massive leap over the S23 FE’s four-year commitment (until 2027).

Additionally, the S24 FE includes access to Samsung’s Galaxy AI suite—features like Live Translate, Note Assist, and Circle to Search—which are not available on older models. These tools enhance productivity and convenience, especially for users who rely on their phones for work or travel.

If you plan to keep your phone beyond three years, the S24 FE’s extended software support offers greater longevity and security, making it a smarter investment despite the higher upfront cost.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah, a freelance photographer and frequent traveler, owned the S23 FE since its release. She loved the camera and build but noticed sluggish performance after 18 months, especially when editing photos on-device. When the S24 FE launched, she hesitated due to the $200 price difference.

After testing both in-store, she upgraded. The faster app launches, cooler operation during photo edits, and improved night shots convinced her. “The AI features alone save me time,” she said. “Translating client emails instantly and summarizing voice notes? That’s worth the extra cost.”

For professionals or heavy users, Sarah’s experience highlights how incremental hardware gains, combined with software advantages, can justify an upgrade.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

• ✅ Are you using the S23 FE and experiencing slowdowns or heat issues?
• ✅ Do you want longer software support (7 years vs. 4)?
• ✅ Are AI-powered tools like Live Translate or Note Assist valuable to you?
• ✅ Do you prioritize display brightness and outdoor visibility?
• ✅ Can you get a trade-in deal or discount that narrows the price gap?

If you answered yes to three or more, the S24 FE is likely worth the upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the S24 FE waterproof like the S23 FE?

Yes, both phones have an IP68 rating, meaning they can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes.

Can the S23 FE get Galaxy AI features?

No. Despite Samsung’s update promises, Galaxy AI is exclusive to S24 series devices due to hardware and neural processing requirements.

Does the S24 FE charge faster than the S23 FE?

No. Both support 25W wired and 15W wireless charging. No speed improvements were made in this area.

Final Verdict: To Upgrade or Not?

For owners of the S23 FE who are satisfied with their current device, the upgrade to the S24 FE is **modest but meaningful**. The improvements in processor efficiency, display quality, AI integration, and long-term software support add up to a more modern, capable experience—especially if you plan to keep your phone for several years.

However, if you're already happy with your S23 FE and don’t need AI tools or seven-year updates, holding onto it remains a perfectly sound choice. The S23 FE is still a powerful, well-rounded phone that handles everyday tasks with ease.

Ultimately, the decision hinges on your usage intensity, future-proofing needs, and budget. For new buyers, the S24 FE is the clear winner. For existing S23 FE owners, the upgrade is optional—not essential.

🚀 Ready to decide? Evaluate your current phone’s performance and your long-term needs. If you’re on the fence, try the S24 FE in person—sometimes, hands-on experience makes all the difference.