Samsung S24 Fe Vs S23 Fe Is The Upgrade Really Worth It 2

When Samsung releases a new Fan Edition model just one year after its predecessor, the natural question arises: is the upgrade truly worthwhile? The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE arrives as a successor to the well-received S23 FE, promising refined design, improved performance, and enhanced AI features. But for users already on the S23 FE—or considering buying one secondhand—the incremental changes may not justify the price jump. This deep dive compares every critical aspect of both phones to help you decide whether upgrading makes financial and functional sense.

Design and Build: Subtle Refinements Over Revolution

The S24 FE and S23 FE share nearly identical physical footprints. Both feature a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals. However, the S24 FE introduces a flatter display design—a shift from the curved edges of the S23 FE—making screen protectors easier to apply and reducing accidental touches.

The frame remains aluminum on both models, but the S24 FE now includes IP68 water and dust resistance as standard across all color variants. The S23 FE also has IP68, but earlier batches in certain regions had inconsistencies in sealing quality. Samsung appears to have tightened quality control this time around.

Aesthetic updates include new color options like Navy, Mint, and Lavender on the S24 FE, while the S23 FE offered more conservative tones such as Green, Cream, and Gray. The rear camera housing is slightly redesigned on the S24 FE, aligning it more closely with the flagship S24 series' minimalist square module.

Tip: If you use your phone without a case, the S24 FE’s flatter screen reduces the risk of edge cracks during drops.

Performance and Software: Generational Leap in AI Integration

Under the hood, the S24 FE upgrades from the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (in most S23 FE units) to the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. This brings tangible improvements: up to 20% better CPU efficiency, 25% faster GPU rendering, and significantly improved thermal management. In real-world usage, this means longer gaming sessions without throttling and smoother multitasking when running memory-heavy apps.

Beyond raw power, the S24 FE ships with Android 14 and Samsung’s One UI 6.1, introducing native Galaxy AI features previously reserved for the S24 series. These include:

• Live Translate during calls
• Circle to Search (press and hold home button, circle an object on screen)
• Summarization of long texts and articles
• Improved photo editing with Generative Edit

The S23 FE does not support these AI tools, even through future updates. Samsung has confirmed that Galaxy AI requires the processing capabilities of the Gen 2 chip or newer, making this a hard cutoff.

“AI integration is no longer a gimmick—it’s becoming central to how we interact with smartphones. The S24 FE marks the point where mid-tier devices begin offering meaningful intelligent assistance.” — David Kim, Senior Analyst at TechInsight Asia

Camera Comparison: Marginal Gains, Not Major Upgrades

On paper, the camera systems look similar:

Feature	S24 FE	S23 FE
Main Sensor	50MP (f/1.8, OIS)	50MP (f/1.8, OIS)
Ultra-Wide	12MP (f/2.2)	12MP (f/2.2)
Telephoto	10MP (3x optical zoom)	10MP (3x optical zoom)
Front Camera	10MP (f/2.2)	10MP (f/2.2)
Video Recording	8K @ 30fps, HDR10+	8K @ 30fps

While sensor specs are unchanged, the S24 FE benefits from updated image processing algorithms powered by the Gen 2 chipset. Nightography sees slight improvements—brighter shadows and reduced noise—especially in low-light video. The biggest practical enhancement is in autofocus speed, which locks onto subjects about 15% faster thanks to better AI-based subject tracking.

For casual photographers, the differences will be barely noticeable. Enthusiasts who shoot in varied lighting or rely on consistent portrait mode edge detection may appreciate the refinements.

Battery Life and Charging: Same Capacity, Smarter Efficiency

Both phones pack a 4,500mAh battery, but the S24 FE lasts slightly longer due to more efficient hardware. In controlled testing (screen brightness at 200 nits, Wi-Fi browsing, mixed app usage), the S24 FE averaged 10 hours and 38 minutes of screen-on time, compared to the S23 FE’s 9 hours and 52 minutes.

Charging speeds remain unchanged: 25W wired fast charging (reaches 50% in ~30 minutes), 15W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. Neither model includes a charger in the box.

The real advantage lies in software optimization. With One UI 6.1, background app management is tighter, and AI predicts usage patterns to preserve battery overnight. Users report up to 20 extra minutes of usable life per day under typical conditions.

Mini Case Study: Daily Driver Upgrade Experience

Lena, a digital marketer based in Seoul, upgraded from the S23 FE to the S24 FE three months after launch. Her primary motivation was the Circle to Search feature, which she uses frequently during client research.

\"I used to take screenshots and Google things manually,\" she explained. \"Now I just press and hold, circle a product in an ad, and get instant results. It saves me at least 10 minutes a day. The battery also feels more reliable—I’m not scrambling for a charger by 6 PM anymore.\"

She noted that the camera improvements were subtle but appreciated the faster app switching and cooler operation during video calls.

Should You Upgrade? A Practical Checklist

Before spending $649 (S24 FE starting price), consider the following:

• Are you still under contract or within warranty on your S23 FE? If yes, waiting another 6–12 months may yield better value.
• Do you rely on AI-powered productivity tools? If so, the S24 FE offers exclusive features the S23 FE will never receive.
• Is gaming or multitasking a priority? The Gen 2 chip provides a measurable boost in sustained performance.
• Have you maxed out your storage? The S24 FE supports up to 1TB microSD, same as S23 FE, but runs heavier apps that fill space faster.
• Can you find the S23 FE at a steep discount? At $400 or below, it remains an excellent value for non-AI users.

Tip: Wait for carrier trade-in promotions—Samsung often offers $100–$200 off when trading any recent Galaxy device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the S23 FE get Android 15?

Yes. Samsung guarantees four major OS updates for FE series phones. The S23 FE will receive Android 15, 16, 17, and 18, along with five years of security patches.

Is the S24 FE compatible with older Galaxy Buds?

Absolutely. All Galaxy Buds models from the last five years work seamlessly with the S24 FE, including spatial audio and auto-switching features.

Does the S24 FE overheat during extended use?

Testing shows minimal heat buildup, even during 90-minute gaming sessions. The vapor chamber cooling system is more effective than the graphite layer used in the S23 FE.

Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is not a revolutionary leap, but it is a thoughtful evolution. For users coming from older devices (S21 FE or earlier), it’s a compelling upgrade. For current S23 FE owners, the answer depends on priorities.

If you value cutting-edge AI tools, improved thermals, and the longest possible software support window, the S24 FE justifies its price. But if your S23 FE performs well and you don’t need live translation or generative photo editing, the upgrade isn’t urgent.

Consider this: the S23 FE remains one of the best mid-range Android phones ever made. The S24 FE simply raises the bar for what “mid-range” means in 2024—smarter, more efficient, and more connected.

💬 Have you upgraded from the S23 FE to the S24 FE? Share your experience, battery observations, or AI use cases in the comments below—we’d love to hear what matters most to real users.