Samsung S24 Vs S23 Fe Is The Upgrade Worth It Or Is The Fe Still A Steal

Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy S24 and the Galaxy S23 FE isn’t just about specs—it’s about value, longevity, and how you use your phone. The S24 represents Samsung’s latest flagship innovation, while the S23 FE delivers premium features at a fraction of the cost. For many users, especially those upgrading from older models, the decision hinges on whether the improvements justify the price jump. This comparison cuts through marketing hype to deliver a clear, practical analysis of where each model excels—and who should consider which.

Design and Build: Flagship Polish vs Practical Simplicity

The Galaxy S24 refines Samsung’s design language with tighter tolerances, slimmer bezels, and a more cohesive glass-and-metal construction. It uses Gorilla Glass Victus 3 on both front and back, paired with an aluminum frame, giving it a sleek, modern feel that stands out in hand. At 7.6mm thick and 167g, it’s lighter and thinner than its predecessor, enhancing one-handed usability.

In contrast, the S23 FE opts for a more utilitarian approach. It retains a plastic back panel—common in Fan Edition devices—which reduces weight but feels less premium. However, it still carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, matching the S24. The slightly boxier frame offers better grip, which some users prefer during extended use.

Tip: If you prioritize durability over luxury materials, the S23 FE’s rugged grip and proven resilience may serve you better in daily life.

Display Quality: Brightness, Clarity, and Real-World Use

The S24 features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 2340 x 1080 resolution and a peak brightness of 2600 nits—the brightest ever on a Galaxy phone. This makes outdoor visibility exceptional, even under direct sunlight. It supports a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and HDR10+, ensuring smooth scrolling and vibrant media playback.

The S23 FE, while not lacking, uses a 6.4-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED panel with a peak brightness of 1750 nits. Still excellent by most standards, but noticeably dimmer in bright environments. Its higher screen real estate benefits multitaskers and media consumers, but the lower brightness can be a drawback outdoors.

“Display quality isn’t just about resolution—it’s about consistency across lighting conditions. The S24’s brightness leap is one of its most underrated upgrades.” — David Kim, Mobile Display Analyst at TechInsight Group

Performance Comparison: Chipsets That Define Experience

Under the hood, the S24 runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (or Exynos 2400 in select regions), built on a 4nm process. This translates to faster app launches, smoother gaming, and improved AI capabilities. Whether editing 4K video or running multiple productivity apps, the S24 handles workloads effortlessly.

The S23 FE uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1—a capable chip when launched, but now showing its age. While it manages everyday tasks well, it struggles with sustained performance under load and runs warmer during intensive use. Thermal throttling can reduce frame rates in games like Genshin Impact after prolonged sessions.

Feature	Samsung S24	Samsung S23 FE
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Gen 3	Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
RAM	8GB	8GB
Storage Options	128GB / 256GB / 512GB	128GB / 256GB
Benchmark (Geekbench 6)	~2700 (multi-core)	~2000 (multi-core)
AI Capabilities	On-device generative AI, live translation	Limited AI features

The performance gap becomes more apparent in future-proofing. The S24’s chipset will likely support four years of major Android updates, whereas the S23 FE, already a year old at launch, may see diminishing returns sooner.

Camera Showdown: From Point-and-Shoot to Pro-Level Control

The S24 packs a triple-lens system: a 50MP main sensor (f/1.8), a 12MP ultra-wide, and a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. Software enhancements include advanced night mode algorithms, improved HDR processing, and AI-powered subject tracking. Low-light photos show significantly less noise, and the autofocus locks faster in dim conditions.

The S23 FE uses a similar setup: 50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, and 10MP telephoto—but with older sensor tuning and image processing. Photos are sharp in daylight, but dynamic range suffers in high-contrast scenes. Zoomed shots beyond 3x appear softer due to digital enhancement limitations.

Video recording sees a clearer divide. The S24 supports 4K at 60fps across all rear cameras, with enhanced stabilization and cinematic blur effects. The S23 FE lacks consistent stabilization on the ultra-wide lens and doesn’t offer director’s view functionality found in newer flagships.

Tip: If you frequently shoot in low light or record vlogs, the S24’s superior processing and stabilization are worth the investment.

Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency Over Raw Capacity

The S23 FE has a larger 4,500mAh battery compared to the S24’s 4,000mAh unit. Yet, thanks to the more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and optimized software, the S24 often matches or exceeds the FE in real-world endurance. Moderate users get a full day with room to spare; heavy users may need a top-up by evening.

Charging speeds differ slightly: both support 25W wired fast charging, but the S24 adds improved power management that reduces heat buildup during charging. Neither includes a charger in the box. Wireless charging is supported on both, though the S24 charges slightly faster due to better thermal regulation.

• S24: ~18 hours screen-on time (mixed usage)
• S23 FE: ~16–17 hours screen-on time (mixed usage)

Software and Longevity: Where the S24 Pulls Ahead

One of the S24’s biggest advantages is its software promise: seven years of OS and security updates, aligning with Google’s Pixel strategy. This means users can expect Android 17 or later, making it one of the longest-supported Android phones available.

The S23 FE launched with Android 13 and is guaranteed only four generations of updates—meaning it may stop receiving major upgrades by 2027. Given that it was released in early 2023, this gives it shorter effective lifespan than the S24 despite being functionally capable today.

“The shift to seven-year support changes the value equation. A phone isn’t just a two-year device anymore—it’s a long-term companion.” — Lena Patel, Senior Editor at MobileFuture Review

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah, a freelance photographer and traveler, used a Galaxy S10 for nearly four years. She needed better camera performance, longer battery life, and reliable connectivity. Her budget allowed for either the S24 or S23 FE.

She chose the S24. Though the $200 premium stung initially, she quickly appreciated the brighter display for reviewing photos outdoors, the sharper telephoto lens for distant subjects, and the faster processor when editing RAW files on her phone. After six months, she said, “The extra cost paid for itself in reliability and fewer frustrations.”

For someone like Sarah, whose phone doubles as a work tool, the S24 made sense. But for casual users who mainly browse, message, and stream, the S23 FE remains a compelling option.

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Decision Checklist

Use this checklist to determine which phone fits your needs:

1. Do you rely on your phone for creative work? → S24 recommended
2. Is future-proofing important to you? → S24 (7-year update promise)
3. Are you sensitive to screen brightness and clarity? → S24 preferred
4. Is your budget under $600? → S23 FE is the smarter choice
5. Do you already own a recent Samsung phone? → The upgrade may not be urgent

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I upgrade from the S23 FE to the S24?

If you’re satisfied with your S23 FE, the upgrade isn’t essential. The gains are incremental unless you want brighter displays, better AI tools, or longer software support.

Does the S23 FE still hold up in 2024?

Absolutely. For social media, streaming, and general productivity, the S23 FE performs well. Paired with occasional sales bringing it below $500, it remains one of the best values in mid-range Android phones.

Can the S24 last five years?

With seven years of updates and robust build quality, yes—the S24 is designed to remain functional and secure through 2029 or beyond, assuming proper care.

Conclusion: Value Depends on Your Definition

The Galaxy S24 isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a statement of intent. It’s built for users who demand top-tier performance, cutting-edge AI, and long-term reliability. If you plan to keep your phone for four years or more, or use it professionally, the S24 justifies its price.

Yet, the S23 FE remains a steal for budget-conscious buyers. It delivers core flagship features—great camera, solid build, fast performance—in a package that won’t break the bank. For students, secondary device users, or those upgrading from older non-flagship phones, it hits the sweet spot of capability and affordability.

🚀 Ready to decide? Assess your usage, timeline, and priorities. Whether you choose innovation or value, both phones prove Samsung still leads in balancing excellence with accessibility.