The Galaxy S23 FE is undoubtedly a premium device that also includes premium touches here and there. While some people may find the special features of the FE model important, others may not feel the need to pay attention to them. The price justifies the differences, but how much should they matter to you?
Although the S23 FE boasts more premium hardware, many users may not even notice the difference. You can choose the one that suits your specific use cases better. With that being said, let’s take a look at different aspects so that you can make the most appropriate choice for yourself.
Galaxy S23 FE
- Great camera
- Better performance & UI experience with flagship Exynos 2200 chipset
Galaxy A54
- Longer battery life
- Glass back as supposed to S23 FE’s plastic back (bonus)
- Pocket friendly
S23 FE has better cameras
The Fan Edition model, as a part of the premium S series, features more sophisticated image processing algorithms. Besides that, the S23 FE brings an upgraded main camera. The better ISP of the flagship chipset, along with the more sophisticated image processing algorithms, helps produce cleaner and more detailed images compared to the midrange Galaxy A54, especially in low-light conditions.
The S series offering comes with an 8 Mp 3x telephoto sensor in the place of A54’s 5Mp macro lens. Affordability comes with sacrifices. The ultrawide also tells the same story. When the light insufficient, the difference in image quality becomes significant.
That being said, the A54 produces decent quality images and you may not be able to tell the difference without comparing them side by side.
Display: S23 FE has an edge
Both phones offer a 6.4″ AMOLED panel. However, the S23 FE offers a Dynamic AMOLED 2x panel, which provides slightly better colors compared to the Super AMOLED panel in the midrange Galaxy A54.
The S23 FE also reaches up to 1300 nits of peak brightness, while the Galaxy A54 achieves 1000 nits.
However, it’s important to note that you should consider the Dynamic AMOLED panel as an additional benefit rather than a game changer. The A54 still reaches sufficient brightness for outdoor usage and offers excellent colors as well. You won’t regret it.
Build & Design: is S23 FE always better?
Surprisingly, midrange Galaxy A54 takes the crown here!
The latest Fan Edition model comes with a plastic back panel, while the more affordable A54 comes with a glass back. Even though the plastic panel on the FE model is well-built, it falls short in terms of the premium look and feel of glass.
Glass back on the A54 vs Plastic on the S23 FE
I have seen people prioritizing the look and feel of the device over anything else. If you feel the same, then you’ll prefer the A54 plus it’s also cheaper.
The Galaxy S23 FE is IP68 dust and water resistant rated while the Galaxy A54 is rated at IP67. That means the fan edition provides slight better protection at needs.
Video processing is better on S23 FE
The video stabilization (OIS) on the Galaxy A54 is limited to 1080p for some reason. So, if you plan to shoot videos on your phone for some important purpose, you should go with the S23 FE, even with a higher price tag. The videos are cleaner and more detailed, especially in low light.
S23 FE takes advantage of the flagship chip for real-time processing
Even the S21 FE with a much smaller 12mp sensor (1/1.76″ as compared to 1/1.56″) outperforms the Galaxy A54 in terms of clarity and stabilization especially when the conditions are adverse.
If camera quality is one of your requirements, it more than justifies the higher price tag of the flagship chipset-powered Fan Edition.
Performance
This is the area where everyone will be able to tell the difference in snappiness between the devices. The Galaxy S23 FE is powered by the Exynos 2200 chipset, which has much higher computing power than the Galaxy A54’s Exynos 1380.
So, if your use cases involve multitasking, or running heavier apps, it’s recommended to go with the Galaxy S23 FE instead of the Galaxy A54.
Software experience
Both devices offer 4 years of software updates. Although the latest OneUI 5.1 was expected to bring significant improvements, particularly in the fluidity of system animations, it still feels unoptimized for lower-end chips. As a result, the S23 FE feels significantly faster and fluid as compared to the Galaxy A54 in terms of the overall UI experience.
What I have noticed while using the A54 is that switching frequently between apps feels unpleasant at times.
Battery life & charging
Additionally, the S23 Fe houses a 4500 mAh battery as compared to the 5000 mAh one in Galaxy A54. The fan edition also runs a powerful flagship chipset and likely, the A54 provides longer battery life. The Screen on Time you may get depends on your specific usage, but will have the same characteristics for both.
Additionally, the S23 FE houses a 4500 mAh battery compared to the 5000 mAh battery in the A54. The Fan Edition also runs a more power-hungry flagship chipset and is likely for it to provide relatively shorter battery life compared to the A54.
S23 FE offers wireless charging where the A54 has longer battery life
For most of the people, even the S23 FE will last throughout the day, while the A54 lasts even longer. However, longer usage of heavier apps like camera will require you to charge the Fan Edition more than once a day.
That being said, for someone with a requirement for the longest possible battery life, where performance and camera aren’t the focus, the A54 becomes the right choice.
Out of fanciness, the fan edition brings wireless charging support along with 25W wired charging where the A series offering don’t have this feature.
Price difference
The S23 FE is priced around $599, which is quite a bit costly as compared to the Galaxy A54, launched at $449. And after just 3 months from launch, I got a great deal for the Galaxy A54 at $314 on Amazon.
Alternatives
Get the S23 FE if your priorities are camera quality, multitasking, or a snappy UI experience.
In contrast, the Galaxy A54 offers longer battery life with a glass back as a bonus. Additionally, there are many people who don’t really utilize the multitasking capabilities of a higher-end chipset. The Galaxy A54 is a perfect fit for them, especially considering the price tag.
However, if your usage involves demanding tasks, you will need more than the Exynos 1380. We have carefully reviewed the available options in this price range and selected the 5 best alternatives to the S23 FE, along with their specialties and drawbacks (if any), so that you can choose the one that suits you the most.
