Galaxy S25 FE vs Galaxy S23 FE: It might finally be worth upgrading your Fan Edition
Two years later, Samsung’s Fan Edition finally feels flagship again.
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Intro
The Galaxy S25 FE arrives as Samsung’s latest “affordable flagship,” bringing a noticeably faster Exynos 2400 chip, a larger 6.7-inch AMOLED display, and much quicker 45W charging. There’s also a modest bump in battery capacity and a slimmer, lighter design.
So some buyers are asking: how does it stack up against the Galaxy S23 FE, a phone that still offers solid performance, dependable cameras, and can now be found at a much more affordable price refurbished?
If you already own the S23 FE — or are choosing between the two — the big question is whether the S25 FE’s upgrades are enough to make the two-year older model obsolete.
To find out, we compared both phones across our lab tests for performance, display quality, camera results, and battery endurance. Here’s how the new Fan Edition improves over the old one (and where it doesn’t).
If you already own the S23 FE — or are choosing between the two — the big question is whether the S25 FE’s upgrades are enough to make the two-year older model obsolete.
So are the new changes enough to elicit an upgrade for S23 FE owners?
Galaxy S25 FE vs Galaxy S23 FE differences:
| Galaxy S25 FE | Galaxy S23 FE |
|---|---|
| Slimmer, lighter design | Heavier with sharp edges |
| Brighter 6.7” AMOLED display | Smaller 6.4” AMOLED display |
| Much more powerful Exynos 2400 chip | Exynos 2200 / Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
| 8 GB RAM | 8 GB RAM |
| 4,900 mAh battery | 4,500 mAh battery |
| 45W wired charging | 25W wired charging |
| 25W wireless charging | 15W wireless charging |
| 7 years of updates | 4 OS + 5 years security updates |
| Same triple camera system | 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide and 3X telephoto |
| 12 MP selfie camera | 10 MP seflie camera |
Table of Contents:
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Design and Size
Lighter, thinner, taller, and brighter
Samsung hasn’t made any drastic changes, but the Galaxy S25 FE refines the Fan Edition look. It’s slimmer (7.4 mm vs 8.2 mm) and lighter (190 g vs 209 g), with flatter sides and a cleaner camera layout. The switch to Gorilla Glass Victus+ improves scratch and drop resistance compared to the S23 FE’s Gorilla Glass 5. Both phones come with IP68 water and dust protection.
Color options have shifted from playful tones like Mint and Purple to more subdued hues like Icy Blue, Jet Black, Navy, and White, which align the FE line with Samsung’s premium S-series aesthetic.
On the display front, the upgrade is meaningful, though not quite as dramatic as it seems on paper. The S25 FE’s 6.7-inch AMOLED panel (up from 6.4 inches on the S23 FE) hits 1,761 nits at 20% APL in our tests — an impressive result that places it among the brightest in its class. The S23 FE, meanwhile, reached 905 nits at 100% APL, so the two values aren’t measured under identical conditions. In real-world use, however, the newer model is visibly easier to read in direct sunlight.
Color options have shifted from playful tones like Mint and Purple to more subdued hues like Icy Blue, Jet Black, Navy, and White, which align the FE line with Samsung’s premium S-series aesthetic.
On the display front, the upgrade is meaningful, though not quite as dramatic as it seems on paper. The S25 FE’s 6.7-inch AMOLED panel (up from 6.4 inches on the S23 FE) hits 1,761 nits at 20% APL in our tests — an impressive result that places it among the brightest in its class. The S23 FE, meanwhile, reached 905 nits at 100% APL, so the two values aren’t measured under identical conditions. In real-world use, however, the newer model is visibly easier to read in direct sunlight.
| Galaxy S25 FE | Galaxy S23 FE |
|---|---|
| Thickness 7.4 mm | Thickness 8.2 mm |
| Dimensions 161.3 x 76.6 | Dimensions 158 x 76.5 |
| Weight 190 grams | Weight 209 grams |
The Galaxy S23 FE had one of the best displays in its price class in 2023 — a 6.4-inch AMOLED with HDR10+ and 120Hz refresh. It also came with 1450 nits of peak brightness, which was not bad for the time.
But Samsung upgraded the brightness with the S24 FE to 1900 nits, which the S25 FE has inherited. It also comes with a larger 6.7-inch AMOLED display, although it still isn’t LTPO, so you’re limited to 60 Hz or 120 Hz.
But Samsung upgraded the brightness with the S24 FE to 1900 nits, which the S25 FE has inherited. It also comes with a larger 6.7-inch AMOLED display, although it still isn’t LTPO, so you’re limited to 60 Hz or 120 Hz.
| Galaxy S25 FE | Galaxy S23 FE |
|---|---|
| Size 6.7" | Size 6.4" |
| Brightness 1900 nits (peak) | Brightness 1450 nits (peak) |
Biometrics remain unchanged: both phones offer a fast in-display fingerprint scanner and a basic face unlock system for convenience (but not for security-critical use).
Color accuracy is similar between them, though the S25 FE skews slightly cooler (6,560 K vs 6,754 K) and shows a higher Delta E grayscale error (6.12 vs 5.34). For context, Delta E measures how far a displayed color deviates from the real one — the lower the number, the more accurate the colors. In practical use, this difference is minor and won’t be noticeable unless you’re doing color-critical work like photo editing.
Performance and Software
Exynos 2400 demolishes the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
This is the biggest generational improvement. The Galaxy S23 FE used the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (or Exynos 2200 in some markets), which was powerful in 2023 but known for thermal throttling.
The Galaxy S25 FE uses the full Exynos 2400 (not the downclocked “2400e” from the S24 FE), built on a 4nm process with a 10-core CPU and Xclipse 940 GPU. It’s a far more capable chip, especially for gaming and sustained performance.
Memory remains at 8 GB RAM, and so does the UFS 4.0 storage. That said, the new model tops out at 512 GB whereas the older one maxed out at 256 GB of storage.
Memory remains at 8 GB RAM, and so does the UFS 4.0 storage. That said, the new model tops out at 512 GB whereas the older one maxed out at 256 GB of storage.
| Galaxy S25 FE | Galaxy S23 FE |
|---|---|
| Chip Samsung Exynos 2400 | Chip Exynos 2200/Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
| Process 4nm | Process 4nm |
| RAM, Storage 12/128 GB 12/256 GB 12/512 GB LPDDR5X RAM UFS 4.0 storage | RAM, Storage 8/128 GB 8/256 GB --- LPDDR5X RAM UFS 4.0 storage |
On the software side, the S25 FE ships with Android 16 + One UI 8, and benefits from Samsung’s 7 years of updates. That’s a huge leap over the S23 FE’s 4 OS upgrades + 5 years of security patches.
CPU Performance Benchmarks:
In our GeekBench 6 tests, CPU scores jumped from 1566 to 2170 (single-core) and from 3839 to 7110 (multi-core). That's an enormous leap, and you can definitely feel it when using the two phones back to back.
The jump in graphical performance is just as striking. In 3DMark’s Wild Life benchmark, the S25 FE hit 3623 (high) and 2253 (low), compared to the S23 FE’s 2208 / 1208 — nearly doubling sustained GPU performance.
This translates into much smoother gaming, higher sustained frame rates, and better thermal control, especially when using more demanding apps and playing graphic-intensive games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty: Mobile.
Camera
No hardware changes, but processing could matter
The Galaxy S25 FE reuses the same camera setup as its predecessor — a 50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, and 8MP 3x telephoto — but benefits from newer image processing in One UI 8 and the Exynos 2400 ISP.
| Galaxy S25 FE | Galaxy S23 FE |
|---|---|
| Main 50 MP, f/1.7 24 mm 1/1.57" sensor size | Main 50 MP, f/1.8 23 mm 1/1.57" sensor size |
| Ultrawide 12 MP, f/2.4 13 mm 123 FOV 1/3.0" sensor size | Ultrawide 12 MP, f/2.2 13 mm 123 FOV 1/3.0" sensor size |
| Telephoto 8 MP, f/2.4 75 mm 3X zoom 1/4.4" sensor size | Telephoto 8 MP, f/2.4 75 mm 3X zoom 1/4.5" sensor size |
PhoneArena Camera Score:
Our test results show significant gains throughout the whole camera system. The overall camera score rises from 137 to 143, with small improvements in the photo score and higher improvements to the video score. The S25 FE produces better HDR tone mapping and handles contrast more smoothly in video, though the level of detail remains similar.
Selfie performance sees a slight uptick thanks to a sharper 12MP front camera (up from 10MP).
Low-light processing is also steadier. If you shoot a lot of video, the S25 FE’s stabilization and color balance make it the more consistent performer.
Low-light processing is also steadier. If you shoot a lot of video, the S25 FE’s stabilization and color balance make it the more consistent performer.
Galaxy S25 FE samples:
Battery Life and Charging
Bigger battery, much faster charging
The Galaxy S23 FE offered decent endurance with its 4,500 mAh battery, but it was limited to 25W wired charging (about 50% in 30 minutes) and 15W wireless charging.
The Galaxy S25 FE bumps capacity to 4,900 mAh and adds 45W wired charging, reaching 65% in 30 minutes. Wireless charging also improves to 25W, and reverse wireless charging is supported, which can come in handy when you want to charge accessories like earbuds or your smartwatch.
The Galaxy S25 FE bumps capacity to 4,900 mAh and adds 45W wired charging, reaching 65% in 30 minutes. Wireless charging also improves to 25W, and reverse wireless charging is supported, which can come in handy when you want to charge accessories like earbuds or your smartwatch.
| Galaxy S25 FE | Galaxy S23 FE |
|---|---|
| Battery size 4,900 mAh | Battery size 4,500 mAh |
Charging speeds 45W wired 15W wireless charging USB-C 3.2 | Charging speeds 25W wired 15W wireless charging USB-C 3.2 |
PhoneArena Battery and Charging Test Results:
Battery life sees a meaningful bump despite the larger display. The Galaxy S25 FE’s 4900 mAh battery delivers 6h 59min in our combined battery life test. The results are roughly 40 minutes longer estimated endurance compared to the S23 FE’s 6h 18min.
Charging also sees a massive improvement. Thanks to its 45W wired charging speeds, the S25 FE completes a full charge in 1h 1min, compared to 1h 15min on the S23 FE. In 30 minutes, the new model reaches 64%, while the S23 FE manages 58%.
Wireless charging speeds are unchanged at 15W, but reverse wireless charging is more stable on the new model.
Audio Quality and Haptics
The Galaxy S25 FE delivers a noticeable upgrade in this department. Both phones feature stereo speakers, but the S25 FE gets louder with less distortion at high volumes. The soundstage feels wider and more balanced, with improved mids and crisper highs that hold up even past the 80% mark.
The Galaxy S23 FE’s speakers sound decent for speech and everyday use but start to lose richness and clarity once pushed beyond moderate volume. It’s still a solid performer, just not as refined or balanced as its successor.
Bluetooth audio has also improved on the S25 FE, which supports LDAC and aptX codecs for higher-quality wireless playback.
As for haptics, the S25 FE feels sharper and tighter. The feedback is more precise and satisfying for typing and notifications, similar to Samsung’s higher-end models. The S23 FE’s vibrations are still relatively strong and well-calibrated, but can feel a bit overzealous when set to maximum intensity.
Neither phone includes a headphone jack.
The Galaxy S23 FE’s speakers sound decent for speech and everyday use but start to lose richness and clarity once pushed beyond moderate volume. It’s still a solid performer, just not as refined or balanced as its successor.
As for haptics, the S25 FE feels sharper and tighter. The feedback is more precise and satisfying for typing and notifications, similar to Samsung’s higher-end models. The S23 FE’s vibrations are still relatively strong and well-calibrated, but can feel a bit overzealous when set to maximum intensity.
Neither phone includes a headphone jack.
Specs Comparison
A quick overview of the Galaxy S25 FE vs Galaxy S23 FE specs:
| Galaxy S25 FE | Galaxy S23 FE |
|---|---|
| Size, weight 161.3 x 76.6 x 7.4 mm, 190 g | Size, weight 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm, 209g |
| Screen 6.7" OLED 120Hz | Screen 6.4" OLED 120Hz |
| Processor Exynos 2400 4nm | Processor Exynos 2200/Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 4nm |
| Versions: 8/128 GB 8/256 GB 8/512 GB LPDDR5X | Versions: 8/128GB 8/256GB --- LPDDR5X |
| Cameras: 50 MP main 12 MP ultra-wide 8 MP 3x zoom 12 MP front | Cameras: 50 MP main 12 MP ultra-wide 8 MP 3x zoom 10 MP front |
| Battery: 4900 mAh | Battery: 4500 mAh |
| Charging: USB-C 45W wired 25W wireless | Charging: USB-C 25W wired 15W wireless |
Summary
The Galaxy S25 FE brings enough refinements to make it feel like a proper 2025 refresh. Its faster Exynos 2400 chip, larger and brighter display, longer battery life, and much quicker charging make it a far more rounded device. Wha'ts more, it comes with Samsung’s new seven-year software update policy.
The Galaxy S23 FE still holds up well if you already own it — its performance remains solid, and the camera system delivers comparable results. But its shorter software support and slower charging will start to show their age soon.
If you’re buying new, the S25 FE is definitely the smarter investment. If you already own the S23 FE, you can wait another year, but the new Fan Edition clearly sets a higher bar for mid-range flagships and you would definitely get a better user experience if you decide to upgrade.
The Galaxy S23 FE still holds up well if you already own it — its performance remains solid, and the camera system delivers comparable results. But its shorter software support and slower charging will start to show their age soon.
If you’re buying new, the S25 FE is definitely the smarter investment. If you already own the S23 FE, you can wait another year, but the new Fan Edition clearly sets a higher bar for mid-range flagships and you would definitely get a better user experience if you decide to upgrade.
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