Galaxy S23 FE vs iPhone 12 Pro

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE (Fan Edition), released in October 2023, and the Apple iPhone 12 Pro, launched in October 2020, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While both are capable devices, they cater to different user preferences, primarily due to their operating systems, display technologies, and camera philosophies. The Galaxy S23 FE runs on Android, offering a customizable experience, while the iPhone 12 Pro operates on iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support play a significant role. The Galaxy S23 FE, being a newer device, benefits from a longer expected software support period compared to the iPhone 12 Pro.

• Release Timeline: The Galaxy S23 FE was released in October 2023, making it a more recent model. The iPhone 12 Pro, launched in October 2020, is three years older. This age difference directly impacts their remaining support cycles.
• Software Longevity: Samsung typically provides four generations of OS updates and five years of security updates for its S-series devices, including the S23 FE. This means the S23 FE is expected to receive major Android updates for several more years. Apple generally supports its iPhones with iOS updates for a minimum of five to six years from their release. Given its 2020 release, the iPhone 12 Pro is nearing the end of its major iOS update cycle, though security updates may continue for a period.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy S23 FE features Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on both its front and back, paired with an aluminum frame, and carries an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The iPhone 12 Pro introduced Ceramic Shield for its front display, which Apple stated offers enhanced drop protection, alongside a glass back and a stainless steel frame, also with an IP68 rating. While Ceramic Shield improves front-glass durability, user tests suggest the glass back of the iPhone 12 Pro can still be susceptible to shattering from drops.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily operations, from launching applications to managing multiple tasks. Both devices offer capable performance, though they achieve it through different hardware and software optimizations.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 FE is equipped with an octa-core processor, either the Exynos 2200 or the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, depending on the region. This hardware configuration allows it to handle demanding applications and multitasking smoothly. The iPhone 12 Pro features Apple's hexa-core A14 Bionic processor, which provides responsive performance for its operating system and applications.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The Galaxy S23 FE comes with 8GB of RAM, contributing to efficient multitasking and smooth transitions between apps. The iPhone 12 Pro has 6GB of RAM, which, combined with iOS's optimization, ensures a fluid user experience even with multiple applications running simultaneously.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 FE houses a 4500mAh battery, which generally provides a full day of use for typical activities like browsing and social media. However, some users of the Exynos variant have reported potential heating and faster battery drain during intensive tasks. The iPhone 12 Pro has a smaller 2815mAh battery. User experiences indicate that for heavy users, especially with 5G enabled, the iPhone 12 Pro might require more frequent charging throughout the day.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both the Galaxy S23 FE and iPhone 12 Pro offer high-quality viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S23 FE features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks. The iPhone 12 Pro comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, also known for its excellent color reproduction and contrast.
• Resolution and Clarity: The S23 FE offers a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels, resulting in a clear and sharp image for everyday viewing. The iPhone 12 Pro has a resolution of 1170 x 2532 pixels, delivering high pixel density for crisp visuals.
• Refresh Rate and Brightness: A key differentiator is the refresh rate; the Galaxy S23 FE boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, which contributes to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. The iPhone 12 Pro has a standard 60Hz refresh rate. Both displays offer good brightness levels, making them suitable for outdoor visibility.

For many users, the camera system is a critical component of a smartphone, and both devices provide versatile setups for capturing photos and videos.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S23 FE features a triple camera array on the rear, consisting of a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and an 8-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This setup is capable of producing detailed photos, especially in good lighting conditions, and offers flexibility with its optical zoom. The iPhone 12 Pro also has a triple 12-megapixel camera system, including a main wide lens, an ultrawide lens, and a telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. It also incorporates a LiDAR scanner, which assists with faster autofocus in low-light environments and enhances augmented reality experiences.
• Photography Performance: The S23 FE generally performs well in various lighting, including low-light scenarios. However, some user feedback suggests that colors can occasionally appear oversaturated, and there have been reports of image processing issues and noise in certain conditions. The iPhone 12 Pro is known for its natural color reproduction and strong low-light performance, particularly with its Night mode.
• Video Capabilities: The Galaxy S23 FE can record video at up to 8K resolution at 24 frames per second, and 4K at 60 frames per second. The iPhone 12 Pro offers video recording up to 4K at 60 frames per second, with the added capability of Dolby Vision HDR recording, which enhances dynamic range in videos.
• Front Camera and Audio: Both devices feature capable front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls. The S23 FE has a 10-megapixel front camera, while the iPhone 12 Pro has a 12-megapixel front camera. Both phones offer good microphone quality for calls and recording, and their speaker outputs provide a satisfactory media consumption experience.