Galaxy S23 FE vs iPhone SE (2020)

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, released in October 2023, and the Apple iPhone SE 2020, launched in April 2020, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While the Galaxy S23 FE offers a more contemporary Android experience with a larger display and versatile camera system, the iPhone SE 2020 provides a compact iOS platform with robust performance in a classic form factor. These devices cater to different user preferences, primarily differing in their operating systems, physical dimensions, and camera capabilities.

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and repairability.

• Release Timeline and Software Support: The Galaxy S23 FE, being a more recent device from late 2023, is expected to receive major Android OS updates until Android 17 (around 2027) and security patches until 2028. The iPhone SE 2020, released in early 2020, has already received several iOS updates and is currently running iOS 26.x, with Apple typically providing 5-6 years of major OS support. This means the Galaxy S23 FE offers a longer guaranteed period of software updates from the current date.
• Durability Features: Both devices offer a degree of protection against environmental elements. The Galaxy S23 FE features an IP68 rating, indicating resistance to dust and submersion in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. It also uses Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and back for scratch and drop resistance. The iPhone SE 2020 has an IP67 rating, providing dust and water resistance up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, and features Ion-Strengthened Glass on its display.
• Repairability: The Galaxy S23 FE has a relatively high repairability score, with pull tabs for the battery and accessible internal components, making common repairs more straightforward. The iPhone SE 2020 received an iFixit score of 6 out of 10, noted for its modular components and relatively easy access to the display and battery, though its glass back can be challenging to replace.

Performance in daily use is largely determined by the internal processing power and memory configuration of each device.

• Processing Capabilities: The Galaxy S23 FE is equipped with a modern octa-core processor, either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or the Exynos 2200, depending on the region. This allows for smooth handling of demanding applications, efficient multitasking, and responsive gaming experiences. The iPhone SE 2020 features Apple's A13 Bionic chip, which was a leading processor at its release. It provides a highly fluid user experience, quick app loading, and strong performance for gaming and augmented reality applications.
• Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S23 FE comes with 8GB of RAM, which supports extensive multitasking and keeps numerous applications active in the background without significant slowdowns. It offers storage options of 128GB or 256GB. The iPhone SE 2020 includes 3GB of RAM, which, combined with iOS optimization, provides a responsive experience for typical smartphone usage. Storage configurations are available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. Neither device supports expandable storage.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 FE houses a 4500mAh battery, designed to provide power for a full day of moderate to heavy use. The iPhone SE 2020 has an 1821mAh battery, which typically requires more frequent charging for heavy users due to its smaller capacity.

The visual experience on a smartphone is heavily influenced by its display technology, size, and clarity.

• Display Technology and Size: The Galaxy S23 FE features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. This larger screen size provides an immersive viewing experience for media consumption and productivity. The iPhone SE 2020 has a more compact 4.7-inch Retina HD IPS LCD display. While smaller, this display is known for its color accuracy and clarity.
• Resolution and Brightness: The Galaxy S23 FE boasts a Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels), resulting in sharp images and text, with a pixel density of 403 ppi. It also offers a peak brightness of 1450 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The iPhone SE 2020's display has a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels, translating to 326 ppi, which is clear for its size. Its peak brightness is 625 nits, which is adequate for most indoor and outdoor scenarios.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Galaxy S23 FE supports a 120Hz refresh rate, providing noticeably smoother scrolling, animations, and a more fluid gaming experience. The iPhone SE 2020 operates at a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is consistent with many devices but does not offer the same level of visual fluidity as higher refresh rate displays.

Camera capabilities are a significant factor for many users, encompassing both still photography and video recording.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S23 FE features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. This configuration allows for a wide range of photographic styles, from expansive landscapes to detailed zoomed-in shots. The iPhone SE 2020 has a single 12MP wide-angle rear camera with OIS. Despite having one lens, its computational photography capabilities enable features like Portrait mode for subjects.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S23 FE excels in various lighting conditions, with its 50MP main sensor capturing detailed images and a dedicated Night Mode for improved low-light performance. Its telephoto lens provides clear zoomed images. The iPhone SE 2020 delivers strong everyday photography with accurate colors and impressive dynamic range, particularly in well-lit environments. However, it lacks a dedicated Night Mode, which can impact low-light image quality compared to devices with this feature.
• Video Recording and Front Camera: The Galaxy S23 FE can record video up to 8K at 24fps and 4K at 60fps with its rear cameras, offering advanced video capabilities. Its front-facing camera is 10MP, capable of recording 4K video at 30fps, providing clear selfies and video calls. The iPhone SE 2020 records 4K video at up to 60fps with its rear camera, known for its excellent video stabilization and quality in its segment. The front camera is 7MP, suitable for video calls and selfies, and supports software-based Portrait mode.