Galaxy S23 FE vs Motorola Edge 50

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, released in October 2023, and the Motorola Edge 50 Pro, launched in April 2024, are both contemporary smartphones offering distinct user experiences. While the Galaxy S23 FE aims to deliver a premium Samsung experience with a focus on camera capabilities and a robust software ecosystem, the Motorola Edge 50 Pro emphasizes a vibrant display, rapid charging, and a clean Android interface. Both devices run on the Android operating system, with the Edge 50 Pro launching with a newer version.

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

• Software Longevity: The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, released in late 2023, is expected to receive several years of Android operating system updates and security patches, typically offering a longer support window compared to many other Android devices. The Motorola Edge 50 Pro, launched in early 2024, comes with a more recent Android version out of the box and is promised three major OS updates and four years of security updates.
• Physical Durability: Both smartphones feature an IP68 rating, indicating strong resistance to dust and water, capable of submersion in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for 30 minutes. The Galaxy S23 FE utilizes Gorilla Glass 5 on both its front and back for screen and body protection. The Motorola Edge 50 Pro also includes Gorilla Glass for display protection, contributing to its overall resilience.
• Expected Lifespan: Given their respective release dates and software commitments, the Galaxy S23 FE may offer a slightly longer period of official software support, which can be a significant advantage for users who keep their devices for an extended duration. However, both devices are built to withstand daily use and offer good practical lifespans.

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for daily tasks, from browsing to demanding applications and gaming.

• Processing Power: The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is equipped with a processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, providing a responsive user experience. The Motorola Edge 50 Pro features a current-generation processor designed for efficient performance, capably managing everyday tasks and offering a fluid experience, though it may show some limitations with the most graphically intensive applications.
• Multitasking and Storage: Both devices offer 8GB of RAM, with the Motorola Edge 50 Pro also having a 12GB RAM option, which can enhance multitasking capabilities, allowing more applications to run simultaneously without slowdowns. Storage options for both phones typically range from 128GB to 256GB, providing ample space for apps, photos, and media.
• Battery Behavior: Both smartphones house a 4500 mAh battery. The Galaxy S23 FE supports 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. The Motorola Edge 50 Pro stands out with significantly faster 125W wired charging and 50W wireless charging, allowing for very quick power replenishment. Users report the Edge 50 Pro's battery can last a full day with typical usage.

The display is a primary interface for any smartphone, and both models offer high-quality viewing experiences.

• Display Technology and Clarity: The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its deep blacks and vibrant colors, with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels. The Motorola Edge 50 Pro boasts a larger 6.7-inch pOLED display with a higher resolution of 1220 x 2712 pixels, offering enhanced sharpness and detail.
• Brightness and Smoothness: The Galaxy S23 FE's display reaches a peak brightness of 1450 nits, ensuring good visibility in various lighting conditions. The Edge 50 Pro surpasses this with a peak brightness of 2000 nits, providing excellent outdoor visibility. Both phones offer a smooth viewing experience, with the S23 FE featuring a 120Hz refresh rate, while the Edge 50 Pro offers an even smoother 144Hz refresh rate.
• Viewing Experience: The Motorola Edge 50 Pro's curved display design contributes to an immersive viewing experience, though some users might find curved edges prone to accidental touches. Both displays are capable of rendering HDR10+ content for enhanced contrast and color.

For many users, camera performance is a decisive factor, and both devices offer versatile camera systems.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE features a triple camera setup with a 50 MP main sensor, an 8 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12 MP ultrawide lens. This configuration allows for detailed shots, optical zoom for distant subjects, and expansive wide-angle photography. The Motorola Edge 50 Pro also comes with a triple rear camera system, including a 50 MP main sensor with a wider f/1.4 aperture, a 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 13 MP ultrawide lens that also supports macro photography.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S23 FE is known for its consistent image processing and good low-light performance, capturing clear and vibrant photos in various conditions. The Edge 50 Pro's main camera, with its wider aperture, excels in low-light scenarios, capturing bright and detailed images. Its ultrawide lens also offers autofocus for sharper wide-angle and macro shots.
• Video and Front Camera: The Galaxy S23 FE supports video recording up to 8K resolution at 24fps, and 4K at 30/60fps, with a 10 MP front camera. The Motorola Edge 50 Pro records video at 4K 30fps and features a high-resolution 50 MP front camera with autofocus, suitable for detailed selfies and video calls.