Samsung Galaxy S23 FE vs Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Our Verdict: These are two phones from the same range, with the Galaxy S23 Ultra sitting above the Galaxy S23 FE. The S23 Ultra 5G has a massively higher-resolution main camera, 200MP against the S23 FE's 50MP, and the S23 Ultra 5G has the bigger battery of the two, 5000mAh against 4500mAh, which should mean longer between charges in day-to-day use. The S23 Ultra 5G has the stronger screen, bigger at 6.8" against 6.4" and sharper at 500 PPI, and the S23 Ultra 5G goes up to 512GB of storage, where the S23 FE tops out at 256GB. Get the S23 Ultra 5G if those extras are worth it to you; otherwise the S23 FE covers the basics for less.
If you'd rather pay up front, the S23 FE is the cheaper buy at £160 SIM-free.
11 reviews 4.5
10 reviews
Prices updated 6 July 2026
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
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Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
|
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|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 3.6 11 reviews |
4.5 10 reviews |
| Screen | 6.4" | 6.8" |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1440 x 3080 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 403 | 500 |
| Rear Camera | 50 Megapixels | 200 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 10 Megapixels | 12 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Exynos 2200 | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) |
| Battery | 4,500 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 256GB, 512GB |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 13 |
| SIM Type | Nano SIM | Nano SIM |
| Connectivity | Up to 5G | Up to 5G |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 with A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 209 grams | 233 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP53 - dust and splash protection | IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes |
| Contracts | - |
£59.00/mo
£30.00 upfront |
| SIM-free | £159.95 | £329.95 |
| Prices updated 6 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the bigger screen at 6.8" compared to the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE's 6.4", the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the sharper display at 500 pixels per inch versus 403, and both use Dynamic AMOLED 2X panels.
Which has the better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE features a 50 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has a 200 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £159.95.
What storage options are available for the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is available in 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB.
What processors do the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra use?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is powered by the Exynos 2200, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra uses the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm).
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the more portable of the two: it's 24g lighter at 209 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm, and is slimmer at 8.2mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE or Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is rated IP53 - dust and splash protection, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.
What operating system do the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra run?
Both phones run Android 13.