The best Samsung Galaxy S23 FE alternatives: 6 phones to consider before you buy

Samsung revealed the Galaxy S23 FE in October 2023, and we’ve got a pretty capable smartphone for $599. Between the FHD+ 120Hz OLED screen, versatile triple rear camera setup, water resistance, and wireless charging, there’s a lot to like here. What if you want something different, though? We’ve got you covered with a look at the best Galaxy S23 FE alternatives.

Samsung Galaxy S24

If you’re willing to invest more in your daily companion, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is an all-around better phone than the FE. It packs a slick 6.2-inch 120Hz display, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (for US buyers) beneath its skin, a reliable camera setup at its rear, and wireless charging for convenience. It’s also compact, one-hand friendly, and slathered in tougher Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

More importantly, for those who value longevity, the Galaxy S24 packs a seven-year-long Android update pledge to ensure you have fresh One UI builds into the next decade.

Despite its strengths, the Galaxy S24 does lag behind the FE in some aspects. It has a smaller battery (4,000mAh vs 4,500mAh) and also costs a fair bit more. Despite this flagship-level price, we think it offers better value.

Google Pixel 8

The Pixel 8 launched less than a day after the Galaxy S23 FE, and it offers a pretty interesting proposition too. Google’s phone brings an incredibly impressive seven years of OS and security updates, a flagship processor that seems more powerful on paper, and a better main camera in theory. We also get Gorilla Glass Victus on the front, which should offer superior drop protection versus Gorilla Glass 5 on the S23 FE.

Google’s new handset also matches the Galaxy S23 FE with features like an IP68 rating, wireless charging, and an FHD+ 120Hz OLED screen. Toss in Pixel-exclusive software features and Feature Drops, and there’s a lot to like here.

It’s not all good for the new Pixel, though. The phone is $100 more expensive than the S23 FE and lacks a dedicated telephoto camera. But it’s certainly one of the best Galaxy S23 FE alternatives if you care about software, updates, and camera quality.

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE

The previous Galaxy FE phone is also worth considering if you want a Galaxy S23 FE alternative. The Galaxy S21 FE was overshadowed by the Galaxy S22 series launch roughly a month later, but the FE device is still worth a look today, particularly if you can find one on the cheap.

Samsung’s 2022 release shares plenty in common with its successor, namely the same 6.4-inch screen, 4,500mAh battery with 25W wired charging, wireless charging support, an IP68 rating, and the same secondary rear cameras. Oddly enough, this phone also packs Gorilla Glass Victus versus the new handset’s Gorilla Glass 5.

There are a couple of areas where the phone lags behind the S23 FE though. You’ve still got a 12MP main camera instead of a 50MP primary shooter. You’re also getting a Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 chip instead of the slightly more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200. It’s also important to note that the S21 FE isn’t currently slated to receive Galaxy AI features, while the S23 FE will get them. Nevertheless, you’re getting most of the Galaxy S23 FE by opting for this model.

Apple iPhone SE 2022

Another older phone makes the list, and the third-generation iPhone SE is worth considering if you want a cost-effective entry into the Apple ecosystem. The iPhone SE 2022 ticks some of the same boxes as the S23 FE, such as an IP68 rating, wireless charging, a powerful processor, and a solid update pledge.

Apple’s phone does have loads of downsides compared to the Samsung phone, though. You’ve got a much smaller screen that tops out at 60Hz, a single 12MP rear camera system (no ultrawide or tele lens here), a smaller battery, and just 64GB of base storage.

The iPhone SE 2022 can be had for $400 or less these days, making it around $200 cheaper than the S23 FE. So you can always spend a little extra for a 128GB or 256GB model.

OnePlus 12R

The OnePlus 12R is one of the best Galaxy S23 FE alternatives released in 2024, especially if you want performance and fast charging. Expect a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip that’s newer and more capable than the Exynos 2200 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC. It’s also packing 80W wired charging in the US, and 100W wired charging globally.

This phone also brings some great features in other areas, such as a bright 120Hz OLED screen (1.5K resolution), a huge 5,500mAh battery, and an alert slider. So there’s a lot to like here.

We do see some cutbacks to make that $500 price point, though. The phone offers splash resistance (IP64) rather than full water resistance, lacks wireless charging support, and brings budget-tier secondary cameras (an 8MP ultrawide camera and 2MP macro lens). Nevertheless, people who want a value-focused phone with great performance, long battery life, and fast charging can’t do much better than this.

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G

The Galaxy A55 isn’t coming to the US, but 2023’s Galaxy A54 is still worth a look if you want a Galaxy S23 FE alternative from Samsung. Unfortunately, it brings a ho-hum processor, no wireless charging, and no telephoto camera.

The good news is that the A54 5G still packs features like an IP67 rating, a good primary camera, a slick display, and Samsung’s stellar update pledge. You even get a 5,000mAh battery that beats the S23 FE’s 4,500mAh cell.

The Galaxy A54 5G had a $450 price tag at launch, but it should be cheaper now that a year has passed by. So keep an eye out for deals as you’ll be getting decent bang for your buck. Throw in a long update pledge, and this phone should keep you going for a while.

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE alternatives: Honorable mentions

Looking for more options? Here are two more phones worth keeping in mind:

• Google Pixel 7a ($477 at Amazon): Google’s mid-ranger brings plenty of features from the Pixel 7, including a Tensor G2 chip, great camera quality, wireless charging, and a lengthy update commitment. Expect a lower refresh rate, older Gorilla Glass, and even slower charging than the S23 FE, though.
• OnePlus 11 ($1296 at Amazon): 2023’s OnePlus flagship phone brings plenty of power, a great screen, crazy-fast charging, and sleek design. But you miss out on wireless charging, water resistance, and great cameras.
• Samsung Galaxy S23 ($799 at Amazon): It’s often a smarter financial decision to opt for the previous year’s flagship, and this is especially true for the Galaxy S23. We still love its camera potential, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy SoC, and its five-year update support promise. Now that the Galaxy S24 is available, keep an eye out for price drops.