Samsung Galaxy S23 FE vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition
Compare Samsung Galaxy S23 FE vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition side by side: Exynos 2200 (4 nm) / Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) vs Qualcomm Snapdragon 8…
Samsung
Galaxy S23 FE
$599
5categories won
Samsung
Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition
$1,999
8categories won
9 categories tied · 22 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE takes the overall win
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE claims the overall win over the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, delivering a stronger technical package across measurable key specifications. In camera testing, the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition leads with superior optics, while battery life remains closely matched. Choose the Galaxy S23 FE if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition if its specific hardware strengths better fit your budget.
Both phones deliver comparable battery performance with 4,500 mAh.
Galaxy S23 FE leads gaming and raw performance powered by the Exynos 2200 (4 nm) / Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) and 8GB RAM.
Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition takes photography with 200MP optics and 3x optical telephoto capabilities.
Galaxy S23 FE provides a sharper value proposition, coming in at $599 vs $1999.
Category verdicts are computed algorithmically from verified technical specifications and hardware benchmarks. Rows where neither figure is objectively better — screen size preference, operating system choice, aesthetic build materials — are displayed for direct reference without scoring bias.
Galaxy S23 FE vs Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | Galaxy S23 FE | Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.4" | 8" |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 | 1968 x 2184Winner |
| Pixel density | 403 ppiWinner | 367 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 1450 nits | 2600 nitsWinner |
Performance
| Specification | Galaxy S23 FE | Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) / Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy |
| Process node | 4 nm | 4 nm |
| AnTuTu score | 3,200,000Winner | 1,980,000 |
| Geekbench multi | 10800Winner | 6980 |
| Maximum RAM | 8 GB | 16 GBWinner |
| Maximum storage | 256GB | 512GBWinner |
Camera
| Specification | Galaxy S23 FE | Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 50 MP | 200 MPWinner |
| Rear cameras | 3 | 3 |
| Optical zoom | 3x | 3x |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Selfie camera | 10 MP | 10 MP |
| Max video | 8K at 24fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps |
Battery and charging
| Specification | Galaxy S23 FE | Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4,500 mAh | 4,400 mAh |
| Wired charging | 25 W | 25 W |
| Wireless charging | 15 W | 15 W |
Design
| Specification | Galaxy S23 FE | Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 209 gWinner | 236 g |
| Thickness | 8.2 mm | 4.9 mmWinner |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP48 |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 front and back, aluminum frame | Armor Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back with stripe texture, Ultra Thin Glass inner |
Software and support
| Specification | Galaxy S23 FE | Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15 (One UI 7) | Android 14 |
| OS updates | 4 years | 7 yearsWinner |
| Security updates | 4 years | 8 yearsWinner |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | Galaxy S23 FE | Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be, tri-band 2.4/5/6GHz, 320MHz bandwidth) | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) |
| Storage expansion | None | None |
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| Launch price | $599Winner | $1,999 |
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE brings flagship camera performance, an aluminum frame, IP68 water resistance, wireless charging, and Galaxy AI productivity tools down to an accessible sub-flagship price.
- Display
- 6.4"
- Chipset
- Exynos 2200 (4 nm) / Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm)
- Main camera
- 50MP
- Battery
- 4,500mAh
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition represents an engineering breakthrough for Samsung foldables, reducing unfolded thickness to a staggering 4.9mm and folded thickness to 10.6mm while offering a vast 8.0-inch inner display and 6.5-inch cover screen. Upgrading the camera to a flagship 200MP sensor and pairing it with 16GB of standard RAM.
- Display
- 8"
- Chipset
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
- Main camera
- 200MP
- Battery
- 4,400mAh
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