Galaxy S23 FE vs Galaxy Z Fold5
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Galaxy S23 FE
Starting at
£205.00£605.75 new
Galaxy Z Fold5
Starting at
£402.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S23 FE and Galaxy Z Fold5?
Galaxy S23 FE vs Z Fold5 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 FE starts at £205, £197 less than the Galaxy Z Fold5.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) / Exynos 2200 (4nm) on the Galaxy S23 FE, Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) on the Galaxy Z Fold5.
- The Galaxy Z Fold5 has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- The Galaxy S23 FE has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 4400 mAh.
Galaxy S23 FE vs Galaxy Z Fold5 specs
The Galaxy S23 FE and Galaxy Z Fold5 are both 2023 releases with Android and 5G connectivity but suit different needs. The Galaxy S23 FE is a traditional smartphone with a 6.4 inch screen and 8 GB RAM, ideal if you want a straightforward device with a solid battery and unlocked carrier compatibility. The Galaxy Z Fold5 is foldable with a larger 7.6 inch screen, 12 GB RAM, and higher storage options, making it a good fit if you want a phone that doubles as a mini tablet with more multitasking power. Its unique foldable design is accompanied by a bigger weight and depth, which might matter if you prefer a compact, lighter phone.
Galaxy S23 FE vs Galaxy Z Fold5 price
Colour
- BeigeStarting at £207.15
- GreyStarting at £205.00
- BlueStarting at £207.15
- OrangeStarting at £205.00
- GreenStarting at £207.15
- PurpleStarting at £218.85
- BlackSold out
- BlueSold out
- BeigeSold out
- GreySold out
Storage
- 256GBSold out
- 512GBSold out
- 1TBSold out
Galaxy S23 FE vs Galaxy Z Fold5 battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and the physical design that affects everyday use.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S23 FE has a 4500 mAh battery, slightly larger than the Galaxy Z Fold5's 4400 mAh. This means the S23 FE may offer marginally longer battery life in typical use, which suits users who value staying unplugged longer between charges.
Foldable Design
The Galaxy Z Fold5 features a foldable screen, turning it from a phone into a larger device when unfolded. This suits people who want a device that can expand for more screen space. The Galaxy S23 FE is a traditional, non-foldable phone, appealing to those who prefer a standard smartphone shape.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy S23 FE vs Galaxy Z Fold5 performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options, which affect app speed, multitasking, and how much data you can keep on the device.
Processor Power
The Galaxy Z Fold5 uses the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, while the Galaxy S23 FE comes with either Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200. This means the Fold5 has the latest Snapdragon technology, providing strong performance for demanding apps and multitasking.
RAM Capacity
With 12 GB RAM, the Galaxy Z Fold5 keeps more apps open and supports more complex multitasking than the Galaxy S23 FE's 8 GB RAM. This suits users who run multiple apps simultaneously or use the larger screen for productivity.
Storage Options
The Galaxy Z Fold5 offers 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage versions, providing ample space for large files and media. The Galaxy S23 FE stocks 128GB and 256GB versions, which fits everyday use and moderate storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S23 FE vs Galaxy Z Fold5 screen
Screen quality covers size, resolution, and type, affecting how you view media, browse apps, and interact with your phone. The two devices differ notably in screen size and resolution.
Screen Size
The Galaxy Z Fold5 has a large 7.6 inch foldable screen that opens up to offer more space for videos, multitasking, and reading. The Galaxy S23 FE has a 6.4 inch screen, which is easier to hold with one hand and fits more easily in pockets.
Resolution and Display
The Galaxy Z Fold5's 1812 x 2176 resolution provides a higher pixel count on a bigger screen, making images and text sharp and clear in its tablet-sized mode. The Galaxy S23 FE's 1080 x 2340 resolution gives a crisp display on its smaller 6.4 inch screen, suitable for everyday viewing.
Screen Type
Both use Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology for vibrant colours and good contrast. The Galaxy Z Fold5's screen is foldable, adding versatility for different viewing experiences, while the Galaxy S23 FE has a standard non-foldable display.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S23 FE vs Galaxy Z Fold5 camera
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S23 FE vs Galaxy Z Fold5 size and design
This section covers other practical differences, including size, weight, SIM support, and connectors that affect daily convenience and compatibility.
Physical Dimensions
The Galaxy S23 FE is slimmer and lighter at 8.2 mm depth and 209 g, making it easier to carry and handle. In contrast, the Galaxy Z Fold5 is thicker and heavier at 13.4 mm depth and 253 g, reflecting its foldable design and larger screen.
SIM Card Setup
The Galaxy S23 FE supports Dual Physical SIM plus eSIM, which suits users who want to use two physical SIM cards simultaneously. The Galaxy Z Fold5 supports one physical SIM plus eSIM, which fits those who prefer a simpler SIM arrangement.
Connectivity and Network
Both devices come unlocked and support 5G networks. They also use USB-C connectors, ensuring compatibility with common charging cables and accessories.
Screen Width
The Galaxy S23 FE is wider at 76.5 mm, while the Galaxy Z Fold5 is narrower at 67.1 mm when folded. This narrower width of the Fold5 makes it easier to hold in one hand when closed, despite its larger unfolded screen.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S23 FE or Galaxy Z Fold5: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S23 FE if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £205, £197 less than the Galaxy Z Fold5
- you want a bigger battery (4500 mAh vs 4400 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (10 megapixels vs 4 megapixels)
Buy the Galaxy Z Fold5 if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (7.6 inch vs 6.4 inch)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy S23 FE praise its like-new condition and solid performance. Many highlight the excellent screen quality and battery life, with some noting it runs multiple tabs smoothly and feels premium. The phone suits those seeking a reliable and straightforward device for everyday use, with positive comments on its speed and storage options. Customers appreciate the condition, with reports of no visible wear and clean screens.
Galaxy Z Fold5 users enjoy the foldable screen as it turns the phone into a mini tablet, enhancing video watching and multitasking. The device is described as fast and in excellent condition, with only minor signs of use such as a barely noticeable crease on the inner screen. The larger screen and extra RAM suit those who want more from their phone, especially for running several apps at once. Some users mention the phone's weight but still find it manageable.
Overall, the Galaxy S23 FE is favoured by those who want a traditional, high-performing smartphone with good battery life, while the Galaxy Z Fold5 fits users who value a foldable design and multitasking capabilities with a larger display.
Galaxy S23 FE vs Galaxy Z Fold5 FAQs
Galaxy S23 FE vs Z Fold5 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) / Exynos 2200 (4nm) on the Galaxy S23 FE, Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) on the Galaxy Z Fold5. The Galaxy Z Fold5 has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
The Galaxy S23 FE is cheaper refurbished, from £205 compared with £402 for the Galaxy Z Fold5.
The Galaxy S23 FE has a bigger battery: 4500 mAh vs 4400 mAh.
The Galaxy S23 FE gets updates until Oct 2028. The Galaxy Z Fold5 gets updates until Aug 2028.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 FE comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the Galaxy Z Fold5 in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
