Galaxy S23 FE vs Sony Xperia 5 IV
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S23 FE
Starting at
£205.00£605.75 new
Sony Xperia 5 IV
Starting at
£419.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S23 FE and Sony Xperia 5 IV?
Galaxy S23 FE vs Sony Xperia 5 IV comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 FE starts at £205, £214 less than the Sony Xperia 5 IV. The Galaxy S23 FE is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Front camera
- Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) / Exynos 2200 (4nm) on the Galaxy S23 FE, Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) on the Sony Xperia 5 IV.
- The Sony Xperia 5 IV has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh.
- Screen size: 6.4 inch on the Galaxy S23 FE, 6,1 inch on the Sony Xperia 5 IV.
Galaxy S23 FE vs Sony Xperia 5 IV specs
The Galaxy S23 FE and Sony Xperia 5 IV offer distinct choices depending on what you value most in a phone. The Xperia 5 IV has a higher battery capacity, a slightly sharper screen resolution, and includes a headphone jack and microSDXC slot, appealing to users who prioritise longer battery life, expandable storage, and audio flexibility. Weight and size are also factors, with the Xperia 5 IV being more compact and lighter. Both have similar RAM and chipsets, so performance is comparable for most tasks.
Galaxy S23 FE vs Sony Xperia 5 IV 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
- GreenSold out
- WhiteSold out
- BlackSold out
Storage
- 128GBSold out
Galaxy S23 FE vs Sony Xperia 5 IV battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and physical features that affect daily reliability and lifespan. The Galaxy S23 FE and Sony Xperia 5 IV differ in battery size and update support, which influence how long you can use each device between charging and how current the software stays.
Battery Capacity
The Sony Xperia 5 IV has a 5000 mAh battery, which is larger than the Galaxy S23 FE's 4500 mAh. This means the Xperia 5 IV can potentially run longer between charges, which is useful if you often need extended battery life during the day. The Galaxy S23 FE still offers a solid battery size suitable for regular daily use.
Software Updates
This is beneficial if you want access to the newest features and security improvements.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Year of release
Galaxy S23 FE vs Sony Xperia 5 IV performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. Both phones have similar RAM and chipsets but differ in storage capacity choices, which affects how much you can keep on your device.
Processor and RAM
Both the Galaxy S23 FE and Sony Xperia 5 IV come with 8 GB of RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly and supports multitasking well. The Galaxy S23 FE uses either a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200 chipset, while the Xperia 5 IV has the Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. Both chipsets are made on a 4 nm process, so performance for typical tasks should be similar across the two.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S23 FE is available with 128GB or 256GB of storage, giving you more space to store apps, photos, and files without needing extra cards. The Sony Xperia 5 IV comes with 128GB, which may suit users with moderate storage needs.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S23 FE vs Sony Xperia 5 IV screen
Screen quality affects how you see content and interact with your phone. Differences in size, resolution, and screen type influence comfort, detail, and colour vibrancy.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S23 FE has a larger 6.4 inch screen compared to the Xperia 5 IV's 6.1 inch display. This extra size offers more room for video, reading, and gaming, which some users will appreciate for media and multitasking.
Resolution and Type
The Xperia 5 IV has a slightly taller screen resolution of 1080 x 2520 pixels versus the Galaxy S23 FE's 1080 x 2340. This means the Xperia's screen is a bit sharper vertically, which can improve clarity for text or images. The Galaxy S23 FE uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, which is known for vibrant colours and deep blacks. The Xperia 5 IV uses an OLED screen, which also delivers strong contrast and colour performance.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S23 FE vs Sony Xperia 5 IV camera
Audiovisual features include cameras and front-facing sensors that matter for photos and video calls. Both phones have triple rear cameras but differ slightly in front camera resolution.
Front Camera Resolution
The Sony Xperia 5 IV offers a 12 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail than the Galaxy S23 FE's 10 megapixel front camera. This could be important if you frequently take selfies or make video calls where sharper images are preferred.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S23 FE vs Sony Xperia 5 IV size and design
Miscellaneous features cover size, weight, connectivity, and expandability. These affect comfort, convenience, and how you use accessories or storage.
Weight and Dimensions
The Sony Xperia 5 IV is lighter at 172 g and narrower at 67 mm wide, making it easier to hold and fit in tighter pockets. The Galaxy S23 FE weighs 209 g and is wider at 76.5 mm, offering a larger grip and screen area.
Connectivity and Ports
Both phones use USB-C connectors, but the Xperia 5 IV also includes a 3.5 mm headphone jack. This suits users who prefer wired headphones without needing an adapter. The Galaxy S23 FE offers only USB-C.
SIM and Storage Expansion
The Galaxy S23 FE supports dual physical SIM cards plus eSIM, which is convenient for managing two phone numbers simultaneously. The Xperia 5 IV has a single physical SIM and eSIM. Additionally, the Xperia 5 IV supports microSDXC cards for extra storage, which is ideal if you want to add more space beyond the internal 128GB.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S23 FE or Sony Xperia 5 IV: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S23 FE if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £205, £214 less than the Sony Xperia 5 IV
- you want the newer model (2023)
Buy the Sony Xperia 5 IV if
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 10 megapixels)
- you want a lighter build (172 g vs 209 g)
What our customers say
Customers who own the Galaxy S23 FE commonly praise its like-new condition and excellent performance for everyday use. They appreciate the phone's smooth multitasking, good battery life, and premium feel. Many note the large screen and fast setup, with some calling it a great upgrade from older models. The phone looks and feels fresh, and users enjoy the available storage options and reliable speed.
Owners of the Sony Xperia 5 IV value its compact size, good battery life, and camera quality. Some users mention the phone runs fast and lasts well on a charge. There are notes about the device sometimes booting in foreign languages and including apps that need removal, reflecting its status as a harder-to-find model. The headphone jack and expandable storage are also appreciated. A few customers report overheating or specific issues with regional software, but overall they find the phone well made and suitable for those who want a smaller device.
The Galaxy S23 FE is suited to those who want a larger screen with up-to-date software and multiple storage options. The Sony Xperia 5 IV fits buyers looking for a lighter, more compact phone with longer battery life and expandable storage, who are comfortable managing a less common software setup.
Galaxy S23 FE vs Sony Xperia 5 IV FAQs
Galaxy S23 FE vs Sony Xperia 5 IV comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) / Exynos 2200 (4nm) on the Galaxy S23 FE, Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) on the Sony Xperia 5 IV. The Sony Xperia 5 IV has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh.
The Galaxy S23 FE is cheaper refurbished, from £205 compared with £419 for the Sony Xperia 5 IV.
The Sony Xperia 5 IV has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh.
The Galaxy S23 FE gets updates until Oct 2028. We don't have published update dates for the Sony Xperia 5 IV.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S23 FE comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the Sony Xperia 5 IV in 128GB.
