Samsung Galaxy S23 FE vs Galaxy S22: The Ultimate Battle of Affordable Flagships

When Samsung launched the Galaxy S23 FE, it was designed to be the 'sweet spot'—a device that brings flagship-level features at a price point that doesn't break the bank. However, its arrival has sparked an interesting debate among tech enthusiasts. Since the older flagship, the Galaxy S22, has seen significant price cuts and now sits in the same 8 to 9 million IDR range, many are left wondering: should you go for the newer 'Fan Edition' or the older 'true' flagship?

Both devices are undeniably capable, but they cater to slightly different needs. If you are currently standing at a crossroads trying to decide which one to pick, let's dive into the technical nuances that set these two apart.

Display and Screen Real Estate

The most immediate difference you'll notice is the size. The Galaxy S23 FE is built for those who prefer a more expansive view, featuring a 6.4-inch display. On the other hand, the Galaxy S22 remains a champion for fans of compact phones with its 6.1-inch screen.

While both utilize the stunning Dynamic AMOLED 2X technology with a 120Hz refresh rate and Full HD+ resolution, the S23 FE actually takes a slight lead in brightness. It can reach a peak of 1,450 nits, ensuring better visibility under direct sunlight compared to the 1,300 nits offered by the Galaxy S22. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, those extra nits might just be the deciding factor.

Build Quality and Durability

There is a subtle but important distinction in how these phones are protected. Interestingly, the older Galaxy S22 holds an advantage here. It features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, which is a tier higher than the Gorilla Glass 5 found on the newer Galaxy S23 FE. This suggests that the S22 might handle scratches and accidental drops slightly better, reflecting its original status as a premium tier flagship.

Performance: Snapdragon vs. Exynos

In the Indonesian market, the engine under the hood is perhaps the most discussed topic. The Galaxy S23 FE utilizes the Samsung Exynos 2200 (4nm) with a clock speed of up to 2.8GHz. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S22 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm), which pushes slightly higher at 2.99GHz.

While both are high-performance chips, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in the S22 is often favored by power users for its sustained performance, though the Exynos 2200 in the S23 FE has been optimized significantly since its initial global release. This choice of chipset also trickles down to connectivity features. The Galaxy S23 FE is more future-proof in this department, supporting WiFi 6GHz (WiFi 6E) and Bluetooth 5.3, whereas the Galaxy S22 is limited to the 2.4GHz + 5GHz WiFi bands and Bluetooth 5.2.

Battery Life and Endurance

Size matters when it comes to battery capacity. Thanks to its larger chassis, the Galaxy S23 FE houses a 4,500mAh battery, which is a significant jump from the 3,700mAh cell in the Galaxy S22.

In real-world usage, this translates to much better endurance. Samsung's internal testing suggests the S23 FE can handle up to 22 hours of video playback, while the S22 typically caps out around 18 hours. For users who hate carrying a power bank everywhere, the S23 FE is the clear winner here.

Camera Capabilities

On the back, both phones share a similar DNA with a 50MP main sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. However, the telephoto lens is where they diverge. The Galaxy S22 features a higher-resolution 10MP telephoto sensor compared to the 8MP sensor on the S23 FE.

Even on the front side, there are minor tweaks. Both have 10MP selfie cameras, but the Galaxy S22 has a wider aperture of f/2.2 compared to the f/2.4 on the S23 FE. In photography, a wider aperture (lower f-number) usually means better light intake, giving the S22 a slight edge in low-light selfies.

Security and Biometrics

Lastly, the way you unlock your phone differs. The Galaxy S23 FE uses an optical under-display fingerprint sensor. While fast and reliable, it isn't quite as advanced as the ultrasonic sensor found on the Galaxy S22. Ultrasonic sensors are generally considered more secure and more effective even if your finger is slightly wet or oily.

Choosing between these two ultimately comes down to your priorities. If you want a larger screen, better battery life, and newer connectivity, the Galaxy S23 FE is the way to go. But if you value premium build materials, a compact form factor, and superior biometric tech, the Galaxy S22 remains a very compelling choice.