Should You Upgrade from the Galaxy S21 FE to the Galaxy S23 FE?
A spec-by-spec look at what actually changes when you move from the Galaxy S21 FE to the Galaxy S23 FE, 1 year apart.
Yes — the Galaxy S23 FE is a worthwhile upgrade
The Galaxy S23 FE is 1 year newer than the Galaxy S21 FE, and the BeastScore rises from 76.3 to 83.5. The biggest improvements: performance rated 8 points higher, camera rated 16 points higher, 250 nits brighter peak display. Trade-offs to know: 32 g heavier.
What you gain with the Galaxy S23 FE
- +Performance rated 8 points higher
- +Camera rated 16 points higher
- +250 nits brighter peak display
- +Higher-resolution main camera (+38 MP)
- +2 GB more RAM
- +Launched $100 cheaper
What you give up
- −32 g heavier
| Spec | Galaxy S21 FE | Galaxy S23 FE | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| BeastScore (overall) | 76.3 | 83.5 | +7.2 (9%) |
| Performance score | 72 | 80 | +8 (11%) |
| Camera score | 75 | 91 | +16 (21%) |
| Battery score | 78 | 78 | No real change |
| Display score | 86 | 86 | No real change |
| Battery capacity | 4,500 mAh | 4,500 mAh | No real change |
| Wired charging | 25W | 25W | No real change |
| Wireless charging | 15W | 15W | No real change |
| Screen size | 6.4" | 6.4" | No real change |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | No real change |
| Peak brightness | 1,200 nits | 1,450 nits | +250 nits (21%) |
| Main camera | 12 MP | 50 MP | +38 MP (317%) |
| Optical zoom | 3x | 3x | No real change |
| RAM | 6 GB | 8 GB | +2 GB (33%) |
| Weight | 177 g | 209 g | +32 g (18%) |
| Launch price | $699 | $599 | −$100 (14%) |
Upgrade if…
- Photo quality is a priority for you
- You play demanding games or want the newest on-device AI features
- You use your phone outdoors a lot and want a brighter, smoother screen
Galaxy S21 FE vs Galaxy S23 FE: Upgrade FAQ
Is it worth upgrading from the Galaxy S21 FE to the Galaxy S23 FE?
Yes — the Galaxy S23 FE is a worthwhile upgrade. The Galaxy S23 FE is 1 year newer than the Galaxy S21 FE, and the BeastScore rises from 76.3 to 83.5. The biggest improvements: performance rated 8 points higher, camera rated 16 points higher, 250 nits brighter peak display. Trade-offs to know: 32 g heavier.
What is the biggest difference between the Galaxy S21 FE and Galaxy S23 FE?
Performance rated 8 points higher: 72 on the Galaxy S21 FE vs 80 on the Galaxy S23 FE.
Does the Galaxy S23 FE have a bigger battery than the Galaxy S21 FE?
No — both have about the same battery capacity (4,500 mAh vs 4,500 mAh).
Who should upgrade to the Galaxy S23 FE?
Upgrade if: Photo quality is a priority for you; You play demanding games or want the newest on-device AI features; You use your phone outdoors a lot and want a brighter, smoother screen.