In the ever-evolving world of tech, Samsung is making a bold move to revive its FE (Fan Edition) branding.
In 2022, they left us hanging, skipping the FE version for the S22. But here we are in 2023, and Samsung is bringing the FE tag back, with a little twist.
Forget what you thought FE stood for in the past – it no longer screams “fan edition.” Now, it’s a signal that these devices share some similarities and design elements with Samsung’s flagship models, but they come with budget-friendly price tags.
Let’s dive into the exciting details of Samsung’s 2023 FE lineup. The family has grown, welcoming four new members: the Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Tab S9 FE, Galaxy Tab S9 FE+, and the Galaxy Buds FE. Each one has its unique charm, and we’ll break them down for you.
Galaxy S23 FE: Familiar Design with a Twist
Starting with the Galaxy S23 FE, it’s the most straightforward of the bunch. If you lay your eyes on it, you’ll notice its design is almost identical to the regular S23 model.
But there’s a sweet twist – a 120Hz 6.4-inch OLED display, fitting perfectly between the standard S23 (6.1 inches) and the S23+ (6.6 inches) in size.
The rear still boasts a trio of cameras – a 50-MP main sensor, a 12-MP ultra-wide, and an 8-MP telephoto with a 3x optical zoom.
Now, unlike Samsung’s A-series phones, the S23 FE retains its glass design with metal sides. The only difference is that it uses Gorilla Glass 5 instead of the Victus glass on the standard S23.
Plus, there’s a delightful range of colors, including mint, purple, cream, graphite, and a couple of exclusive hues you can snag on Samsung.com.
Under the Hood
Inside the S23 FE, there’s a key difference – it packs an older Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip (not the Gen 2 processor).
While it’s still speedy, it’s not quite the full flagship performance. The battery capacity has increased slightly to 4,500 mAh, and you can choose between 128GB or 256GB of storage.
It also offers handy features like an in-screen fingerprint reader and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.
Galaxy Tab S9 FE and S9 FE+: Siblings with Slight Differences
Moving on to the Galaxy Tab S9 FE and its beefed-up sibling, the S9 FE+. These two are like twins, but one of them hit the gym more often.
The specs are almost identical, except the FE+ rocks an extra camera, a larger battery, and a bigger 12.3-inch display compared to the regular Tab S9’s 10.9-inch one.
One notable difference is the display type. While the regular Tab S9 flaunts OLED panels, the FE models opt for LCD screens.
Initially, that made us raise an eyebrow, considering Samsung’s OLED screens’ excellence. However, in person, the FE’s LCD displays hold their own. They’re vibrant, colorful, and even support Samsung’s Vision Booster tech for better outdoor visibility.
Under the hood, you’ll find the FE models sporting less powerful silicon – an Exynos 1380 chip instead of a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
But Samsung insists that these tablets still deliver, with 38 percent better CPU performance and 73 percent faster GPU performance when compared to the Tab S7 FE from 2021.
And here’s the icing on the cake – the design. Samsung didn’t mess with it one bit. The tablets still boast that sleek aluminum chassis and even come with a bundled S-Pen, just like their fancier siblings.
Galaxy Buds FE: Your Affordable Audio Companion
Last but not least, let’s talk about the Galaxy Buds FE. They’re essentially a more budget-friendly version of the standard Galaxy Buds 2, minus the wireless charging.
The case remains the same, down to the trusty USB-C port at the back. The only noticeable change?
The buds themselves sport a flatter touch panel. Samsung made this tweak based on user feedback, making tap gestures easier to execute.
A Dash of Innovation
Now, what about these new additions that set the 2023 FE lineup apart? Well, the Galaxy Buds FE still brings active noise cancellation to the table, along with support for ambient sound pass-through.
Surprisingly, their expected battery life slightly edges out the pricier counterpart – around six hours with ANC on or nine hours with it off.
But there’s more! You can now locate these buds using SmartThings Find, and there’s the Easy Pair/Auto Switch feature, making audio control smoother when connected to multiple devices.
A Price-Worthy Alternative
Here’s the kicker – you might be willing to trade a bit of performance or some fancy features for more affordable devices, which is precisely what the FE line offers.
If you don’t care about wireless charging, the Galaxy Buds FE, priced at $100, could be the perfect alternative to the $150 Galaxy Buds 2.
The Tab S9 FE lineup, although not as blazing fast, starts at $450 compared to the $800 of the regular model.
And then there’s the S23 FE, which, at $600, presents a $200 savings over the standard S23. Considering you get a larger display and battery, it’s a steal for those who want a bit of luxury without breaking the bank.
So, if you’re the kind of person who appreciates devices that aren’t dripping with extravagance but come with a wallet-friendly price, the new Galaxy FE family might be your new best friend.
Ready to snag these devices? The Galaxy Tab S9 FE/FE+ and Galaxy Buds FE are hitting the shelves on October 10, with the Galaxy S23 FE following closely on October 26. It’s time to get your tech game on!