12 4G vs Galaxy S23 FE

Phone 1

Phone 2

Winner

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

The Galaxy S23 FE wins this one, taking performance and camera decisively. Against the 12 4G it's also the sounder buy at $5.80 per month of safe use.

Value Score: 12 4G 63 · Galaxy S23 FE 71 — methodology

The lifespan decider

When specs are close, support length decides it — this is what each phone costs per month of safe use.

Realme 12 4G $175

Buy with care$7.16/mo

2024◆ Buy-by Jul 20262028

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE $164

Buy with care$5.80/mo

2023◆ Buy-by Oct 20262028

Category by category

Display

12 4G 70Galaxy S23 FE 70

Both displays are effectively the same class.

Performance

12 4G 36Galaxy S23 FE 65

The Galaxy S23 FE's Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (US model) is simply the faster chip.

Camera

12 4G 55Galaxy S23 FE 79

The Galaxy S23 FE has the stronger camera system (3 real rear lenses vs 1).

Battery

12 4G 80Galaxy S23 FE 70

5,000mAh vs 4,500mAh — the 12 4G lasts longer between charges.

Software longevity

12 4G 29Galaxy S23 FE 34

The Galaxy S23 FE is supported until Oct 2028 — 4 months longer than the 12 4G.

Value

12 4G 63Galaxy S23 FE 71

Overall value goes to the Galaxy S23 FE at $5.80 per month of safe use.

Full spec table

Spec	12 4G	Galaxy S23 FE
Price (street)	$175	$164
Display	6.67-inch AMOLED, FHD+, 120Hz, up to 2000 nits peak	6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, FHD+, 60–120Hz
Chipset	Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 (6nm)	Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (US model)
RAM	8GB	8GB
Storage	128GB/256GB	128GB/256GB
Battery	5,000 mAh	4,500 mAh
Charging	67W wired SUPERVOOC	25W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless
Rear cameras	50MP main, 2MP depth	50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 8MP telephoto 3x
Dimensions	163 × 75.5 × 7.9 mm	158.0 × 76.5 × 8.2 mm
Weight	187 g	209 g
Water resistance	IP54	IP68
Supported until	Jul 2028	Oct 2028

12 4G full verdict →Galaxy S23 FE full verdict →Longevity master board →

Scores and verdicts are computed from our verified database — see exactly how. Specs from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers.