If you prioritize a stronger camera system, then the Sony Xperia 1 V is the better choice, featuring higher resolution options and dedicated camera features like a physical shutter button. However, if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is more affordable while still offering a solid camera setup. Although the Samsung has a slightly smaller battery compared to the Sony, both phones should still provide ample battery life. Both devices have large OLED displays, but the Xperia has a slightly larger screen and a higher resolution, which can be appealing for media consumption. Keep in mind, the Xperia 1 V usually comes at a premium price, reflecting its advanced features. Both run on Android, so your choice won't affect the operating system you use. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Good for taking photos
Good for recording videos
Advantages of the Sony Xperia 1 V
Very good battery life
Key differences
Overall Camera Quality
7.7/10
7.1/10
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE and Sony Xperia 1 V both have good overall camera quality, though the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has somewhat better overall camera quality.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE boasts better selfies and more consistent camera performance across various aspects like resolution, software experience, dynamic range, and low light performance, while the Sony Xperia 1 V, despite offering fair features, falls short particularly in low-light photography and selfie quality, even though it has good video capabilities and microphone quality. While both phones have their strengths, if selfies and overall photo quality are a priority, the Galaxy S23 FE is the superior choice.
Photo Quality
7.7/10
6.8/10
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE takes good photos, while the Sony Xperia 1 V takes only fair photos.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE delivers better selfie photos than the Sony Xperia 1 V because the Galaxy S23 FE has a higher selfie quality rating, which is considered 'Good' compared to the Xperia 1 V's 'Fair' rating. This suggests that the Galaxy S23 FE captures better front-facing images, likely due to a combination of camera hardware and software optimizations.
Video Quality
7.2/10
6.4/10
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE takes good videos, while the Sony Xperia 1 V takes only fair videos.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE offers superior video capabilities due to its high ratings across key video attributes: including top marks in video dynamic range and video stabilization, and very good ratings in video low light performance and microphone quality.
Battery
6.4 Hours
8.2 Hours
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has 6.4 hours of battery life. The Sony Xperia 1 V has 8.2 hours of battery life.
Screen Size
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has a screen size of 6.4 inches and the Sony Xperia 1 V is 6.5 inches.
Cost
$495
$998
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has a price of $495 and the Sony Xperia 1 V costs $998.
"The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is easily one of the best midrange Android phones on the market. The S23 FE has some appealing features you won't find on the Pixel 8 like a dedicated telephoto camera, a bigger screen, and the ability to use it like a computer via Samsung's Dex mode. So if productivity is more important to you than camera tricks, you won't find a better phone than the Galaxy S23 FE."
"The Sony Xperia 1 V is unlike anything else you'll find on the market today. With an ultra-tall 4K OLED panel, a textured glass back for added grip, and all of the manual controls Alpha fans could ask for, this is nothing like modern Android flagships — something that might win over some old-school smartphone fans."
Get a great deal on the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE or the Sony Xperia 1 V
About Samsung
Samsung is one of the most recognizable names in the smartphone industry, standing as the undisputed best-selling brand of Android smartphones in the United States for many years now. Samsung is known for offering a variety of smartphones in all available price points, as well as for implementing cutting-edge technology and innovative features in their flagship devices, ones that often shape the market going forward. The company offers its own unique spin on Android, called One UI, which focuses on offering a multitude of features and is heavily customizable, according to user preference.
About Sony
Sony has had a long history in the mobile market, entering the scene all the way back in 1993 with its first commercially available phone, the CM-H333. Nowadays, their Xperia line of phones provide well-rounded and sometimes expensive devices with a focus on camera software that includes extensive support for manual tweaking of settings. Sony's dedication to audio quality is also evident in its smartphones, which often feature high-resolution audio support while also being one of the few remaining manufacturers that consistently provide headphone jacks in their phones. The company's version of Android is also considered to be close to stock, enabling a bloatware-free experience for its users.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec phones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest phone information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
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About the phone team
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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