Honor 400 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 FE: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value

The Honor 400 Pro arrives as a strong contender in the upper-midrange, boasting the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. This puts it directly in competition with the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, which, depending on the region, utilizes either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or the Exynos 2200. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which phone delivers the best experience for your money.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing raw performance and charging speed, the Honor 400 Pro is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 offers a significant leap over both the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and Exynos 2200 variants of the S23 FE, coupled with blazing-fast 100W charging. However, the S23 FE remains a compelling option for those deeply embedded in the Samsung ecosystem.

PHONES
Phone Names Honor 400 Pro Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bandsLTE1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bandsSA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2025, May 222023, October 04
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, May 23Available. Released 2023, October 05
Body
BuildGlass front, glass back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions160.8 x 76.1 x 8.1 mm (6.33 x 3.00 x 0.32 in)158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm (6.22 x 3.01 x 0.32 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)
Weight205 g (7.23 oz)209 g (7.37 oz)
Display
ProtectionMohs level 4Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1280 x 2800 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~460 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 109.5 cm2 (~89.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 3840Hz PWM, HDR Vivid, 5000 nits (peak)Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1450 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X4 & 5x2.95 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A520)Octa-core (1x2.8 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) - InternationalOcta-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) - USA
ChipsetQualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)Exynos 2200 (4 nm) - InternationalQualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) - USA
GPUAdreno 750Xclipse 920 - InternationalAdreno 730 - USA
OSAndroid 15, up to 6 major Android upgrades, MagicOS 9Android 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple200 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.4", PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.4, (telephoto), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 112˚ (ultrawide), AF50 MP, f/1.8, 23mm (wide), 1/1.57", 1.0µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.4, 76mm (telephoto), 1/4.5", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm
Video4K, 1080p, gyro-EIS, OIS8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps
Selfie camera
Dual50 MP, f/2.0, (wide) 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth)-
FeaturesHDR-
Single-10 MP, f/2.4, 25mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.22µm
Video4K, 1080p, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.3, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, QZSS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, dual-band or tri-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, compass, proximity (ultrasonic)Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass
Battery
Charging100W wired, 51% in 15 min, 100% in 39 min 50W wireless 5W reverse wired Reverse wireless25W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 30 min 15W wireless Reverse wireless
TypeMarket-dependent versions:· Si/C Li-Ion 5300 mAh - Europe· Si/C Li-Ion 6000 mAh - ROWLi-Ion 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsMidnight Black, Lunar Grey, Tidal BlueMint, Cream, Graphite, Purple, Indigo, Tangerine
ModelsDNP-NX9SM-S711B, SM-S711B/DS, SM-S711U1, SM-S711U, SM-S711W, SM-S7110, SM-S711N
Price$ 569.00 / £ 417.71 / € 549.90$ 219.95 / C$ 327.90 / £ 248.99 / € 272.00 / ₹ 34,999
SAR-0.80 W/kg (head)     0.72 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.76 W/kg (head)     1.04 W/kg (body)
EU LABEL
Battery56:27h endurance, 1200 cycles-
EnergyClass A-
Free fallClass A (270 falls)-
RepairabilityClass B-

Honor 400 Pro

  • Significantly faster processor (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3)
  • Much faster charging (100W wired, 50W wireless)
  • Superior battery endurance (56:27h)

  • Less established brand recognition
  • Camera performance unknown without further testing

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

  • Established Samsung ecosystem and One UI
  • Potentially lower price point
  • Refined camera software

  • Slower processor (Exynos 2200 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 1)
  • Slower charging (25W wired)
  • Inferior battery life (8:28h active use)

Display Comparison

The Honor 400 Pro’s display achieves a measured peak brightness of 1481 nits, significantly outshining the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE’s 985 nits. This translates to superior visibility in direct sunlight. While both utilize OLED panels, the Honor’s higher brightness and potentially higher PWM dimming rate (data unavailable, but likely given Honor’s recent displays) could make it a better choice for users sensitive to flicker. The S23 FE’s display is still excellent, but the Honor pulls ahead in raw brightness and potential eye comfort.

Camera Comparison

While both phones likely offer versatile camera systems, the context data focuses on the chipset and display. Given the S23 FE’s reputation, it likely benefits from Samsung’s mature image processing algorithms. However, without specific sensor details for the Honor 400 Pro, a direct comparison is difficult. We can assume the S23 FE’s camera will be more refined out of the box, but the Honor 400 Pro could potentially offer competitive image quality with software updates. The absence of detailed camera specs for the Honor necessitates caution in this comparison.

Performance

The Honor 400 Pro’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) represents a substantial upgrade over the Exynos 2200 (4nm) and Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) found in the S23 FE. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s Cortex-X4 prime core, clocked at 3.0 GHz, offers a performance advantage over the Cortex-X2 in the S23 FE’s chips. The more efficient 4nm process of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 also suggests better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended gaming sessions. The S23 FE’s performance is still respectable, but the Honor 400 Pro delivers a noticeably smoother and more responsive experience.

Battery Life

The Honor 400 Pro boasts impressive battery endurance, achieving 56:27h in testing and an active use score of 13:54h, significantly exceeding the Galaxy S23 FE’s 8:28h active use score. This difference is partially attributable to the more efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Furthermore, the Honor 400 Pro’s 100W wired charging is a game-changer, reaching 51% charge in just 15 minutes and a full charge in 39 minutes, compared to the S23 FE’s 25W charging which takes 30 minutes for 50%. The Honor also offers 50W wireless and reverse charging, features not fully matched by the S23 FE.

Buying Guide

Buy the Honor 400 Pro if you need uncompromising performance for gaming and demanding applications, and value incredibly fast charging. The 56:27h battery endurance and 100W charging are ideal for power users. Buy the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE if you prefer Samsung’s One UI, a more established camera ecosystem, and a potentially lower price point, accepting compromises in processing power and charging speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 2200 in the Galaxy S23 FE suffer from overheating during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 2200 has been known to exhibit thermal throttling under sustained load, particularly in graphically demanding games. While Samsung implemented optimizations, it's generally less efficient than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 found in the Honor 400 Pro, meaning you may experience frame drops or reduced performance over time.
❓ How does the 100W charging on the Honor 400 Pro compare to the 25W charging on the S23 FE in real-world usage?
The difference is substantial. The Honor 400 Pro can gain a 50% charge in just 15 minutes, while the S23 FE takes 30 minutes to reach the same level. This means you can quickly top up the Honor 400 Pro during short breaks, minimizing downtime. The S23 FE’s 25W charging is adequate, but significantly slower.
❓ Is the difference in active use battery life between the two phones noticeable in everyday use?
Absolutely. The Honor 400 Pro’s 13:54h active use score versus the S23 FE’s 8:28h represents a significant advantage. Users who heavily utilize their phones for gaming, video streaming, or other demanding tasks will likely notice a considerable difference in how long the Honor 400 Pro lasts on a single charge.
❓ Will the Honor 400 Pro receive the same level of software support and updates as the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
Samsung is known for its robust software support, typically offering multiple years of OS and security updates. Honor’s software support track record is improving, but historically hasn’t matched Samsung’s commitment. This is a key consideration for users who prioritize long-term software maintenance.