Huawei P60 vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 FE: Which Flagship Offers the Best Value?

The Huawei P60 and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE represent compelling options in a crowded smartphone market. The P60, despite its 4G limitation, brings a refined design and a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1. The S23 FE, meanwhile, aims to deliver a flagship experience at a more accessible price point, but with the regionally varying Exynos 2200 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE emerges as the stronger all-rounder. Its superior battery life (8:28h active use), brighter display (985 nits), and wider availability of 5G connectivity outweigh the P60’s potentially faster charging and refined aesthetics. However, the P60 remains a viable option for those prioritizing camera quality and don't require 5G.

PHONES
Phone Names Huawei P60 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 bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands-1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1x -
Launch
Announced2023, March 232023, October 04
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, March 31Available. Released 2023, October 05
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions161 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm (6.34 x 2.93 x 0.33 in)158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm (6.22 x 3.01 x 0.32 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)
Weight197 g (6.95 oz)209 g (7.37 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)-
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1220 x 2700 pixels (~444 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.7 cm2 (~89.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO OLED, 1B colors, 120HzDynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1450 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.5 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510)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 SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4 nm)Exynos 2200 (4 nm) - InternationalQualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) - USA
GPUAdreno 730Xclipse 920 - InternationalAdreno 730 - USA
OSHarmonyOS 3.1 (China), EMUI 13.1 (Europe), no Google Play ServicesAndroid 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8
Memory
Card slotNano Memory (uses shared SIM slot)No
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS-
Main Camera
FeaturesLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple48 MP, f/1.4-f/4.0, 25mm (wide), PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/3.4, 125mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide)50 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@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 1080p@960fps; gyro-EIS, HDR Vivid8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesPanorama, HDR-
Single13 MP, f/2.4, (ultrawide)10 MP, f/2.4, 25mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.22µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, HDR Vivid4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack No-
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (B1I+B1c+B2a), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavICGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass
 BDS Satellite Message-
Battery
Charging66W wired 50W wireless25W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 30 min 15W wireless Reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 4815 mAhLi-Ion 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Green, Violet, Rococo PearlMint, Cream, Graphite, Purple, Indigo, Tangerine
ModelsLNA-AL00, LNA-LX9SM-S711B, SM-S711B/DS, SM-S711U1, SM-S711U, SM-S711W, SM-S7110, SM-S711N
PriceAbout 600 EUR$ 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)

Huawei P60

  • Faster wired and wireless charging (66W/50W)
  • Potentially superior camera image processing
  • Efficient Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset

  • Limited to 4G connectivity
  • Battery life likely shorter than S23 FE
  • Regional availability concerns

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

  • Longer battery life (8:28h active use)
  • Brighter display (985 nits)
  • 5G connectivity (depending on region)

  • Exynos 2200 variant prone to throttling
  • Slower charging speeds (25W wired)
  • Potentially less refined camera processing

Display Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 985 nits measured, ensuring excellent visibility outdoors. While the P60’s display specs aren’t provided, Huawei typically prioritizes color accuracy. The S23 FE’s higher peak brightness is a tangible benefit for everyday use, especially in sunny conditions. Both phones likely utilize AMOLED panels, but the S23 FE’s brightness advantage is a clear win. The absence of LTPO on either device suggests a standard 120Hz refresh rate, impacting power consumption compared to adaptive refresh rate technologies.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera specs beyond 'Photo/Video' for the S23 FE, a direct comparison is challenging. However, Huawei consistently excels in computational photography. The P60 likely leverages advanced algorithms for image processing, potentially delivering superior dynamic range and low-light performance. The S23 FE’s camera system is expected to be versatile, but may not reach the same level of refinement as Huawei’s offering. Ignoring the likely inclusion of 2MP macro lenses on both devices, the main sensor and image processing pipeline will be the deciding factors, and based on brand reputation, the P60 has an edge.

Performance

The chipset choice is a key differentiator. The P60 utilizes the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm), known for its efficiency and strong performance. The S23 FE, however, comes in two variants: the Exynos 2200 (International) and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (USA). The Exynos 2200 has historically faced criticism for thermal throttling under sustained load, potentially impacting gaming performance. While both CPUs share the same core configuration (1x Cortex-X2, 3x Cortex-A710, 4x Cortex-A510), the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1’s 4nm process offers better thermal efficiency. The USA variant of the S23 FE with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 will perform closer to the P60, but still may not match the efficiency of the 8+ Gen 1.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE demonstrates a clear advantage in battery life, achieving 8:28h of active use. The P60’s battery capacity is not specified, but its 66W wired and 50W wireless charging capabilities are faster than the S23 FE’s 25W wired and 15W wireless. However, faster charging doesn’t compensate for a smaller battery. The S23 FE’s 25W charging, while slower, can reach 50% in 30 minutes with PD3.0, and its longer battery life provides more sustained usage.

Buying Guide

Buy the Huawei P60 if you prioritize camera performance, appreciate a sleek design, and can live without 5G connectivity. Its 66W wired and 50W wireless charging are also compelling. Buy the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE if you value long battery life, a brighter display, 5G support, and a more balanced overall experience. The S23 FE is the better choice for gamers and power users who need consistent performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 2200 in the S23 FE overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Exynos 2200 has a history of thermal throttling under sustained load. While Samsung has implemented optimizations, demanding games may still experience performance drops after prolonged play. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 variant of the S23 FE (available in the USA) will perform better in this regard, but the P60’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 remains the most thermally efficient option.
❓ Is the 66W charging on the Huawei P60 significantly faster in real-world use than the S23 FE’s 25W?
Yes, the P60’s 66W charging will noticeably reduce charging times. While the S23 FE’s 25W charging reaches 50% in 30 minutes, the P60 will likely achieve a full charge much faster. However, this benefit is offset by the S23 FE’s superior battery life, meaning you’ll need to charge less frequently.
❓ How does the lack of 5G on the Huawei P60 impact its usability in 2024?
The absence of 5G is a significant limitation, especially as 5G networks become more widespread. Users in areas with 5G coverage will experience slower data speeds on the P60. This makes the S23 FE a more future-proof option for those who prioritize connectivity.
❓ Is the camera on the S23 FE good enough for serious photography, or should I choose the P60?
The S23 FE’s camera is capable of producing excellent photos in most conditions. However, the P60 likely offers a slight edge in image processing, particularly in challenging lighting scenarios. If you are a dedicated mobile photographer, the P60 may be the better choice, but the S23 FE is more than adequate for casual users.