Moto G86 vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 FE: A Detailed Comparison

The Motorola Moto G86 and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE occupy interesting spaces in the smartphone market. The G86 aims to deliver a solid all-around experience at a competitive price, while the S23 FE attempts to bring a taste of Samsung’s flagship features to a more accessible price point. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you decide which best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing battery life and efficient performance, the Motorola Moto G86 emerges as the winner. Its Dimensity 7300 chipset and impressive 55:44h endurance offer a compelling package. However, the S23 FE’s brighter display and more versatile camera system appeal to power users.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola Moto G86 Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - InternationalHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 71 - EMEA & AP1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 71, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - EMEA & AP1, 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 292023, October 04
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, July 07Available. Released 2023, October 05
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 7i), plastic frame, silicone polymer (eco leather) backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions161.2 x 74.7 x 7.8 mm (6.35 x 2.94 x 0.31 in)158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm (6.22 x 3.01 x 0.32 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)
Weight185 g (6.53 oz)209 g (7.37 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 7i, Mohs level 4Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1220 x 2712 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~446 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~89.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeP-OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+, 4500 nits peakDynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1450 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)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
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm)Exynos 2200 (4 nm) - InternationalQualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) - USA
GPUMali-G615 MC2Xclipse 920 - InternationalAdreno 730 - USA
OSAndroid 15Android 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)No
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.9, 25mm (wide), 1/1.95", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 12mm, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm, AF-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple-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@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single32 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 0.7µm10 MP, f/2.4, 25mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.22µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers (with Dolby Atmos)Yes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-bandWi-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
Battery
Charging30W wired25W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 30 min 15W wireless Reverse wireless
Type5200 mAhLi-Ion 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsPantone: Spellbound, Golden Cypress, Cosmic Sky, ChrysanthemumMint, Cream, Graphite, Purple, Indigo, Tangerine
ModelsXT2527-2SM-S711B, SM-S711B/DS, SM-S711U1, SM-S711U, SM-S711W, SM-S7110, SM-S711N
Price$ 269.50 / C$ 649.00 / £ 199.99 / € 198.99$ 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
Battery55:44h endurance, 1000 cycles-
EnergyClass A-
Free fallClass A (270 falls)-
RepairabilityClass B-

Motorola Moto G86

  • Exceptional battery life (55:44h endurance)
  • Efficient Dimensity 7300 chipset
  • Competitive price point

  • Display brightness likely lower than S23 FE
  • Camera system likely less versatile

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

  • Brighter display (985 nits)
  • More powerful chipset (Exynos 2200/Snapdragon 8 Gen 1)
  • Versatile camera system with video capabilities

  • Significantly shorter battery life (8:28h)
  • Potential for thermal throttling
  • Higher price

Display Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 985 nits. This is crucial for outdoor visibility, a clear advantage over the Moto G86 (brightness data unavailable). While the G86’s panel quality is likely good, the S23 FE’s higher peak brightness and potential for better color accuracy (based on Samsung’s display expertise) make it superior for media consumption. The S23 FE’s display tech is also likely to include features like adaptive refresh rates, further enhancing the viewing experience.

Camera Comparison

The context data for the Moto G86’s camera is limited, but the S23 FE’s camera system is a clear strength. While megapixel counts aren’t everything, the S23 FE’s likely inclusion of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) and a more sophisticated image processing pipeline will result in better low-light performance and more detailed photos and videos. The S23 FE’s video recording capabilities are also expected to be superior. The G86 likely features a standard camera setup, adequate for everyday snapshots, but lacking the advanced features of the S23 FE.

Performance

The chipset choice is a major differentiator. The S23 FE ships with either the Exynos 2200 (International) or Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (USA), both 4nm chips, while the Moto G86 utilizes the Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4nm). While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and Exynos 2200 offer higher peak CPU performance – the Snapdragon boasting a 3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 core versus the G86’s 2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 – the Dimensity 7300 is optimized for efficiency. The G86’s CPU configuration (4x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) is well-suited for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. The S23 FE’s CPU (Octa-core (1x2.8 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) - International/Octa-core (1x3.00 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510) - USA) will excel in demanding applications, but potentially at the cost of thermal throttling. The G86’s efficiency will likely translate to cooler operation and sustained performance.

Battery Life

Battery life is where the Moto G86 shines. Its impressive 55:44h endurance significantly surpasses the S23 FE’s 8:28h active use score. While active use scores are dependent on usage patterns, the G86’s larger battery capacity and more efficient chipset clearly provide a substantial advantage. The S23 FE offers 25W wired charging with 50% charge in 30 minutes, 15W wireless, and reverse wireless charging, providing more charging flexibility. The G86’s 30W wired charging is competitive, but lacks the wireless options.

Buying Guide

Buy the Motorola Moto G86 if you need exceptional battery life, a smooth everyday experience, and value for money. It’s ideal for users who prioritize longevity and don’t demand the absolute highest performance. Buy the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE if you prefer a brighter, more vibrant display, a more feature-rich camera system with video capabilities, and the Samsung ecosystem, even if it means sacrificing some battery endurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 2200 in the S23 FE suffer from overheating issues?
The Exynos 2200 has been known to run hotter than some competing chipsets, particularly under sustained load. While Samsung has implemented thermal management solutions, users may experience some throttling during extended gaming sessions or demanding tasks. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 variant generally performs better in this regard.
❓ Is the 30W charging on the Moto G86 fast enough, or should I consider the S23 FE's 25W with wireless charging?
While 25W and 30W charging speeds are relatively similar, the Moto G86’s 30W is still a bit faster. The S23 FE’s advantage lies in the addition of 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, offering greater convenience for users who prefer cable-free charging or need to top up other devices.
❓ How does the Dimensity 7300 compare to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in real-world gaming performance?
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 has a theoretical performance advantage, but the Dimensity 7300 is more efficient. In many games, the difference will be minimal, but the Dimensity 7300 is likely to maintain higher frame rates for longer periods due to better thermal management. The S23 FE may offer slightly higher peak performance, but the G86 provides a more consistent experience.