Samsung Galaxy C55 vs S23 FE: A Deep Dive into Samsung's Mid-Range Contenders
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing battery life and efficient performance, the Samsung Galaxy C55 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset offers a compelling balance of power and efficiency, while the 45W charging significantly outperforms the S23 FE's 25W. However, the S23 FE's brighter display and potentially more powerful chipset (depending on region) make it a viable option for demanding users.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy C55 | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 25, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 20, 28, 41, 66, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2024, April 22 | 2023, October 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, April 22 | Available. Released 2023, October 05 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, silicone polymer (eco leather) back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 76.5 x 7.8 mm (6.45 x 3.01 x 0.31 in) | 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm (6.22 x 3.01 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time) |
| Weight | 180 g (6.35 oz) | 209 g (7.37 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~86.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED+, 120Hz, 1000 nits (HBM) | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1450 nits (peak) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.36 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 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7450-AB Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) - InternationalQualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) - USA |
| GPU | Adreno 644 | Xclipse 920 - InternationalAdreno 730 - USA |
| OS | Android 14, One UI 6.1 | Android 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) | 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 |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, OIS | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 50 MP, f/2.4, (wide) | 10 MP, f/2.4, 25mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.22µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 45W wired | 25W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 30 min 15W wireless Reverse wireless |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 4500 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, Orange | Mint, Cream, Graphite, Purple, Indigo, Tangerine |
| Models | SM-C5560 | SM-S711B, SM-S711B/DS, SM-S711U1, SM-S711U, SM-S711W, SM-S7110, SM-S711N |
| Price | - | $ 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) |
Samsung Galaxy C55
- More efficient Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset
- Faster 45W wired charging
- Potentially better battery life due to chipset efficiency
- Less powerful processor than S23 FE (Exynos/Snapdragon)
- Display brightness likely lower than S23 FE
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
- Potentially higher peak performance (Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 variant)
- Wireless and reverse wireless charging
- Less power-efficient chipset (Exynos 2200/Snapdragon 8 Gen 1)
- Slower 25W wired charging
Display Comparison
The Galaxy S23 FE boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 985 nits, compared to an unstated value for the C55. This brightness advantage translates to better outdoor visibility. While both likely utilize Super AMOLED panels, the S23 FE’s higher peak brightness is a clear advantage for HDR content consumption. The C55’s display specifications are currently limited, making a detailed comparison of color accuracy and refresh rate difficult, but it's reasonable to assume it targets a similar, if slightly less refined, experience.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specs beyond 'Photo/Video' for the S23 FE are needed for a comprehensive comparison. However, the S23 FE’s flagship lineage suggests a more sophisticated image processing pipeline and potentially larger sensor sizes. The C55’s camera capabilities are currently unknown, but it’s likely to focus on providing a solid, all-around experience rather than pushing the boundaries of mobile photography. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely inconsequential; image quality from such sensors is typically underwhelming.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The S23 FE ships with either the Exynos 2200 (International) or Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (USA), both 4nm chips, while the C55 utilizes the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (also 4nm). The Exynos 2200/Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 feature a Cortex-X2 prime core clocked at 2.8/3.0 GHz respectively, offering a performance edge over the C55’s Cortex-A710 prime core at 2.4 GHz. However, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 is known for its excellent efficiency. The S23 FE’s higher performance ceiling may lead to more noticeable throttling under sustained load, while the C55 should maintain consistent performance for longer. Both phones share the same Cortex-A710 and A510 configuration for mid and efficiency cores.
Battery Life
The Galaxy S23 FE provides an active use score of 8:28h, a solid result. The C55’s battery capacity is unstated, but its Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset is more power-efficient. The C55’s 45W wired charging is a significant advantage over the S23 FE’s 25W, allowing for faster top-ups. The S23 FE also offers 15W wireless and reverse wireless charging, features absent on the C55. The faster charging speed of the C55 could offset a potentially smaller battery capacity, providing a comparable or even superior overall battery experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy C55 if you need a phone with excellent battery life, reliable everyday performance, and fast charging, all at a more affordable price point. It's ideal for students, commuters, and anyone who prioritizes longevity over raw power. Buy the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE if you prefer a brighter, more vibrant display, and potentially higher peak performance (especially the Snapdragon variant), and are willing to compromise on battery life and charging speed. This phone caters to users who enjoy mobile gaming and content creation.