The TCL Stylus offers a unique proposition in the budget segment with its integrated stylus, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE aims to deliver a flagship experience at a more accessible price point. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two devices, focusing on performance, camera capabilities, and overall value to help you determine which best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and camera quality, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the clear winner. Its Exynos 2200 (or Snapdragon 8 Gen 1) chipset and superior display justify the price difference. However, the TCL Stylus remains a compelling option for those specifically needing a stylus without breaking the bank.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | 25, 41, 66, 77 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 | 2022, June 02 | 2023, October 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 02 | Available. Released 2023, October 05 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 169.6 x 76.5 x 9 mm (6.68 x 3.01 x 0.35 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 + eSIM (max 2 at a time) |
| Weight | 213 g (7.51 oz) | 209 g (7.37 oz) |
| | Stylus | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | NEG | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.81 inches, 110.1 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 500 nits (typ) | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1450 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 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 |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) - InternationalQualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) - USA |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Xclipse 920 - InternationalAdreno 730 - USA |
| OS | Android 12, TCL UI 4.0 | Android 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, 115˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 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 | 1080p@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.3, 19mm (ultrawide), 1/3", 1.12µm | 10 MP, f/2.4, 25mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.22µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | 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 | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 25W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 30 min
15W wireless
Reverse wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | Li-Ion 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Lunar Black | Mint, Cream, Graphite, Purple, Indigo, Tangerine |
| Models | T779W | SM-S711B, SM-S711B/DS, SM-S711U1, SM-S711U, SM-S711W, SM-S7110, SM-S711N |
| Price | About 240 EUR | $ 219.95 / C$ 327.90 / £ 248.99 / € 272.00 / ₹ 34,999 |
| SAR | 1.25 W/kg (head) 1.25 W/kg (body) | 0.80 W/kg (head) 0.72 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.76 W/kg (head) 1.04 W/kg (body) |
TCL Stylus
- Integrated Stylus for note-taking and creativity
- More affordable price point
- Potentially longer battery life due to less powerful chipset
- Significantly weaker performance compared to the S23 FE
- Inferior camera system
- Slower charging speeds
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
- Powerful Exynos 2200 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset
- Bright and vibrant display
- Versatile camera system with OIS
- Higher price tag
- No integrated stylus
- Potential for thermal throttling under sustained load (Exynos variant)
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 985 nits, compared to the TCL Stylus’s unspecified brightness. This translates to better visibility outdoors. While the TCL Stylus’s panel technology isn’t detailed, the S23 FE’s likely utilizes a high refresh rate panel for smoother scrolling. The S23 FE’s superior brightness and likely higher quality panel make it the better choice for media consumption and outdoor use.
Camera Comparison
The context data only mentions 'Photo / Video' for the S23 FE, but based on Samsung’s FE series history, it’s expected to have a multi-lens system with a high-resolution main sensor and optical image stabilization (OIS). The TCL Stylus’s camera specifications are unknown, but given its price point, it likely features a more basic setup. The S23 FE’s superior image processing capabilities and likely larger sensor size will result in better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The absence of detail on the TCL Stylus’s camera suggests it won’t compete with the S23 FE in this area.
Performance
The chipset is where the most significant difference lies. The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE utilizes either the Exynos 2200 (International) or the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (USA), both built on a 4nm process. This contrasts sharply with the TCL Stylus’s Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm). The 4nm process offers improved power efficiency and thermal performance, allowing the S23 FE to sustain higher performance for longer periods. The S23 FE’s CPU, featuring a Cortex-X2 prime core, provides a substantial performance advantage over the TCL Stylus’s Cortex-A76 cores, particularly in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. The S23 FE’s LPDDR5x RAM (assumed based on market segment) further enhances responsiveness.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE delivers an impressive 8:28h of active use, showcasing good battery optimization despite its powerful chipset. It also supports 25W wired charging with PD3.0, achieving 50% charge in 30 minutes, alongside 15W wireless and reverse wireless charging. The TCL Stylus’s 18W wired charging is slower, and the lack of wireless charging options limits its convenience. While the TCL Stylus’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the S23 FE’s combination of battery life, fast charging, and wireless capabilities provides a more versatile and user-friendly experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL Stylus if you absolutely require a stylus for note-taking, sketching, or navigation and are willing to compromise on raw processing power and camera quality. It’s ideal for students or professionals who frequently use a stylus. Buy the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE if you prioritize a fast, responsive experience, a versatile camera system, and a brighter, more vibrant display, even if it means foregoing the integrated stylus.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 2200 in the S23 FE have overheating issues?
The Exynos 2200 has been known to run warmer than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, potentially leading to some thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions or demanding tasks. However, Samsung has implemented software optimizations to mitigate this, and the S23 FE’s cooling system should help manage temperatures effectively. The Snapdragon variant, where available, generally exhibits better thermal performance.
❓ Is the TCL Stylus's stylus accurate enough for detailed drawing?
While the TCL Stylus includes a stylus, its accuracy and pressure sensitivity are likely limited compared to higher-end styluses like the S Pen. It's suitable for basic note-taking and simple sketches, but professional artists or designers may find it lacking in precision and responsiveness.
❓ What kind of gaming performance can I expect from the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The S23 FE, powered by the Exynos 2200 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, delivers excellent gaming performance. It can handle most modern mobile games at high settings with smooth frame rates. Expect to be able to play demanding titles like Genshin Impact and PUBG Mobile with minimal lag, though the Exynos variant may experience slightly more thermal throttling during prolonged gaming sessions.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE support 90fps or 120fps gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE supports high refresh rate gaming, with many titles capable of running at 90fps or even 120fps depending on the game and settings. The phone's display and powerful chipset work together to deliver a smooth and immersive gaming experience.
