vivo V29 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE: A Detailed Comparison of Mid-Range Powerhouses

The vivo V29 and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE occupy a competitive space in the mid-range smartphone market. The V29 aims to deliver a premium experience with a focus on design and fast charging, while the S23 FE leverages Samsung’s flagship DNA, offering a more powerful processor and a refined software experience. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing raw performance and a more established ecosystem, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the better choice. However, the vivo V29 excels in charging speed and offers a compelling alternative for those who value rapid power-ups and a sleek design.

PHONES
Phone Names vivo V29 Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 66, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2023, July 312023, October 04
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, SeptemberAvailable. Released 2023, October 05
Body
BuildGlass front, glass back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions164.2 x 74.4 x 7.5 mm (6.46 x 2.93 x 0.30 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)
Weight186 g (6.56 oz)209 g (7.37 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1260 x 2800 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~453 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)
Size6.78 inches, 111.0 cm2 (~90.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10+Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1450 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 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
ChipsetQualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm)Exynos 2200 (4 nm) - InternationalQualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) - USA
GPUAdreno 642LXclipse 920 - InternationalAdreno 730 - USA
OSAndroid 13, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Funtouch 13Android 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesRing-LED flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm Auxiliary lens50 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@30fps8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single50 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF10 MP, f/2.4, 25mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.22µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1)GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 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
Battery
Charging80W wired, 50% in 17 min25W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 30 min 15W wireless Reverse wireless
Type4600 mAhLi-Ion 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsSpace Black, Himalayan Blue, Purple Fairy, Majestic RedMint, Cream, Graphite, Purple, Indigo, Tangerine
ModelsV2250SM-S711B, SM-S711B/DS, SM-S711U1, SM-S711U, SM-S711W, SM-S7110, SM-S711N
PriceAbout 250 EUR$ 219.95 / C$ 327.90 / £ 248.99 / € 272.00 / ₹ 34,999
SAR-0.80 W/kg (head)     0.72 W/kg (body)
SAR EU0.94 W/kg (head)     1.08 W/kg (body)0.76 W/kg (head)     1.04 W/kg (body)

vivo V29

  • Significantly faster 80W charging
  • Sleek and stylish design
  • Potentially longer battery endurance (based on lab tests)

  • Less powerful Snapdragon 778G processor
  • Limited information on camera sensor specs
  • No wireless charging

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

  • More powerful Exynos 2200/Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor
  • Samsung’s refined software experience
  • Wireless and reverse wireless charging

  • Slower 25W wired charging
  • Potential for thermal throttling with Exynos variant
  • Higher price point

Display Comparison

Both devices feature excellent displays, with the vivo V29 achieving a measured peak brightness of 996 nits and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE reaching 985 nits. This ensures excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. While both offer vibrant colors, the S23 FE’s panel benefits from Samsung’s display expertise, potentially offering slightly more accurate color calibration. Neither specification details refresh rate, but both are expected to be 120Hz. The V29’s display is likely to be OLED, while the S23 FE uses Dynamic AMOLED 2X, offering a superior viewing experience.

Camera Comparison

Both phones are marketed as having strong camera systems, but details are limited to 'Photo / Video' for both. The S23 FE likely benefits from Samsung’s advanced image processing algorithms and potentially a larger main sensor. While the V29 may excel in specific scenarios like low-light portraits due to vivo’s software optimizations, the S23 FE’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Exynos/Snapdragon chipset provides greater flexibility and overall image quality. The absence of details regarding sensor sizes and apertures makes a definitive comparison difficult, but the S23 FE’s flagship-level processor suggests superior computational photography capabilities.

Performance

The performance gap is significant. The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, equipped with either the Exynos 2200 (International) or Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (USA), boasts a considerably more powerful processor than the vivo V29’s Snapdragon 778G 5G. The Exynos 2200’s Cortex-X2 core, clocked at 2.8 GHz, provides a substantial performance uplift over the V29’s Cortex-A78. The 4nm process node on both the Exynos and Snapdragon chips offers improved efficiency compared to the V29’s 6nm Snapdragon 778G, though the Exynos 2200 has been known to exhibit thermal throttling under sustained load. The S23 FE’s LPDDR5 RAM (spec not provided, but standard for the price) further enhances multitasking capabilities.

Battery Life

The vivo V29’s endurance rating of 99 hours suggests excellent battery life, but this is a lab-based metric. The S23 FE’s active use score of 8:28h provides a more realistic indication of real-world performance. The V29’s 80W wired charging is a standout feature, achieving 50% charge in just 17 minutes, significantly faster than the S23 FE’s 25W charging (50% in 30 minutes). The S23 FE compensates with 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, features absent on the V29. The faster charging of the V29 is a major advantage for users who prioritize convenience.

Buying Guide

Buy the vivo V29 if you need blazing-fast 80W charging and prioritize a stylish design. It’s ideal for users who frequently find themselves needing to quickly top up their battery throughout the day. Buy the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE if you prefer a more powerful processor for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing, and value the broader Samsung ecosystem and software support.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 2200 in the S23 FE overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 2200 has been known to exhibit thermal throttling under sustained load, particularly in warmer environments. While Samsung has implemented optimizations, users may experience some performance reduction during extended gaming sessions. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 variant generally performs better in this regard.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up shots?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on smartphones offer limited detail and image quality. They are often included for marketing purposes but rarely deliver truly impressive macro photography. The S23 FE’s more powerful processor may offer slightly better processing of macro shots, but don’t expect professional-level results.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE support 90fps or higher frame rates in demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The S23 FE, with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or Exynos 2200, is capable of running PUBG Mobile at high frame rates. While 90fps may be achievable with optimized settings, consistently maintaining that frame rate will depend on the specific game settings and thermal conditions. The Snapdragon variant will likely offer a more stable experience.
❓ How does the vivo V29's 80W charging compare to other fast charging technologies?
80W charging is exceptionally fast, placing the V29 among the quickest-charging smartphones available. It's significantly faster than the 25W charging on the S23 FE and comparable to some flagship devices with 65W or 67W charging. This means you can get a substantial charge in a very short amount of time, minimizing downtime.