Poco X6 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE: A Detailed Comparison

The Xiaomi Poco X6 and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE occupy interesting spaces in the smartphone market. The Poco X6 aims to deliver impressive specs at a disruptive price, while the S23 FE attempts to bring a flagship experience down to a more accessible level. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which phone offers the best value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing battery life and rapid charging, the Xiaomi Poco X6 emerges as the winner. Its 10:11 active use score and 67W charging significantly outperform the S23 FE. However, users demanding peak performance and a more refined software experience will find the S23 FE a worthwhile investment.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Poco X6 Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - InternationalHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International1, 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
Announced2024, January 112023, October 04
StatusAvailable. Released 2024, January 12Available. Released 2023, October 05
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic frame, plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions161.2 x 74.3 x 8 mm (6.35 x 2.93 x 0.31 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)
Weight181 g (6.38 oz)209 g (7.37 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusCorning 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 (~89.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, 1920Hz PWM, Dolby Vision, 500 nits (typ), 1200 nits (HBM), 1800 nits (peak)Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1450 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.40 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.95 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 SM7435-AB Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm)Exynos 2200 (4 nm) - InternationalQualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) - USA
GPUAdreno 710Xclipse 920 - InternationalAdreno 730 - USA
OSAndroid 13, up to 3 major Android upgrades, HyperOSAndroid 13, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 8
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple64 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.7µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 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
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1.0µm10 MP, f/2.4, 25mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.22µm
Video1080p@30/60fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with dual speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYes-
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, 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
Charging67W wired, 100% in 44 min25W wired, PD3.0, 50% in 30 min 15W wireless Reverse wireless
Type5100 mAhLi-Ion 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, White, BlueMint, Cream, Graphite, Purple, Indigo, Tangerine
Models23122PCD1G, 23122PCD1ISM-S711B, SM-S711B/DS, SM-S711U1, SM-S711U, SM-S711W, SM-S7110, SM-S711N
Price€ 279.99 / $ 213.57 / ₹ 17,990$ 219.95 / C$ 327.90 / £ 248.99 / € 272.00 / ₹ 34,999
SAR1.09 W/kg (head)     1.03 W/kg (body)0.80 W/kg (head)     0.72 W/kg (body)
SAR EU1.00 W/kg (head)     1.00 W/kg (body)0.76 W/kg (head)     1.04 W/kg (body)

Xiaomi Poco X6

  • Significantly faster charging (67W)
  • Longer battery life (10:11h active use)
  • Brighter display (1339 nits)

  • Less powerful chipset
  • Potentially less refined camera processing

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

  • More powerful processor (Exynos 2200/Snapdragon 8 Gen 1)
  • Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging
  • Potentially better camera image processing

  • Shorter battery life (8:28h active use)
  • Slower charging (25W)

Display Comparison

The Poco X6 boasts a brighter display, reaching a measured 1339 nits compared to the S23 FE’s 985 nits. This translates to better visibility under direct sunlight. While both utilize AMOLED technology, the S23 FE’s panel is likely to have better color accuracy due to Samsung’s display expertise. However, the Poco X6’s higher peak brightness is a significant advantage for outdoor use. Neither specification details refresh rate, but both are expected to offer at least 120Hz.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature capable photo and video capabilities, but details are limited. The S23 FE likely benefits from Samsung’s advanced image processing algorithms and potentially a larger main sensor (spec not provided). The Poco X6’s camera performance will depend heavily on software optimization. Without sensor size information, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the Poco X6 is unlikely to significantly impact image quality and should be considered a secondary feature. The S23 FE’s flagship lineage suggests superior video recording capabilities.

Performance

The chipset is where the biggest difference lies. The S23 FE ships with either the Exynos 2200 (International) or Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (USA), both 4nm chips, while the Poco X6 utilizes the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (also 4nm). The Exynos 2200/Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offer significantly higher CPU and GPU performance, as evidenced by their Cortex-X2 prime cores (2.8/3.0 GHz respectively) versus the Poco’s Cortex-A78 cores (2.40 GHz). However, the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is more power-efficient, contributing to the Poco X6’s superior battery life. The S23 FE’s higher performance will be noticeable in demanding games and applications, but may come at the cost of thermal throttling, particularly with the Exynos variant. The Poco X6’s chipset is optimized for efficiency, providing a smoother experience for everyday tasks.

Battery Life

The Poco X6 shines in battery performance, achieving 10:11 hours of active use, compared to the S23 FE’s 8:28 hours. This difference is partially attributable to the more efficient Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset. Furthermore, the Poco X6’s 67W wired charging is significantly faster than the S23 FE’s 25W charging, reaching 100% in just 44 minutes versus approximately 60 minutes for the S23 FE to reach 50% (with PD3.0). The S23 FE does offer 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, features absent on the Poco X6.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi Poco X6 if you need exceptional battery endurance, incredibly fast charging, and a vibrant display for media consumption, all without breaking the bank. Buy the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE if you prioritize a more powerful processor for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing, a more polished software experience with longer update support, and the added convenience of wireless charging.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 2200 in the S23 FE suffer from overheating issues during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 2200 has been known to exhibit thermal throttling under sustained load. While Samsung has implemented optimizations, demanding games may still lead to reduced performance after extended play. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 variant generally performs better in this regard, but both chips are less efficient than the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 in the Poco X6.
❓ Is the 67W charging on the Poco X6 compatible with Power Delivery (PD) chargers?
While the Poco X6 supports 67W charging, it doesn't explicitly state PD compatibility. It's best to use the charger included in the box or a charger specifically designed for Xiaomi's fast charging protocols to ensure optimal charging speeds. Using a standard PD charger may result in slower charging times.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the Poco X6 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The S23 FE runs Samsung’s One UI, known for its feature-rich interface and long-term software support (typically 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of security patches). The Poco X6 runs Xiaomi’s MIUI, which offers extensive customization options but can be more prone to bloatware and may have a shorter software support lifecycle.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the Poco X6 worth considering?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras offer limited image quality due to their small sensor size. They are best used in ideal lighting conditions and don't provide the detail or clarity of a dedicated camera. It's a nice-to-have feature, but shouldn't be a primary factor in your purchasing decision.