The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →DxOMark gives the Galaxy S23 FE a narrow overall camera lead, 127 to 125, but the iPhone 13 scores higher for both photos and video. The Samsung’s clearest advantages are its dedicated telephoto camera and smoother 120 Hz display; the iPhone leads in the listed battery and selfie results. The better choice depends on which of those strengths matters more to you—not on the two-point camera-score gap alone.
DxOMark scores and key differences
The following scores are the results listed on DxOMark’s device pages. The camera, display, audio, battery and selfie scores are category-specific; they are not interchangeable measures of overall phone quality.
| Category or specification | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Apple iPhone 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Release date listed by DxOMark | October 2023 | September 2021 |
| Camera score | 127 | 125 |
| Photo score | 124 | 133 |
| Video score | 131 | 144 |
| Display score | 140 | 135 |
| Audio score | 138 | 138 |
| Battery score | 101 | 115 |
| Selfie score | No comparable score shown on the cited device summary | 134 |
| Rear camera layout | 50 MP main, 12 MP ultra-wide, 8 MP telephoto | 12 MP main, 12 MP ultra-wide; no dedicated telephoto camera |
| Display | 6.4-inch OLED, 1080 × 2340, 120 Hz | 6.1-inch OLED, 2532 × 1170, approximately 460 ppi, 60 Hz |
| Battery capacity used in DxOMark’s test overview | 4,500 mAh | 3,227 mAh |
DxOMark identifies both headline camera evaluations as using its version 5 camera protocol. The site says version 5 and version 6 scores are not directly comparable and that rankings can change as protocols are updated. Treat the figures as results within DxOMark’s published testing framework, not as a fresh, simultaneous head-to-head test. DxOMark’s smartphone rankings and protocol context
Which phone takes better photos?
The iPhone 13 has the higher DxOMark Photo score, 133 versus 124. DxOMark describes its colors and exposure as generally pleasant and reliable, while noting weaknesses that include telephoto quality, some selfie-photo results and noise in certain situations. DxOMark’s iPhone 13 camera review
#1 Best Overall
- 6.4 FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, Infinity-O Display (2400x1080), 403ppi, HDR10+ certified, 120Hz refresh rate
- 128GB ROM, 8GB RAM, Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 5G (4 nm), Octa-core, 4500mAh Battery
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 8MP, f/2.4 (telephoto) 3x optical zoom + 12MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide), Front Camera: 10MP, f/2.4 (wide), Under Display Fingerprint
- 3G: 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100, 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/29/25/26/28/38/39/40/41/46/48/66/71, 5G: N41(2500),N66(AWS-3),N71(600),N78(3500),N260(39GHz),N261(28GHz) (ensure to check compatibility with your carrier before purchase)
- Fully Unlocked Version. Compatible with Most GSM and CDMA Carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Sprint.
The S23 FE’s reviewed strengths include pleasant color, accurate target exposure, wide dynamic range and good ultra-wide performance, particularly outdoors. Its reported trouble spots include low-light noise, ghosting on moving subjects, and autofocus instability or artifacts in difficult light. DxOMark’s Galaxy S23 FE camera test
For quick photos of people, movement or scenes with mixed lighting, the iPhone’s stronger Photo result makes it the safer pick on the available evidence. The Samsung is more appealing if you value having three rear-camera viewpoints, especially a separate telephoto camera. Neither score guarantees the same result in every scene.
Zoom: the Samsung has more optical flexibility
The S23 FE has a dedicated 8 MP telephoto camera, whereas the iPhone 13’s two-camera rear system has no telephoto module. That gives the Samsung more hardware flexibility for distant subjects; the iPhone must rely on its existing cameras and digital cropping. DxOMark specifically identifies telephoto image quality as a weakness on the iPhone 13. Galaxy S23 FE camera hardware · iPhone 13 camera findings
A dedicated telephoto lens is not proof that the S23 FE produces better images at every zoom level. Results still depend on focal length, light and processing, and the cited scores do not establish a universal winner across zoom settings.
Rank #2
- The S23 FE offers a 6.4‑inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with adaptive 120 Hz refresh rate and up to 1,450 nits peak brightness plus a wide DCI‑P3 color gamut. That means vibrant, high‑contrast visuals that stay bright and legible even outdoors.
Which phone is better for video?
The iPhone 13 leads DxOMark’s Video score 144 to 131. The review highlights fast, accurate autofocus and strong handling of moving subjects. Apple’s listed video capabilities include 4K recording at 24, 25, 30 and 60 frames per second and HDR video with Dolby Vision. DxOMark’s iPhone 13 camera review
The S23 FE’s reported video strengths include effective stabilization and good daylight texture. DxOMark also reports low-light autofocus instability, moving-texture artifacts and vibration or other artifacts as light levels fall. DxOMark’s Galaxy S23 FE camera test
For family clips, walking footage or subjects that move, the iPhone is the stronger choice according to these results. The difference in Video scores is more meaningful to that use case than the two-point gap in the overall camera score.
Selfies: the available score favors iPhone
DxOMark lists the iPhone 13 at 134 for Selfie, with sub-scores of 128 for Selfie Photo and 143 for Selfie Video. The cited S23 FE device summary does not show a comparable selfie score, so there is no sound basis here for a direct numerical comparison. iPhone 13 scores and specifications · Galaxy S23 FE device summary
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteRank #3
- GALAXY AI IS HERE: Search like never before¹, get real-time interpretation on a call², format your notes into a clear summary³, and effortlessly edit your photos⁴ - all from your smartphone, all with AI
- DO MORE w/ EPIC BATTERY POWER: Galaxy S23 FE intuitively manages your usage to conserve energy on its own so you can go all day and into the night without charging⁵⁻⁶; Share, stream, connect and create with a phone that’s ready for anything
- DO-IT-ALL PROCESSING POWER: Give your livestreaming, video editing and social content creation a boost; With the premium processing power you expect from Samsung Galaxy, you can do more of what you love from the palm of your hand
- CAPTURE SCENES IN STUNNING DETAIL: Create share-worthy content with the high-resolution camera of Galaxy S23 FE; With Super HDR, it’s easy to capture the details that make your shots incredibly lifelike
- LOOK SHARP TONIGHT & EVERY NIGHT: Because life happens even in low light; Nightography lets you capture epic pictures, no matter where you are or what time of day; The dark is no longer a dealbreaker
Display: smoother and larger on Samsung, denser and more compact on iPhone
The S23 FE scores 140 for Display, compared with 135 for the iPhone 13. Its 6.4-inch OLED runs at 120 Hz, which makes scrolling and supported games look smoother than on the iPhone’s 60 Hz screen. DxOMark praises the Samsung’s touch response and video performance, but reports color shifts at an angle and reduced quality in strong sunlight. Galaxy S23 FE display results
The iPhone’s 6.1-inch OLED has a higher pixel density at approximately 460 ppi. DxOMark notes strong readability, accurate color reproduction, good HDR10 video and relatively smooth artifact control. Its 60 Hz refresh rate is less fluid for browsing and gaming than higher-refresh-rate rivals; DxOMark also notes that default brightness can be insufficient for comfortable night reading. DxOMark’s iPhone 13 display review
- Choose the S23 FE if a larger screen and smoother scrolling or gaming matter most.
- Choose the iPhone 13 if you prefer a smaller phone, higher pixel density and the cited display’s color fidelity.
Audio: tied overall, with different strengths
Both phones have a DxOMark Audio score of 138. The S23 FE’s component scores are 137 for Playback and 139 for Recording. DxOMark describes its playback as natural and pleasant, with strong dynamics and spatial performance; reported limitations include weak wind-noise handling, no audio zoom and mono recording in the memo app. DxOMark’s Galaxy S23 FE audio test
The iPhone 13 scores 140 for Playback and 133 for Recording. DxOMark highlights playback and recording at high volume, including concerts and shows. Its listed audio features include audio zoom, Dolby Atmos, Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum microphone modes. DxOMark’s iPhone 13 audio review
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #4
- Galaxy S23 sports a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X flat display with adaptive 48–120 Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and a peak brightness high enough for strong outdoor visibility — giving you vibrant, crisp visuals and smooth motion while staying compact.
The tie in the overall score makes either a reasonable option for ordinary speaker use. The iPhone’s listed recording features and high-volume results may matter more for loud events, while the Samsung’s playback result is a strength.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Battery life and charging: endurance and speed point different ways
DxOMark scores the iPhone 13 higher for battery, 115 to 101, and reports longer autonomy despite its smaller battery capacity. In DxOMark’s reported tests, the iPhone lasted 2 days 4 hours, against 1 day 23 hours for the S23 FE. Capacity alone does not predict endurance across different phones and operating systems.
| DxOMark battery-test measure | Galaxy S23 FE | iPhone 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Reported battery life | 1 day 23 hours | 2 days 4 hours |
| Time to 80% charge | 49 minutes | 58 minutes |
| Time to full charge | 1 hour 33 minutes | 2 hours 5 minutes |
| Autonomy gained after a 5-minute charge | 3 hours 17 minutes | 2 hours 48 minutes |
These are DxOMark test results, not a guarantee for an individual phone or usage pattern. Its S23 FE battery test used an Exynos 2200, 128 GB storage and 8 GB RAM configuration. The phones support the listed 25 W Samsung and 20 W Apple charging setups respectively; DxOMark says neither tested specification included the charger in the box. DxOMark’s Galaxy S23 FE battery test and configuration · DxOMark’s iPhone 13 battery review
On the published results, the iPhone is the endurance choice, while the S23 FE reaches the listed charge milestones sooner. The 4,500 mAh versus 3,227 mAh capacity comparison does not overturn those test outcomes.
Best Value
- The S23 FE offers a 6.4‑inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with adaptive 120 Hz refresh rate and up to 1,450 nits peak brightness plus a wide DCI‑P3 color gamut. That means vibrant, high‑contrast visuals that stay bright and legible even outdoors.
Which one should you choose?
| Your priority | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Still photos | iPhone 13 | Higher DxOMark Photo score: 133 vs. 124 |
| Video | iPhone 13 | Higher Video score: 144 vs. 131; review highlights autofocus and moving subjects |
| Telephoto hardware flexibility | Galaxy S23 FE | Dedicated telephoto camera |
| Smoother display and larger screen | Galaxy S23 FE | 6.4-inch, 120 Hz OLED |
| Compact size and color-focused display | iPhone 13 | Smaller 6.1-inch design and favorable cited color results |
| Battery endurance in DxOMark’s tests | iPhone 13 | Higher Battery score and longer reported autonomy |
| Faster charging in the listed test | Galaxy S23 FE | Reached 80% and full charge sooner |
| Audio score | Tie | Both score 138 overall |
| Selfies, based on available DxOMark scores | iPhone 13 | Listed Selfie score of 134; no comparable S23 FE score shown |
Choose the iPhone 13 if photos, video, compact size or the listed endurance results are your priorities. Choose the S23 FE if you want Android and Samsung’s software experience, a 120 Hz display, a larger screen or a dedicated telephoto camera. These are older models, so in 2026 their actual price, condition, storage, warranty and remaining software support matter alongside benchmark results; no current price comparison is established here.
What to check when buying used or refurbished
On older phones, the condition of the exact unit can outweigh a small benchmark difference. Before buying, check:
- Condition and coverage: inspect the display and camera lenses for damage, ask about repairs and water exposure, and verify the warranty and return policy.
- iPhone 13: check battery health, storage, activation status and parts/service history.
- Galaxy S23 FE: confirm the regional model and processor. The cited battery test used the Exynos 2200 configuration; processor and network configurations can vary by market.
- Listing type: distinguish manufacturer-refurbished or certified-refurbished stock from third-party renewed and ordinary used listings.
- Value: compare the exact storage tier, condition and seller price with newer alternatives available in your market. A higher aggregate DxOMark score alone does not establish better value.
The cited DxOMark device pages list the S23 FE as a 128 GB/8 GB RAM test configuration and the iPhone 13 as a 128 GB/4 GB RAM configuration. Storage options and regional availability differ, so verify the listing rather than treating those test configurations as the only versions available. Galaxy S23 FE device information · iPhone 13 device information
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
