As Samsung continues to refine its hardware lineup, consumers are facing a mix of immediate upgrade choices and enticing glimpses into the future. While the Galaxy S23 FE has settled into the market as a successor to the popular S20 FE, fresh data surfacing from industry databases points to a robust refresh for the company’s tablet and wearable segments later this year.
The Fan Edition Face-Off: S20 FE vs. S23 FE
For users still holding onto the Galaxy S20 FE, which debuted back in October 2020, the shift to the newer S23 FE represents a significant, though nuanced, evolution. The three-year gap between these releases highlights how Samsung’s strategy for its “Fan Edition” series has shifted from pure utility to a more premium feel, even as the launch price actually dropped from $699 to $599.
In terms of design, the S23 FE ditches the plastic back of its predecessor for Corning Gorilla Glass 5 and an aluminum frame. This upgrade in materials comes with a physical cost, however. Despite having a slightly smaller 6.4-inch display compared to the S20 FE’s 6.5-inch panel, the newer model is noticeably heavier, tipping the scales at 7.37 oz (209g) versus the older model’s 6.70 oz (190g). Both devices maintain an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, ensuring durability remains a priority.
Performance and the Storage Trade-Off
Under the hood, the generational leap is obvious. The S23 FE is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm), a substantial step up from the S20 FE’s aging Snapdragon 865 (7nm). This boost is paired with 8GB of RAM in the base model, up from the 6GB found in the entry-level S20 FE. However, power users should note a controversial omission: unlike the S20 FE, which supported microSD expansion up to 1TB, the S23 FE offers no expandable storage options.
The display technology has also been refined. While both run at 1080p with a 120Hz refresh rate, the S23 FE utilizes a Dynamic AMOLED panel capable of hitting 1450 nits, offering far better visibility in direct sunlight than the older Super AMOLED screen. Battery capacity remains stagnant at 4,500 mAh for both generations, with wired charging speeds capped at 25W.
Camera Evolution
Photography enthusiasts will see the most drastic on-paper changes. The S23 FE upgrades the main shooter to a 50MP sensor, a massive resolution jump from the 12MP main camera on the S20 FE. This allows the newer device to record video in 8K, whereas the older phone tops out at 4K. Conversely, the front-facing selfie camera has seen a resolution drop from 32MP on the 2020 model to 10MP on the 2023 release, though sensor technology improvements often mitigate raw pixel count deficits.
Future Hardware Surface in Database Leaks
While consumers weigh these current specifications, Samsung is already laying the groundwork for its next wave of non-phone hardware. Recent entries discovered in the GSMA IMEI database suggest that the company is preparing to expand its premium tablet and smartwatch portfolios, potentially overshadowing the current conversation around the Galaxy S26 series.
New Tablets and Wearables on the Horizon
According to the database findings, the tablet lineup will see the addition of the Galaxy Tab S12 Plus 5G (model number SM-X846B) and the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra 5G (SM-X946B). Interestingly, there is currently no listing for a standard, base-model Tab S12, suggesting Samsung may be focusing its efforts exclusively on the higher-end, large-screen segment for this generation.
On the wearables front, the database confirms the existence of a Galaxy Watch 9, carrying the model number SM-L345U. Perhaps more intriguing is the explicit naming convention for the high-end variant: the “Galaxy Ultra 2” (SM-L716U). This numbering implies a direct sequel to the previous Ultra model, signaling that Samsung is committed to iterating on its rugged, premium smartwatch line.
Although no official release dates accompany these IMEI registrations, historical patterns provide a clue. Typically, there is a six-to-seven-month lag between a device appearing in the GSMA database and its retail launch. If this timeline holds true, we could see these devices hitting shelves roughly half a year from now, likely coinciding with Samsung’s mid-year Unpacked event.
