Refurbished Galaxy S23 FE vs S24 FE UK: Which to Buy?

The Samsung Galaxy Fan Edition range has always been Samsung's smartest play for buyers who want flagship performance without the flagship price. Now that both the Galaxy S23 FE and Galaxy S24 FE are available on the refurbished market in the UK, you can save even more — but which one is the better deal? In this guide, we compare the refurbished Samsung Galaxy S23 FE vs S24 FE UK across every metric that matters: specs, cameras, battery, performance and price. By the end, you'll know exactly which model to buy. If you'd like to skip ahead and browse stock today, refurb-phone.com stocks both refurbished Samsung Galaxy FE phones at great UK prices.

Quick Verdict

If budget is the priority, the refurbished Galaxy S23 FE is an outstanding deal — typically £60–£80 cheaper and still more than capable for everyday use. If you can stretch the budget a little further, the refurbished Galaxy S24 FE rewards you with a bigger, significantly brighter display, a faster processor, and notably better low-light video. For most UK buyers, the S24 FE is worth the small premium if you can find it under £300 refurbished.

Refurbished Samsung Galaxy S23 FE vs S24 FE: Specs Compared

Display and Design

Both phones use Samsung's signature Dynamic AMOLED panel with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, so scrolling and gaming feel silky on either model. The more meaningful difference is in size and brightness.

The Galaxy S23 FE sports a 6.4-inch panel — compact by modern standards, which many users prefer for one-handed use. Its 1,450-nit peak brightness is good, but it can struggle slightly in direct UK sunlight during those rare bright days.

The Galaxy S24 FE steps up to a 6.7-inch display and a noticeably higher peak brightness of 1,900 nits. That extra brightness makes a real-world difference: the screen is easier to read outdoors and content looks more vivid. If you watch a lot of video or spend time outside, the S24 FE's screen is a meaningful upgrade.

In terms of design, both phones share Samsung's flat-edged aesthetic with a glass front and back and an aluminium frame. Both carry an IP68 dust and water resistance rating, so accidental splashes or brief submersions won't be a problem with either model — an important thing to verify when buying any refurbished phone.

Performance and Software

The Galaxy S23 FE runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 — a chip that was top-of-the-range in 2022. It is still fast and responsive for everyday tasks in 2026: social media, streaming, calls, and even casual gaming all run smoothly. Where it shows its age is under sustained heavy load — the chip can run warm during prolonged gaming sessions.

The Galaxy S24 FE moves to Samsung's Exynos 2400e, a newer chip built for greater efficiency. Real-world performance is snappier, apps open faster, and the phone handles multitasking more confidently. It also runs cooler over long sessions.

On the software front, both run Samsung's One UI on top of Android. The key difference is update longevity: the S23 FE is committed to Android updates until 2027, while the S24 FE extends that to 2028. If you plan to keep the phone for 2–3 years, the S24 FE simply has more runway.

Camera System

On paper the camera specs look identical: both phones carry a 50MP main sensor, a 10MP telephoto, and a 12MP ultrawide. In practice, however, the S24 FE pulls ahead in one important area: low-light video.

Independent camera comparisons show that the Galaxy S24 FE produces brighter, more detailed footage in low-light conditions than the S23 FE. For everyday daytime photography, both phones are very capable and you're unlikely to tell the difference in results. But if you shoot at concerts, in restaurants, or at evening events, the S24 FE's newer image processing gives noticeably better results.

For still photography in good light, both phones are strong performers. The 10MP telephoto on each gives a useful 3x optical zoom — handy for portraits and distant subjects. Neither model supports the S Pen stylus, which is reserved for the Ultra range.

Battery Life

The S23 FE packs a 4,500mAh battery, which delivers a solid full day of use for most people. The S24 FE nudges this up to 4,700mAh and also benefits from a more efficient chip — meaning in practice the S24 FE often edges ahead on battery life, even with its larger, brighter display to power.

Both phones charge at 25W wired and 15W wireless. A full charge from empty takes roughly 1.5 hours on either model. For refurbished units, always check the stated battery health percentage before buying — a battery at 85% or above will give you good all-day performance.

Refurbished Price in the UK

As of late 2026, typical refurbished UK prices are:

• Galaxy S23 FE 128GB — from approximately £165 to £230, depending on grade and seller
• Galaxy S24 FE 128GB — from approximately £245 to £340, depending on grade and seller

The price gap is roughly £70–£80 for similar condition grades. That difference buys a noticeably brighter screen, a faster processor, and an extra year of software support. Both represent exceptional value compared to buying these phones new, where the S23 FE launched at £649 and the S24 FE at around £699. You can browse current stock and pricing for both models at refurb-phone.com.

What to Look for When Buying Refurbished

• Battery health — aim for 85% or above
• Condition grade — Excellent or Very Good gives you a near-new look and feel
• Warranty — look for at least 12 months
• Network unlocked — confirm the phone works on all UK networks

Which Should You Buy?

Here is the bottom line for UK buyers in 2026:

• Choose the refurbished Galaxy S23 FE if you are on a tighter budget (under £200), you prefer a more compact phone, or you mostly use your phone for calls, messaging, and social media. At around £165–£200 refurbished, it is extraordinary value.
• Choose the refurbished Galaxy S24 FE if you want the best mid-range Samsung experience, you watch a lot of video, shoot in low light, or you plan to keep the phone for three or more years. The brighter screen, newer chip, better low-light video, and longer software support make the extra £70–£80 easy to justify.

Whichever model you choose, buying refurbished instead of new saves you hundreds of pounds while still getting a premium Samsung experience. Browse the full range at refurb-phone.com — all units are fully tested, graded, and backed by a warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE still worth buying in 2026?

Yes. The S23 FE is an excellent value smartphone in 2026, especially at refurbished prices. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip handles all everyday tasks smoothly, the camera system is capable, and the IP68 rating means it is built to last. The main consideration is that Android updates end in 2027, so it has less long-term support than the S24 FE.

Does the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE have a better camera than the S23 FE?

The hardware specs are largely the same on paper, but the S24 FE delivers noticeably better low-light video thanks to its improved image processing. For daytime photography, the two phones produce very similar results.

Are refurbished Samsung Galaxy FE phones reliable?

Yes, when bought from a reputable seller with a grading system and warranty. Look for phones graded Excellent or Very Good, with at least 12 months warranty and at least 85% battery health. Both FE models carry IP68 water resistance, which adds an extra layer of real-world durability.