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- Best overall: Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 128GB Unlocked
- Best budget: Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked
- Best premium: Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB Unlocked
- Best for compact phones: Samsung Galaxy S23 128GB Unlocked
- Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 128GB Unlocked is the stronger all-around pick, with a 50MP main camera and newer hardware.
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G 128GB Unlocked remains a capable choice with a 6.4-inch display and a 12MP telephoto camera.
- Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB Unlocked is the premium alternative, with a 6.7-inch display and 4,700mAh battery.
- Samsung Galaxy A55 5G 128GB Unlocked and Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked put battery capacity ahead of flagship extras.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 128GB Unlocked is the better fit for most shoppers comparing it with the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G 128GB Unlocked for Black Friday 2026. Both phones have 6.4-inch displays and 4,500mAh batteries, while the S23 FE steps up to a 50MP main camera. The S21 FE counters with a dedicated telephoto camera and a familiar, lightweight design.
I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to identify the most useful Samsung alternatives, from compact Galaxy S models to battery-focused Galaxy A phones. The best choice depends on whether you prioritize camera detail, screen size, battery capacity or a lower-cost feature set. Use the product picks, comparison table and buying guide below to match a phone to your everyday needs.
How We Picked
- Compared display size, resolution and refresh rate to clarify which Samsung phones suit compact-phone shoppers and big-screen viewers.
- Reviewed battery capacity and charging specifications as practical indicators for shoppers who value longer time between charges.
- Compared rear camera hardware, including main, ultra-wide and telephoto cameras, to distinguish flexible setups from simpler systems.
- Considered product positioning, core features and owner feedback to include both premium alternatives and value-focused Galaxy A models.
- Prioritized clear, comparable specifications and unlocked variants so shoppers can evaluate the phones side by side.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Display | Main camera | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 128GB Unlocked | Balanced features | 6.4-inch, 120Hz | 50MP | 4,500mAh |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G 128GB Unlocked | Telephoto camera value | 6.4-inch, 120Hz | 12MP | 4,500mAh |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB Unlocked | Large premium FE | 6.7-inch, 120Hz | 50MP | 4,700mAh |
| Samsung Galaxy S23 128GB Unlocked | Compact size | 6.1-inch, 120Hz | 50MP | 3,900mAh |
| Samsung Galaxy S23+ 256GB Unlocked | Large screen and storage | 6.6-inch, 120Hz | 50MP | 4,700mAh |
| Samsung Galaxy A55 5G 128GB Unlocked | Battery capacity | 6.6-inch, 120Hz | 50MP | 5,000mAh |
| Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked | Essential features | 6.6-inch, 120Hz | 50MP | 5,000mAh |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 128GB Unlocked
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 128GB Unlocked is the best overall choice for shoppers who want a balanced Samsung phone, with a 50MP main camera and a vivid 6.4-inch display.
Best for: Balanced camera and flagship-style features
- Display
- 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
- Main camera
- 50MP
- Battery
- 4,500mAh
- Storage
- 128GB
- High-resolution main camera
- Smooth 120Hz screen
- Dedicated telephoto camera
- Heavier than compact Galaxy S models
Is the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 128GB Unlocked worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 128GB Unlocked is a strong Black Friday 2026 pick for shoppers who want a sharp 50MP main camera, a 120Hz display and a dedicated telephoto camera without moving to a larger phone.
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#2
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G 128GB Unlocked
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G 128GB Unlocked is the best value-minded pick for shoppers who want a 6.4-inch Samsung phone with a dedicated 8MP telephoto camera.
Best for: Shoppers who value telephoto versatility
- Display
- 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
- Main camera
- 12MP
- Telephoto camera
- 8MP, 3x optical zoom
- Battery
- 4,500mAh
- Dedicated 3x optical telephoto camera
- Smooth 120Hz display
- Wireless charging support
- Main camera has lower resolution than the S23 FE
Is the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G 128GB Unlocked worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G 128GB Unlocked suits shoppers who want a 6.4-inch screen and a dedicated 3x optical telephoto camera. Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 128GB Unlocked instead when main-camera resolution is the priority.
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#3
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB Unlocked
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB Unlocked is the best premium FE choice for shoppers who want a larger screen, with a 6.7-inch display and a 4,700mAh battery.
Best for: Big-screen viewing and newer features
- Display
- 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
- Main camera
- 50MP
- Battery
- 4,700mAh
- Storage
- 128GB
- Large 120Hz display
- 50MP main camera
- Larger battery than the S23 FE
- Larger body is less convenient for small hands
Is the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB Unlocked worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB Unlocked is worth considering for shoppers who want a roomy 6.7-inch screen, a 50MP main camera and a 4,700mAh battery. The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB Unlocked's larger footprint makes it a better match for big-screen use than compact-phone preferences.
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#4
Samsung Galaxy S23 128GB Unlocked
The Samsung Galaxy S23 128GB Unlocked is the best compact choice for shoppers who want a smaller Samsung flagship, with a 6.1-inch display and 50MP main camera.
Best for: Compact-phone shoppers
- Display
- 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
- Main camera
- 50MP
- Battery
- 3,900mAh
- Storage
- 128GB
- Easier one-handed handling
- 50MP main camera
- 120Hz display
- Smaller battery than the FE models
Is the Samsung Galaxy S23 128GB Unlocked worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Samsung Galaxy S23 128GB Unlocked is a practical choice for shoppers who want a compact 6.1-inch phone with a 50MP main camera and a smooth 120Hz display. The smaller 3,900mAh battery is the main trade-off against larger Galaxy models.
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#5
Samsung Galaxy S23+ 256GB Unlocked
The Samsung Galaxy S23+ 256GB Unlocked is the best large-screen alternative for shoppers who want premium features and more storage, with a 6.6-inch display.
Best for: Large-screen use and extra storage
- Display
- 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz
- Main camera
- 50MP
- Battery
- 4,700mAh
- Storage
- 256GB
- Generous 256GB storage
- Large 120Hz display
- 4,700mAh battery
- Large size is less pocket-friendly
Is the Samsung Galaxy S23+ 256GB Unlocked worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Samsung Galaxy S23+ 256GB Unlocked suits shoppers who want a large 6.6-inch display, 256GB of storage and a 4,700mAh battery. Pick the smaller Samsung Galaxy S23 128GB Unlocked for easier one-handed use.
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#6
Samsung Galaxy A55 5G 128GB Unlocked
The Samsung Galaxy A55 5G 128GB Unlocked is the best battery-focused midrange pick for shoppers who want a large screen, with a 5,000mAh battery.
Best for: Everyday use and battery capacity
- Display
- 6.6-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz
- Main camera
- 50MP
- Battery
- 5,000mAh
- Storage
- 128GB
- Large battery capacity
- Smooth 120Hz display
- Expandable storage support
- No dedicated telephoto camera
Is the Samsung Galaxy A55 5G 128GB Unlocked worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Samsung Galaxy A55 5G 128GB Unlocked is a good fit for everyday users who prioritize a 5,000mAh battery, a large 120Hz display and expandable storage. Choose an FE model for a dedicated telephoto camera or more flagship-focused features.
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#7
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked
The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked is the best simple-value choice for shoppers who want essential Samsung features, with a 5,000mAh battery and 6.6-inch screen.
Best for: Core features and long battery capacity
- Display
- 6.6-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz
- Main camera
- 50MP
- Battery
- 5,000mAh
- Storage
- 128GB
- Large battery capacity
- Bright 120Hz screen
- Expandable storage support
- Camera system lacks a telephoto lens
Is the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked is a sensible choice for shoppers who want a large 6.6-inch display, a 5,000mAh battery and expandable storage. The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 128GB Unlocked offers a more versatile camera setup.
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Samsung Galaxy S23 FE vs Samsung Galaxy S21 FE: which is better?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 128GB Unlocked is the better all-around choice, with a 50MP main camera compared with the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G 128GB Unlocked’s 12MP main camera. Both phones have a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, a 120Hz refresh rate and a 4,500mAh battery, so screen size and battery capacity do not separate them.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G 128GB Unlocked has a dedicated 8MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, giving it a useful advantage for distant subjects. The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 128GB Unlocked also includes a telephoto camera, alongside its higher-resolution main camera. For most shoppers, the newer-feeling camera balance makes the S23 FE the Best bet. Choose the S21 FE when a 3x optical zoom lens matters more than main-camera resolution.
Which Samsung phone is the best Black Friday 2026 buy?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 128GB Unlocked is the best Black Friday 2026 buy for most shoppers who want strong everyday features in a familiar 6.4-inch size. Its 50MP main camera, 120Hz display and dedicated telephoto camera make it a versatile pick without stepping up to a larger phone.
Shoppers who prioritize screen space should compare the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB Unlocked and Samsung Galaxy S23+ 256GB Unlocked, both of which have displays larger than 6.4 inches. The Samsung Galaxy A55 5G 128GB Unlocked and Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked both offer 5,000mAh batteries, making them useful alternatives for everyday tasks. Match the phone to your priorities first, then compare the available Black Friday 2026 listings. An Easy recommendation for compact-phone shoppers is the Samsung Galaxy S23 128GB Unlocked.
Which phone has the better camera: Galaxy S23 FE or Galaxy S21 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 128GB Unlocked has the higher-resolution main camera at 50MP, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G 128GB Unlocked has a 12MP main camera and an 8MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. Both phones offer multiple rear cameras, so shoppers get more than a basic single-lens setup either way.
Camera resolution alone does not define photo quality, but it is a helpful starting point when comparing these models. The S23 FE is the clearer pick for shoppers who want a high-resolution main camera. The S21 FE has a distinct advantage for distant subjects with its 3x optical telephoto lens. Shoppers who take varied photos should also consider the ultra-wide cameras and camera modes listed for the exact unlocked variant before choosing.
Which Galaxy FE phone has the better screen and battery?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 128GB Unlocked and Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G 128GB Unlocked tie on core screen and battery figures, with 6.4-inch displays, 120Hz refresh rates and 4,500mAh batteries. Both suit shoppers who want a smooth screen without moving to a larger phone.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB Unlocked offers a 6.7-inch screen and 4,700mAh battery for shoppers who prefer a larger viewing area. For even more battery capacity on paper, the Samsung Galaxy A55 5G 128GB Unlocked and Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked each list a 5,000mAh battery. Battery life also depends on settings, network conditions and how the phone is used, so capacity is a comparison point rather than a guarantee of a specific runtime.
Which Samsung alternative is best for long-term everyday use?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB Unlocked is the strongest alternative for shoppers who want a larger 6.7-inch display and a 50MP main camera in a newer FE-style package. The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 128GB Unlocked offers a more compact 6.4-inch format, while keeping a 50MP main camera and a 120Hz screen.
The Samsung Galaxy A55 5G 128GB Unlocked and Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked focus on essential features, large displays and 5,000mAh batteries. The Samsung Galaxy S23 128GB Unlocked is a better fit for buyers who want a smaller 6.1-inch phone. Before purchasing, check the seller’s exact storage and network variant, software-support details and return terms. Those checks help ensure the phone suits your carrier and your expected ownership period.
Buying Guide
Choose the right screen size
The Samsung Galaxy S23 128GB Unlocked has a 6.1-inch screen for shoppers who prefer compact phones. The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 128GB Unlocked and Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G 128GB Unlocked each have a 6.4-inch display. Pick a 6.6-inch or 6.7-inch alternative for more room to watch videos, read and multitask.
Compare camera setups, not just megapixels
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 128GB Unlocked pairs a 50MP main camera with a dedicated telephoto camera. The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G 128GB Unlocked offers 3x optical zoom through its 8MP telephoto camera. Choose based on whether main-camera resolution or optical zoom better matches your photos.
Use battery capacity as a comparison point
The Samsung Galaxy A55 5G 128GB Unlocked and Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked each list a 5,000mAh battery. The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 128GB Unlocked and Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G 128GB Unlocked each list 4,500mAh. Real-world battery life varies with settings and use.
Check storage and network compatibility
The Samsung Galaxy S23+ 256GB Unlocked includes 256GB of storage, while the other listed product variants have 128GB. Confirm that the unlocked phone supports your carrier’s network bands and that its storage suits your photos, apps and downloads before placing an order.
Compare the exact Black Friday listing
For Black Friday 2026, compare the exact phone model, storage, condition, seller and return policy before buying. A listing for the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G 128GB Unlocked is not interchangeable with a listing for the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 128GB Unlocked. Verify the product name and included accessories.
FAQ
Galaxy S23 FE vs Galaxy S21 FE Black Friday: which should I buy?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 128GB Unlocked for its 50MP main camera and balanced 6.4-inch size. Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G 128GB Unlocked if its dedicated 3x optical telephoto camera is more useful to you. Both phones have 4,500mAh batteries and 120Hz displays.
Is the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE newer than the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 128GB Unlocked is a newer model than the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G 128GB Unlocked. For a Black Friday 2026 comparison, shoppers should focus on practical differences: a 50MP main camera on the S23 FE and a 3x optical telephoto camera on the S21 FE.
Does the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE have a better camera than the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 128GB Unlocked has a higher-resolution 50MP main camera than the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G 128GB Unlocked, whose main camera is 12MP. The S21 FE has a dedicated 8MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, an advantage for distant subjects.
Do the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE and Samsung Galaxy S21 FE have the same battery size?
Yes. The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 128GB Unlocked and Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G 128GB Unlocked each have a 4,500mAh battery. Battery runtime depends on screen settings, network conditions and usage, so equal capacity does not guarantee identical time between charges.
Which Samsung phone is best for battery capacity on Black Friday 2026?
The Samsung Galaxy A55 5G 128GB Unlocked and Samsung Galaxy A35 5G 128GB Unlocked lead this list by battery capacity, with 5,000mAh batteries each. The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB Unlocked offers 4,700mAh and a larger 6.7-inch display for shoppers who want a premium FE alternative.