Upgrading from an S20 FE 5g, Where to Buy an S23+/S23 Ultra 512GB, or a Fold 4?

seraphim2017 on 26/07/2024 - 10:50

Wondering what people's experiences are of jumping up 3 or so generations in the samsung world?

Had my S20 Fe from new and battery life is notably worse not, plus, wouldn't mind dual sim for an esim for data.

Accepting the loss of SD means getting 512gb as I store a ton of movies for poor reception on the way to work.

Any reason to go for the ultra over the S23+ if the camera on the S20 still gives good results (to my eye anyway)?

Any reason to avoid the Fold 4 used?

Like the thought of S23 snapdragon over S24 exynos plus the cost of course!

Ebay experiences, green gadgets, mobile federation etc are they all the same for an 'excellent' condition handset?

Mobile Mobile Phone Samsung Android

Comments

  • Duckie2hh on 26/07/2024 - 10:56
    -3

    Where to Buy an S23+/S23 Ultra 512GB, or a Fold 4?

    Telstra.com

    • seraphim2017 on 26/07/2024 - 11:12
      +1

      Thanks @Duckie2hh. I'm not with telstra and don't feel like selling a kidney to join them!

      • eutama on 26/07/2024 - 16:44

        I am in the exact same boat as you with S20FE. Would you consider S23FE tho? it has esim! And telstra selling it on special atm, out right for $699.

        https://www.telstra.com.au/mobile-phones/mobiles-on-a-plan/s…

      • HeWhoKnows on 27/07/2024 - 10:33
        -3

        If you want a true "upgrade" get youself an iPhone 15 Pro

        • seraphim2017 on 27/07/2024 - 11:35

          Not many points of difference between iPhone and Samsung now that they did away with SD card. Don't like apples "apple way" of doing things and like androids easier (for me), folder on windows. But an iPhone 15 pro 512gb isn't exactly the same price bracket as an s23+ so not a comparison for now!

  • JIMB0 on 26/07/2024 - 11:54

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/858574

    Dual Sim, headphone jack and SD card slot. Much cheaper as well.

    • seraphim2017 on 26/07/2024 - 11:58

      Thanks.

      The G84 has no e-Sim and camera dire, otherwise I'd have gotten the G54 (for the e-sim) for sure, Sd card slot will be missed!

      Do use the camera a lot so a good camera is important for me, as is battery life, hence the + over the standard. .

  • ihfree on 26/07/2024 - 12:00

    I did the S20FE 5G -> S22 Ultra.

    Was it worth it? Kind of. I was mostly happy with the the S20FE. In hindsight, I probably should have stuck with the S20FE longer.

    Likes

    • Improved Camera
    • 10X optical zoom
    • Bigger Screen
    • Dual sim/eSim - This was really useful on a recent trip
    • S-pen - stylus/remotely triggering the camera

    Dislikes

    • Curved screen - as tempered glass screen protectors are more challenging
    • SnowDragon on 26/07/2024 - 12:09
      +4

      I did the same upgrade. Got a perfect condition 22U for $500 from Marketplace.

      Didn't bother with a screen protector as it (apparently) impacts fingerprint detection.
      My main complaint with the S20FE was it would constantly try and unlock while in my pocket and occasionally emergency dial numbers.

      • ihfree on 26/07/2024 - 12:16

        I'm using plastic film screen protectors on my one.

        My main complaint with the S20FE was it would constantly try and unlock while in my pocket and occasionally emergency dial numbers.

        Interesting - never had that issue with my one.

        • babyyodathethird on 26/07/2024 - 19:25
          +1

          I would always have the accidental touch pop up which was annoying enough, and have somehow managed to call 000 multiple times with the phone in my pocket. That was my biggest gripe with the phone, having the emergency call button so accessible and impossible to remove from the main screen.

      • foxmulder on 26/07/2024 - 13:24

        Glass type seems have issues with the fingerprint, but if you get the plastic rubbery one like Tech21 Impact Shield, finger print is flawless.

      • kongkurr on 26/07/2024 - 14:06
        +2

        I had those issues too with my S20FE. I remember while bending down, I could hear a "hello?", which turned out to be a 000 operator I had to apologise to. I needed to keep it in my pocket facing outwards or it would have a mind of its own.

    • seraphim2017 on 26/07/2024 - 12:38

      Thanks, didn't realise ultra was curved screen, I dislike those for some reason, so S23 plus (stylus not critical to me), sounding better if the S23+ camera at least as good as the S20fe one.

      My S20 constantly ghost touches and unlocks too no fixes from Samsung only reason to stay with them is the cameras are good on them! Otherwise its an android "iphone' nowadays in limitations so less points of difference between the 2!

  • netbies on 26/07/2024 - 13:29

    I did pretty much the same up from s20FE to s24+. I didnt pick the ultra as I dont need the s pen and size is a bit smaller more suitable for me. I didnt like the curve screen as well so skipped the s22 and s23. Oh. I forgot to say I got the international S24+ instead for the SD.

    • seraphim2017 on 26/07/2024 - 13:33

      How much was it and where from? don't want to spend too much but if price differential bearable!

      • netbies on 26/07/2024 - 15:14

        I bought when I travelled to Hong Kong earlier this year. Well, it depends on exchange rate though with the place you are going to. It was pretty much close to RRP, I bought the 512GB for around 1.6k at that time, but it included some free gifts like case, power bank….etc.

  • foxmulder on 26/07/2024 - 13:36

    I recently returned S21 Ultra 512gb due to blur issues with the camera and today I received s22 ultra 512gb but very scratchy, this I need to return it. Sigh.

    Refurbished S21 Ultra seems to have good price point of $550-600 while S22 Ultra is around $700-800. S23 Ultra is beyond $1k, way over my budget.

    When I use the S21 Ultra I didn't notice much of the curve? S22 ultra follows Note blocky form and has pen holder inside it.

    Ultra is definitely the option as it has the highest memory, help in day to day usage. 512gb is definitely the option as no expandable memory option.

    By the way you should set your battery to 80% to prolong its life.

    • seraphim2017 on 26/07/2024 - 13:37

      Which seller was this from and what condition did they describe it as? Thanks

      • foxmulder on 26/07/2024 - 14:00

        S21 Ultra I bought on early April from Green Gadgets. It was marked as 'Excellent Condition' but the phone was flawless, almost like brand new. They shipped in 'phone box' with USB-A charger and USB-C to USB-A cable included. I use my own cable and charger. Too bad it has camera issue, otherwise I'll defiitely keep it as it was a nice phone. I returned on Monday this week and I received confirmation of refund on Wednesday as they have received it. The refund was dated on Thursday. It wasn't a refund to original payment as it passed the 3 month mark.

        I was about to buy again from them but they do not have the phone I want. Probably I should have just waited.

        S22 Ultra I bought from Mobile Federation - It is titled with As New Condition but there is listing condition of Excellent Refurbished.

        Screen and back are weirdly no scratch but the sticking out cameras areas and all phone sides are very scratchy, not sure why this thing happend. I didn't even bother turn on the phone at all. Open return and get my prepaid return label. I may need to look for signature option and insurance option when I submit this afternoon to post office.

        • seraphim2017 on 26/07/2024 - 14:02

          Let me know how the return /service experience is with mobile federation, toss up between those 2 (not sure if they might even be the same company!)

          • foxmulder on 26/07/2024 - 14:08

            @seraphim2017: Mobile Federation return is addressed to Rhodes, NSW. Green Gadget one is to Auburn, NSW.

            I'll keep you posted. Should be eBay controlled return. The soonest it's delivered, seller have few days to close it with refund otherwise it's closed by eBay.

          • foxmulder on 30/07/2024 - 14:07

            @seraphim2017: Here is an update: I shipped back the phone on Friday. There is no insurance nor signature option as the label is auto generated unless I use a new label I needed to pay myself. Thus I used what was provided by the return. On Monday about noon, return closed with full refund. Mostly back to gift card, a small amount refund back to credit card (that's how I paid anyway).

            Good thing is fast refund by Mobile Federation.

            • seraphim2017 on 30/07/2024 - 18:34

              @foxmulder: Thanks for the update @foxmulder . At least you got the refund quickly so that's good but hopefully next time you get one the condition will be as advertised!

        • Minimum chips on 28/07/2024 - 10:54
          +1

          Screen and back are weirdly no scratch but the sticking out cameras areas and all phone sides are very scratchy,

          They sell film protector sets for both screen and back of phone, they probably had one of those applied.

  • seraphim2017 on 26/07/2024 - 14:00

    Seems like no votes for the fold 4? Is it a bad handset?

    • ESEMCE on 26/07/2024 - 14:50

      Just so risky unless you turn over handsets every year or two.
      (it seems like you're not that person)

      • seraphim2017 on 26/07/2024 - 14:51
        +1

        Normally I am, just the S20 FE has just done everything I needed from it!

        Plus limited (read zero!) sd card options now) have made me reluctant to 'upgrade', but battery life is becoming poor now.

        is it risky because they're subject to failure more than a classic bar design?

        • ESEMCE on 26/07/2024 - 15:03

          Yes. the screen will fail, it's a matter of when, not if.

  • HardlyNormal on 26/07/2024 - 14:53
    +1

    If you can find a good deal on a S24 ultra i would highly suggest, flat screen is a big plus.
    fold 4 is atrocious compared to fold 6 which is on preorder, much more reliable. plenty of preorder offers around. never buy a used fold.

    • seraphim2017 on 26/07/2024 - 14:58

      Thanks. S24 ultra is way out of what I'd pay in 2024 (maybe in 18 months!) but thanks, I'll avoid the fold 4 then! Narrows field to S23 plus for flat screen, decent camera, flat screen! Now to find a seller!

  • Mugsy on 27/07/2024 - 07:09

    I can't answer the jumping up 3 generations question but getting the S23U when it was $1598 discounted, and then applying the $500 trade in gift card trick from JB making it an effective $1098 made it a viable purchase for this Ozbargainer who historically only bought mid range phones (my previously most expensive phone was $450).

    • seraphim2017 on 27/07/2024 - 07:15

      Yeah, seen some crazy tricks and prices from 6 months ago, need a time machine😂 always confused how the stacking works, how are.you finding the 23ultra? Worth it?

      • Mugsy on 27/07/2024 - 08:54

        Absolutely worth it.

        Camera is awesome. I was using my DSLR/Mirrorless gear less anyway but my Oppo Reno2 Z (besides having a dying battery) was a little lacking in the camera department. My wife has had a Huawei P30 Pro during my time with the Oppo and the 10x zoom and UWA in the one phone was absolutely amazing so being able to have that now is great.

        I normally use 50% of the battery in a day and I game too. The better processor helps here I guess compared to my Oppo Reno2 Z.

        The customisation on Samsung suits me really well. I regret listening to all the talk of bloatware when a lot of it is useful to me… not so much for my wife though (but the big screen on the Fold 5 compensates for excess options for her).

  • jonkvh on 27/07/2024 - 16:09

    About the battery degrading, just don't ever use wireless charging. Had two top of the range phones years ago, where after one year, both phone batteries were stuffed.

    • seraphim2017 on 27/07/2024 - 16:18
      +1

      Never do, but also charge to 100% because…well, why advertise max battery life if you're never supposed to fully charge it? Advertise battery life between 30-80% instead! (Battery life reporting bugbear!) 😂. I hear wireless heats phone so not good long term.

  • Techie4066 on 28/07/2024 - 22:12

    I went S20 FE 5G > S22 > S23+ (512GB as well), would highly recommend. I also had ghost touch and pocket dialling issues with the FE.

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