iPhone 15 vs Samsung Galaxy S25
Apple brings the iPhone 15; Samsung answers with the Galaxy S25. Both play in the flagship smartphone class. This one has a front-runner. The Galaxy S25 wins 3 of 5 compared areas, and display is where the difference is hardest to miss.
At a glance
- Display Galaxy S25 wins
- Performance Galaxy S25 wins
- Memory & Storage Tie
- Camera Galaxy S25 wins
- Battery & Charging Tie
- Price iPhone 15 wins
- Display2.6
- Camera1.7
- Display5.8
- Camera2.4
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Galaxy S25 has a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz
Big gap, real consequences. The Galaxy S25’s 120 Hz versus the iPhone 15’s 60 Hz changes how the two compare in daily use. You notice refresh rate every time you scroll a feed or a web page, which is why the Galaxy S25 feels more fluid in everyday use.
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The Galaxy S25 has 30% higher peak brightness
The iPhone 15 is clearly behind on peak brightness (2,000 nits against 2,600 nits), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. If you use your phone outdoors a lot, the Galaxy S25’s brighter panel is the one that holds up better at midday.
-
The Galaxy S25 has an extra rear camera
On this line of the spec sheet, the Galaxy S25 is in a different league: 3, next to 2 for the iPhone 15. An extra rear camera usually means another focal length (ultra-wide, telephoto or macro) and more freedom in framing.
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The Galaxy S25 has a 0.32 oz lighter build
The Galaxy S25 gets a small bonus on weight, with 5.71 oz against the iPhone 15’s 6.03 oz. The Galaxy S25 is easier on your wrist during long reading or gaming sessions.
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The Galaxy S25 has a newer 3 nm chip process
For process node, the Galaxy S25 leads by a wide margin: 3 nm versus 4 nm. Process numbers are partly marketing labels these days, so read this as a hint about efficiency rather than a verdict.
Design & Size
- iPhone 15 5.81 in × 2.82 in × 0.31 in
- Galaxy S25 5.78 in × 2.78 in × 0.28 in
The footprint is practically the same, so size is not a reason to pick one over the other. The Galaxy S25 saves 0.32 oz. How much that matters depends on how you use it. On thickness, the Galaxy S25 leads by 0.02 in.
Design & Build
| Spec | iPhone 15 | Galaxy S25 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5.81 in | 5.78 in |
| Width | 2.82 in | 2.78 in |
| Thickness | 0.31 in | 0.28 in (winner) |
| Weight | 6.03 oz | 5.71 oz (winner) |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Armor Aluminum |
Display
Galaxy S25 leads
This section belongs to the Galaxy S25. In display, it leads the iPhone 15 by a margin that’s hard to ignore. The Galaxy S25 makes its case with a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz. A higher refresh rate makes scrolling, animations and games look smoother. Once you’re used to it, a lower-rate screen can feel sluggish by comparison. The iPhone 15 comes with 11% sharper pixel density. That makes the Galaxy S25 the natural choice for buyers focused on display.
Refresh rate
iPhone 15: 60 Hz Galaxy S25: 120 Hz Smoother motion is one of the most visible display upgrades, and adaptive high-refresh panels can slow down on static content to save power.
Peak brightness
iPhone 15: 2,000 nits Galaxy S25: 2,600 nits Peak brightness decides how readable the screen stays in direct sunlight and how punchy HDR content looks.
Performance
Galaxy S25 leads
The iPhone 15 keeps it close on performance, yet the Galaxy S25 holds a small lead. Choose the Galaxy S25 and you get a newer 3 nm chip process. The Galaxy S25’s chip is built on a more advanced process. That usually points to efficiency gains, though chip design matters just as much. For anyone who cares most about performance, the Galaxy S25 is the safer choice.
Process node
iPhone 15: 4 nm Galaxy S25: 3 nm A finer process node generally lets a chip do the same work with less power, which can mean cooler running and better battery life.
CPU cores
iPhone 15: 6 Galaxy S25: 8 Treat the core count as background information; the chipset name tells you far more about real performance.
Memory & Storage
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the memory & storage section; the two are too close to separate. The memory & storage verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Camera
Galaxy S25 leads
The Galaxy S25 squeezes out a win in the camera section. Here the Galaxy S25 offers an extra rear camera. The count alone doesn’t guarantee quality, but the Galaxy S25 gives you more lenses to choose from. The takeaway: on camera, the Galaxy S25 is the stronger phone.
Rear cameras
iPhone 15: 2 Galaxy S25: 3 More cameras help most when each covers a different view, so check the table to see what the Galaxy S25’s extra lens adds.
Battery & Charging
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On battery & charging, both deliver about the same. Bottom line for battery & charging: it’s a wash.
Software & Updates
On software & updates, the useful details are the names in the table: what each one uses, not a figure we can rank.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | iPhone 15 | Galaxy S25 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.1 in | 6.2 in |
| Panel type | OLED (Super Retina XDR) | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 2556 x 1179 | 2340 x 1080 |
| Pixel density | 460 ppi (winner) | 416 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 120 Hz (winner) |
| Peak brightness | 2,000 nits | 2,600 nits (winner) |
| Always-on display | No | Yes (winner) |
Performance
| Spec | iPhone 15 | Galaxy S25 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | A16 Bionic | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |
| CPU cores | 6 | 8 |
| Process node | 4 nm | 3 nm (winner) |
| RAM | N/A (not specified) | 12 GB |
Memory & Storage
| Spec | iPhone 15 | Galaxy S25 |
|---|---|---|
| Base storage | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Max storage | 512 GB | N/A (not specified) |
| microSD slot | No | No |
Camera
| Spec | iPhone 15 | Galaxy S25 |
|---|---|---|
| Main camera | 48 MP | 50 MP |
| Ultra-wide camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Telephoto camera | N/A (not specified) | 10 MP |
| Optical zoom | N/A (not specified) | 3× |
| Rear cameras | 2 | 3 (winner) |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Max video | 4K60 Dolby Vision | 8K30 |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | iPhone 15 | Galaxy S25 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | N/A (not specified) | 4,000 mAh |
| Rated video playbackManufacturer rating | 20 h | N/A (not specified) |
| Wired charging | N/A (not specified) | 25 W |
| Wireless charging | 15 W | 15 W |
| Port | USB-C (USB 2) | USB-C |
Software & Updates
| Spec | iPhone 15 | Galaxy S25 |
|---|---|---|
| OS at launch | iOS 17 | Android 15 (One UI 7) |
| Promised OS updatesManufacturer commitment | N/A (not specified) | 7 years |
Design & Build
| Spec | iPhone 15 | Galaxy S25 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5.81 in | 5.78 in |
| Width | 2.82 in | 2.78 in |
| Thickness | 0.31 in | 0.28 in (winner) |
| Weight | 6.03 oz | 5.71 oz (winner) |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Armor Aluminum |
Price
| Spec | iPhone 15 | Galaxy S25 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $799 | $800 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
Price barely moves the needle here: the Galaxy S25 launched $1 higher. The Galaxy S25 costs $1 more, and for that you get a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz and 30% higher peak brightness.
Launch prices in the US as of January 2025; street prices move, so check before you buy.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the iPhone 15 if…
- you want the sharper screen (460 ppi vs 416 ppi)
- you want the lower price and can live with the trade-offs ($1 less)
- you’re loyal to Apple and happy with it
Choose the Galaxy S25 if…
- you game or scroll a lot and like motion to look fluid (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
- you want the screen that stays readable on sunny days (2,600 nits vs 2,000 nits)
- you want more lenses to choose from (3 vs 2 rear cameras)
- you notice every gram in your pocket (5.71 oz vs 6.03 oz)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the iPhone 15 or the Galaxy S25?
The Galaxy S25 makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if you know that 11% sharper pixel density would make a real difference in your routine.
Which is larger, the iPhone 15 or the Galaxy S25?
The iPhone 15 and the Galaxy S25 are so close in size that you’d struggle to tell them apart on dimensions alone.
Does the iPhone 15 perform better than the Galaxy S25?
On paper, the Galaxy S25 is the stronger performer, with a newer 3 nm chip process.
Does the iPhone 15 have a stronger camera setup than the Galaxy S25?
The Galaxy S25 leads on camera specs thanks to an extra rear camera. Processing and personal taste also play a big part in photos.
Which has the better screen, the iPhone 15 or the Galaxy S25?
On display specs, the Galaxy S25 leads thanks to a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz and 30% higher peak brightness.
Which costs less, the iPhone 15 or the Galaxy S25?
At launch, the iPhone 15 undercut the Galaxy S25 by $1. These figures are as of January 2025, and street prices can change.
Executive Summary
Honestly, the iPhone 15 versus the Galaxy S25 is one of those matchups where your priorities matter more than the logo. The Galaxy S25 has a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz, and for most people that’s not a small thing. Plus, the Galaxy S25 gets an extra rear camera, which I wouldn’t overlook. Still, if you care most about 11% sharper pixel density, the iPhone 15 deserves a look.
Choose by what you’d use most: screen sharpness leads to the iPhone 15, display leads to the Galaxy S25.
My pick: if it were my money, the Galaxy S25, unless you specifically want 11% sharper pixel density, where the iPhone 15 has the edge.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.