Galaxy S25 FE vs iPhone 15
Both the Galaxy S25 FE and the iPhone 15 sit in the flagship smartphone class, and Samsung and Apple are clearly watching each other. The Galaxy S25 FE has the edge in 1 of the 5 areas we looked at, most visibly in the camera category. One more thing to weigh: a launch price difference of $149, with the Galaxy S25 FE as the lower-priced option.
At a glance
- Display Trade-off
- Performance Tie
- Memory & Storage Tie
- Camera Galaxy S25 FE wins
- Battery & Charging Tie
- Price Galaxy S25 FE wins
- Display5.0
- Camera2.4
- Display2.6
- Camera1.7
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
-
The Galaxy S25 FE has a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz
Big gap, real consequences. The Galaxy S25 FE’s 120 Hz versus the iPhone 15’s 60 Hz changes how the two compare in daily use. 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 Galaxy S25 FE has an extra rear camera
The iPhone 15 is clearly behind on rear cameras (2 against 3), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. An extra rear camera usually means another focal length (ultra-wide, telephoto or macro) and more freedom in framing.
-
The iPhone 15 has a 0.67 oz lighter build
Not a big gap, but a consistent one. The iPhone 15’s 6.03 oz beats the Galaxy S25 FE’s 6.70 oz. The iPhone 15 is easier on your wrist during long reading or gaming sessions.
-
The Galaxy S25 FE has a 0.6-inch larger screen
This one isn’t a win or a loss. The Galaxy S25 FE is larger here (6.7 in versus 6.1 in), which suits some people and not others. A bigger screen makes reading, video and maps more comfortable, while a smaller one is easier to use with one hand and slips into more pockets.
-
The iPhone 15 has 19% sharper pixel density
On this line of the spec sheet, the iPhone 15 is in a different league: 460 ppi, next to 385 ppi for the Galaxy S25 FE. Higher pixel density keeps text and fine detail crisper, although the benefit shrinks once both panels are already sharp at normal viewing distance.
Design & Size
- Galaxy S25 FE 6.35 in × 3.02 in × 0.29 in
- iPhone 15 5.81 in × 2.82 in × 0.31 in
Going by the official dimensions, the Galaxy S25 FE is the larger of the two. If lightness matters, note the 0.67 oz gap in favor of the iPhone 15. The iPhone 15 is the chunkier of the pair by 0.02 in.
Design & Build
| Spec | Galaxy S25 FE | iPhone 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6.35 in | 5.81 in |
| Width | 3.02 in | 2.82 in |
| Thickness | 0.29 in (winner) | 0.31 in |
| Weight | 6.70 oz | 6.03 oz (winner) |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Armor Aluminum | Aluminum |
Display
Trade-off
It depends what you value in display: the Galaxy S25 FE brings a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz, the iPhone 15 brings 19% sharper pixel density. Think about how you’ll use the phone; that’s what settles display.
Refresh rate
Galaxy S25 FE: 120 Hz iPhone 15: 60 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.
Screen size
Galaxy S25 FE: 6.7 in iPhone 15: 6.1 in Screen size is personal. If you watch a lot on your phone, the extra area pays off; if you text one-handed on the go, compact is kinder.
Performance
Too close to call
On paper, the performance comparison ends all square. On performance alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
CPU cores
Galaxy S25 FE: 10 iPhone 15: 6 Phone chips mix large and small cores, so a different count mostly reflects a different design rather than a clear speed gap.
Memory & Storage
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the memory & storage section. Treat memory & storage as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Camera
Galaxy S25 FE leads
Slight edge to the Galaxy S25 FE on camera. Most buyers could live happily with either. The Galaxy S25 FE steps ahead thanks to an extra rear camera. The count alone doesn’t guarantee quality, but the Galaxy S25 FE gives you more lenses to choose from. Net result: the Galaxy S25 FE leads this part of the comparison.
Rear cameras
Galaxy S25 FE: 3 iPhone 15: 2 More cameras help most when each covers a different view, so check the table to see what the Galaxy S25 FE’s extra lens adds.
Battery & Charging
Too close to call
Swap one for the other and you’d lose nothing on battery & charging. If battery & charging was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Software & Updates
The software & updates data here comes as names and types, not scores. Check the table to see what each one uses.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | Galaxy S25 FE | iPhone 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.7 in | 6.1 in |
| Panel type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X | OLED (Super Retina XDR) |
| Resolution | 2340 x 1080 | 2556 x 1179 |
| Pixel density | 385 ppi | 460 ppi (winner) |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz (winner) | 60 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 1,900 nits | 2,000 nits |
| Always-on display | Yes (winner) | No |
Performance
| Spec | Galaxy S25 FE | iPhone 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2400 | A16 Bionic |
| CPU cores | 10 | 6 |
| Process node | 4 nm | 4 nm |
| RAM | 8 GB | N/A (not specified) |
Memory & Storage
| Spec | Galaxy S25 FE | iPhone 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Base storage | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Max storage | N/A (not specified) | 512 GB |
| microSD slot | No | No |
Camera
| Spec | Galaxy S25 FE | iPhone 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Main camera | 50 MP | 48 MP |
| Ultra-wide camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Telephoto camera | 8 MP | N/A (not specified) |
| Optical zoom | 3× | N/A (not specified) |
| Rear cameras | 3 (winner) | 2 |
| Front camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Max video | 8K30 | 4K60 Dolby Vision |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | Galaxy S25 FE | iPhone 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 4,900 mAh | N/A (not specified) |
| Rated video playbackManufacturer rating | N/A (not specified) | 20 h |
| Wired charging | 45 W | N/A (not specified) |
| Wireless charging | 15 W | 15 W |
| Port | USB-C | USB-C (USB 2) |
Software & Updates
| Spec | Galaxy S25 FE | iPhone 15 |
|---|---|---|
| OS at launch | Android 16 (One UI 8) | iOS 17 |
| Promised OS updatesManufacturer commitment | 7 years | N/A (not specified) |
Design & Build
| Spec | Galaxy S25 FE | iPhone 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6.35 in | 5.81 in |
| Width | 3.02 in | 2.82 in |
| Thickness | 0.29 in (winner) | 0.31 in |
| Weight | 6.70 oz | 6.03 oz (winner) |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Armor Aluminum | Aluminum |
Price
| Spec | Galaxy S25 FE | iPhone 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $650 (winner) | $799 |
“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
The Galaxy S25 FE launched at $149 less than the iPhone 15, a gap of 23%. The iPhone 15 asks $149 more without winning more areas, which tilts value firmly toward the Galaxy S25 FE.
All prices are official US launch prices, last checked September 2025. Actual prices at stores may differ.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Galaxy S25 FE if…
- you game or scroll a lot and like motion to look fluid (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
- you want more lenses to choose from (3 vs 2 rear cameras)
- you want the slimmer phone (0.29 in vs 0.31 in)
- you want an always-on display
- you don’t need the extras that cost $149 more
Choose the iPhone 15 if…
- you notice every gram in your pocket (6.03 oz vs 6.70 oz)
- you notice fine detail in text and photos (460 ppi vs 385 ppi pixel density)
- you prefer something easier to fit into tight spaces
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Galaxy S25 FE or the iPhone 15?
For most people, the Galaxy S25 FE is the stronger choice, unless you’d trade the rest for a 0.67 oz lighter build.
Which is larger, the Galaxy S25 FE or the iPhone 15?
Going by the official dimensions, the Galaxy S25 FE is the bigger of the two at 6.35 × 3.02 × 0.29 in. The iPhone 15 measures 5.81 × 2.82 × 0.31 in.
Does the Galaxy S25 FE have a stronger camera setup than the iPhone 15?
Going by the hardware, the Galaxy S25 FE comes out ahead: an extra rear camera.
Which costs less, the Galaxy S25 FE or the iPhone 15?
The Galaxy S25 FE is the cheaper option, launching at $149 less than the iPhone 15 (launch prices as of September 2025).
Is the Galaxy S25 FE lighter than the iPhone 15?
Going by the official figures, the iPhone 15 weighs 0.67 oz less than the Galaxy S25 FE.
Executive Summary
Samsung makes the Galaxy S25 FE, Apple makes the iPhone 15, and both want the same spot on your shortlist. Here’s where I land. Practically speaking, the Galaxy S25 FE’s biggest advantage is a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz. And if that weren’t enough, the Galaxy S25 FE has an extra rear camera. Still, if you care most about a 0.67 oz lighter build, the iPhone 15 deserves a look.
Fit matters more than scores here. The Galaxy S25 FE suits buyers focused on camera; the iPhone 15 suits those focused on portability.
My pick: the Galaxy S25 FE, and I’d only look at the iPhone 15 if your top priority is a 0.67 oz lighter build.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.