Galaxy S25 FE vs iPhone 16
Both the Galaxy S25 FE and the iPhone 16 sit in the flagship smartphone class, and Samsung and Apple are clearly watching each other. By our tally, the iPhone 16 leads 2 of 5 areas. The performance section is where it pulls furthest ahead of the Galaxy S25 FE. Keep the price gap in mind throughout: $149 separates the Galaxy S25 FE from the iPhone 16 at launch.
At a glance
- Display Trade-off
- Performance iPhone 16 wins
- Memory & Storage Tie
- Camera Galaxy S25 FE wins
- Battery & Charging iPhone 16 wins
- 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
Put simply, the Galaxy S25 FE is far ahead here: 120 Hz compared with 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 Galaxy S25 FE has an extra rear camera
The Galaxy S25 FE’s 3 leaves the iPhone 16’s 2 well behind, so if this spec matters to you, the choice is easy. The count alone doesn’t guarantee quality, but the Galaxy S25 FE gives you more lenses to choose from.
-
The iPhone 16 has a 0.71 oz lighter build
The iPhone 16 nudges ahead with 6 oz, while the Galaxy S25 FE lists 6.70 oz. The iPhone 16 is easier on your wrist during long reading or gaming sessions.
-
The Galaxy S25 FE has a 0.6-inch larger screen
For screen size, the figures are 6.7 in for the Galaxy S25 FE and 6.1 in for the iPhone 16. Treat it as a question of preference, not quality. 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 16 has 19% sharper pixel density
Not a close call. The iPhone 16 lists 460 ppi and the Galaxy S25 FE lists 385 ppi. That’s a substantial gap. Pixel density matters most if you hold your phone close or read a lot of small type; for casual use, the gap is subtle.
Design & Size
- Galaxy S25 FE 6.35 in × 3.02 in × 0.29 in
- iPhone 16 5.81 in × 2.82 in × 0.31 in
The Galaxy S25 FE simply takes up more room than the iPhone 16, whether that’s on a desk, in a bag or in a parking space. If lightness matters, note the 0.71 oz gap in favor of the iPhone 16. The Galaxy S25 FE is 0.02 in thinner than the iPhone 16.
Design & Build
| Spec | Galaxy S25 FE | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 oz (winner) |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Armor Aluminum | Aluminum |
Display
Trade-off
Neither has the whole package on display. The Galaxy S25 FE has a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz, while the iPhone 16 has 19% sharper pixel density. Net result on display: a genuine trade-off.
Refresh rate
Galaxy S25 FE: 120 Hz iPhone 16: 60 Hz You notice refresh rate every time you scroll a feed or a web page, which is why the Galaxy S25 FE feels more fluid in everyday use.
Screen size
Galaxy S25 FE: 6.7 in iPhone 16: 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
iPhone 16 leads
The iPhone 16 squeezes out a win in the performance section. Choose the iPhone 16 and you get a newer 3 nm chip process. A finer process node generally lets a chip do the same work with less power, which can mean cooler running and better battery life. Prioritize performance, and the iPhone 16 is where you should land.
Process node
Galaxy S25 FE: 4 nm iPhone 16: 3 nm Process numbers are partly marketing labels these days, so read this as a hint about efficiency rather than a verdict.
CPU cores
Galaxy S25 FE: 10 iPhone 16: 6 Treat the core count as background information; the chipset name tells you far more about real performance.
Memory & Storage
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On memory & storage, both deliver about the same. Both cover memory & storage well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Camera
Galaxy S25 FE leads
On balance, the Galaxy S25 FE leads the camera section, just not by much. In its favor, the Galaxy S25 FE has an extra rear camera. 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. Weighing only camera, the Galaxy S25 FE comes out ahead.
Rear cameras
Galaxy S25 FE: 3 iPhone 16: 2 An extra rear camera usually means another focal length (ultra-wide, telephoto or macro) and more freedom in framing.
Battery & Charging
iPhone 16 leads
A modest lead on battery & charging belongs to the iPhone 16. The iPhone 16 adds faster 25 W wireless charging. If you rely on a wireless pad at your desk or bedside, the iPhone 16 refills quicker there. The takeaway: on battery & charging, the iPhone 16 is the stronger phone.
Wireless charging
Galaxy S25 FE: 15 W iPhone 16: 25 W Wireless charging is usually slower than a cable, so this edge matters mainly to people who value the convenience.
Software & Updates
For software & updates, the spec sheet lists components and formats rather than figures we can rank. The table shows what the Galaxy S25 FE and the iPhone 16 each bring.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | Galaxy S25 FE | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2400 | A18 |
| CPU cores | 10 | 6 |
| Process node | 4 nm | 3 nm (winner) |
| RAM | 8 GB | N/A (not specified) |
Memory & Storage
| Spec | Galaxy S25 FE | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Base storage | 128 GB | 128 GB |
| Max storage | N/A (not specified) | 512 GB |
| microSD slot | No | No |
Camera
| Spec | Galaxy S25 FE | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery capacity | 4,900 mAh | N/A (not specified) |
| Rated video playbackManufacturer rating | N/A (not specified) | 22 h |
| Wired charging | 45 W | N/A (not specified) |
| Wireless charging | 15 W | 25 W (winner) |
| Port | USB-C | USB-C (USB 2) |
Software & Updates
| Spec | Galaxy S25 FE | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| OS at launch | Android 16 (One UI 8) | iOS 18 |
| Promised OS updatesManufacturer commitment | 7 years | N/A (not specified) |
Design & Build
| Spec | Galaxy S25 FE | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 oz (winner) |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Frame | Armor Aluminum | Aluminum |
Price
| Spec | Galaxy S25 FE | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| 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
This is not a small price difference: $149, or 23%, separates the two launch prices. What does the iPhone 16’s extra $149 actually get you? Mainly a 0.71 oz lighter build and 19% sharper pixel density.
Launch prices in the US as of September 2025; street prices move, so check before you buy.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Galaxy S25 FE if…
- you want smoother scrolling (120 Hz vs 60 Hz)
- you like switching between focal lengths (3 vs 2 cameras)
- you want the slimmer phone (0.29 in vs 0.31 in)
- you want an always-on display
- you want the lower price and can live with the trade-offs ($149 less)
Choose the iPhone 16 if…
- you notice every gram in your pocket (6 oz vs 6.70 oz)
- you want the sharper screen (460 ppi vs 385 ppi)
- you want faster wireless charging (25 W vs 15 W)
- you care about efficiency under the hood (3 nm vs 4 nm process node)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Galaxy S25 FE or the iPhone 16?
We’d point most buyers to the iPhone 16. The main exception is if you know that a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz would make a real difference in your routine.
Is the Galaxy S25 FE bigger than the iPhone 16?
The iPhone 16 is actually the more compact one. It measures 5.81 × 2.82 × 0.31 in, while the Galaxy S25 FE comes in at 6.35 × 3.02 × 0.29 in.
Which is faster, the Galaxy S25 FE or the iPhone 16?
Going by the specs, the iPhone 16 comes out ahead: it offers a newer 3 nm chip process.
Which has the better camera, the Galaxy S25 FE or the iPhone 16?
The Galaxy S25 FE has the edge for photography, offering an extra rear camera.
Which costs less, the Galaxy S25 FE or the iPhone 16?
The iPhone 16 launched at $149 more than the Galaxy S25 FE, based on prices as of September 2025.
Is the Galaxy S25 FE lighter than the iPhone 16?
On the scale, the iPhone 16 comes out ahead at 0.71 oz lighter than the Galaxy S25 FE.
Executive Summary
Cross-brand comparisons are where I find the real differences in philosophy, and the Galaxy S25 FE versus the iPhone 16 shows that nicely. Honestly, a 0.71 oz lighter build on the iPhone 16 does a lot of the persuading for me. Less flashy, but still real: the iPhone 16 brings 19% sharper pixel density. I’ll admit the Galaxy S25 FE has a point with a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz.
The Galaxy S25 FE is for you if camera tops your list; the iPhone 16 is for you if performance does.
My pick: the iPhone 16 for most people, with the Galaxy S25 FE as the smarter choice if what you want most is a 120 Hz display instead of 60 Hz.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.