Apple iPhone 15 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE leads on camera hardware with a 50MP main sensor to the Apple iPhone 15's 48MP, and the S23 FE has the bigger battery of the two, 4500mAh against 3349mAh, though iOS and Android manage power differently, so more mAh doesn't always mean longer battery life. The S23 FE has the bigger screen at 6.4" against 6.1", while the iPhone 15 5G has the sharper one at 461 PPI, and storage goes higher on the iPhone 15 5G, up to 512GB against 256GB. Only pay up for the iPhone 15 5G if you'll use what it offers; if not, the S23 FE makes more sense.

If you'd rather pay up front, the S23 FE is the cheaper buy at £179 SIM-free.

Expert Rating
4.2
12 reviews
3.6
11 reviews
Screen
6.1" 6.4"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1179 x 2556 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
461 403
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) Exynos 2200
Battery
3,349 mAh 4,500 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB
OS
Apple iOS Android 13
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity
Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e
Bluetooth
5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.3 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions
147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm
Weight
171 grams 209 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP53 - dust and splash protection
Contracts
£20.50/mo (£10.00 upfront) -
SIM-free
£334.99 £179.00

Prices updated 19 July 2026

Apple iPhone 15 Apple iPhone 15 Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Expert Rating 4.2
12 reviews
3.6
11 reviews
Screen 6.1" 6.4"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1179 x 2556 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 461 403
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) Exynos 2200
Battery 3,349 mAh 4,500 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB
OS Apple iOS Android 13
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM Nano SIM
Connectivity Up to 5G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e
Bluetooth 5.3 with A2DP, LE 5.3 with A2DP, LE
Dimensions 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm
Weight 171 grams 209 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP53 - dust and splash protection
Contracts £20.50/mo
£10.00 upfront
-
SIM-free £334.99 £179.00
Prices updated 19 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 15
Apple iPhone 15

24 Months

128GB

Black

Refurbished

1GB

Data

£20.50 per month, £10 upfront.

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

128GB

Mint

Refurbished

From £179

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has the bigger screen at 6.4" compared to the Apple iPhone 15's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 15 has the sharper display at 461 pixels per inch versus 403, and the Apple iPhone 15 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?

The Apple iPhone 15 features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has a 50 Megapixels rear camera. Both devices also have front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.

Which is cheaper to buy SIM-free, the Apple iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £179.00.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 15 and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?

The Apple iPhone 15 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE comes in 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 15 and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE use?

The Apple iPhone 15 is powered by the Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE uses the Exynos 2200.

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?

The Apple iPhone 15 is the more portable of the two: it's 38g lighter at 171 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm, and is slimmer at 7.8mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?

The Apple iPhone 15 is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is rated IP53 - dust and splash protection.

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 15 and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE run?

The Apple iPhone 15 runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE runs Android 13. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.