Apple iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has the better camera on paper, 50MP versus 48MP, and there's more battery in the S23 FE, 4500mAh to 3561mAh, 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 Apple iPhone 16 has the sharper one at 461 PPI, and the iPhone 16 goes up to 512GB of storage, where the S23 FE tops out at 256GB. The iPhone 16 is the one to have if you want what it adds, but the S23 FE is the smarter buy if you'd rather keep the money.
Buying outright, the S23 FE starts at £210 SIM-free.
12 reviews 3.6
11 reviews
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Apple iPhone 16
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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 | 2556 x 1179 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 461 | 403 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 10 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A18 (3 nm) | Exynos 2200 |
| Battery | 3,561 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/6e/7 | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e |
| Bluetooth | 5.3, 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 | 170 grams | 209 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP53 - dust and splash protection |
| Contracts |
£26.99/mo
£19.00 upfront |
- |
| SIM-free | £479.99 | £209.99 |
| Prices updated 25 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has the bigger screen at 6.4" compared to the Apple iPhone 16's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 16 has the sharper display at 461 pixels per inch versus 403, and the Apple iPhone 16 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 16 or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Apple iPhone 16 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 16 or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £209.99.
What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Apple iPhone 16 is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE use?
The Apple iPhone 16 is powered by the Apple A18 (3 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE uses the Exynos 2200.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Apple iPhone 16 is the more portable of the two: it's 39g lighter at 170 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 16 or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Apple iPhone 16 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 16 and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE run?
The Apple iPhone 16 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.