Apple iPhone 16e vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has the better camera on paper, 50MP versus 48MP, and the S23 FE packs the bigger battery, 4500mAh against 4005mAh, but capacity doesn't compare cleanly across iOS and Android, so it isn't a battery-life verdict on its own. The S23 FE has the bigger screen at 6.4" against 6.1", while the Apple iPhone 16e has the sharper one at 457 PPI, and the iPhone 16e goes up to 512GB of storage, where the S23 FE tops out at 256GB. Get the iPhone 16e if those extras are worth it to you; otherwise the S23 FE covers the basics for less.
Buying outright, the S23 FE starts at £210 SIM-free.
12 reviews 3.6
11 reviews
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Apple iPhone 16e
|
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 3.7 12 reviews |
3.6 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.1" | 6.4" |
| Display | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 457 | 403 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 12 Megapixels | 10 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A18 (3 nm) | Exynos 2200 |
| Battery | 4,005 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, A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm | 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm |
| Weight | 167 grams | 209 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP53 - dust and splash protection |
| Contracts |
£14.99/mo
£99.00 upfront |
- |
| SIM-free | £359.99 | £209.99 |
| Prices updated 26 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16e or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has the bigger screen at 6.4" compared to the Apple iPhone 16e's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 16e has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 403, and the Apple iPhone 16e 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 16e or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Apple iPhone 16e 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 16e 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 16e and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Apple iPhone 16e is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 16e and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE use?
The Apple iPhone 16e 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 16e or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Apple iPhone 16e is the more portable of the two: it's 42g lighter at 167 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm, and is slimmer at 7.8mm thick.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16e or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Apple iPhone 16e 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 16e and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE run?
The Apple iPhone 16e 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.