Apple iPhone 16e vs Samsung Galaxy S25

Our Verdict: Galaxy S25 has the better claim for Android apps and services, led by the Android ecosystem and the higher expert-rating average at 4.1. iPhone 16e is not just a fallback, though: it brings the sharper 457 PPI display and the iOS ecosystem. Pick Galaxy S25 if those advantages are decisive, but lean toward iPhone 16e when display sharpness is more important.

The iPhone 16e is the cheaper one to own: around £481 over a typical contract, £112 less than the S25.

Expert Rating
3.7
12 reviews
4.1
11 reviews
Screen
6.1" 6.2"
Display
Super Retina XDR OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1170 x 2532 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
457 416
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A18 (3 nm) Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Battery
4,005 mAh 4,000 mAh
Storage
128GB, 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
OS
Apple iOS Android 15
SIM Type
nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-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 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm 146.9 x 70.4 x 7.2 mm
Weight
167 grams 162 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts
£14.99/mo (£99.00 upfront) £22.00/mo (£20.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£359.99 £439.99

Prices updated 25 July 2026

Apple iPhone 16e Apple iPhone 16e Samsung Galaxy S25 Samsung Galaxy S25
Expert Rating 3.7
12 reviews
4.1
11 reviews
Screen 6.1" 6.2"
Display Super Retina XDR OLED Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1170 x 2532 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 457 416
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 12 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A18 (3 nm) Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Battery 4,005 mAh 4,000 mAh
Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
OS Apple iOS Android 15
SIM Type nano-SIM and e-SIM nano-SIM and e-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 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm 146.9 x 70.4 x 7.2 mm
Weight 167 grams 162 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts £14.99/mo
£99.00 upfront
£22.00/mo
£20.00 upfront
SIM-free £359.99 £439.99
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 16e
Apple iPhone 16e

24 Months

128GB

White

Refurbished

Unlimited

Data

£14.99 per month, £99 upfront.

Use code: SAVING10 (£10)

Samsung Galaxy S25
Samsung Galaxy S25

24 Months

128GB

Navy

Refurbished

1GB

Data

£22 per month, £20 upfront.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone 16e or Samsung Galaxy S25 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone 16e is cheaper on contract at £481.16 over the life of the deal from £14.99 per month with £99.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 16e or Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 has the bigger screen at 6.2" compared to the Apple iPhone 16e's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 16e has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 416, and the Apple iPhone 16e uses a Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S25 has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 16e or Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Apple iPhone 16e features a 48 Megapixels rear camera, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 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 S25?

The Apple iPhone 16e is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £359.99.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone 16e and Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Apple iPhone 16e is available in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 16e and Samsung Galaxy S25 use?

The Apple iPhone 16e is powered by the Apple A18 (3 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S25 uses the Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm).

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 16e or Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is the more portable of the two: it's 5g lighter at 162 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 146.9 x 70.4 x 7.2 mm, and is slimmer at 7.2mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 16e or Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Apple iPhone 16e is rated IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins), while the Samsung Galaxy S25 is rated IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes.

What operating system do the Apple iPhone 16e and Samsung Galaxy S25 run?

The Apple iPhone 16e runs Apple iOS and the Samsung Galaxy S25 runs Android 15. This is one of the biggest factors when choosing between the two, as each ecosystem has its own apps, services and features.