Apple iPhone 17 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has a slightly higher-resolution main camera, 50MP against the Apple iPhone 17's 48MP, and the S23 FE packs the bigger battery, 4500mAh against 3692mAh, though iOS and Android manage power differently, so more mAh doesn't always mean longer battery life. The iPhone 17 offers up to 512GB of storage versus 256GB on the S23 FE, and the iPhone 17 has the sharper display at 458 PPI to 403. The iPhone 17 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 17
|
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Expert Rating | 4.5 12 reviews |
3.6 11 reviews |
| Screen | 6.3" | 6.4" |
| Display | LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1206 x 2622 | 1080 x 2340 |
| Pixels Per Inch | 458 | 403 |
| Rear Camera | 48 Megapixels | 50 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 18 Megapixels | 10 Megapixels |
| Chipset | Apple A19 Pro | Exynos 2200 |
| Battery | 3,692 mAh | 4,500 mAh |
| Storage | 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 | 6.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3 with A2DP, LE |
| Dimensions | 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm | 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm |
| Weight | 177 grams | 209 grams |
| Water Resistance | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) | IP53 - dust and splash protection |
| Contracts |
£29.99/mo
£39.00 upfront |
- |
| SIM-free | £601.00 | £209.99 |
| Prices updated 25 July 2026 | ||
| Deals | Deals | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has the bigger screen at 6.4" compared to the Apple iPhone 17's 6.3", the Apple iPhone 17 has the sharper display at 458 pixels per inch versus 403, and the Apple iPhone 17 uses a LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED panel while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X.
Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Apple iPhone 17 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 17 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 17 and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Apple iPhone 17 is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE comes in 128GB, 256GB.
What processors do the Apple iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE use?
The Apple iPhone 17 is powered by the Apple A19 Pro, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE uses the Exynos 2200.
Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Apple iPhone 17 is the more portable of the two: it's 32g lighter at 177 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm.
Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone 17 or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
The Apple iPhone 17 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 17 and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE run?
The Apple iPhone 17 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.