Apple iPhone 17e 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 17e has the sharper one at 457 PPI, and the iPhone 17e goes up to 512GB of storage, where the S23 FE tops out at 256GB. The iPhone 17e 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.

If you'd rather pay up front, the S23 FE is the cheaper buy at £210 SIM-free.

Expert Rating
3.9
11 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 A19 (3 nm) Exynos 2200
Battery
4,005 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/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
169 grams 209 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP53 - dust and splash protection
Contracts
£25.99/mo (£0.00 upfront) -
SIM-free
£567.00 £209.99

Prices updated 25 July 2026

Apple iPhone 17e Apple iPhone 17e Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Expert Rating 3.9
11 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 A19 (3 nm) Exynos 2200
Battery 4,005 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/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 169 grams 209 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP53 - dust and splash protection
Contracts £25.99/mo
£0.00 upfront
-
SIM-free £567.00 £209.99
Prices updated 25 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone 17e
Apple iPhone 17e

24 Months

256GB

White

30GB

Data

£25.99 per month, with FREE phone.

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

128GB

Cream

Refurbished

From £209.99

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone 17e or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has the bigger screen at 6.4" compared to the Apple iPhone 17e's 6.1", the Apple iPhone 17e has the sharper display at 457 pixels per inch versus 403, and the Apple iPhone 17e 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 17e or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?

The Apple iPhone 17e 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 17e 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 17e and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?

The Apple iPhone 17e is available in 256GB, 512GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE comes in 128GB, 256GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone 17e and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE use?

The Apple iPhone 17e is powered by the Apple A19 (3 nm), while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE uses the Exynos 2200.

Which is easier to carry and hold, the Apple iPhone 17e or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?

The Apple iPhone 17e is the more portable of the two: it's 40g lighter at 169 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 17e or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?

The Apple iPhone 17e 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 17e and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE run?

The Apple iPhone 17e 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.