Apple iPhone Air vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

Our Verdict: The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has a marginally higher-resolution main camera, 50MP against the Apple iPhone Air's 48MP, and the S23 FE has the bigger battery of the two, 4500mAh against 3149mAh, though iOS and Android manage power differently, so more mAh doesn't always mean longer battery life. The iPhone Air offers up to 1TB of storage versus 256GB on the S23 FE, and the iPhone Air has the sharper display at 444 PPI to 403. The iPhone Air 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
12 reviews
3.6
11 reviews
Screen
6.5" 6.4"
Display
LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1206 x 2622 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
444 403
Rear Camera
48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
18 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A19 Pro (3 nm) Exynos 2200
Battery
3,149 mAh 4,500 mAh
Storage
256GB, 512GB, 1TB 128GB, 256GB
OS
Apple iOS Android 13
SIM Type
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
156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm
Weight
165 grams 209 grams
Water Resistance
IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP53 - dust and splash protection
Contracts
£29.99/mo (£79.00 upfront) -
SIM-free
£589.99 £209.99

Prices updated 26 July 2026

Apple iPhone Air Apple iPhone Air Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Expert Rating 3.9
12 reviews
3.6
11 reviews
Screen 6.5" 6.4"
Display LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1206 x 2622 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 444 403
Rear Camera 48 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 18 Megapixels 10 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A19 Pro (3 nm) Exynos 2200
Battery 3,149 mAh 4,500 mAh
Storage 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 128GB, 256GB
OS Apple iOS Android 13
SIM Type 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 156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm
Weight 165 grams 209 grams
Water Resistance IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 6m for 30 mins) IP53 - dust and splash protection
Contracts £29.99/mo
£79.00 upfront
-
SIM-free £589.99 £209.99
Prices updated 26 July 2026
Deals Deals

Cheapest Deals

Apple iPhone Air
Apple iPhone Air

24 Months

256GB

Sky Blue

Refurbished

10GB

Data

£29.99 per month, £79 upfront.

Use code: IDM10OFF (£10)

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 Air or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?

Both phones have a similar screen size at around 6.5", the Apple iPhone Air has the sharper display at 444 pixels per inch versus 403, and the Apple iPhone Air 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 Air or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?

The Apple iPhone Air 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 Air 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 Air and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?

The Apple iPhone Air is available in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, while the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE comes in 128GB, 256GB.

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

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

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

The Apple iPhone Air is the more portable of the two: it's 44g lighter at 165 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm, and is slimmer at 5.6mm thick.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone Air or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?

The Apple iPhone Air 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 Air and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE run?

The Apple iPhone Air 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.