Apple iPhone SE (2020) vs Samsung Galaxy S25

Our verdict: On contract, the Apple iPhone SE (2020) works out £358.18 cheaper overall than the Samsung Galaxy S25. Screen lovers will prefer the Samsung Galaxy S25 and its 6.2" display running at 416 PPI. On paper, the Samsung Galaxy S25 wins the camera battle with 50MP on the rear. Selfie fans take note: the Samsung Galaxy S25 has a 12MP front camera.

Expert Rating
4.2
25 reviews
4.1
11 reviews
Screen
4.7" 6.2"
Display
Retina HD display Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution
1334 x 750 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch
326 416
Rear Camera
12 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera
7 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset
Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Storage
64GB, 128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
OS
Apple iOS Android 15
SIM Type
Nano SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity
Up to 4G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e
Bluetooth
5.0 with A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions
138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm 146.9 x 70.4 x 7.2 mm
Weight
148 grams 162 grams
Water Resistance
IP67 - Dust and water resistant IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts
£7.99/mo (£69.00 upfront) £11.95/mo (£375.00 upfront)
SIM-free
£63.00 £489.99
Apple iPhone SE (2020) Apple iPhone SE (2020) Samsung Galaxy S25 Samsung Galaxy S25
Expert Rating 4.2
25 reviews
4.1
11 reviews
Screen 4.7" 6.2"
Display Retina HD display Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X
Resolution 1334 x 750 1080 x 2340
Pixels Per Inch 326 416
Rear Camera 12 Megapixels 50 Megapixels
Front Camera 7 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
Chipset Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
Storage 64GB, 128GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
OS Apple iOS Android 15
SIM Type Nano SIM nano-SIM and e-SIM
Connectivity Up to 4G Up to 5G
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e
Bluetooth 5.0 with A2DP, LE 5.4, A2DP, LE
Dimensions 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm 146.9 x 70.4 x 7.2 mm
Weight 148 grams 162 grams
Water Resistance IP67 - Dust and water resistant IP68 - Dust and water resistant over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes
Contracts £7.99/mo
£69.00 upfront
£11.95/mo
£375.00 upfront
SIM-free £63.00 £489.99
Deals Deals

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Apple iPhone SE (2020) or Samsung Galaxy S25 cheaper on contract?

Based on total cost of ownership, the Apple iPhone SE (2020) is cheaper on contract at £273.62 over the life of the deal from £7.99 per month with £69.00 upfront.

Which has the better screen, the Apple iPhone SE (2020) or Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 has the bigger screen at 6.2" compared to the Apple iPhone SE (2020)'s 4.7", the Samsung Galaxy S25 has the sharper display at 416 pixels per inch versus 326, and the Apple iPhone SE (2020) uses a Retina HD display panel while the Samsung Galaxy S25 has a Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.

Which has the better camera, the Apple iPhone SE (2020) or Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Apple iPhone SE (2020) features a 12 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 SE (2020) or Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Apple iPhone SE (2020) is cheaper SIM-free, starting from £63.00.

What storage options are available for the Apple iPhone SE (2020) and Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Apple iPhone SE (2020) is available in 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 comes in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB.

What processors do the Apple iPhone SE (2020) and Samsung Galaxy S25 use?

The Apple iPhone SE (2020) is powered by the Apple A13 Bionic (7 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 SE (2020) or Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Apple iPhone SE (2020) is the more portable of the two — it's 14g lighter at 148 grams, it's also the more compact phone at 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm.

Which is more water resistant, the Apple iPhone SE (2020) or Samsung Galaxy S25?

The Apple iPhone SE (2020) is rated IP67 - Dust and water resistant, 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 SE (2020) and Samsung Galaxy S25 run?

The Apple iPhone SE (2020) 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.