Samsung Galaxy S25 FE and iPhone 16e target users who want flagship-like performance without the highest price tags. Both bring strong designs, capable cameras, and powerful chipsets while sitting in the mid-premium range. This comparison is important because it shows how Android and iOS approach value-focused flagships differently, helping buyers decide which ecosystem and hardware combination better suits their needs.
1. Design and display
Build and Feel:
The Galaxy S25 FE features Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both sides with an enhanced armor aluminum frame, offering better scratch and impact resistance. It also carries IP68 protection, making it reliable for rough handling. The iPhone 16e uses Ceramic Shield glass with an aluminum frame, focusing on lightweight durability, and provides deeper water resistance up to 6m. While Apple offers a lighter, more compact feel, Samsung delivers a sturdier and more rugged build.
Verdict: The Galaxy S25 FE feels better suited for durability, while the iPhone 16e appeals to those wanting a sleek, lightweight design.
Display Quality:
Samsung uses a 6.7-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel with 120Hz refresh, HDR10+, and 1900 nits peak brightness, ensuring fluid visuals and top-tier sunlight readability. The iPhone 16e has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with HDR10 and 1200 nits peak brightness, but it lacks LTPO for adaptive refresh. The Galaxy’s larger size, higher brightness, and LTPO efficiency make it superior for multimedia and gaming, while the iPhone’s sharp pixel density provides crisp visuals.
Verdict: The S25 FE edges ahead in display versatility and brightness.
Verdict:
The Galaxy S25 FE provides a more advanced display with LTPO technology and superior durability in its build. However, the iPhone 16e’s lighter feel and compact design will attract users who prefer one-handed use. Overall, Samsung wins in display tech, while Apple keeps an edge in portability.
2. Specifications
Performance:
The Galaxy S25 FE runs on the Exynos 2400 with a 10-core CPU and Xclipse 940 GPU, delivering strong multitasking and gaming performance. It also supports up to 7 major Android updates, ensuring long software longevity. The iPhone 16e uses the Apple A18 chip on 3nm, which outperforms most Android processors in single-core performance and GPU efficiency. iOS optimization ensures smoother long-term use, even with lower RAM.
Verdict: The iPhone 16e has superior raw performance and long-term efficiency, though the S25 FE handles demanding gaming with a slight GPU edge.
Battery and Charging:
Samsung equips a 4900 mAh battery with 45W wired fast charging, 15W Qi2 wireless charging, and reverse wireless support. This makes it more versatile and quicker to charge. The iPhone 16e has a smaller 4005 mAh cell with wired fast charging (50% in 30 min) but is limited to 7.5W wireless Qi. Samsung’s larger capacity and faster wired plus wireless options make it more practical for heavy users.
Verdict: The Galaxy S25 FE clearly wins on charging speed and battery flexibility.
Verdict:
Performance favors the iPhone 16e with its powerful A18 chip and long iOS optimization. However, the Galaxy S25 FE dominates in battery life and charging features, making it the better choice for endurance and convenience.
3. Camera
Main and Secondary Lenses:
The Galaxy S25 FE has a triple setup with a 50MP wide sensor, 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and 12MP ultrawide, making it highly versatile for different shooting conditions. It even supports 8K video, appealing to videographers. The iPhone 16e sticks to a single 48MP wide lens with strong color accuracy and Dolby Vision HDR for videos. While Apple ensures top image quality, Samsung provides zoom and ultrawide flexibility, giving users more shooting options.
Verdict: The Galaxy S25 FE wins in versatility, though the iPhone 16e maintains strong video excellence.
Selfie Camera:
Samsung’s 12MP selfie camera captures sharp images and supports 4K@60fps with gyro-EIS, making it reliable for both photos and videos. The iPhone 16e also uses a 12MP sensor but pairs it with an SL 3D sensor for depth and Face ID functions, along with Dolby Vision HDR video. This gives Apple’s front camera better depth effects and advanced video capture.
Verdict: The iPhone 16e edges out in front camera innovation due to Face ID depth sensing and HDR recording.
Verdict:
The Galaxy S25 FE provides a more complete main camera system with zoom and ultrawide options, while the iPhone 16e excels in video recording and selfie depth capabilities. For photography versatility, Samsung is better, but for video-focused users, Apple remains ahead.
4. Pricing
The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is priced around $700, while the iPhone 16e starts at $600. The $100 difference positions the iPhone as the more affordable entry point, making it attractive for buyers wanting iOS at a lower cost. However, the Galaxy S25 FE justifies its higher price with a bigger display, larger battery, faster charging, and more versatile cameras.
Verdict: The iPhone 16e wins on affordability, but the Galaxy S25 FE offers more hardware value for its extra cost.
5. Conclusion
The Galaxy S25 FE offers Samsung DeX, Circle to Search, reverse wireless charging, and LTPO AMOLED, making it a feature-rich choice. The iPhone 16e, on the other hand, brings Face ID with SL 3D depth sensing, Dolby Vision HDR recording, and satellite-based SOS messaging, which appeal to security and emergency use cases.
Verdict:
For those who value durability, battery endurance, and camera versatility, the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE stands out. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16e offers unmatched performance efficiency, smoother long-term iOS support, and advanced selfie and safety features.
Buyers should pick the Galaxy S25 FE for all-around hardware power and the iPhone 16e if seeking a balanced, compact iOS experience at a lower price point.
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