Apple iPhone 15 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
If you're a heavy user or enjoy gaming, the S23 FE's specs might make it the smarter buy. Key specs: Display: 6.1" vs 6.4" and Refresh: 60 Hz vs 120 Hz.
Why compare these? The Apple iPhone 15 (mid-range) and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE (high-end) represent different approaches to smartphones. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Apple iPhone | Samsung Galaxy |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4.8★ (951 reviews) | 4.8★ (13 reviews) |
| Top Strength | High-resolution 48MP main camera with useful 2x optical-quality crop | Dedicated 3x optical telephoto lens (rare in this price bracket) |
| Main Drawback | Display limited to 60 Hz (no ProMotion 120 Hz) | Significantly thicker bezels compared to standard S23 |
| Market Position | Mid-range | ✓Premium |
Apple iPhone 15
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A16 Bionic chip (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple 5-core GPU (A16 Bionic)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific*
Adreno 730
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Apple iPhone 15 vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Apple iPhone 15
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 15 | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(951)Best Buy | ★4.8(13)Best Buy |
Operating System | iOS | Android |
Software Support | Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades | 4 generations of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates |
Processor | Apple A16 Bionic chip (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific* |
Graphics | Apple 5-core GPU (A16 Bionic) | Adreno 730 |
RAM | 6 GB (LPDDR5) | 8GB |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe) | 128GB / 256GB (No microSD expansion) |
Display Size | 6.1" (6.12" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less) | 6.4" |
Screen Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1,450 nits (Peak) |
Resolution | 2556 x 1179 pixels (460 ppi) | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 60Hz / 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor) | 1,450 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 48MP Main (26 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP) | 50MP, f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.4, 120° field of view) | 12MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV |
Telephoto Camera | No dedicated telephoto lens; 12MP 2x Telephoto enabled by 48MP quad-pixel sensor (52 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift OIS | 8MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom |
Optical Zoom | 0.5x, 1x, 2x optical-quality zoom steps (4x optical zoom range) | 3x Optical Zoom |
Digital Zoom | Up to 10x | Up to 30x |
Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps | 8K @ 24fps; 4K @ 30/60fps |
Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps | 10MP, f/2.4 |
Battery | 3349 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 20 hours video playback (16 hours streamed) | 4,500mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher | 25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately) |
Wireless Charging | MagSafe up to 15W; Qi2 up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W | 15W Fast Wireless Charging; Wireless PowerShare (Reverse) |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); NFC with reader mode | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | USB-C connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s); Native DisplayPort output | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 |
Durability | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front; Aerospace-grade aluminum; Color-infused glass back | IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Front & Back) |
Dimensions | 5.81" x 2.82" x 0.31" (147.6 x 71.6 x 7.80 mm) | 6.22 x 3.01 x 0.32 in (158.0 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm) |
Weight | 6.02 oz (171 g) | 7.37 oz (209 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Dynamic Island; Ring/Silent switch; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite | Samsung DeX, Stereo speakers, Samsung Knox |
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Apple iPhone 15
iOS
Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Apple A16 Bionic chip (6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Apple 5-core GPU (A16 Bionic)
6 GB (LPDDR5)
128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe)
Pros
- High-resolution 48MP main camera with useful 2x optical-quality crop
- Bright, color-accurate OLED display (up to 2000 nits outdoor)
Cons
- Display limited to 60 Hz (no ProMotion 120 Hz)
- USB-C port limited to USB 2.0 data transfer speeds (480 Mb/s)
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Android
4 generations of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific*
Adreno 730
8GB
128GB / 256GB (No microSD expansion)
Pros
- Dedicated 3x optical telephoto lens (rare in this price bracket)
- Premium build with IP68 rating and aluminum frame
Cons
- Significantly thicker bezels compared to standard S23
- Uses older Gorilla Glass 5 (vs. Victus 2 on S23)
Which one is better?
Grab the iPhone 15 if you prefer iOS and want a more compact design.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 15 if: you value a lightweight design at 6.02 oz, prefer iOS, or want a high-resolution 48MP camera for photography.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE if: you need a larger 6.4" display for media, shoot a lot of photos with a 3x optical zoom, or require longer battery life for extended usage.
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 951 reviews vs 13
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose Apple iPhone
High-resolution 48MP main Priority
High-resolution 48MP main camera with useful 2x optical-quality crop
→ Choose Apple iPhone
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Bottom line: Both products share a 4.8★ rating, making this comparison particularly close. Your decision should come down to which specific features matter most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Apple iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
Apple iPhone 15 is the better choice if you prioritize high-resolution 48mp main camera with useful 2x optical-quality crop. Samsung Galaxy S23 FE wins if you value dedicated 3x optical telephoto lens (rare in this price bracket). Both are rated highly (4.8★ vs 4.8★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Apple iPhone 15 and Samsung Galaxy S23 FE?
Key differences: Apple iPhone 15 offers high-resolution 48mp main camera with useful 2x optical-quality crop, while Samsung Galaxy S23 FE stands out with dedicated 3x optical telephoto lens (rare in this price bracket). Consider that Apple iPhone 15 display limited to 60 hz (no promotion 120 hz). Meanwhile, Samsung Galaxy S23 FE significantly thicker bezels compared to standard s23. Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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