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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerApple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) vs Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A25 5G takes the edge in this comparison, delivering a stunning 6.5-inch 120Hz Super AMOLED display that makes scrolling feel incredibly smooth. In contrast, the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) offers a compact 4.7-inch screen that, while familiar, can’t compete with the A25’s vibrant colors and clarity. Key specs: Display: 4.7" vs 6.5" and Refresh: 60 Hz vs 120 Hz.
📱 Display: 4.7" vs 6.5"⚡ Refresh: 60 Hz vs 120 Hz🔋 Battery: 2018 mAh vs 5000 mAh
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Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
★4.5
(225)•Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Graphics:Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
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Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
★4.6
(176)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Processor:Samsung Exynos 1280 (5nm)
Graphics:Mali-G68
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
4.7"
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
6.5"Winner
Refresh Rate
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
60Hz
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
120HzWinner
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
Samsung Exynos 1280 (5nm)
RAMKey
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
4GB
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
6GB (Standard US config)Winner
Storage
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)Winner
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
50MP, f/1.8, OIS, PDAFWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
No (Not supported)
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
8MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
2,018mAh (Approximate)
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
5,000mAh (Typical)Winner
Wireless Charging
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment)
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
No (Not supported)
Design2 specs
Weight
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5.09 oz (144 g)Winner
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
6.95 oz (197 g)
Dimensions
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm)
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
6.34 x 3.01 x 0.33 in (161.0 x 76.5 x 8.3 mm)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
iOS
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
Android
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
+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 SE (3rd Gen) vs Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
★4.5(225)Best Buy
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
★4.6(176)Best Buy
| Criterion | Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) | Samsung Galaxy A25 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(225)Best Buy | ★4.6(176)Best Buy |
Operating System | iOS | Android |
Software Support | Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022) | 4 generations of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates |
Processor | Apple A15 Bionic (5nm) | Samsung Exynos 1280 (5nm) |
Graphics | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Mali-G68 |
RAM | 4GB | 6GB (Standard US config) |
Storage | 64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe | 128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB) |
Display Size | 4.7" | 6.5" |
Screen Type | Retina HD LCD (IPS) | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1,000 nits (HBM) |
Resolution | 1334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi) | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz |
Peak Brightness | 625 nits (Typical) | 1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x | 50MP, f/1.8, OIS, PDAF |
Ultra-Wide Camera | No (Not supported) | 8MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV |
Telephoto Camera | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) — Includes 2MP Macro f/2.4 |
Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 5x | Up to 10x |
Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps; 1080p @ 60fps; Slo-mo 1080p @ 240fps | 4K UHD @ 30fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps (Gyro-EIS) |
Front Camera | 7MP FaceTime HD, f/2.2, 1080p @ 30fps | 13MP, f/2.2 |
Battery | 2,018mAh (Approximate) | 5,000mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | 20W Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning | 25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately) |
Wireless Charging | 7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment) | No (Not supported) |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC |
USB | Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds) | USB Type-C 2.0 |
Durability | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Ion-strengthened glass | No official IP rating (Plastic frame/back) |
Dimensions | 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm) | 6.34 x 3.01 x 0.33 in (161.0 x 76.5 x 8.3 mm) |
Weight | 5.09 oz (144 g) | 6.95 oz (197 g) |
Biometrics | Touch ID (Fingerprint sensor in Home button) | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Stereo speakers, Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM), Dual eSIM support | Stereo speakers, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot, Samsung Wallet |
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Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Rating:★4.5(225)Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Typically 6+ years of OS updates from release (2022)
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic (5nm)
Graphics:Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
RAM:4GB
Storage:64GB / 128GB / 256GB NVMe
Display Size:4.7"
Screen Type:Retina HD LCD (IPS)
Resolution:1334 x 750 pixels (326 ppi)
Refresh Rate:60Hz
Peak Brightness:625 nits (Typical)
Main Camera:12MP Wide, f/1.8, OIS, Digital Zoom up to 5x
Ultra-Wide Camera:No (Not supported)
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 5x
Video Recording:4K @ 60fps; 1080p @ 60fps; Slo-mo 1080p @ 240fps
Front Camera:7MP FaceTime HD, f/2.2, 1080p @ 30fps
Battery:2,018mAh (Approximate)
Wired Charging:20W Fast Charging (50% in 30 min) via Lightning
Wireless Charging:7.5W Qi Wireless (No MagSafe magnetic alignment)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6 GHz only - No mmWave), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
USB:Lightning Connector (USB 2.0 speeds)
Durability:IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Ion-strengthened glass
Dimensions:5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in (138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm)
Weight:5.09 oz (144 g)
Biometrics:Touch ID (Fingerprint sensor in Home button)
Extras:Stereo speakers, Dual SIM (nano-SIM and eSIM), Dual eSIM support
✓ Pros:
- • Most affordable entry point into the new iPhone ecosystem
- • Compact and lightweight design is easy to use with one hand
- • A15 Bionic chip provides flagship-level performance for the price
- • Retains the classic Touch ID Home button (preferred by some users)
- • IP67 water resistance rating is rare in the budget category
✗ Cons:
- • Dated design with thick top and bottom bezels
- • Small 4.7-inch LCD screen lacks the vibrancy of OLED competitors
- • Base storage starts at a low 64GB
- • No Night Mode for the camera (struggles in low light)
- • Lacks 5G mmWave support (Sub-6 GHz only) unlike main iPhone models
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Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
Rating:★4.6(176)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Processor:Samsung Exynos 1280 (5nm)
Graphics:Mali-G68
RAM:6GB (Standard US config)
Storage:128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Display Size:6.5"
Screen Type:Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1,000 nits (HBM)
Resolution:2340 x 1080 (FHD+)
Refresh Rate:120Hz
Peak Brightness:1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode)
Main Camera:50MP, f/1.8, OIS, PDAF
Ultra-Wide Camera:8MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported) — Includes 2MP Macro f/2.4
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 10x
Video Recording:4K UHD @ 30fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps (Gyro-EIS)
Front Camera:13MP, f/2.2
Battery:5,000mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately)
Wireless Charging:No (Not supported)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 2.0
Durability:No official IP rating (Plastic frame/back)
Dimensions:6.34 x 3.01 x 0.33 in (161.0 x 76.5 x 8.3 mm)
Weight:6.95 oz (197 g)
Biometrics:Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:Stereo speakers, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot, Samsung Wallet
✓ Pros:
- • Class-leading 120Hz Super AMOLED display (1,000 nits)
- • Guaranteed 4 major OS updates (matches flagship standard)
- • Main camera features OIS (rare for this price point)
- • Includes stereo speakers and 3.5mm headphone jack
- • Excellent battery life with 5,000mAh capacity
✗ Cons:
- • Exynos 1280 performance is average compared to competitors
- • No official IP rating for water/dust resistance
- • Dated water-drop notch design and thick bezels
- • No charger included in the box
- • Video stabilization (EIS) crops heavily into the frame
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Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy A25 5G is the better buy for most people - its class-leading 120Hz display crushes the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen). That said, grab the iPhone SE if you prefer a compact design and seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem - it's lighter at 5.09 oz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) if: you prefer a compact phone, need a classic design, or want to enter the Apple ecosystem at a lower price. (4.7" display, 60 Hz refresh)
Choose the Samsung Galaxy A25 5G if: you want a stunning display for gaming, need excellent battery life for everyday use, or plan to take more photos with a better camera. (6.5" display, 120 Hz refresh)
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) excels if you value most affordable entry point into the new iphone ecosystem. Samsung Galaxy A25 5G is better if you prioritize class-leading 120hz super amoled display (1,000 nits). Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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