Apple iPhone 15 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date September 22, 2023 October 16, 2023
Release Year 2023 2023

Physical

Volume 97.64 cm³ 343.94 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.33 "/g 1.98 "/g
Weight 201 g 627 g
Height 160.9 mm 285.4 mm
Width 77.8 mm 185.4 mm
Thickness 7.8 mm 6.5 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Yellow
  • Blue
  • Green
  • Pink
  • Silver
  • Gray
  • Mint
  • Lavender

Display

Screen Size 6.7 " 12.4 "
Resolution 1290 x 2796 1600 x 2560
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 16:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 88 % 84.3 %
Pixel Density 460 PPI 243 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 1000 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 2000 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 97.64 mAh/in² 65.62 mAh/in²
Battery Density 44.89 mAh/cm³ 29.34 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4383 mAh 10090 mAh
NFC Support Yes No
Chipset Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) Exynos 1380 (5 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.46 GHz Everest + 4x2.02 GHz Sawtooth) Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Apple GPU (5-core graphics) Mali-G68 MP5

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, DisplayPort USB Type-C 2.0, Magnetic Connector

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 17 13
Maximum OS Version 18 17

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureApple iPhone 15 PlusSamsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mm285.4 x 185.4 x 6.5 mmiPhone 15 Plus is a pocketable phone; Tab S9 FE+ is a large tablet. Portability is significantly different.
Weight201g627gThe tablet is much heavier, impacting one-handed use and portability.
BuildNot specifiedNot specifiedBuild materials impact durability and premium feel. This information is missing.
Display
Size6.7"12.4"Much larger screen real estate on the tablet for media consumption and multitasking.
TypeSuper Retina XDR OLEDIPS LCDOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and potentially better power efficiency.
Resolution1290 x 27962560 x 1600Similar pixel density (~460 vs ~243 PPI), but the larger tablet screen means individual pixels might be more noticeable.
Refresh RateNot specified90HzHigher refresh rate on the tablet results in smoother scrolling and animations. iPhone refresh rate is likely 60Hz but not confirmed.
Peak Brightness2000 nitsNot specifiedHigher peak brightness on the iPhone ensures better visibility in direct sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetApple A16 Bionic (4 nm)Exynos 1380 (5 nm)A16 is generally considered a more powerful chipset, likely leading to better performance in demanding tasks and gaming. Direct comparison is difficult without benchmarks.
CPUHexa-coreOcta-coreCore count alone doesn't determine performance. Architecture and clock speeds matter more.
GPUApple GPU (5-core)Mali-G68 MP5Apple's GPU generally performs better in graphics-intensive tasks.
RAM6GB12GBMore RAM on the tablet allows for better multitasking and keeping more apps open in the background.
Storage256/512 GB256GBSimilar base storage, but the iPhone offers a higher storage option.
Battery
Capacity4383 mAh10090 mAhMuch larger battery in the tablet, expected given its size and display. Actual battery life depends on usage patterns.
Other
OSiOS 17Android 13Different operating systems cater to different user preferences and ecosystems.
NFCYesNoiPhone allows for contactless payments and other NFC functionalities.

2. Key Differences Analysis

iPhone 15 Plus Advantages:

  • Significantly more portable: Easier to carry and use one-handed.
  • Brighter display: Better outdoor visibility.
  • Likely superior performance: A16 Bionic generally outperforms Exynos 1380.
  • NFC functionality: Enables contactless payments.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ Advantages:

  • Much larger display: Immersive media consumption and better multitasking.
  • Higher refresh rate: Smoother scrolling and animations.
  • More RAM: Improved multitasking capabilities.
  • Significantly larger battery: Potentially longer battery life.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

iPhone 15 Plus: Ideal for users who prioritize portability, a premium mobile experience, and a strong app ecosystem. Excellent for everyday communication, social media, web browsing, and casual gaming on the go.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+: Suitable for users who prioritize a large screen for media consumption, multitasking, note-taking, and drawing. Great for students, artists, and anyone who consumes a lot of content on their device.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your primary use case? (e.g., communication, media consumption, productivity)
  2. How important is portability?
  3. What is your budget and preferred operating system?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Frequent traveler: iPhone 15 Plus for its portability and all-day battery life.
  • Student or artist: Tab S9 FE+ for its large screen for note-taking and drawing.
  • Media enthusiast: Tab S9 FE+ for immersive video watching and gaming.

My Choice: iPhone 15 Plus

While the Tab S9 FE+ offers compelling features like a large screen and more RAM, I would choose the iPhone 15 Plus. My priority is a powerful and portable device that easily fits in my pocket. The superior performance of the A16 Bionic, the brighter display, and the inclusion of NFC for mobile payments are crucial for my daily use. While I appreciate the benefits of a larger screen, the portability and overall user experience of the iPhone 15 Plus better suit my needs. The tablet's larger size makes it less practical for everyday carry and one-handed use. Ultimately, this decision comes down to personal preference and prioritizing portability over screen size.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.