Apple iPhone 15 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S23 FE - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date September 22, 2023 October 5, 2023
Release Year 2023 2023

Physical

Volume 85.9 cm³ 99.11 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.26 "/g 3.06 "/g
Weight 187 g 209 g
Height 146.6 mm 158 mm
Width 70.6 mm 76.5 mm
Thickness 8.3 mm 8.2 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black Titanium
  • White Titanium
  • Blue Titanium
  • Natural Titanium
  • Purple
  • Graphite
  • Mint
  • Cream
  • Indigo
  • Tangerine

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.4 "
Resolution 1179 x 2556 1080 x 2340
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 88.2 % 83.2 %
Pixel Density 461 PPI 403 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness 1000 nits N/A
HBM Brightness 2000 nits N/A
Peak Brightness N/A 1450 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 87.99 mAh/in² 109.86 mAh/in²
Battery Density 38.11 mAh/cm³ 45.4 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 3274 mAh 4500 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) Exynos 2200 (4 nm) - International
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.78 GHz + 4x2.11 GHz) Octa-core (1x2.8 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) - International
GPU Apple GPU (6-core graphics) Xclipse 920 - International

Connectivity

USB Version 3.2 N/A
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.2, Gen 2, DisplayPort USB Type-C, OTG

Software

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

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureApple iPhone 15 ProSamsung Galaxy S23 FEPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions146.6x70.6x8.3mm158x76.5x8.2mmiPhone 15 Pro is noticeably smaller and lighter, easier for one-handed use and pocket portability. S23 FE offers a larger canvas.
Weight187g209giPhone 15 Pro is lighter, reducing hand fatigue during extended use.
Build MaterialTitaniumUnspecifiedTitanium offers superior durability and scratch resistance compared to aluminum or plastic. Lack of info on S23 FE limits comparison.
Display
Size6.1"6.4"S23 FE offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption.
TypeLTPO Super Retina XDR OLEDDynamic AMOLED 2XBoth offer excellent color accuracy and contrast. LTPO allows for more granular refresh rate control, potentially saving battery.
Resolution1179x25561080x2340iPhone has a sharper display due to higher pixel density (461ppi vs 403ppi).
Refresh Rate120Hz120HzBoth offer smooth scrolling and animations.
Peak Brightness2000 nits (HBM)1450 nitsiPhone 15 Pro achieves significantly higher peak brightness, improving outdoor visibility.
Performance
ChipsetApple A17 Pro (3 nm)Exynos 2200 (4 nm)A17 Pro is expected to offer superior performance and efficiency due to newer architecture and manufacturing process.
CPUHexa-coreOcta-coreCore count doesn't directly translate to performance; A17 Pro's architecture likely provides better single and multi-core performance.
GPUApple GPU (6-core)Xclipse 920Apple's GPUs are generally known for strong performance, but specific benchmarks are needed for accurate comparison.
RAM8GB8GBBoth offer ample RAM for multitasking.
Battery
Capacity3274 mAh4500 mAhS23 FE has a significantly larger battery, potentially leading to longer battery life.
Other
OSiOS 17Android 13Preference for OS is subjective and impacts app ecosystem, customization, and user interface.
Storage Options256GB, 512GB, 1GB256GBiPhone offers more storage options for users with high storage demands.
Price RangeHighMediumSignificant price difference; S23 FE offers better value for budget-conscious users.

2. Key Differences Analysis

iPhone 15 Pro Advantages:

  • Performance: The A17 Pro chip likely offers a significant performance advantage.
  • Display: Brighter display for better outdoor visibility and potentially better power efficiency due to LTPO technology.
  • Premium Build: Titanium construction provides superior durability.
  • Compact Design: Smaller and lighter, ideal for one-handed use.

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Advantages:

  • Battery Life: Larger battery capacity suggests longer usage time.
  • Price: Significantly more affordable.
  • Larger Display: More immersive experience for media consumption.
  • Expandable Storage: Some regions might offer expandable storage via MicroSD card, although not specified in provided data.

Trade-offs:

  • Performance vs. Price: iPhone 15 Pro offers top-tier performance at a premium price, while S23 FE balances performance and affordability.
  • Size and Battery: iPhone prioritizes compact design over battery capacity, while S23 FE opts for a larger battery and display.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

iPhone 15 Pro: Users who prioritize performance, premium design, a compact form factor, and are willing to pay a premium. Ideal for demanding tasks, gaming, content creation, and users who value Apple's ecosystem.

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE: Users seeking a balance of performance, features, and affordability. Suitable for everyday tasks, social media, media consumption, and users who prefer Android's flexibility and customization options.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions:

  1. What is your budget? The price difference is substantial.
  2. What are your performance needs? Demanding tasks and gaming benefit from the iPhone's superior processing power.
  3. What is your preferred operating system and ecosystem? iOS and Android offer distinct experiences.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Heavy user, gamer, content creator with a high budget: iPhone 15 Pro.
  • Average user seeking a balance of performance, features, and affordability: Samsung Galaxy S23 FE.
  • User prioritizing battery life above all else: Lean towards S23 FE but wait for real-world battery tests.

My Choice

I would choose the iPhone 15 Pro. While the price is significantly higher, I prioritize performance, a smooth and responsive user experience, and the premium build quality offered by the titanium construction. The brighter display is also a crucial factor for me, as I often use my phone outdoors. Although the S23 FE offers a larger battery, I value the compact form factor of the iPhone 15 Pro. I am already invested in the Apple ecosystem, which further solidifies my choice. Ultimately, the decision is subjective, but the iPhone 15 Pro better aligns with my personal needs and preferences.

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.

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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.