Apple iPhone 15 Pro 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 85.9 cm³ 274.06 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.26 "/g 2.08 "/g
Weight 187 g 523 g
Height 146.6 mm 254.3 mm
Width 70.6 mm 165.8 mm
Thickness 8.3 mm 6.5 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black Titanium
  • White Titanium
  • Blue Titanium
  • Natural Titanium
  • Silver
  • Gray
  • Mint
  • Lavender

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 10.9 "
Resolution 1179 x 2556 1440 x 2304
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 16:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 88.2 % 81.7 %
Pixel Density 461 PPI 249 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness 1000 nits N/A
HBM Brightness 2000 nits N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 87.99 mAh/in² 67.33 mAh/in²
Battery Density 38.11 mAh/cm³ 29.19 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 3274 mAh 8000 mAh
NFC Support Yes No
Chipset Apple A17 Pro (3 nm) Exynos 1380 (5 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.78 GHz + 4x2.11 GHz) Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Apple GPU (6-core graphics) Mali-G68 MP5

Connectivity

USB Version 3.2 2.0
OTG Support
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.2, Gen 2, 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 ProSamsung Galaxy Tab S9 FEPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions146.6 x 70.6 x 8.3 mm254.3 x 165.8 x 6.5 mmiPhone 15 Pro is a significantly smaller, pocketable device; Tab S9 FE is a large tablet.
Weight187g523giPhone is much lighter and easier to hold for extended periods. Tab S9 FE is better suited for desk/lap use.
BuildTitanium FrameAluminum FrameTitanium offers improved durability and scratch resistance compared to aluminum.
Display
Size6.1"10.9"Larger display of the Tab S9 FE provides more immersive content consumption and better multitasking.
TypeLTPO Super Retina XDR OLEDIPS LCDiPhone's OLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and HDR support resulting in a more vibrant picture.
Refresh Rate120Hz90HziPhone's higher refresh rate delivers smoother animations and scrolling.
Resolution1179 x 25561440 x 2304Despite lower resolution, the iPhone has a much higher pixel density (461 vs 249 ppi) resulting in sharper text and images.
Performance
ChipsetApple A17 Pro (3nm)Exynos 1380 (5nm)A17 Pro is expected to significantly outperform the Exynos 1380 in both CPU and GPU tasks, enabling smoother gaming and faster app loading on the iPhone.
RAM8GB8GBRAM is comparable, but the A17 Pro's superior architecture will likely result in better RAM management.
Storage256GB, 512GB, 1TB256GBiPhone offers more storage options for users with high storage demands.
Battery
Capacity3274 mAh8000 mAhSignificantly larger battery on the Tab S9 FE will provide much longer usage time.
Other
OSiOS 17Android 13Different operating systems cater to different user preferences and ecosystems.
PriceHighMediumSignificant price difference reflects the premium materials, advanced technology, and overall performance of the iPhone.

2. Key Differences Analysis

iPhone 15 Pro Advantages:

  • Significantly more powerful: The A17 Pro chip provides a substantial performance advantage for demanding tasks and gaming.
  • Superior Display: OLED with higher resolution, refresh rate, and HDR support delivers a vastly improved visual experience.
  • Premium Build and Design: More compact, durable, and premium materials.
  • More advanced camera system: (Not detailed in specs but generally expected).

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Advantages:

  • Much larger display: Better for media consumption, multitasking, and creative tasks.
  • Significantly longer battery life: Suitable for extended use without frequent charging.
  • Lower price: More budget-friendly option.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

iPhone 15 Pro: Users who prioritize performance, portability, premium design, a vibrant display, and a seamless user experience. Ideal for power users, gamers, and content creators who need a device that can handle demanding tasks on the go.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE: Users who prioritize a large screen for media consumption, browsing, note-taking, and casual gaming. Suitable for students, artists, and users who prefer a tablet form factor for its larger canvas and longer battery life.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions:

  1. What is your primary use case? (e.g., gaming, productivity, media consumption)
  2. What is your budget?
  3. Do you prefer a phone or a tablet form factor?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Heavy gamer/Power user with a high budget: iPhone 15 Pro
  • Student needing a device for note-taking and media consumption on a budget: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE
  • Professional needing a portable device for productivity and communication: iPhone 15 Pro

My Choice: Apple iPhone 15 Pro

While the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE offers a larger display and longer battery life, I would choose the Apple iPhone 15 Pro. The significant performance difference due to the A17 Pro chip, coupled with the superior display quality, premium build, and compact form factor, better suits my needs. I prioritize a smooth and responsive user experience, excellent visual quality, and portability. While battery life is important, I am willing to compromise on that aspect for the significant gains in performance and overall quality offered by the iPhone 15 Pro. Furthermore, I value the robust app ecosystem and consistent software updates associated with iOS.

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
  • Digital media communication
  • Technical storytelling
  • User-centric technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.