Apple iPhone 15 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 82.43 cm³ 99.11 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.57 "/g 3.06 "/g
Weight 171 g 209 g
Height 147.6 mm 158 mm
Width 71.6 mm 76.5 mm
Thickness 7.8 mm 8.2 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Yellow
  • Blue
  • Green
  • Pink
  • 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 86.4 % 83.2 %
Pixel Density 461 PPI 403 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 1000 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 2000 nits 1450 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 90.00 mAh/in² 109.86 mAh/in²
Battery Density 40.63 mAh/cm³ 45.4 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 3349 mAh 4500 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm) Exynos 2200 (4 nm) - International
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.46 GHz Everest + 4x2.02 GHz Sawtooth) Octa-core (1x2.8 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.50 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A510) - International
GPU Apple GPU (5-core graphics) Xclipse 920 - International

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 N/A
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, 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 15Samsung Galaxy S23 FEPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions147.6x71.6x7.8mm158x76.5x8.2mmiPhone 15 is noticeably smaller and thinner, making it more pocketable and easier to handle one-handed. S23 FE offers a larger screen but might be less comfortable for some users.
Weight171g209giPhone 15 is significantly lighter, reducing hand fatigue during extended use.
BuildNot specifiedNot specifiedBuild materials impact durability and premium feel. Lack of information limits comparison.
Display
Size6.1"6.4"S23 FE offers a larger display, beneficial for media consumption and multitasking, but potentially less one-hand friendly.
TypeSuper Retina XDR OLEDDynamic AMOLED 2XBoth are high-quality display technologies with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Resolution1179x25561080x2340iPhone 15 has a sharper display (461 ppi vs 403 ppi), resulting in crisper text and images.
Refresh RateNot specified120Hz120Hz on the S23 FE provides smoother animations and scrolling compared to a standard 60Hz (assumed for iPhone 15, but lack of specification limits definitive conclusion).
Peak Brightness2000 nits1450 nitsiPhone 15 can achieve significantly higher peak brightness, improving outdoor visibility.
Performance
ChipsetApple A16 Bionic (4 nm)Exynos 2200 (4 nm)A16 Bionic is generally considered to offer superior performance compared to Exynos 2200, especially in graphics-intensive tasks.
CPUHexa-coreOcta-coreCore count alone doesn't determine performance. Architectural differences and clock speeds play a larger role.
GPUApple GPU (5-core)Xclipse 920Apple's GPUs traditionally excel in performance and efficiency.
RAM6GB8GBS23 FE having 8GB RAM might offer slightly better multitasking performance, especially with many apps open in the background.
Battery
Capacity3349 mAh4500 mAhS23 FE has a significantly larger battery, potentially leading to longer battery life.
Other
OSiOS 17Android 13OS preference is subjective. iOS is known for simplicity and a tightly controlled ecosystem, while Android offers more customization options.
Storage256GB/512GB256GBBoth offer ample storage for most users.
Price RangeMediumMediumDirect price comparison is needed as "medium" can vary.

2. Key Differences Analysis

iPhone 15 Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: A16 Bionic chip generally outperforms Exynos 2200.
  • Brighter Display: Better outdoor visibility.
  • More Compact Design: Easier for one-handed use and portability.
  • Sharper Display: Crisper text and images due to higher pixel density.

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Advantages:

  • Larger Battery: Potentially significantly longer battery life.
  • Larger Display: More immersive media consumption and multitasking.
  • Higher Refresh Rate: Smoother scrolling and animations (assuming iPhone 15 is 60Hz).
  • More RAM: Potential advantage in multitasking.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

iPhone 15: Users prioritizing performance, a compact design, a brighter display, and a seamless iOS experience. Ideal for users heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem.

Samsung Galaxy S23 FE: Users prioritizing battery life, a larger display, and the flexibility of Android. Good for media consumption, multitasking, and users who prefer customization options.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. How important is battery life? S23 FE likely offers longer battery life.
  2. Do you prefer a compact phone or a larger screen? iPhone 15 is smaller and easier to handle; S23 FE offers a larger display.
  3. Which operating system do you prefer? iOS vs. Android is a matter of personal preference.

My Choice: Samsung Galaxy S23 FE

While the iPhone 15 boasts a powerful chip and bright display, the significantly larger battery and 120Hz refresh rate of the S23 FE are more compelling for my usage. I prioritize battery life and smooth scrolling for a more enjoyable user experience. The larger display is also a plus for media consumption. While the A16 chip is faster, the Exynos 2200 should still provide ample performance for everyday tasks. Finally, I value the customization options offered by Android. The slightly larger size and weight are trade-offs I am willing to make for the benefits mentioned above.

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.