Galaxy S23 FE Vs iPhone 15 Pro

Galaxy S23 FE
Galaxy S23 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:207.00

Versus €708.98 new

See options
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:510.00

Versus €1,165.38 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, released in October 2023, and the iPhone 15 Pro, launched in September 2023, are both contemporary smartphones offering distinct user experiences. While the Galaxy S23 FE operates on the Android platform, the iPhone 15 Pro runs on iOS, providing different ecosystems and interface designs. Key differentiators between these two devices include their core processing power, camera capabilities, and display technologies, catering to varied user preferences. [1]

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of a smartphone, factors such as software support, physical durability, and repairability are important.

  • Software Longevity: The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is expected to receive four major Android OS upgrades, extending its software support, along with five years of security updates until 2028. [1] The iPhone 15 Pro is anticipated to receive major iOS updates for a minimum of five years from its release, with security updates guaranteed until at least September 2028. [1, 3, 11, 16, 22, 38]
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy S23 FE features Gorilla Glass 5 on both its front and back, complemented by an aluminum frame, and carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. [1, 12] The iPhone 15 Pro boasts a titanium design with a Ceramic Shield front cover and a textured matte glass back, also holding an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. [1, 23] The titanium frame on the iPhone 15 Pro contributes to a lighter and more damage-resistant build compared to previous models. [23, 42]
  • Repairability: The Galaxy S23 FE generally receives a relatively high repairability score, with some assessments placing it around 8.0 to 8.5 out of 10, partly due to features like pull tabs for easier battery removal. [8, 10, 36] The iPhone 15 Pro has seen improvements in repairability, with some sources giving it a 7 out of 10 score, particularly after Apple allowed for part calibration. [25] However, some repair challenges remain, such as part pairing issues and the need to remove the display for battery replacement. [13, 21, 37]

Year of Release

2023

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is crucial for handling daily tasks, from browsing and communication to demanding applications and gaming.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S23 FE is powered by either a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or an Exynos 2200 processor, depending on the region. [12, 15] Users generally report a fluid experience for everyday tasks, though some have noted occasional overheating and performance throttling during intensive use, particularly with the Exynos variant. [9, 20, 27] The iPhone 15 Pro features a current-generation processor, which is designed to deliver significant gains in both general processing and graphics performance. [14, 18, 32] This allows for exceptionally smooth operation, quick app launches, and seamless multitasking, even with demanding applications and high-fidelity games. [14, 19, 26]
  • Memory and Storage: The Galaxy S23 FE comes with 8GB of RAM and offers internal storage options of 128GB or 256GB, without expandable storage. [4, 6, 12] The iPhone 15 Pro also includes 8GB of RAM and is available with various storage configurations, ranging from 128GB up to 1TB. [2, 7, 18, 19] Both devices manage memory efficiently to support a responsive user experience.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S23 FE is equipped with a 4500mAh battery. [4, 6, 17] User experiences with battery life are varied, with some reporting around 5-6 hours of screen-on time, while others find it mediocre, especially under heavy usage conditions. [9, 20, 27, 29] The iPhone 15 Pro has a 3274mAh battery. [2, 5, 19] It is designed to provide a full day of typical use, with Apple indicating up to 23 hours of video playback. [5]

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer high-quality viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE features a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels. [1, 4, 15] The iPhone 15 Pro has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering sharp visuals with a resolution of 2556 x 1179 pixels and a high pixel density of approximately 460 pixels per inch. [1, 7, 22]
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S23 FE's display supports an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and animations, and offers good brightness for outdoor visibility, with a peak brightness of 1450 nits. [1, 4, 15, 33] The iPhone 15 Pro also features a 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate for fluid visuals. [22] Its display can reach a typical brightness of 1000 nits and a peak brightness of 2000 nits, making it highly visible in bright outdoor conditions. [22, 30, 33]
  • Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The Galaxy S23 FE offers a slightly larger 6.4-inch screen, which can be beneficial for media consumption and multitasking. [1, 15] The iPhone 15 Pro's 6.1-inch display provides a more compact form factor, which some users may find easier for one-handed use. [1, 7] Both displays deliver excellent color accuracy and contrast for an immersive viewing experience.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1179 x 2556

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones are equipped with advanced camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos, though they approach imaging with different strengths.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S23 FE features a versatile triple camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens capable of 3x optical zoom. [1, 4, 15] It can record video in up to 8K resolution at 24 frames per second. [15] The iPhone 15 Pro comes with a professional-grade triple camera system, featuring a 48MP main camera with second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization, a 12MP ultrawide camera, and a 12MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom. [1, 7, 14, 23] It excels in capturing images with natural color accuracy and offers advanced features like Log video recording and ProRes video recording up to 4K at 60 frames per second with external recording, making it suitable for professional videography. [1, 14]
  • Low-Light and Video Performance: In low-light conditions, the iPhone 15 Pro generally shows more detail in shadows and better overall exposure. [35] Both devices offer 4K video recording capabilities, with the iPhone 15 Pro also supporting spatial video for compatible viewing devices. [1, 14, 23]
  • Front Camera and Audio: The Galaxy S23 FE has a 10MP front-facing camera. [1, 4] The iPhone 15 Pro includes a 12MP TrueDepth front camera, which also supports 4K video recording. [1] Both phones provide stereo speakers for media consumption and offer good microphone quality for calls and recording. [1]

Main camera

50 megapixels

48 megapixels

Front camera

10 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience of these devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy S23 FE and the iPhone 15 Pro support 5G connectivity, modern Wi-Fi standards, and Bluetooth for wireless accessories. The Galaxy S23 FE features Bluetooth 5.3. [17] The iPhone 15 Pro also includes Bluetooth 5.3. [7] Both devices have adopted the USB-C port for charging and data transfer, with the iPhone 15 Pro supporting faster USB 3.2 Gen 2x1 speeds. [7, 12, 22, 23]
  • Sensors and User Interaction: The Galaxy S23 FE includes an in-display fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication. [4] The iPhone 15 Pro relies on Face ID for secure facial recognition. The iPhone 15 Pro also introduces a customizable Action Button, replacing the traditional mute switch, which can be programmed for various functions. [22, 23]
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S23 FE measures approximately 158 x 76.5 x 8.2mm and weighs around 209g. [34] The iPhone 15 Pro is more compact at 146.6 x 70.6 x 8.25mm and weighs 187g. [7, 34] The iPhone's titanium frame contributes to its lighter feel compared to previous Pro models. [23] Both devices feature premium build materials, with the Galaxy S23 FE using Gorilla Glass 5 and an aluminum frame, while the iPhone 15 Pro combines Ceramic Shield with a titanium frame and textured matte glass back. [1, 12, 23]

Weight

209 g

171 g

Screen size (in)

6.4

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE and the iPhone 15 Pro offer distinct propositions for smartphone users, each with its own set of strengths and considerations based on user feedback.

For the Galaxy S23 FE, common praise points from users include its vibrant display and capable camera system, particularly the inclusion of a dedicated telephoto lens. Many appreciate its smooth user interface for daily tasks. However, frequent criticisms revolve around its battery life, which some users find mediocre, especially under heavy use or with the Exynos processor variant. Some users also note the presence of larger display bezels and a design that, while solid, might not feel as distinct as a flagship model. [9, 20, 27, 28, 29]

The iPhone 15 Pro is widely lauded for its exceptionally powerful performance, making it highly responsive for demanding applications and gaming. Its advanced camera system, particularly for video recording with features like ProRes and spatial video, receives significant acclaim. The premium titanium design is also a highlight, contributing to a lighter and more durable device. Concerns sometimes arise regarding its repairability, with some reports indicating challenges with part pairing and battery replacement procedures. [13, 14, 19, 21, 23, 26, 37]

Users prioritizing the Android ecosystem, a slightly larger display for media consumption, and a versatile camera setup with a dedicated telephoto lens may find the Galaxy S23 FE well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who value top-tier processing power, a highly advanced camera system (especially for video production), a compact and lightweight design, and the iOS ecosystem will likely lean towards the iPhone 15 Pro. Both devices represent strong choices in their respective categories, and considering a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly alternative for either model.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons