Galaxy S25 Vs iPhone 15

Galaxy S25
Galaxy S25
Starting at

Refurbished price:489.00

Versus €799.00 new

See options
iPhone 15
iPhone 15
Starting at

Refurbished price:397.00

Versus €879.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S25, released in February 2025, and the Apple iPhone 15, launched in September 2023, represent distinct approaches to flagship smartphone design and functionality. While both devices offer premium experiences, they cater to different user preferences through their respective operating systems and hardware philosophies. The Galaxy S25 runs on Android 15, offering extensive customization, whereas the iPhone 15 operates on iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem. Key differentiators include display refresh rates, camera configurations, and long-term software support.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, both the Galaxy S25 and the iPhone 15 offer substantial support, though with differing timelines.

  • Software Updates: The Samsung Galaxy S25 is notable for its commitment to seven years of Android OS upgrades and security updates, extending its software lifespan until approximately 2032. The iPhone 15, while receiving consistent iOS updates, typically sees about five to six years of major OS support from its release date.
  • Physical Durability: The iPhone 15 features a Ceramic Shield front cover and a color-infused glass back, encased in an aluminum frame, providing robust protection against drops and scratches. The Galaxy S25 utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for both its front and back panels, paired with an aluminum body, offering a high level of resistance to daily wear. Both devices carry an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating they can withstand submersion in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes.
  • Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary, both manufacturers design their devices with some consideration for component replacement. Users seeking to extend the life of their device beyond its initial purchase can consider quality-assured refurbished options, which often come with warranties and contribute to a more sustainable consumption model.

Year of Release

2025

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone significantly impacts daily usage, from launching applications to managing multiple tasks. Both the Galaxy S25 and iPhone 15 deliver capable performance, though they achieve it through different hardware and software optimizations.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S25 is equipped with a current-generation processor, designed to handle demanding applications and multitasking smoothly within the Android ecosystem. The iPhone 15 features the A16 Bionic chip, which provides efficient and responsive performance for iOS applications and gaming.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S25 typically comes with 12GB of RAM, allowing for extensive multitasking and keeping numerous applications active in the background without slowdowns. The iPhone 15 includes 6GB of RAM, optimized by iOS to manage applications effectively for a fluid user experience. Both devices offer various internal storage options, including 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, with the Galaxy S25 also offering a 128GB and 256GB base model.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S25 houses a 4000 mAh battery, designed to provide ample power for a full day of typical use. The iPhone 15 features a 3349 mAh battery, which, combined with iOS's power management, also aims to deliver consistent daily usage. Real-world battery life can vary based on individual usage patterns and application demands.

Memory (GB)

12 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience is a primary consideration for many users, and both devices offer high-quality displays with distinct characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S25 features a 6.2-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. It has a resolution of 2340x1080 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 416 ppi. The iPhone 15 comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, known for its color accuracy and high contrast ratio. Its resolution is 2556x1179 pixels, providing a pixel density of about 460 ppi.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S25's display supports a 120 Hz refresh rate, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations. It can reach a peak brightness of up to 2600 nits, ensuring good visibility in bright outdoor conditions. The iPhone 15 has a standard 60 Hz refresh rate. Its display can achieve a peak outdoor brightness of up to 2000 nits, offering clear viewing even under direct sunlight.
  • Viewing Experience: Users prioritizing a smoother visual experience, particularly in gaming or fast-scrolling content, may find the higher refresh rate of the Galaxy S25 appealing. Those who value consistent color reproduction and high pixel density for sharp text and images will find both displays capable.

Resolution

1080x2340

1179 x 2556

Audiovisual

Both the Galaxy S25 and iPhone 15 provide advanced camera systems designed to capture high-quality photos and videos, though their approaches differ in hardware and computational photography.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy S25 features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 50 MP wide-angle main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12 MP ultra-wide camera with a 120-degree field of view, and a 10 MP telephoto lens offering 3x optical zoom and OIS. This dedicated telephoto lens allows for clear zoomed-in shots. The iPhone 15 employs a dual-camera system, consisting of a 48 MP main camera with sensor-shift OIS and a 12 MP ultra-wide camera. It achieves a 2x telephoto effect through a sensor crop from the main 48 MP sensor.
  • Photography Features: Both devices excel in everyday photography, producing detailed images with accurate colors. The Galaxy S25 benefits from advanced AI features for scene optimization and noise reduction. The iPhone 15 utilizes features like Photonic Engine and Smart HDR 5 for enhanced image processing, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. Both offer night mode capabilities for low-light environments.
  • Video Recording: The Galaxy S25 can record video at up to 8K resolution at 30 frames per second (fps). The iPhone 15 supports 4K Dolby Vision video recording at up to 60 fps and includes Cinematic mode for depth-of-field effects in video. Both offer robust video stabilization.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and can influence a purchasing decision.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both the Galaxy S25 and iPhone 15 support 5G connectivity for fast mobile data speeds. They also feature modern Wi-Fi standards and Bluetooth for wireless connections. A notable change for the iPhone 15 is its adoption of a USB-C port, aligning it with the Galaxy S25 and many other electronic devices for charging and data transfer.
  • Biometric Security: The Galaxy S25 incorporates an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor for secure and convenient unlocking. The iPhone 15 relies on Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system, for biometric authentication.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone 15 measures 147.60 x 71.60 x 7.80mm and weighs 171 grams, featuring a design with slightly rounded edges for comfortable handling. The Galaxy S25 is marginally slimmer and lighter than its predecessor, offering a comfortable in-hand feel. Both devices offer a premium build with glass and aluminum materials.

Weight

162 g

171 g

Screen size (in)

6.2

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy S25 and iPhone 15 each present compelling options for smartphone users, with their strengths aligning with different priorities. Users often praise the iPhone 15 for its consistent performance, intuitive iOS experience, and robust camera capabilities, particularly its computational photography features. Some common feedback points for the iPhone 15 include its 60Hz display refresh rate, which some users find less fluid compared to higher refresh rate screens on other devices. The Galaxy S25, being a newer release, is frequently lauded for its vibrant 120Hz display, extended software support, and the versatility of its camera system with a dedicated telephoto lens. Early user sentiment for the S25 highlights its powerful processor and AI-driven features as significant advantages.

Users prioritizing long-term software support and a smoother display experience for tasks like scrolling and gaming may find the Galaxy S25 well-suited to their needs. Those who prefer the integrated ecosystem, consistent performance, and established user interface of iOS might lean towards the iPhone 15. Both devices offer excellent camera performance, but individuals who value a dedicated optical zoom lens may prefer the Galaxy S25, while those who appreciate Apple's photographic processing and Cinematic mode for video might favor the iPhone 15. For consumers considering a more sustainable choice, both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new.

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