The smartphone war between Samsung and Apple never fails to grab attention. Every new launch from these giants brings excitement, debates, and endless comparisons. With the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE 5G and Apple iPhone 16e stepping into the Indian market, consumers are eager to know which device offers the best combination of price, features, and performance.
In this detailed comparison, we’ll pit the Galaxy S25 FE 5G against the iPhone 16e to help you decide which one is worth your investment in 2025.
Design & Build Quality
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE 5G continues Samsung’s tradition of sleek design, featuring a glass back with Gorilla Glass protection and a polished aluminum frame. It’s lightweight yet sturdy, offering a modern look with multiple vibrant color options. Samsung also ensures IP68 water and dust resistance, making it durable for daily use.
On the other hand, Apple iPhone 16e carries Apple’s signature minimal design. The phone is built with aerospace-grade aluminum and ceramic shield glass, known for its premium feel and excellent durability. The iPhone 16e feels slightly more compact and is available in Apple’s signature pastel and bold shades.
Verdict: If you prefer a bold, stylish, and colorful device, the S25 FE 5G wins. But for those who love a premium, timeless aesthetic, the iPhone 16e takes the crown.
Display Comparison
Samsung has always led the smartphone display race, and the S25 FE 5G is no different. It boasts a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support. The colors are vibrant, brightness is excellent for outdoor use, and scrolling feels buttery smooth.
The iPhone 16e features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. Apple has improved brightness levels and contrast ratios, ensuring sharp visuals. However, the lack of 120Hz in this model may disappoint gamers and multimedia enthusiasts.
Verdict: Samsung offers a smoother display experience, while Apple provides excellent sharpness but lags in refresh rate.
Performance & Software
Performance is where things get interesting.
- The Galaxy S25 FE 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (India variant might get Exynos 2500). With up to 12GB RAM, multitasking, gaming, and heavy usage are effortless. Samsung’s One UI 7 based on Android 15 is feature-rich, customizable, and optimized for better battery performance.
- The iPhone 16e runs on Apple’s A17 Bionic Pro chip, paired with 6GB RAM. Despite lower RAM on paper, Apple’s optimization makes the iPhone extremely fast, smooth, and efficient. iOS 18 adds AI-powered features, smoother animations, and improved security.
Verdict: For raw multitasking and customization, Samsung shines. For smooth, lag-free, long-term performance, Apple is unbeatable.
Camera Showdown
The Galaxy S25 FE 5G packs a triple camera setup:
- 50MP primary sensor with OIS
- 12MP ultra-wide lens
- 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom
Samsung’s AI-powered image processing ensures bright, detailed photos, even in low light. Nightography is a strong point, along with excellent video recording up to 8K at 30fps.
The iPhone 16e features a dual-camera setup:
- 48MP main camera with sensor-shift stabilization
- 12MP ultra-wide lens
Apple’s computational photography continues to set benchmarks, especially for video. Cinematic mode, action stabilization, and Dolby Vision recording make it a content creator’s dream. However, it lacks a dedicated telephoto lens.
Verdict: Samsung offers more versatility with its triple-lens setup, but iPhone delivers unmatched video quality and reliable everyday shots.
Battery & Charging
- Galaxy S25 FE 5G comes with a 5,000mAh battery and supports 45W fast charging along with wireless charging. You can expect a full day of heavy use easily, with faster top-ups compared to iPhone.
- iPhone 16e packs a 3,500mAh battery with 30W fast charging and MagSafe wireless charging. While battery life has improved over older models, it may not last as long as Samsung during gaming or heavy streaming.
Verdict: Samsung leads with bigger capacity and faster charging.
Storage Options
- Galaxy S25 FE 5G: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB (expandable via microSD up to 1TB).
- iPhone 16e: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB (no expandable storage).
If expandable memory is important, Samsung clearly wins.
Price in India
- Samsung Galaxy S25 FE 5G: Starting around ₹54,999 for the base 128GB model.
- Apple iPhone 16e: Starting around ₹64,990 for the base 128GB model.
Apple demands a premium, while Samsung offers more value for money with higher specs at a lower price point.
Pros & Cons
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE 5G
Pros:
- Bigger battery & faster charging
- 120Hz AMOLED display
- Expandable storage
- Triple-camera versatility
- Lower price
Cons:
- Exynos variant may perform slightly lower
- Software updates slower than Apple
Apple iPhone 16e
Pros:
- A17 Bionic Pro chip = blazing speed
- Best-in-class video recording
- iOS 18 smoothness & security
- Premium build and resale value
Cons:
- Smaller battery
- 90Hz refresh rate only
- No expandable storage
- Higher price
Final Verdict
Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE 5G and Apple iPhone 16e depends on your needs:
- If you want value for money, a bigger battery, higher refresh rate, and camera versatility, go for the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE 5G.
- If you prefer long-term performance, premium brand value, and flawless video shooting, the iPhone 16e is the better pick.
Both devices are excellent, but Samsung offers better specifications at a lower price, while Apple ensures premium experience with long-term reliability.
FAQs
Q1. Which phone has the better camera – Samsung Galaxy S25 FE 5G or iPhone 16e?
Samsung provides more versatility with its triple-camera setup, while Apple delivers superior video quality and consistent photography.
Q2. Which phone has better battery life?
The Galaxy S25 FE 5G lasts longer due to its larger 5,000mAh battery, compared to the iPhone 16e’s 3,500mAh.
Q3. Is the iPhone 16e worth the higher price?
Yes, if you value long-term software support, resale value, and Apple’s ecosystem. But if specs and price matter more, Samsung is a better option.
Q4. Does the Galaxy S25 FE 5G support expandable storage?
Yes, it supports microSD expansion up to 1TB. iPhone 16e does not support expandable memory.
Q5. Which phone is better for gaming?
The Galaxy S25 FE 5G, thanks to its 120Hz display and larger battery, offers a smoother gaming experience.
