The perfect funds iPhone but
The iPhone 17e continues the legacy of Apple’s funds “SE” and “e” product strains whereas offering a extra full expertise than ever earlier than. It now has a quicker Apple A19 processor, 256GB base storage and MagSafe charging. Nonetheless, it is a bit restricted in show and digicam expertise, which can make individuals need to improve to one thing just like the Galaxy S25 FE.
Execs
- Apple A19 processor in a $599 cellphone
- 256GB of base storage included as normal
- Compact and light-weight design with premium construct
- MagSafe/Qi2 wi-fi charging onboard
Cons
- 6.1-inch show is simply 60Hz
- Presents only one 48MP rear digicam sensor
- Massive notch cuts into viewable display space
- Decrease-capacity battery than competitors
The versatile selection
The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is simply $50 costlier than the iPhone 17e, but it surely packs a couple of further options to justify the added value. You get a big 120Hz show, a triple-camera system on the rear, and a much bigger battery capability. Nonetheless, the iPhone 17e may win within the efficiency and software program departments.
Execs
- Bigger 6.7-inch OLED display with 120Hz refresh charges
- Triple-camera system together with 3x optical telephoto lens
- Seven years of OS upgrades and Galaxy AI options
- 4,900mAh battery with quick charging
Cons
- No MagSafe assist
- Bigger and heavier than iPhone 17e
- Slower Exynos processor
- Barely costlier
In the event you’re out there for a midrange smartphone, here is what it is advisable know to determine between Apple and Samsung’s newest choices.
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iPhone 17e vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 FE: Design and show
(Picture credit score: Brady Snyder / Android Central)
The designs of the iPhone 17e and Samsung Galaxy S25 FE actually could not be rather more totally different. Apple went with a easy, minimalist, and refined design, whereas Samsung opted for a heavier, bigger chassis. These variations are mirrored within the {hardware}, too, because the Galaxy S25 FE’s bigger footprint permits it to pack extra cameras and a bigger battery. At a look, you may discover that the iPhone 17e has a single rear digicam, whereas the Galaxy S25 FE has three.
The supplies are practically equivalent, as each Apple and Samsung use an aluminum body and glass again. Crucially, the iPhone 17e makes use of Apple’s new Ceramic Protect 2 masking, launched on flagships just like the iPhone Air, which provides higher scratch-resistance than its predecessor. Samsung provides Gorilla Glass Victus Plus, but it surely’s not so good as thwarting nicks and scuffs. Each telephones have IP68 certification in opposition to mud and water ingress.
As for the scale, the iPhone 17e is considerably extra compact. As a consequence of its smaller 6.1-inch show, the iPhone 17e is narrower and shorter than the Galaxy S25 FE, which is nice for small cellphone followers. The Galaxy S25 FE is thinner than the iPhone 17e, measuring 7.4mm in comparison with 7.8mm, respectively. Nonetheless, the iPhone 17e does win the load battle by a large margin, coming in at solely 169 grams. The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is far heavier at 190 grams and may be tougher to carry because of the bigger footprint.
Each telephones have bezels on the bigger aspect, however the iPhone 17e has a big notch that cuts into the show. This notch homes the cellphone’s Face ID {hardware}, but it surely appears dated in comparison with the Dynamic Island on newer iPhones or the hole-punch cutout on the Galaxy S25 FE.
(Picture credit score: Apple)
The iPhone 17e’s show is in any other case strong, because it’s an OLED panel with a pointy 2532×1170-pixel decision and a pixel density of 460 pixels per inch (ppi). The Galaxy S25 FE provides the same OLED show with a 2340×1080 decision, which interprets to a pixel density of roughly 385 ppi. In easy phrases, this implies the iPhone 17e’s show is sharper than the Galaxy S25 FE’s display. On the flip aspect, the Galaxy S25 FE has a extra responsive panel, because it helps 120Hz refresh charges, whereas the iPhone 17e continues to be restricted to 60Hz.
After all, dimension is one other consideration. There’s a reasonably large soar between the 6.1-inch iPhone 17e and the 6.7-inch Galaxy S25 FE display sizes. I are inclined to want extra compact handsets, however you may have to think about the dimensions distinction based mostly in your private style.
(Picture credit score: Brady Snyder / Android Central)
The iPhone 17e provides full MagSafe and Qi2 assist with built-in magnets. The Galaxy S25 FE lacks this convenient characteristic, but it surely does assist quick wi-fi charging. In any other case, each telephones are inclined to really feel extra premium than the midrange value level may counsel. You will not discover low-quality glass or plastic backs right here — simply high-end aluminum and Corning glass.
What to learn subsequent
iPhone 17e vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 FE: {Hardware} and specs
Apple and Samsung are each utilizing customized processors of their midrange telephones which might be typically thought-about a step down from flagship chips. Nonetheless, they’re greater than succesful for day by day use. Apple makes use of the A19 chip within the iPhone 17e — seemingly the identical one as the bottom iPhone 17 — however there is a catch. It is a binned model with one fewer GPU core. The typical consumer is unlikely ever to note this, but it surely’s price stating.
The Galaxy S25 FE is powered by the Exynos 2400 cellular processor, which powers flagship Galaxy telephones in some areas, with Qualcomm dealing with flagship chips in markets like North America. It is a chip fabricated on a 4nm course of node and is barely much less superior than the 3nm Apple A19 Professional. Once more, impression on day by day use might be minimal, if noticeable in any respect.
Each telephones include 8GB of reminiscence and may deal with fundamental AI duties, although you’ll be able to count on Galaxy AI and Gemini to be extra sturdy than Apple Intelligence.
Swipe to scroll horizontallySpecifications
Class
iPhone 17e
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE
Working System
iOS 26
Android 14, (Samsung One UI 8)
Show
6.1-inch Tremendous Retina XDR OLED with notch, 1170 x 2532 decision, 60Hz, 1200 nits peak brightness, Ceramic Protect 2
6.7-inch
2340 x 1080 FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Processor
Apple A19
Deca-core Exynos 2400 (4 nm)
Connectivity
Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, Emergency SOS through satellite tv for pc
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4
RAM
8GB
8GB
Storage
256GB, 512GB
128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Rear cameras
48MP large digicam
12 MP f/2.2 (Extremely Broad) 50 MP f/1.8 (Broad)
8 MP 3x f/2.4 (Telephoto)
Entrance digicam
12MP
12 MP f/2.2
Battery
4,005mAh
4,900mAh
Charging
Quick wired charging, 15W wi-fi MagSafe/Qi2 charging
45W Tremendous Quick Charging Quick Wi-fi Charging 2.0 Wi-fi PowerShare
Sturdiness
Aluminum body, glass again
Aluminum body, glass again
IP ranking
IP68
IP68
Weight
169g
190g
Dimensions
146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm
161.3 x 76.6 x 7.4 mm
Colours
Black, White, Delicate Pink
Jetblack, Navy, Icyblue, White
An interesting side of the iPhone 17e is that it comes with 256GB of base storage as normal. The $650 model of the Galaxy S25 FE comes with half the storage, so it is costlier and provides much less storage. To get a 256GB or 512GB mannequin of the Galaxy S25 FE, you may find yourself paying rather more than the comparable iPhone 17e.
The Galaxy S25 FE has a bigger 4,900mAh battery and helps as much as 45W wired charging. In the meantime, the iPhone 17e has a 4,005mAh capability and helps the aforementioned MagSafe and Qi2.
iPhone 17e vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 FE: Cameras
(Picture credit score: Brady Snyder / Android Central)
Lastly, there are the cameras. Or digicam, singular, within the case of the iPhone 17e’s rear providing. It is onerous to say how a lot you worth a multi-camera system in a midrange cellphone, however there isn’t any doubt the Galaxy S25 FE’s triple-camera setup is extra versatile. It provides a bodily major shooter, a telephoto zoom lens, and an ultrawide digicam that may carry out in any state of affairs. The iPhone 17e’s 48MP major digicam is nice for point-and-shoot photographs, however past 2x sensor-crop zoom, it may’t do extra.
Samsung put a 50MP major sensor on the Galaxy S25 FE, however the cellphone’s secondary cameras are weaker. The 3x optical zoom telephoto lens is simply 8MP, and the ultrawide is not a lot sharper at 12MP. That stated, you do not get these lenses in any respect on the iPhone 17e.
iPhone 17e vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 FE: Which must you purchase?
(Picture credit score: Nandika Ravi/Android Central)
In the event you’re in search of the best-value cellphone on the most inexpensive value, and you do not care a lot about granular specs or options, the iPhone 17e wins. It has a succesful Apple A19 processor and iOS 26 software program packed into a skinny, compact, and light-weight cellphone. With a flexible single 48MP major digicam and MagSafe assist, it covers all of the fundamentals for an informal consumer. Those that could not inform the distinction between a 60Hz and a 120Hz show will love the iPhone 17e.
Individuals with larger minimal expectations for what a smartphone needs to be in 2026 ought to completely improve to the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE. In the event you suppose a 60Hz show this present day is laughable, Samsung’s midranger is for you. It has a high-quality show, a big battery capability, and a triple-camera system. The iPhone 17e might need a effective major shooter, however it may’t match the flexibility of the Galaxy S25 FE’s digicam choices.
Actually, you’ll be able to’t go improper with both the iPhone 17e or the Galaxy S25 FE, however attempt to get the latter at a reduction because it’s halfway by means of its launch cycle.
The easy choose
If you would like a light-weight, compact, or plain and easy smartphone, go along with the iPhone 17e. It provides standout efficiency, dependable iOS software program, and solely the fundamentals for a fantastic value. You quit niceties like a a 120Hz show or a number of rear cameras, however customers in search of simply the necessities could not miss them.
Higher, however not by sufficient
The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is clearly higher than the iPhone 17e in nearly each means, but it surely’s additionally costlier. This mannequin makes you think about stepping as much as true flagships just like the Galaxy S26 for a extra polished expertise. In the event you solely have $650 to spend, it is a nice cellphone, however you may be tempted to step right down to the iPhone 17e’s value tier or step as much as the Galaxy S26’s class.
