iPhone 17 vs Samsung Galaxy S25 FE

iPhone 17

Apple

8.2

Great

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE

Samsung

Good

What Reviewers Agree On

ProMotion 120Hz on the base model is a long-overdue and welcome addition that transforms the user experience
A19 chip provides excellent everyday performance with full Apple Intelligence support
Dual 48MP + 12MP camera system produces genuinely impressive photos for a non-Pro iPhone
The 24MP front camera is the best selfie camera Apple has ever shipped
At $799, it represents the best value in the iPhone 17 lineup for most users

Deal Breakers

No telephoto camera limits zoom capabilities compared to Pro models
No always-on display despite having ProMotion hardware

Detailed Comparison

Design & Build

iPhone 17

The iPhone 17 adopts the new aluminum design language shared across the lineup, giving the base model a more premium look and feel than any previous standard iPhone.

The aluminum construction brings the base iPhone closer to Pro in look and feel — it no longer feels like a budget option
Available in vibrant new colors that add personality absent from the muted Pro tones
IP68 water resistance and Ceramic Shield front continue to provide excellent durability

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE

The S25 FE adopts the flat-edge design language of the S25 series, giving it a modern, premium look. However, build quality concerns have emerged, with the polycarbonate back and Gorilla Glass Victus scratching more easily than expected.

Flat-edge design mirrors the mainline S25 series — it looks like a flagship from the outside
IP68 water and dust resistance is a welcome inclusion at this price tier

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What Reviewers Agree On

Dynamic AMOLED display is excellent for the price — vibrant colors and smooth 120Hz
Galaxy AI features bring flagship-level intelligence to a more affordable price point
Camera system is capable in good lighting with a solid 50MP main sensor
Samsung's update commitment (6 years) adds long-term value
Design looks and feels premium despite the lower price point

Deal Breakers

Exynos 2400 performance lags noticeably behind Snapdragon 8 Elite competitors
Build quality concerns — phone scratches more easily than expected
Iterative upgrade over S24 FE with minimal new features to justify the purchase

Display

iPhone 17

ProMotion 120Hz finally arrives on the standard iPhone, making the 6.1-inch OLED display significantly smoother than previous base models.

ProMotion 120Hz is the single biggest upgrade — scrolling, animations, and general interaction feel dramatically smoother
Peak brightness reaches 2,000 nits which is excellent for outdoor use though lower than the Pro 3,000-nit panels
No always-on display despite ProMotion hardware — a frustrating omission to differentiate from the Pro line

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE

The 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED display is one of the S25 FE's strongest features. Samsung's display expertise shines here, delivering flagship-quality visuals at a mid-range price.

The FHD+ AMOLED display is vibrant, sharp, and smooth at 120Hz — hard to fault for $649
Peak brightness is sufficient for outdoor use, though not as high as the mainline S25 series
HDR content looks excellent — the display punches well above its price bracket for media consumption