The affordable premium smartphone market gains two strong competitors with the arrival of the iPhone 17e and the Galaxy S25 FE. While Apple bets on its recognized ecosystem and processing power, Samsung counterattacks with a model that promises versatility and a more competitive price. This comparison seeks to reveal which device offers the most advantageous set and which represents the best investment for the consumer.
Analysis of design and connectivity options
In terms of ergonomics, the iPhone 17e stands out for having a more compact and lighter format, ideal for handling with just one hand. On the other hand, the Galaxy S25 FE adopts a wider structure, but maintains an elegant finish and a construction that conveys robustness.
The quality of the materials is a common point, with both models offering high standard construction, IP68 certification for water and dust resistance, and advanced screen protection. Apple’s device features Ceramic Shield 2 technology, while Samsung’s uses Gorilla Glass Victus+ and a metal alloy optimized for the structure.
Dimensions differ, with the iPhone 17e measuring 71.5 x 146.7 x 7.8 mm and featuring a 6.1-inch screen with a resolution of 2532×1170 pixels. The Galaxy S25 FE is larger, with 76.6 x 161.3 x 7.4 mm and a 6.7-inch screen, whose resolution is 2340×1080 pixels.
The use of the front part of the screen is superior in the Korean device, which integrates the front camera in a discreet hole, contrasting with the more visible notch present in the Apple model. However, the iPhone introduces a configurable side action button, expanding the features available to the user.
Regarding connectivity, both devices have Wi-Fi 6, NFC, 5G support and 15W wireless charging. The Galaxy differentiates itself by including a newer version of Bluetooth and reverse charging capability, while the iPhone stands out for its compatibility with the MagSafe ecosystem of accessories.
In this way, each device has unique attributes that result in a balanced score in this category.
- Best build: Galaxy S25 FE
- Best rear scratch protection: Both
- More modern look: Galaxy S25 FE
- Is the slot hybrid or dedicated?: None
- Best notch solution: Galaxy S25 FE
- Best Biometrics Solution: None
- Best resistance certification?: iPhone 17e
- Which is thinner and lighter?: None
- Does it have NFC?: Both
- Does it have Wi-Fi 7?: Both
- Most advanced Bluetooth: Galaxy S25 FE
Screen quality and features
The Galaxy S25 FE’s screen provides a more immersive visual experience, with its 6.7-inch AMOLED panel and a 120 Hz refresh rate. On the other hand, the iPhone 17e comes with a 6.1-inch OLED screen, which, however, maintains the 60 Hz limitation.
Both smartphones guarantee high image quality and HDR compatibility. However, the Korean device stands out with the inclusion of HDR10+, superior automatic brightness and support for Android Ultra HDR. The Apple device, in turn, offers Dolby Vision, True Tone and excellent color calibration.
Samsung also innovates with its adaptive refresh rate, which modulates energy consumption depending on the type of content displayed. Although the iPhone features a capable screen, the lack of 120 Hz is a disadvantage compared to its direct competitor.
In conclusion, the Galaxy wins in the screen category.
- Best screen technology: None
- Best screen brightness: Galaxy S25 FE
- More colors: iPhone 17e
- Best screen resolution: iPhone 17e
- Anti-reflective treatment: None
- Bigger screen: Galaxy S25 FE
- Best screen-to-body ratio: Galaxy S25 FE
- High Hz display?: Galaxy S25 FE
- HDR10 Support: Both
- Dolby Vision Support: iPhone 17e
- Lowest Latency: None
- Best scratch protection: Both
- Overall screen quality: Both
Sound capacity of devices
Both devices come equipped with hybrid stereo speakers, which provide a high-fidelity sound experience. Both the iPhone and the Galaxy offer clear vocals, balanced mids and well-defined highs, ensuring quality listening to a variety of media.
The iPhone 17e stands out for its inclusion of spatial audio, which provides superior sound immersion, and for its greater audio power. The Galaxy S25 FE, in turn, delivers more pronounced bass and an optimized equalizer, but does not reach the same level of volume and balance as its competitor.
In this aspect, the iPhone stands out in terms of sound.
- Is the sound stereo?: Both
- Does it have P2 input?: None
- Greater frequency balance: iPhone 17e
- Sound power: iPhone 17e
- Does it come with headphones in the box?: None
Operating systems and artificial intelligence
Both models are launched with the latest versions of their operating systems, both with strong integration of artificial intelligence features. The iPhone 17e comes with iOS 26, while the Galaxy S25 FE already comes with Android 16 and the One UI 8 interface.
As for support durability, the South Korean device stands out for guaranteeing seven major Android system updates. Apple’s competitor also promises several years of updates, following the company’s standard, but without an official disclosure policy.
Both smartphones incorporate instant translation and several advanced AI features. Apple Intelligence prioritizes deep integration with the operating system and ChatGPT, while Samsung’s One UI offers a more extensive range of tools for productivity and contextual search.
While both have improved customization and user experience, Samsung offers a more comprehensive software suite, including features like Circle to Search in Games, Gemini Live, and smart assistants for managing notes, keyboard, and documents.
Thus, the Galaxy stands out in the software experience.
- System well updated?: Both
- Greater system longevity: Galaxy S25 FE
- Which system or customization has the most and best features?: Galaxy S25 FE
- Is there a 5G mobile network?: Both
- Fluid Software: Both
Performance Power Analysis
The iPhone 17e is powered by the A19 chip and has 8 GB of RAM, while the Galaxy S25 FE uses the Exynos 2400 processor, also with the same memory capacity. Both models offer a starting storage of 256 GB and guarantee robust performance for all activities.
In everyday use, both devices demonstrate excellent management of multiple tasks and run demanding games without difficulty. However, in speed evaluations, the Apple phone proved to be faster at launching and switching applications, in addition to recording higher scores in benchmark tests.
Although both achieve great gaming performance, the iPhone experience is limited to 60 frames per second due to the characteristics of the screen. On the other hand, the Galaxy makes better use of its hardware thanks to the 120 Hz display, despite having a raw performance slightly below the competitor.
In this performance category, both earn one point.
- Who does better in the opening test?: iPhone 17e
- Who comes out on top in the most demanding games?: Galaxy S25 FE
- Who has the best benchmark numbers?: iPhone 17e
- What is the most updated processor?: iPhone 17e
- Which has better RAM/processor balance?: Both
- Which has more storage?: iPhone 17e
Battery capacity and life
In the autonomy assessment, the Galaxy S25 FE stands out, reaching approximately 28 hours of use in tests, surpassing the average 26 hours of the iPhone 17e. Despite a slight regression in both models compared to their predecessors, the Samsung device maintains the lead.
In terms of recharging, the Korean model also stands out. Even though it comes with a 25W charger in the package, it can reach a full charge in around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Apple’s competitor, in turn, takes around 1 hour and 35 minutes to recharge and continues to be sold without the accessory in the box.
Therefore, the Galaxy is the winner in the battery category.
- Which has more battery?: Galaxy S25 FE
- Which recharges faster?: Galaxy S25 FE
- Which lasts longer according to TC’s battery test?: Galaxy S25 FE
- Does it have wireless charging?: Both
Full camera array details
The Galaxy S25 FE features a more adaptable photography arrangement, with main, ultra-wide and 3x telephoto lenses. The iPhone 17e, on the other hand, has only one rear camera, seeking to compensate for the lack of additional lenses with a 2x zoom feature based on digital cropping.
Regarding the main camera, both phones capture high quality images, displaying good details, harmonious colors and a generous dynamic range. Image processing is natural in both, ensuring consistency in photos in most scenarios.
The main advantage of the South Korean model lies in its greater versatility. The ultra-wide lens expands framing options, and the telephoto lens provides superior optical zoom. Although the Apple device produces good zoomed photos, the digital cropping method does not achieve the same level of sharpness.
In low-light scenarios, both smartphones deliver good results with night mode, minimizing noise and maintaining details. Even so, Samsung stands out for combining this good performance with a notably more complete set of cameras.
Considering the whole, the Galaxy wins for its superior photographic capacity.
- Best rear camera setup: Galaxy S25 FE
- Best daytime photos: Both
- Best night photos: Galaxy S25 FE
- Most versatile set: Galaxy S25 FE
- Best ultrawide: Galaxy S25 FE
- Best telephoto: Galaxy S25 FE
- Best macro: None
- Best depth: None
Both smartphones have a 12 MP front camera, which captures selfies with rich details, wide dynamic range and true-to-life colors. The exposure of the face remains uniform in different light conditions, ensuring a high standard in the images.
The iPhone 17e has a slight advantage due to its automatic focus, which ensures image clarity at different distances. The Galaxy S25 FE, although it offers a good portrait mode, still doesn’t reach the same level as its competitor.
Therefore, the iPhone excels at capturing selfies.
- Best front camera array: None
- Front camera records in 4K?: Both
- Best daytime selfie: iPhone 17e
- Best night selfie: iPhone 17e
When recording videos, both devices demonstrate excellent quality, with effective stabilization, agile focus and good sound capture. Footage exhibits well-balanced colors, a wide dynamic range, and consistent performance in both day and night light.
The Galaxy S25 FE has an advantage in the ability to record in up to 8K with its main camera, while the iPhone counterattacks with Dolby Vision and high quality in 4K, as well as superior performance in the front camera for videos.
In this video category, both devices get one point.
- Does it have optical stabilization?: Both
- Does it have electronic stabilization?: Both
- Agile Focus: Both
- Records in 8K at 30 fps?: Galaxy S25 FE
- Records in 4K at 120 fps?: Both
- Records in 4K at 60 fps?: Both
- Best audio capture: iPhone 17e
- Best video quality: iPhone 17e
- Best Extra Features: iPhone 17e
Price variations and cost-benefit
The Galaxy S25 FE was introduced on the Brazilian market in September 2025 with a price of R$5,500 for its single configuration of 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. Today, this model can be purchased for less than R$3,000 on offer platforms.
In turn, the iPhone 17e was launched in Brazil in March 2026, with a price of R$5,800 for the 256 GB memory version, and R$7,300 for the 512 GB option. Currently, the device is available in promotions for a price slightly above R$4,000.
Considering current values, the Galaxy has an advantage in terms of cost-benefit, offering a more affordable option for those looking for a premium device.
