The battle of the mid-range flagships is heating up, with Samsung’s Galaxy S25 FE and OnePlus’s new OnePlus 15R going head-to-head. Both phones offer premium features at a more affordable price point, but which one is the better choice for you? Let’s break it down.
Design & Durability:
When it comes to design and durability, both phones offer premium looks and feel. Samsung’s Galaxy S25 FE stands out with its silver Armour Aluminium frame, while OnePlus has gone for a more rounded design with the 15R. Both phones are IP68 dust and water resistant, but the 15R goes a step further with additional IP66, IP69, and IP69K certifications. In terms of finishes, Samsung offers more options with Navy, Icyblue, Jetblack, and white, while OnePlus has Charcoal Black and Mint Breeze. Winner: OnePlus 15R
Gaming Performance:
OnePlus has always prioritized performance, and the 15R is no exception. It boasts the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 SoC, 12GB of RAM Ultra memory, and UFS 4.1 storage. The phone also features a high-refresh-rate AMOLED display and gaming optimizations for a smooth gaming experience. On the other hand, the S25 FE’s Exynos 2400 chip and slower RAM and storage make it less performant for gaming. Winner: OnePlus 15R
Battery Life:
The OnePlus 15R takes the lead in battery life with its Si-C battery tech and a massive 7400mAh battery. This allows for two to three days of usage on a single charge, even with heavy gaming. The S25 FE, with its 4900mAh battery, offers a day of use but lags behind in capacity. While the 15R lacks wireless charging, it compensates with 80W wired charging for quick top-ups. Winner: OnePlus 15R
Long Update Support:
Samsung shines in the software department with its One UI offering seven years of OS updates and security updates. OnePlus falls slightly short with four generations of updates, making Samsung the better choice for long-term support. Winner: Samsung Galaxy S25 FE
Photography:
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 FE excels in photography with its versatile camera setup and nightography capabilities. OnePlus’s 15R delivers impressive shots with its DetailMax Engine but lacks the versatility of the S25 FE’s camera arrangement. Winner: Samsung Galaxy S25 FE
In conclusion, the OnePlus 15R is the better choice for performance and battery life, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE offers superior software support and camera capabilities. Both phones are priced similarly, so the decision comes down to your priorities. If you value performance and battery life, go for the OnePlus 15R. If long-term software support and camera versatility are important to you, opt for the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE.
