Samsung and Apple continue their annual face-off, and this time, the battle is between their more affordable flagship-tier phones: the Galaxy S24 FE and the iPhone 16e. Samsung launched the Galaxy S24 FE last year, bringing premium features at a more accessible price.
This year, Apple has revamped its budget-friendly SE lineup, renaming it the iPhone 16e and giving it some significant upgrades. However, despite the new name and improved display, it still remains a step below the base iPhone 16 in several aspects. But which one delivers the better overall experience? Let’s break it down.
Design and Display
The Galaxy S24 FE sports a larger 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a smoother scrolling experience and better responsiveness compared to the iPhone 16e’s 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel, which is still limited to 60Hz. The higher refresh rate on the S24 FE makes a noticeable difference in fluidity, particularly when gaming or scrolling through social media.
The Galaxy S24 FE outshines the iPhone 16e with a 1900-nit peak brightness, compared to the latter’s 1200 nits. While the iPhone 16e features a new notch design and an improved display over its SE predecessor, its lower brightness and lack of a high refresh rate make it less competitive. The S24 FE also features sleeker 1.9mm bezels, enhancing its premium look.
Performance and Software
Under the hood, the Galaxy S24 FE is powered by the Exynos 2400e SoC globally, paired with up to 8GB of RAM. Meanwhile, Apple’s iPhone 16e features the A18 chip with a 16-core Neural Engine, making it one of the most capable processors in a smartphone, particularly when it comes to AI-driven tasks. Apple also ensures longevity with optimized software and hardware integration, which often leads to better real-world performance over time.
Samsung offers Android 14 with One UI 6.1, bringing features like Generative Edit, Circle to Search, and enhanced AI capabilities. Meanwhile, the iPhone 16e debuts with iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence, its own suite of AI-driven features. Samsung has upped its game by promising 7 years of software updates, matching Apple’s industry-leading support cycle.
Cameras
Samsung completely outshines Apple in the camera department. The Galaxy S24 FE features a triple-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and an 8MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. On the front, there’s a 10MP selfie camera.
Apple takes a more minimalistic approach with a single 48MP sensor, which can digitally crop to offer a 2x “optical-quality” zoom. The front houses a 12MP TrueDepth camera for selfies and Face ID. Despite having fewer cameras, Apple’s image processing tends to deliver more consistent results, particularly in video recording, which is an area where iPhones continue to dominate.
Battery and Charging
The Galaxy S24 FE houses a 4,700mAh battery, which supports 25W fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging. The iPhone 16e, while having a smaller battery, is optimized with the A18 chip for better efficiency, promising up to 26 hours of video playback. Apple doesn’t specify battery capacity but often makes up for it with efficient software optimization.
However, Apple still lags behind in charging speeds. While the S24 FE offers 25W wired fast charging, the iPhone 16e sticks to Apple’s slower charging standards.
Pricing and Value
The Galaxy S24 FE starts at $649.99 for 8GB + 128GB, while the iPhone 16e is priced at $599 for the same storage. Currently available on Amazon for $499, the S24 FE offers an even better value for those seeking flagship features.
Which One Should You Buy?
If you’re thinking about upgrading, then obviously get the Galaxy S24 FE—it offers better hardware, a high-refresh-rate display, a versatile camera setup, and faster charging. It also has a more modern design with slimmer bezels and a hole-punch display.
However, if you’re considering getting the iPhone 16e, you might be better off opting for the standard iPhone 16 or even a refurbished iPhone Pro model. The 16e feels like a compromise, and spending a little extra could get you a better Apple experience with more premium features.
Ultimately, both phones deliver excellent value, but Samsung’s latest Fan Edition brings more flagship-grade features at a competitive price, making it the more well-rounded choice for most users.
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