When it comes to flagship smartphones, few names carry the weight that Apple and Samsung do. The latest in their iconic series, the Apple iPhone 16 and the Samsung Galaxy S24 represent the pinnacle of mobile technology, offering premium features and cutting-edge advancements. However, choosing between these two devices can be challenging.
In this comparison, we’ll evaluate the two phones based on design, display, media, software, performance, battery, and cameras, highlighting their similarities, differences, and unique advantages to help you decide which is the better buy.
Design:
Both the iPhone 16 and the Galaxy S24 boast sleek designs, but they cater to slightly different aesthetics and practical needs.
Features
The iPhone 16 sports a glass front and back made from Corning glass and an aluminum frame. It’s available in a variety of finishes, maintaining Apple’s minimalist and premium look. Apple has focused on durability, offering IP68 water and dust resistance that protects the device in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes.
On the other hand, the Galaxy S24 is built with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, which provides excellent scratch and drop resistance. Samsung claims an extra layer of protection with its Armor Aluminum 2 frame, also rated IP68, but with resistance for 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
Similarities
Both devices feature premium glass and aluminum constructions and are certified IP68 for water and dust resistance. They are designed to survive everyday wear and tear, though Samsung’s Armor Aluminum provides extra peace of mind for durability.
Differences
While both phones have premium builds, the iPhone 16’s design emphasizes simplicity and refined materials, whereas the Galaxy S24 leans into durability with its extra-protective materials and more resistant glass. The iPhone 16 offers deeper water resistance (6m vs. 1.5m), which could be an essential factor for users with more exposure to wet environments.
Advantages
The iPhone 16’s design feels luxurious and refined, with better water resistance for extreme conditions. However, the Galaxy S24 wins in durability, making it better suited for users seeking a rugged device.
Unique Design Features
- The iPhone 16 features a recognizable notch design housing the Face ID sensors.
- The Galaxy S24 likely has a punch-hole camera design (based on previous models), offering a potentially more immersive display experience.
Some users prefer the clean look of a punch-hole camera, while others appreciate the advanced facial recognition capabilities enabled by the iPhone’s notch.
Better Design Choice: iPhone 16 for its minimalist luxury and better water resistance; Galaxy S24 for enhanced durability.
Display, Media, and Software:
The screen is one of the most significant elements of any smartphone, and both the iPhone 16 and Galaxy S24 excel in this area.
Features
The iPhone 16 comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with HDR10 and Dolby Vision support, peaking at an impressive 2000 nits of brightness. This ensures vibrant colors, sharp contrast, and excellent outdoor visibility. It is protected by Ceramic Shield glass, which offers additional durability.
The Galaxy S24 ups the ante with a slightly larger 6.2-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display, featuring a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, HDR10+, and a peak brightness of 2600 nits. This screen offers buttery-smooth scrolling, ideal for gaming or high-refresh activities, along with superior brightness for bright sunlight conditions.
Similarities
Both phones deliver OLED panels that support high dynamic range formats (HDR10), ensuring vivid and immersive visuals. They also provide excellent brightness, sharp contrast, and vibrant colors for media consumption and outdoor use.
Differences
The iPhone 16’s display has a fixed 60Hz refresh rate, which may feel less smooth compared to the 120Hz adaptive refresh rate on the Galaxy S24, especially when scrolling or playing games. However, Apple’s Dolby Vision support can offer slightly better HDR performance in supported content, whereas Samsung focuses more on brightness and gaming fluidity with its LTPO AMOLED technology.
Advantages
The Galaxy S24 offers a larger screen, higher peak brightness, and a 120Hz refresh rate, making it better for users who prioritize gaming or multimedia consumption. On the other hand, the iPhone 16 excels in color accuracy and HDR content with Dolby Vision support, appealing to users who care about visual precision.
Better Display Choice: Galaxy S24 for gaming and multimedia consumption; iPhone 16 for those focused on HDR content and precision.
Performance and Battery:
Both Apple and Samsung have outfitted their latest phones with powerful chipsets, but each takes a different approach to delivering performance and battery life.
Features
The iPhone 16 is powered by the Apple A18 chip, built on a 3nm process, delivering superb efficiency and performance across a wide range of tasks. Paired with 8GB of RAM, the iPhone 16 is fast, smooth, and power-efficient. It does not support external storage but offers up to 512GB of internal storage.
The Galaxy S24 comes with either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or the Exynos 2400, depending on the region. Both are built on 4nm technology and paired with up to 12GB of RAM, offering excellent multitasking performance and high-end gaming capabilities. The Galaxy S24 also features UFS 4.0 storage for faster read/write speeds.
In terms of battery, the iPhone 16 has a Li-Ion non-removable battery, though the exact capacity is undisclosed. It supports fast wired and wireless charging and reverse wired charging. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S24 is equipped with a 4000 mAh battery, supporting 25W wired and 15W wireless charging, with 4.5W reverse wireless charging.
Similarities
Both phones deliver flagship performance with efficient chipsets and 8GB RAM as the standard. They also support fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging.
Differences
The iPhone 16’s A18 chip is more efficient due to its 3nm architecture, potentially offering better battery life in regular use. The Galaxy S24, however, has the advantage of more RAM options and UFS 4.0 storage, which translates to better multitasking and faster app loading. Samsung also provides region-specific processors, which can result in slight performance variations based on where you buy the phone.
Advantages
In terms of pure performance, the iPhone 16 excels in power efficiency and sustained performance across various tasks. The Galaxy S24 provides more RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, giving it the edge for power users and gamers who need faster storage and multitasking capabilities.
Better Performance and Battery Choice: iPhone 16 for efficiency and battery longevity; Galaxy S24 for multitasking and gaming performance.
Cameras:
Cameras are one of the most important features for today’s users, and both phones come with impressive setups.
Features
The iPhone 16 features a dual-camera setup, consisting of a 48MP main camera and a 12MP ultrawide lens. It offers advanced sensor-shift optical image stabilization (OIS), Dolby Vision HDR video recording, and up to 4K resolution at 60fps.
The Galaxy S24 packs a triple-camera system, with a 50MP main camera, 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and 12MP ultrawide lens. It also supports 8K video recording at 24fps and 4K recording at 60fps.
Similarities
Both phones offer high-quality wide and ultrawide cameras, capable of delivering excellent image quality in diverse conditions. They also support 4K video recording at multiple frame rates and offer stereo sound recording.
Differences
The Galaxy S24’s inclusion of a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom sets it apart for zoom photography. Additionally, its ability to shoot in 8K video is a significant advantage for videographers. The iPhone 16 does not have a telephoto lens or 8K video recording, but its sensor-shift stabilization is more advanced, especially for low-light photography and handheld shooting.
Advantages
If zoom photography and 8K video are important to you, the Galaxy S24 is the clear winner. However, the iPhone 16 delivers superior stabilization and seamless Dolby Vision HDR for photo and video enthusiasts who prioritize detail and clarity.
Better Camera Choice: Galaxy S24 for zoom and videography; iPhone 16 for stabilization and HDR quality.
Which is the Better Buy?
Choosing between the iPhone 16 and the Galaxy S24 largely depends on your preferences and how you plan to use your phone.
- iPhone 16 stands out with its minimalist design, Dolby Vision display, power-efficient A18 chip, and excellent image stabilization for photography.
- Galaxy S24 shines in durability, high-refresh-rate display, multitasking performance, and 8K video recording.
Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
For most users seeking an all-around experience with superior efficiency and HDR quality, the iPhone 16 may be the better buy. However, if you value gaming, multitasking, zoom photography, or videography, the Galaxy S24 offers more in those areas.
Comments