When it comes to flagship smartphones, the rivalry between Apple and Samsung is legendary.
This year, Apple’s iPhone 16 and Samsung’s Galaxy S24 face off in a battle of design, performance, camera prowess and innovation. However, while we’ve had the opportunity to thoroughly test and review the Galaxy S24, we have yet to experience the iPhone 16.
Our comparison here is based on official specifications and information provided by Apple, highlighting the key differences and similarities between these two high-end devices.
Differences between iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S24
Build and design
The iPhone 16 maintains a classic look with an aluminum frame and frosted glass back, reminiscent of last year’s models. However, it features a new vertical dual-camera layout and introduces two new buttons: the Action button and the camera control button.
These buttons are customizable and bring an extra level of functionality, with the camera control button designed to mimic the tactile feel of a DSLR’s shutter and zoom with a single button.
Peter Ahrnstedt
On the other hand, the Galaxy S24 sticks to its familiar design language but with notable refinements. It has a flat aluminum frame that gives it a sleek, modern look, complemented by a new matte finish on the back that resists fingerprints and improves grip. The edges are less curved compared to previous models, also providing a more angular aesthetic.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
While the iPhone 16 aims to combine elegance and innovation, the Galaxy S24 emphasizes durability and comfort of use. The choice in terms of design and construction of the two devices is therefore entirely a matter of preference.
Screen and speakers
The iPhone 16 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, with a resolution of 2556 x 1179 pixels. It supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, delivering deep blacks and vibrant colors.
Peter Ahrnstedt
The display peaks at 2,000 nits outdoors, making it easy to view even in bright sunlight. However, it doesn’t have the 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate found on the iPhone 16 Pro models, which some users might miss.
The Galaxy S24 features a 6.2-inch LTPO AMOLED display that dynamically adjusts its refresh rate between 1Hz and 120Hz, providing smooth scrolling and better battery efficiency.
It also offers a higher maximum brightness, up to 2,600 nits, ensuring excellent visibility in all lighting conditions.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
While the iPhone 16’s display may excel in color accuracy and contrast, the Galaxy S24’s larger screen and adaptive refresh rate provide a smoother viewing experience.
In terms of audio, both devices have stereo speakers that deliver clear and rich sound.
Performance
Under the hood, the iPhone 16 is powered by the cutting-edge A18 chip. Built on a 3nm process, it features a 6-core CPU, a 5-core GPU, and a 16-core neural engine capable of performing advanced machine learning tasks.
Apple claims a 30% improvement in CPU performance and a 40% increase in GPU efficiency compared to the previous generation. This chip promises to handle everything from intensive gaming to complex multitasking with ease, setting a new benchmark for mobile processors.
The Galaxy S24 – depending on region – comes with either the Exynos 2400 (in regions like the UK) or the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (in the US and other select markets).
Both variants offer impressive performance, with the Snapdragon version having a slight advantage in benchmarks. The Exynos 2400 – while slightly behind in raw power – is optimized for everyday efficiency and performance.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
In practice, both chips are more than capable of handling today’s demanding apps and games, but Apple’s A18 can deliver superior sustained performance, especially in graphics-intensive scenarios.
Cameras
Camera capabilities are often a deciding factor for many smartphone buyers, and the iPhone 16 and Galaxy S24 both bring their A-game.
The iPhone 16 features a dual-camera setup with a new 48MP Fusion main sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. The Fusion sensor enables 2x optical quality zoom by cropping from the full sensor, giving users more flexibility without the need for additional lenses.
The camera control button improves usability, providing precise control over camera functionality, and is expected to integrate with future AI capabilities for object and location recognition.
Peter Ahrnstedt
Samsung’s Galaxy S24 retains the same photo hardware as its predecessor: a 50 Mp main sensor, a 12 Mp ultra-wide sensor and a 10 Mp telephoto lens. Despite the unchanged hardware, software improvements in image processing result in more natural color reproduction and less aggressive sharpness.
The Galaxy S24 also introduces new AI-powered editing tools that can remove unwanted objects and reflections, although these features can sometimes produce mixed results.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Overall, the iPhone 16 may have a slight edge when it comes to computational photography, but the versatility and telephoto capabilities of the Galaxy S24 cannot be overlooked.
Battery and charging
The iPhone 16 saw a slight increase in battery capacity, offering up to 22 hours of video playback (according to Apple). It supports 25W MagSafe fast charging, which can replenish the battery to 50% in just 30 minutes with the appropriate charger.
Additionally, Apple has improved the phone’s thermal design to enable more sustained performance during heavy use.
The Galaxy S24 – with its 4,000mAh battery – offers similar all-day performance and supports 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. Although charging speeds are comparable to the iPhone, the S24’s battery may offer slightly better longevity for users who engage in multitasking or intensive gaming.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Both devices offer reliable battery life, but users who prioritize faster charging can look to the iPhone 16’s improved MagSafe capabilities.
Software and applications
The iPhone 16 runs on iOS 18, which introduces new features like writing tools, revamped Siri, and advanced integration with Apple’s ecosystem. iOS 18 focuses on usability, privacy, and interconnectivity, making it a smart choice for users invested in the Apple ecosystem.
The inclusion of Apple Intelligence, Action Button and Camera Control Button also provides a new layer of interaction, improving the user experience.
Samsung’s Galaxy S24 runs on One UI 6.1, built on Android 14. It includes several new AI-powered features, such as improved photo editing tools and advanced multitasking capabilities.
One UI is known for its customization options and its integration with Samsung’s ecosystem. Samsung promises seven years of software updates, which is comparable to Apple’s long-term iOS support, making both devices reliable choices for long-term users.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Pricing and availability
The iPhone 16 and Galaxy S24 start at £799/$799 for their respective base 128GB models and are available globally through their respective online stores, carriers and authorized retailers.
Should you buy the iPhone 16 or the Galaxy S24?
Choosing between the iPhone 16 and Galaxy S24 largely depends on personal preference and loyalty to the ecosystem.
iPhone 16 offers seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, an innovative new camera control button and a powerful A18 chip, which promises high-level performance. This is a great choice for users who value build quality, camera innovation, and a consistent software experience.
The Galaxy S24, on the other hand, offers a more versatile screen, extensive customization options, and solid camera performance, including a capable telephoto lens. It’s ideal for users who prefer the flexibility of Android, a compact form factor, and Samsung’s commitment to software longevity.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Ultimately, both devices are excellent choices in their own right. Whether you prefer iOS or Android, either of these smartphones will offer a premium experience that meets the needs of most users.
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