IOS vs Android Showdown: iPhone 16 vs Galaxy S24: Which Top-End Smartphone Reigns Supreme?
The new iPhone 16 family has finally arrived, and so has Samsung’s latest flagship, the Galaxy S24. Both phone manufacturers are offering their flagship devices with a base model and a larger Plus variant, as well as their Pro-level devices like the Galaxy S24 Ultra and the iPhone 16 Pro Max. If you’re an Android fan, you might be wondering how these new devices compare to Samsung’s latest and greatest. Let’s dive into the iPhone 16 vs Galaxy S24 comparison!
Before we dive into the specs, keep in mind that this is an early-on-paper comparison, designed to give you a closer look at how the phones compare. We’ll go into greater detail once we have hands-on time with all the devices.
Samsung Galaxy S24 vs iPhone 16: At a glance
- The iPhone 16’s Apple A18 chipset is likely to outgun the Qualcomm chip inside the Galaxy S24.
- The iPhone 16 has more premium build materials than the Galaxy S24, along with stronger glass.
- The base Galaxy S24 has a larger display than the base iPhone 16.
iPhone 16 vs Galaxy S24: Specs
| Apple iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus | Samsung Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch display, 60Hz with 1-2,000 nit brightness | 6.2-inch AMOLED, FHD Plus, 120Hz |
| 6.7-inch display, 60Hz with 1-2,000 nit brightness | 6.7-inch AMOLED, QHD+ resolution (3,120 x 1,440), 120Hz | |
| Processor | Apple A18 | USA: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy Rest of the world: Samsung Exynos 2400 |
| RAM | 8GB | Galaxy S24: 8GB LPDDR5X Galaxy S24 Plus: 12GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB | Galaxy S24: 128GB, or 256GB Galaxy S24 Plus: 256GB, or 512GB |
| Battery and charging | Unspecified battery size 20W wired charging 15W wireless charging with MagSafe No reverse wireless charging No charger in box |
Galaxy S24: 4,000mAh 25W wired charging Galaxy S24 Plus: 4,900mAh 45W wired charging 15W wireless charging 5W reverse wireless charging No charger in box |
| Cameras | Rear: 48MP main 26mm focal length, 2.0µm, f/1.6, sensor-shift OIS 12MP 2x telephoto 52mm focal length, 1.0µm, f/1.6, sensor-shift OIS Front: 12MP |
Rear: 50MP main f/1.8, OIS 12MP ultrawide 1.4 μm, f/2.2, 120-degree FoV 1/2.55-inch sensor 10MP telephoto 3x optical zoom 1.12 μm, f/2.4, 36-degree FoV 1/3.52-inch sensor OIS Front: 12MP f/2.2, 80-degree FoV, AF |
| Security | Face ID Unspecified years of security updates |
Ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor 7 years of security updates |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Software | iOS 18 | Android 14 One UI 6.1 |
| Materials | Ceramic Shield 2 on the front Aluminum frame |
Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back Aluminum frame |
| Dimensions and weight | iPhone 16: 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8mm 170g iPhone 16 Plus: 160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8mm 199g |
Galaxy S24: 147.0 x 70.6 x 7.6mm 168g Galaxy S24 Plus: 158.5 x 75.9 x 7.7mm 197g |
| Colors | Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White, Black | Onyx Black, Marble Gray, Cobalt Violet, Amber Yellow Samsung.com exclusive: Jade Green, Sapphire Blue, Sandstone Orange |
iPhone 16 vs Galaxy S24: Design, size comparison, and colors
The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus have been announced, with pre-orders starting on September 13. You’ll find the iPhone 16 in stores beginning September 20. The iPhone 16 starts at $799 for the 128GB model, while the iPhone 16 Plus with 128GB starts at $899, making it about $100 less than the Galaxy S24 Plus.
Samsung launched the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 Plus on January 17 this year, and they’ve been available at major retailers ever since. Prices start at $799.99 for the Galaxy S24 and $999.99 for the Galaxy S24 Plus.
iPhone 16 vs Galaxy S24: Which should you buy?
If you’re open to switching between operating systems, ask yourself: do you want a straightforward, streamlined experience or a highly customizable one with a wide array of features? If simplicity is what you value, stick with Apple. For greater customization, the Galaxy is the better choice. If you’re after high-end features, consider the iPhone 16 Pro ($999 at Apple), Pro Max ($1199 at Amazon), or the Galaxy S24 Ultra ($1419.99 at Amazon).
