The Galaxy S24 and iPhone 16 are close in size, and their US launch prices were nearly identical at entry storage. The S24’s standout specification advantages are its 1–120Hz display and a separate 3x optical telephoto camera; the iPhone 16 offers iOS, Apple’s A18 chip, Camera Control, and MagSafe and Qi2 charging. Which is the better buy depends on your preferred operating system, the features you value, and the current price of an equivalent model in your market.
Galaxy S24 vs iPhone 16: specification comparison
The figures below describe Samsung’s US launch configuration and Apple’s listed iPhone 16 specifications. Regional Galaxy S24 variants can differ, so check the exact model before buying.
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| Specification | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Apple iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.2-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X; 1–120Hz refresh rate | 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR; 2556 × 1179 pixels at 460 ppi |
| Dimensions and weight | 5.79 × 2.78 × 0.30 inches; 5.93 oz for the US mmWave version | 5.81 × 2.82 × 0.31 inches; 6.00 oz |
| Rear cameras | 50MP wide with OIS, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom | 48MP Fusion main with sensor-shift OIS and 12MP ultrawide; 2x telephoto framing from the main camera |
| Chip | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy in Samsung’s US announcement | A18 with 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine |
| Storage announced at launch | 128GB and 256GB for the cited US model | 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB |
| Battery and charging | 4,000mAh typical capacity; Samsung says around 50% in about 30 minutes with a 25W adapter and 3A cable; Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 and Wireless PowerShare | USB-C; MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging up to 25W. Apple does not list battery capacity on the cited specifications page |
| Water resistance | IP68; Samsung’s launch disclosure specifies lab conditions of up to 1.5m freshwater for up to 30 minutes | IP68; Apple lists a maximum depth of 6m for up to 30 minutes under IEC 60529 |
| Software at launch or on listed page | Android 14 with One UI 6.1 at launch | Apple’s technical page describes iOS features, including Apple Intelligence in the captured version |
Sources: Samsung’s January 2024 US launch announcement, Apple’s iPhone 16 technical specifications, and Apple’s September 2024 launch announcement. Diagonal display measurements use each manufacturer’s rounded-corner conventions.
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Which phone has the better display?
Galaxy S24: smoother scrolling on paper
Samsung specifies a 1–120Hz refresh rate for the S24. A higher refresh rate can make scrolling and supported animations look smoother, and the lower end of the stated range allows the display to adjust its refresh rate. This is a specification distinction, not a complete measure of brightness, color accuracy, or overall screen quality.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
iPhone 16: slightly smaller listed display
Apple lists a 6.1-inch OLED screen with 2556 × 1179 resolution at 460 ppi. The S24’s listed diagonal is 6.2 inches, so the difference is modest. If a high refresh rate is a priority, the S24 has the clearer on-paper advantage in the specifications cited here.
How do their cameras differ?
The most concrete hardware difference is zoom. The S24 has a dedicated 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. The iPhone 16 has a 48MP main camera and a 12MP ultrawide camera; its 2x telephoto framing comes from the main camera rather than a separate telephoto lens.
Rank #2
- 6.7" Dynamic AMOLED 2X FHD+, 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate, 1900nits Peak brightness, 1080x2340px, 4700mAh Battery, Android 14, One UI 6.1
- 128GB, 8GB RAM, No SD Card Slot, Exynos 2400e (4nm), 10-core CPU, Xclipse 940 GPU, Bluetooth 5.3
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + + 12MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 8MP, f/2.4 (telephoto), 3x Optical Zoom, Front Camera: 10MP, f/2.4
- CDMA 800/1900, 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100, CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/32/38/40/41/66, 5G: 1/2/3/5/7/8/12/20/25/26/28/38/40/41/66/75/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Nano-SIM and eSIM
- US Model. Compatible with Most GSM and CDMA Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
That difference tells you what camera hardware each phone includes, not which produces better photos or video overall. Megapixel counts and lens specifications cannot establish image quality without matched testing. Choose the S24 if a separate 3x optical telephoto is useful to you; consider the iPhone 16 if you prefer its camera controls and Apple’s imaging features, including Camera Control.
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Are the chips or battery life a clear win?
Samsung names the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy in its US S24 launch material, while Apple specifies the A18 in iPhone 16. These are chips for different platforms, and the manufacturer specifications here do not provide comparable benchmark results. They are not enough to declare a performance winner.
Rank #3
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
Samsung gives the S24 a typical battery capacity of 4,000mAh and a wired charging estimate using a particular adapter and cable. Apple does not state the iPhone 16’s battery capacity on the cited specifications page. Battery capacity alone cannot predict real-world endurance across different hardware and operating systems, so these figures do not establish which phone lasts longer in everyday use.
What were the launch prices, and what is the current price difference?
The US launch prices were close at 128GB, but they are historical figures, not current quotes.
Rank #4
- Width: 2.78 inches; Length: 5.79 inches; Height: 0.30 inches
| Phone and market | Launch price and storage | Source and date |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S24, US | $799.99 for 128GB; $859.99 for 256GB | Samsung announcement, January 2024 |
| iPhone 16, US | From $799; Apple announced 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB configurations | Apple announcement, September 9, 2024 |
Samsung’s buyer guide displayed a “From $549.99” starting price when captured, but the page information does not establish an equivalent storage tier, condition, carrier, or offer available to every buyer. It should not be compared directly with Apple’s launch price. The sources cited here do not establish a live, like-for-like iPhone 16 price or a current price gap.
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Best Value
- 6.8″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X QHD+ display with a 1–120 Hz adaptive refresh rate and up to ~2600 nits peak brightness — delivering a bright, sharp screen with smooth scrolling and great outdoor visibility.
What should you check before buying a Galaxy S24?
Samsung says regional hardware and storage availability can vary by market and carrier. Listings may not describe the same configuration as the US launch model. Before ordering, verify:
- The exact model number and whether its supported network bands suit your carrier and country.
- Storage capacity and whether the phone is unlocked or carrier-locked.
- Whether it is new, refurbished, or used, plus the seller’s warranty and return terms.
- The phone’s current software version and the support terms that apply to that model in your region.
The launch material places the S24 on Android 14 with One UI 6.1 at launch. The cited sources do not establish a current, head-to-head remaining-support-duration comparison, so verify current support details before using longevity as the deciding factor.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Galaxy S24 if you prefer Android or Samsung features, want a 1–120Hz display, or expect to use a dedicated 3x optical telephoto camera.
- Choose the iPhone 16 if you prefer iOS or Apple’s ecosystem, want Apple’s A18 platform, or value the documented MagSafe and Qi2 charging options and Camera Control.
- Let price decide only after matching the models. Compare the same storage, market, lock status, condition, warranty, and purchase terms; the launch figures do not tell you today’s price difference.
Both phones have an IP68 rating, but their listed test conditions differ. Water resistance is not permanent and does not guarantee protection in every liquid or situation.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
