Samsung and Apple have historically been going head-to-head with their flagships when it comes to Android vs Apple, and the latest releases from each company are no less competitive. As one of the most convincing alternatives to an iPhone, how does the hotly anticipated Samsung Galaxy S24 vs Apple iPhone 15 comparison play out? The iPhone 15 demonstrated another successful step forward for Apple’s iPhone, but the S24 also looks set to be another evolutionary improvement over its predecessor, the Galaxy S23.
While some may already have a loyalty to either Team Android or Team iOS, for those who are open to both operating systems, it’s important to understand how the two handsets compare. So, in this article, we’ll delve into exactly that, comparing the specs and features of both the Samsung Galaxy S24 and the iPhone 15.
Samsung Galaxy S24 vs Apple iPhone 15 specs
| Specification | Galaxy S24 | iPhone 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 147.0 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm |
| Display | 6.2″ Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X, 2600 nits peak brightness | 6.1-inch OLED |
| Resolution | 2,340 x 1,080 | 2,556 x 1,179 |
| Refresh rate | 1Hz – 120Hz variable | 60Hz |
| Chip | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 / Exynos 2400 | Apple A16 Bionic |
| Battery | 4,000 mAh | 3,349mAh |
| Charging | USB-C, 25W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse wireless charging | USB-C, 15W wireless charging |
| RAM | 8GB | 6GB |
| Storage | 128GB / 256GB | 128/256/512GB |
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8 wide, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto – 8K at 24/30fps, 4K at 30/60fps | 48MP main (26mm, ƒ/1.6), 12MP ultra-wide (13mm, ƒ/2.4) |
| Front Camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Colors | Onyx Black, Marble Grey, Cobalt Violet, Amber Yellow | Yellow, Pink, Green, Blue, Black |
Samsung Galaxy S24 vs iPhone 15 Features
Design
While the Galaxy S24 has gotten some internal hardware and camera upgrades, when it comes to design we’re only seeing a few minor tweaks and improvements from the S23. In addition to three new colorways, the S24 has a slightly larger screen and thinner bezels to further streamline the phone’s profile. Despite being from rival brands, it could be said that the S24 and iPhone 15 devices might take the same basic dimensions and corner and edge structures. In fact, the S24 might be the most iPhone-looking Galaxy yet, actually looking quite similar to each other in their overall design approach, with a colored glass back panel and metallic frame.
As for the iPhone 15 itself, it refines the iPhone aesthetic with its signature form factor. The previously glossy casing is replaced by a frosted glass back panel, and it’s encased in with an aluminum edge. In terms of colorways, the iPhone 15 is available in a variety of elegant shades, such as pink, yellow, green, blue, and black.
Display
When it comes to the display, naturally both the Samsung Galaxy S24 and the iPhone 15 utilize OLED technology. However, there are some differences in terms of resolution and refresh rate. The Galaxy S24 features a 6.2-inch OLED display, with the same resolution of 2,340 x 1,080 and 120Hz variable refresh rate found on the S23. On the other hand, the iPhone 15 sports a slightly smaller 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with a higher resolution of 2,556 x 1,179, but with a lower refresh rate of 60Hz. However, the addition of its Dynamic Island feature does give the iPhone 15’s display enhanced functionality and a premium feel.
While the iPhone 15 has an advantage in terms of higher resolution, the 120Hz refresh rate of the Galaxy S24 compensates for this minor difference in pixel density. A higher refresh rate results in smoother scrolling and improved responsiveness, making it a valuable feature for those who prioritize seamless user experience, or perhaps using their smartphone for gaming.
Camera Capabilities
The camera capabilities of smartphones have become increasingly important to consumers. While it’s important to note that camera performance is not solely determined by raw specifications, it’s obviously still worth comparing the camera setups of the Galaxy S24 and the iPhone 15.
Samsung’s triple camera array on the Galaxy S24 has remained unchanged from its predecessor, the Galaxy S23. This triple-camera system consists of a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP 3x telephoto lens for capturing distant shots. On the other hand, the iPhone 15 features a dual-camera setup with a 48MP wide sensor and a 12MP ultrawide sensor. While the iPhone 15 lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, the 48MP wide sensor is capable of providing optical-quality 2x shots by cropping the frame.
However, it’s important to remember that camera performance is not solely determined by the megapixel count or the number of lenses. Software optimization, image processing algorithms, and other factors also play a significant role in determining the overall camera quality. Therefore, it will be interesting to see how the Galaxy S24 and the iPhone 15 actually perform in real-world scenarios when we can finally get hands-on experience with the device.
Performance
Performance is a crucial aspect of any smartphone, and both Samsung and Apple have consistently strived to deliver powerful devices. In terms of performance, Apple has a strong track record with its A-series Bionic chips. However, it’s worth noting that the non-Pro models of iPhones tend to use slightly older chipsets. In the case of the iPhone 15, it features the Apple A16 Bionic chip: while it’s not as speedy as the A17 Pro chip found in the iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max, the A16 will breeze you through light gaming and other everyday demands. It’s also likely still more powerful than the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 powering the current Galaxy S23.
On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is powered by either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Samsung’s own Exynos 2400 chipset, depending on your region and location. Benchmarks do suggest that both the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and the Exynos 2400 can outperform the A16 Bionic chip found in the iPhone 15. Being over two years old, the A16 is starting to lag slightly behind the processing performance of the next-gen Snapdragon. However, while it’s important to consider that benchmarks don’t always translate directly into real-world performance, it’s still looking like we’ll get performance improvements across the spectrum for the S24.
Setting the tone for this year of releases, Samsung has directly focused on AI features as a main selling point for its Galaxy S series this time around. Galaxy AI brings a host of artificial intelligence-powered functions, including a live translation for real-time bilingual conversations, improved suggestions for your text messaging, and a generative AI photo editing suite called ProVisual Engine.
Is the Galaxy S24 on my wishlist?
If you’re asking if you should buy a Galaxy S24, my answer is that it depends on what your current handset is. If you have something fairly recent, such as the Galaxy S23, then I’d probably say that an upgrade to the base S24 might not be worth your time. Personally, it’s not particularly on my wishlist – I’d probably lean more towards going for the S24 Ultra. However, this isn’t to say it’s not an excellent phone, and if you’re currently using an older phone such as the S22 or S21, then you’re going to feel the difference in performance of an S24.
Samsung Galaxy S24 vs iPhone 15 price
When it comes to pricing, there’s a similar price model used by both Samsung and Apple, with both the iPhone 15 and Galaxy S24 starting at $799 for the base 128GB versions. So, the devices have equal footing when it comes to affordability. However, it’s worth noting that Samsung has promised seven years of OS and Security updates for its Galaxy S24 lineup compared to the iPhone 15’s five solid years.
Is the Galaxy S24 better than the iPhone 15?
Both the Samsung Galaxy S24 and the iPhone 15 are poised to be among the top smartphones of 2024, with their price points, form factors, and designs making Samsung and Apple phones more comparable than ever. However, while Samsung may have the technical edge in certain aspects, such as a higher refresh rate and more powerful chipsets, the choice between these two devices ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some individuals may have a strong preference for the iOS ecosystem, while others may prefer the flexibility and customization options offered by Android.
There are obviously a few key differences between the devices, but the competition between Apple and Samsung continues to be neck and neck. While not as powerful, these base models are still a worthy consideration of entry-level flagships alongside the Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max that are available at the top of the ranges.
