Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. iPhone 15: The Samsung Galaxy S24 has entered the market as the latest flagship phone, accompanying its counterparts, the Galaxy S24 Plus and Galaxy S24 Ultra, in Samsung’s recent lineup. Despite not showcasing obvious external changes, the Galaxy S24 boasts substantial upgrades, including a more potent processor, an enhanced and larger display, and the introduction of Samsung’s all-new Galaxy AI. Priced starting at $800, the Samsung Galaxy S24 stands as a compelling option for those seeking a high-quality flagship smartphone without the hefty four-figure price tag.
However, it faces stiff competition. Apple’s iPhone 15, also priced starting at $800, boasts a robust processor, an excellent camera, impressive battery life, and the refined iOS 17. With both devices offering compelling features, you might find it challenging to decide which one is a better fit for you. To assist in making an informed choice, we’ve conducted a detailed comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S24 and the Apple iPhone 15, putting them head-to-head, highlighting their differences, and helping you determine which one comes out on top.
Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. iPhone 15: specs
| Specs | Apple iPhone 15 | Samsung Galaxy S24 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED (60Hz) | 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X (Dynamic 1-120Hz) |
| Weight | 171 grams (6.03 ounces) | 168 grams (5.89 ounces) |
| Operating system | iOS 17 | Android 14 with One UI 6.1 |
| Screen resolution | 2556 x 1179 resolution at 461 pixels per inch | 2340 x 1080 resolution at 416 pixels per inch |
| Biometrics | Face ID facial recognition | Ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, face recognition |
| Ports | USB-C | USB-C |
| MicroSD card slot | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes, Bluetooth 5.3 | Yes, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB |
| Network support | 5G | 5G |
| Tap-to-pay services | Apple Pay | Google Pay, Samsung Pay |
| Processor | Apple A16 Bionic | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| RAM | 6GB | 8GB |
| Cameras | Rear: 48MP primary, 12MP ultrawide Front: 12MP | Rear: 50MP primary, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto (3x optical zoom) Front: 12MP |
| Video | Rear: Up to 8K at 30 fps, 4K at 60 fps, FHD at 120 fps, 960 fps slow motion Front: Up to 4K at 60 fps | Rear: Up to 8K at 30 fps, 4K at 60 fps, FHD at 120 fps, 960 fps slow motion Front: Up to 4K at 60 fps |
| Battery | 3,349mAh Fast charging Fast wireless charging 2.0 (15W) Reverse wireless charging (4.5W) | 4,000mAh Super Fast Charging 2.0 (25W) Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W) Wireless PowerShare (4.5W) |
| App marketplace | Apple App Store | Google Play Store |
| Size | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm (5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches) | 147.1 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm (5.79 x 2.78 x 0.30 inches) |
| Price | From $800 | From $800 |
| Available from | All major offline and online retailers | All major offline and online retailers |
| Colors | Black, blue, green, yellow, pink | Cobalt Violet, Amber Yellow, Marble Gray, Onyx Black |
Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. iPhone 15: design and display
These smartphones boast elegant designs characterized by sleek glass and metal constructions, offering a stylish appeal with attractive rear panels and a diverse range of color options. The slim bezels on both devices contribute to an immersive display experience, only interrupted by discreet openings for the front-facing cameras. Notably, the iPhone 15 features a larger cutout for its front camera, accommodating the Face ID array. Apple has cleverly incorporated the Dynamic Island to enhance the seamless integration of this design element. On the other hand, the Galaxy S24 adopts a much smaller hole punch, catering to users who prefer a less intrusive appearance for an uninterrupted display.
Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. iPhone 15
Speaking of the displays, both smartphones feature stunning OLED panels that deliver true blacks and vibrant colors. While there is only a slight difference in screen size, the iPhone 15 boasts a marginally sharper resolution. However, the disparity is minimal, and it may be challenging to discern a significant difference. Notably, there is a distinct contrast in the refresh rates. The iPhone 15, equipped with a 60Hz refresh rate, benefits from the overall speed and smooth performance of the device. Yet, when compared to the Galaxy S24’s significantly higher refresh rate, the argument in favor of the iPhone 15 becomes challenging. Samsung has elevated the Galaxy S24’s display with a dynamic 1-120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth performance when needed and conserving battery life when not in use. Additionally, the S24 features an always-on display, a feature absent in the iPhone 15.
Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. iPhone 15
While it’s widely agreed that both phones boast stunning designs, choosing a clear winner based solely on design is a subjective matter. However, in terms of display technology and refresh rate, the Galaxy S24 emerges as the superior choice.
Winner: in this comparison is the Samsung Galaxy S24
Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. iPhone 15: performance, battery life, charging
The Samsung Galaxy S24 is equipped with the latest processing powerhouse, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. While a comprehensive assessment is pending, it’s a reasonable assumption that this cutting-edge processor will deliver robust performance, capable of handling any task you throw at a smartphone. Whether you’re running graphics-intensive games or resource-demanding apps, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is expected to handle them seamlessly, building on the solid performance foundation of its predecessors.
On the other hand, the Apple iPhone 15 doesn’t feature the latest Apple processor (A17 Pro, found in the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max). Nevertheless, the iPhone 15 boasts a formidable processor that stands its ground, possibly offering comparable performance to the Galaxy S24’s chip. While one processor may technically outshine the other, the real-world impact on your daily usage is likely negligible. Both devices are expected to deliver smooth and lag-free experiences, thanks to their powerful processors.
Winner: Tie
Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. iPhone 15: cameras
Camera quality stands as a fiercely contested arena between Apple and Android enthusiasts, and in this current bout, there is indeed a clear winner.
Commencing with the iPhone 15, as expected, it stands among the best in the market. Apple has endowed the iPhone 15 with two lenses boasting exceptional capabilities. The primary 48-megapixel lens, coupled with a 12MP ultrawide lens, delivers striking shots with superb details. The introduction of the new Auto Portrait mode enhances the ability to capture images of even the most dynamic subjects. The 48MP main lens further serves as a commendable 2x telephoto alternative, leveraging its high megapixel count to compensate for the absence of a dedicated telephoto lens.Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. iPhone 15
Yet, does this compensate for the absence of that crucial third lens? Making such a determination is challenging, but the likelihood is slim. The Samsung Galaxy S24, on the other hand, boasts a triple-lens configuration, featuring a 3x 10MP telephoto lens, and this distinction proves pivotal in the comparison. The Galaxy S24’s camera setup comprises a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide, and the aforementioned 10MP telephoto zoom camera. This additional lens grants the Samsung device a level of versatility that the iPhone struggles to match.
While the decision is a close one, the Samsung Galaxy S24 takes the lead for now, benefiting from the extra lens in its camera setup.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S24
Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. iPhone 15: software and updates
The Samsung Galaxy S24 operates on Samsung’s One UI 6.1 interface layered atop Android 14, delivering an appealing and user-friendly experience. Samsung’s software has notably improved, and One UI stands out as a success. Whether you lean towards this customized interface or prefer a more stock version of Android ultimately depends on personal preference, but it’s a feature that shouldn’t deter you from considering the phone.
On the other hand, the iPhone 15 runs on iOS 17, offering a robust operating system with a user-friendly interface. Known for its ease of use, well-organized layout, and seamless performance aided by the powerful processor, iOS 17 ensures a smooth and sleek user experience.Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. iPhone 15
While Apple has historically led in providing extended update support for its iPhones, Android manufacturers, particularly Google, have started offering prolonged support as well. With the Galaxy S24 series, Samsung has committed to an impressive seven years of updates, bringing it on par with the iPhone 15. This marks a significant stride, aligning Samsung with Apple in terms of update duration.
However, Samsung still faces challenges in terms of update speed. The need to develop its One UI interface for each new Android version results in potential delays, and it can take months for updates to reach Samsung devices. In contrast, Apple’s devices, including the iPhone 15, receive updates promptly on or around the day of release, giving them an advantage in terms of update speed.
Winner: Apple iPhone 15
Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. iPhone 15: special features
Flagship smartphones serve as arenas for the introduction of new and exciting features, and both the Samsung Galaxy S24 and Apple iPhone 15 are no exception. While Apple tends to adopt a more conservative approach, it still incorporates noteworthy elements. The Dynamic Island is a recent addition to the iPhone series, featured on the base iPhone range after its debut with the iPhone 14 Pro line.
Dynamic Island utilizes the space surrounding the large selfie timer cutout to highlight timers, playing media, and other essential information or reminders. Although its impact has been somewhat underwhelming compared to Apple’s initial promotion, it adds a touch of fun to your iPhone 15 experience. Notably, Dynamic Island can also be integrated into any Android phone.
MagSafe stands out as a feature that users are likely to utilize more frequently, offering reliable wireless charging and compatibility with various magnetic accessories. Siri remains as functional as ever, and Face ID continues to provide convenient user authentication. However, one of the iPhone’s standout features is the mute switch on the side, which adds a unique touch to the device. It’s anticipated that this might evolve into the Action button with the iPhone 16, following a pattern similar to the iPhone 15 Pro. For now, the mute switch remains a noteworthy and excellent feature on the iPhone 15.Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. iPhone 15
Samsung tends to embrace experimentation more freely, and the Galaxy S range reflects the impact of that extensive legacy. The latest models retain some of Samsung’s earlier experiments, incorporating valuable features that users may have overlooked, such as the desktop-emulating DeX mode. Being an Android phone, it naturally integrates with the Google Assistant. However, the pinnacle of AI innovation for the Samsung Galaxy S24 lies in the introduction of something novel: Galaxy AI. The jury is still deliberating on the actual impact this brings to the phone. While it has made a favorable initial impression, further observations are required to assess its full potential.
Winner: Apple iPhone 15
Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. iPhone 15: Which should you buy?
In essence, the central question of this article is: Which of these exceptional phones should you choose? Regrettably, it’s not a query that lends itself to a straightforward answer. The Samsung Galaxy S24 technically emerges victorious in this comparison, with its superior display refresh rate and versatile camera. However, the allure of an iPhone transcends mere specifications, and the decision of which phone to buy is undeniably a highly personal one. Your own history and experience with these two brands will significantly influence your choice.
Additionally, consider the broader tech ecosystem you engage with. If you predominantly use Apple devices such as iPads or MacBooks, bear in mind that the iPhone 15 will seamlessly integrate with those devices, enabling features like taking phone calls on your iPad or MacBook. The Samsung Galaxy range, on the other hand, offers a closer integration with Windows PCs through the Link to Windows feature.
While it might seem like a bit of a non-committal answer, it holds. It’s also worth noting that the iPhone 15 stands as an outstanding phone in its own right. If you’re seeking the best smartphone between the two, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is the preferable choice. However, if you are already deeply entrenched in Apple’s ecosystem, the Apple iPhone 15 may align better with your preferences.
