iPhone 16 vs. Samsung Galaxy S24: Which Phone Should You Choose in 2025?

It’s been a few months since the launch of the iPhone 16 and almost a year since the Samsung Galaxy S24 hit the shelves. And while these devices are no longer brand new, they are still a hot topic of discussion for people looking to upgrade in 2025. After all, it’s pretty common for many buyers to go for last year's flagship or even one generation behind. So, the question remains: Which of these compact flagships is the best for you?

Let’s break it down with a detailed, friendly comparison of the two, and I’ll give you my personal take on which one stands out. 
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1. Design and Build: Sleek & Sturdy

When it comes to design, it’s hard to tell the two apart at first glance. Both the iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S24 offer that premium, sleek feel that flagship phones are known for. The iPhone has a matte frame, while the S24’s frame is a glossy aluminum, which means it might catch a few more fingerprints but still looks gorgeous.
Both are built using a glass and aluminum sandwich design, and you won’t feel a huge difference in your hands. They also both come with IP68 water resistance, so don’t worry about accidental splashes!

One noticeable difference though is in charging ports: The iPhone has a USB-C 2.0, while the S24 is equipped with USB-C 3.2, which means faster data transfer on the S24. A small but practical win for Samsung here.

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2. Display: Bright, Smooth & Beautiful

Moving to the display—this is where you’ll immediately notice a difference. Both phones have amazing displays, but here’s the rundown:

- The iPhone 16 sports a 6.1-inch Retina XDR OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate.
- The Samsung Galaxy S24, on the other hand, has a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
That’s right, the S24 has a much smoother experience with 120Hz, especially if you’re into gaming or just want smoother scrolling. The iPhone 16 sticks to 60Hz, which is still fine, but once you try 120Hz, it’s hard to go back!

In terms of brightness, the S24 wins hands down with a peak brightness of 2600 nits, while the iPhone caps out at 2000 nits. So, if you’re outdoors a lot or enjoy bright screens, the S24 edges ahead here.

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3. Performance: Power Packed Processors

Now, let’s understand the performance. The iPhone 16 is powered by the A18 Bionic chip, which is hands down one of the most powerful mobile chips out there. Whether you’re gaming or multitasking, the A18 just glides through everything with ease.
On the other hand, the S24 is equipped with the Exynos 2400. While it’s an improved chipset over previous Exynos models, it still doesn’t quite match the A18’s power. Benchmarks, such as Geekbench and 3DMark, show the iPhone consistently outperforming the S24.
That being said, gaming on the S24 does feel smooth thanks to its 120Hz refresh rate, even if the iPhone 16 has a slightly higher frame rate in some cases.

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4. Battery Life & Charging: S24’s Edge in Wired, iPhone in Wireless

Let’s talk battery life. The iPhone 16 shines here thanks to the A18’s 3nm architecture, which is incredibly power-efficient. The iPhone gives you around 7 hours of screen-on time, which is impressive for a compact phone.
However, the S24’s 120Hz refresh rate drains more juice, but you could get better battery life by switching to 60HzWired charging is a win for the S24, with 25W charging, compared to the iPhone 16’s 20W.
In wireless charging, though, the iPhone 16 has the upper hand with MagSafe supporting 25W, while the S24 caps at 15W.

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5. Camera: Different Strengths

Camera lovers, this is where things get interesting! Here’s a quick rundown of the camera specs:

- iPhone 16: 48MP main sensor, 12MP ultrawide, and no telephoto.
- Samsung S24: 50MP main sensor, 12MP ultrawide, and **3x optical zoom** telephoto.

iPhone 16 tends to produce more neutral, natural-looking photos, and its Fusion technology allows the 2x zoom to look very close to optical zoom. However, for those who need actual optical zoom, the S24 wins with its 3x telephoto lens.
When it comes to video recording, both phones can shoot 4K 60fps, but Samsung is not far behind and is improving with every update. However, iPhone still takes the cake when it comes to low-light video.

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6. Software & Features: Galaxy AI vs. Apple Intelligence
Now, let’s analyse the software. OneUI 6.1 on the Samsung S24 is feature-packed, with some great tools like Galaxy AI, which includes a smart transcription feature and **translation tools perfect for traveling.

Apple’s iOS on the iPhone 16 has its own intelligence, like Siri’s integration with ChatGPT and call recording, but honestly, the Galaxy AI feels a bit more innovative at the moment.

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7. Price & Value for Money: The Big Question

Lastly, price is always a huge factor. The S24 starts at around $570-$750 for the base model, while the iPhone 16 is priced at $799-$1099.

If you’re on a budget, the S24 gives you more bang for your buck. You’re getting a 120Hz display, a better camera with 3x zoom, and a faster charging experience for a significantly lower price. If you’re willing to spend the extra for the iPhone 16, it offers better low-light performanceApple’s ecosystem, and the iconic Face ID experience.
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Final Verdict: S24 Wins for Value, iPhone 16 for Premium Feel

So, if you’re looking for value for money, the Samsung Galaxy S24 definitely edges out the iPhone 16. It offers a 120Hz displayfaster charging, and a 3x optical zoom, all for a more affordable price. However, if you’re someone who prefers the iOS experience, the Apple ecosystem, or just loves that premium iPhone feel, then the iPhone 16 is a solid choice.
In the end, it all depends on your priorities—price, performance, or features. Both phones are fantastic, but for my money, I’d go with the Samsung Galaxy S24 due to its better overall value!
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Wrapping Up

That’s all for today’s comparison! I hope this helped you make an informed decision. If you’re still undecided or if you’ve already made your choice, let me know in the comments. And if you found this comparison helpful, don’t forget to like and share with your friends, especially if they’re on the fence about getting either of these amazing devices. 

Until next time, stay safe, and happy tech shopping!

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