The battle between the iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S24 represents the ultimate clash of mobile philosophies: Apple’s refined walled garden versus Samsung’s feature-packed innovation. After testing both devices as daily drivers throughout the holiday season, the winner isn’t as clear-cut as previous years. With Apple Intelligence finally maturing and Galaxy AI deeply integrated into One UI, your choice depends entirely on how you use your phone, not just the spec sheet.
Key Takeaways
- Display Winner: Samsung Galaxy S24 wins the base model battle with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, whereas the base iPhone 16 remains stuck at 60Hz.
- AI Experience: Apple Intelligence feels more private and integrated, while Galaxy AI offers more generative creativity and productivity tools.
- Camera Performance: iPhone 16 delivers superior video stabilization and consistency, but the Galaxy S24 produces sharper still photos with better dynamic range.
- Value Proposition: The Galaxy S24 offers better hardware value for the price, while the iPhone 16 commands a higher resale value.
- Battery Life: The iPhone 16 edges out the S24 in overall endurance, but the Samsung charges significantly faster.
Quick Specs Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 16 | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1” Super Retina XDR (60Hz) | 6.2” Dynamic AMOLED 2X (120Hz) | Samsung |
| Processor | A18 Bionic (3nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 / Exynos 2400 | Tie (Region Dependent) |
| RAM | 8GB | 8GB | Tie |
| Main Camera | 48MP Fusion | 50MP Wide | Tie |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 12MP AF | Tie |
| Battery | ~3,561 mAh | 4,000 mAh | Samsung (Capacity) |
| Charging | ~25W Wired | 25W Wired | Tie |
| Base Price | $799 | $799 | Tie |
Design and Display: The 60Hz Elephant in the Room
When holding these phones side-by-side, the industrial design feels remarkably similar. Both utilize aerospace-grade aluminum frames (recycled on the Samsung) and matte glass backs. However, the moment you wake the screens, the difference is immediate and noticeable.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 features a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. This means scrolling through social media feeds looks buttery smooth, and animations react instantly to your touch. In contrast, the base iPhone 16 utilizes a 60Hz panel. While Apple’s animations are polished, the lack of ProMotion technology on the non-Pro models is a glaring omission in 2026.
⚠️ Warning: If you are moving from a 120Hz Android phone to a base iPhone 16, the scroll jitter will be the first thing you notice. It feels like a step backward in fluidity.
However, the iPhone 16 display isn’t without perks. It gets brighter outdoors (peaking at roughly 2,000 nits in typical scenarios compared to the S24’s 1,600 nits) and manages color accuracy slightly better for professional photo editing. But for pure daily fluidity, Samsung takes this round unanimously.
Pro Tip: If you want the 120Hz experience on an iPhone, you must upgrade to the iPhone 16 Pro, which adds $200 to the price tag. Samsung includes 120Hz on the base S24.
Performance and AI: A18 Bionic vs. Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
Both phones are absolute powerhouses that crush daily tasks, gaming, and multitasking. The A18 Bionic chip in the iPhone 16 continues Apple’s legacy of single-core dominance, making app launches slightly snappier. However, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (in the US version of the S24) offers superior thermal management during sustained gaming sessions.
The real battleground in 2026 is Artificial Intelligence.
With Apple Intelligence, the iPhone 16 focuses on on-device processing for privacy. Writing Tools, smarter Siri, and notification summaries feel seamless because they don’t always require the cloud. It is a subtle, helpful experience that fades into the background.
Samsung’s Galaxy AI is flashier and more aggressive. Features like Generative Edit and Circle to Search are incredibly useful, even if they occasionally feel gimmicky. Samsung is willing to push boundaries, offering features that blur the line between phone and PC.
In practice, if you want AI that helps you create content (remove objects, expand borders), Samsung wins. If you want AI that organizes your life quietly and securely, iPhone wins.
Camera System: Video King vs. Photography Sharpness
This section is where the ecosystems diverge most significantly. The iPhone 16 has moved to a 48MP main sensor, allowing for 24MP high-resolution default shots. The color science is warmer and more “true to life,” which is excellent for skin tones.
However, the Samsung Galaxy S24 consistently produces still photos with more “pop.” The 50MP sensor captures more detail in shadows, and Samsung’s processing creates vibrant, social-media-ready images straight out of the camera. If you post primarily to Instagram or TikTok, the Samsung’s contrast and saturation often perform better without editing.
But video is a different story. The iPhone 16 remains the undisputed king of smartphone video. The transition between lenses is seamless, the stabilization is cinematic, and the 4K/60fps Dolby Vision footage is superior to the S24’s slightly noisy low-light video.
Choose the iPhone 16 if you are a content creator shooting vlogs. Choose the Galaxy S24 if you are a photographer shooting landscapes.
| Camera Feature | iPhone 16 | Samsung Galaxy S24 |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime Photos | Natural/Warm | Vibrant/Sharp |
| Low Light Photos | Clean/Soft | Bright/Noisy (at 10x+) |
| Video Quality | Best-in-class | Very Good |
| Selfie Camera | Wider angle | Sharper Autofocus |
Battery Life and Charging
Despite having a smaller battery on paper (approx. 3,561 mAh vs. 4,000 mAh), the iPhone 16 consistently outlasts the Galaxy S24 in our stress tests. The efficiency of the A18 Bionic chip and the power management of iOS 19 allow the iPhone to squeeze out 6 to 7 hours of screen-on time, whereas the S24 typically lands between 5.5 to 6.5 hours.
However, charging is a frustration on the iPhone. Using a 20W or 30W charger, the iPhone 16 takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to go from 0% to 100%. The Samsung Galaxy S24 supports 25W wired charging and hits full charge in roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes. It’s not a massive difference, but noticeable when you are in a rush.
Pro Tip: If battery anxiety plagues you, consider the iPhone 16 Plus. It offers significantly better endurance than both the base iPhone 16 and the Galaxy S24.
Software and Ecosystem: iOS 19 vs. One UI 7
Software choice is rarely about features anymore; it is about lifestyle. iOS 19 on the iPhone 16 offers unparalleled ecosystem cohesion. If you use a Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch, the iPhone is non-negotiable. Features like AirDrop, NameDrop, and Continuity Camera work like magic.
One UI 7 on the Galaxy S24 offers customization that Apple can only dream of. You can change icons, place widgets anywhere, split-screen apps with ease, and sideload applications from outside sources. Samsung DeX allows you to plug the phone into a monitor and use it like a desktop computer—a feature the iPhone completely lacks.
Note: Samsung promises 7 years of OS updates for the S24, matching Apple’s long-term support window. This negates the “longevity” argument that used to favor iPhone heavily.
iPhone 16 vs Samsung Galaxy S24: Which is Right for You?
To summarize the comparison, the iPhone 16 is the better choice for ecosystem lock-in and video creators, while the Galaxy S24 is the superior hardware value for display enthusiasts and power users.
- Buy the iPhone 16 if you value video recording, ecosystem integration, and long-term resale value.
- Buy the Samsung Galaxy S24 if you prioritize a high-refresh-rate screen, camera customization, and AI productivity features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the iPhone 16 have 120Hz like the Galaxy S24?
No, the base iPhone 16 does not have a 120Hz display. It retains a 60Hz refresh rate. You must upgrade to the iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro Max to get Apple’s ProMotion 120Hz technology. The base Samsung Galaxy S24 includes a 120Hz display.
Is Samsung Galaxy AI better than Apple Intelligence?
It depends on your needs. Galaxy AI is better for creative tasks like photo editing and generative text. Apple Intelligence is better for organizational tasks, prioritizing privacy, and seamless system-wide integration with Siri.
Which phone has better battery life: iPhone 16 or S24?
The iPhone 16 generally has better battery life due to the efficiency of the A18 chip. In typical mixed usage, the iPhone 16 will outlast the Galaxy S24 by about 30 to 60 minutes.
Is it worth switching from Samsung to iPhone 16?
It is worth switching if you are deeply invested in other Apple products like Macs or AirPods, or if you prioritize shooting high-quality video. However, if you prefer screen customization and Android freedom, switching to iOS will feel restrictive.
Which camera is better for Instagram?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 often produces better photos for Instagram straight out of the camera because its processing increases contrast and saturation, which looks good on compressed social media feeds. The iPhone requires more editing to achieve the same “pop.”
The Verdict
Choosing between these two titans is difficult because they have narrowed the gap in performance and camera quality. However, based on our testing, we have a clear recommendation based on user type.
Choose the iPhone 16 if:
- You already own a Mac, iPad, or Apple Watch.
- Video quality is your top priority.
- You prefer a simplified, polished user interface.
- You plan to resell the phone in 2-3 years.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 if:
- You want a 120Hz smooth display without paying $1,000+.
- You enjoy tweaking settings and customizing your phone interface.
- You want the most advanced AI features for productivity.
- You prefer sharper, more vibrant still photography.