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Recent data from the IDC have revealed that for the first time in over a decade, Apple has managed to surpass Samsung in terms of smartphone shipments. This allowed Apple to steal the title of world’s largest smartphone maker from Samsung. But now with the new Galaxy S24 models launching, will it be enough for Samsung to beat Apple’s iPhone 15 and reclaim their title? Let’s find out!
Design and display
The design language that Samsung and Apple have chosen are quite different from each other for obvious (legal) reasons. This really boils down to personal preference. One thing we will point out is that both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max feature the use of titanium, but the base models still use aluminum.
Titanium allows both phones to be lighter, thinner, and more durable, but unless you’re particularly rough and careless with your phone, aluminum is perfectly fine, especially when paired with a good protective case.
Speaking of phones being lighter and thinner, the Galaxy S24, even though it is bigger, does weigh less at around 167g. The iPhone 15, on the other hand, weighs 171g.
The display of both phones are also slightly different. The iPhone 15 has a smaller 6.1-inch display while the Galaxy S24 has a larger 6.2-inch display. Interestingly, the iPhone 15 has a higher resolution of 1179×2556, while the Galaxy S24 has a 1080×240 resolution. Combine this with the smaller display, the iPhone 15 has a slight edge in terms of pixel density and sharpness.
That being said, if you want a phone with a brighter display, the Galaxy S24 beats the iPhone 15 easily. The Galaxy S24’s display peaks at 2,600 nits, while the iPhone 15 only goes up to 2,000 nits.
Hardware and performance
The US-bound Samsung Galaxy S24 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. This is the most powerful chipset from Qualcomm to date. The iPhone 15, on the other hand, uses the A16 Bionic. This is actually the chipset from Apple’s 2022 iPhones. Only the iPhone 15 Pro models use the newer A17 Pro chipset.
Based on the benchmarks, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 has the A16 Bionic beat pretty much in every category. Don’t get us wrong, the A16 Bionic is still a very capable chipset, but Qualcomm clearly has the lead here.
The iPhone 15 also comes with less RAM with 6GB. The Galaxy S24 packs slightly more at 8GB. On paper it is obvious that 8GB would be better, but once again, we should point out that both phones run different platforms and use different chipsets. All of this contributes to the overall efficiency of the phone. Even though the iPhone 15 has less RAM, the way Apple has designed its iOS platform and its apps ensures that 6GB of RAM is more than enough.
Cameras
The Galaxy S24 comes with a triple camera setup. This consists of a 50MP main with f/1.8 aperture and OIS. It is accompanied by a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom and a 12MP ultrawide. The iPhone 15 only has a dual camera setup with a 48MP main with a slightly wider f/1.6 aperture with OIS, and is accompanied by a 12MP ultrawide.
Both Samsung and Apple are known for packing some pretty great cameras in their phones, so you should be able to expect consistently good quality images and videos. The addition of 3x optical zoom in the base Galaxy S24 could also be more appealing for some photographers.
Videographers will probably appreciate the Galaxy S24 more thanks to its ability to record 8K video at 24/30fps, while the iPhone 15 only tops out at 4K. Honestly, 4K is more than enough for most people, but those that need the extra resolution should go for the Galaxy S24.
Software – all about the AI
Software is where the Galaxy S24 truly shines. This is thanks to Samsung including a bunch of AI features in One UI. Prior to this, we would say that the difference in software boils down to whether you prefer Android or iOS, but now with the addition to AI, it’s hard to recommend iOS.
The AI features on the Galaxy S24 are truly impressive. The use of AI makes things a lot more efficient and puts the “smart” in smartphones. We’re talking about the ability to use AI to transcribe, translate, and summarize voice recordings. This is handy for meetings and lectures or interviews.
There is also a Live Translate feature for calls and text messages, making it easier for you to translate conversations without relying on third-party apps. Samsung is also getting some help from Google with Circle to Search, an upgraded Google Lens experience, Android Auto, and more.
Samsung is also applying its AI features to its cameras. This will give Galaxy S24 users more flexibility when it comes to taking photos and editing them. Users can easily reposition subjects after a photo is taken. Editing is also much easier for beginners as the AI can make editing suggestions to get the best possible image.
AI support is definitely something Apple is lacking at the moment, so when it comes to software, it’s not really a competition.
Pricing
The price of the base Samsung Galaxy S24 and Apple iPhone 15 are identical at $799. This could make your decision harder, but Samsung is offering some pre-order bonuses that could be worth checking out.
We’re talking about gift cards on Amazon where you can get a $50 gift card. If you choose to buy directly from Samsung, the company is offering enhanced trade-in values, extra credit, a free memory upgrade, and even student discounts that will make the phone more affordable.
- Galaxy S24 Ultra – $1,300 with $200 gift card (use code FEA7SP3UFDJN)
- Galaxy S24+ – $1,000 with $150 gift card (use code MJ93PYFCJHOJ)
- Galaxy S24 Ultra – $800 with $50 gift card (use code TTYSDPOR7WPL)
Galaxy S24 Ultra
Galaxy S24+
Galaxy S24
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