Galaxy S24 FE Vs iPhone 13

Galaxy S24 FE
Galaxy S24 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:329.00

Versus €991.15 new

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iPhone 13
iPhone 13
Starting at

Refurbished price:232.00

Versus €769.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, released in late 2024, and the Apple iPhone 13, launched in late 2021, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While both offer robust performance and capable camera systems, they differ significantly in their operating systems, display technology, and long-term software support. The Galaxy S24 FE runs on Android, providing a customizable experience, whereas the iPhone 13 operates on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability. These two devices offer different timelines for expected usability.

  • Release and Software Support: The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, released in October 2024, benefits from a commitment of seven years of OS upgrades and security updates, extending its software relevance until approximately 2031. [8, 13, 22, 24, 32] In contrast, the iPhone 13, released in September 2021, typically receives major iOS updates for about five to seven years, with security updates potentially lasting longer, suggesting support until around 2028 or 2032. [21, 29, 34, 41]
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy S24 FE features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on the front and back, paired with an aluminum frame, and boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. [4, 19, 25, 35] The iPhone 13 also offers an IP68 rating and utilizes Apple's Ceramic Shield on the front, a glass back, and an aluminum design for its construction. [2, 6, 31] Both devices are designed to withstand immersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. [4, 19]
  • Expected Practical Lifespan: Given its more recent release and extended software commitment, the Galaxy S24 FE is positioned to offer a longer period of official software updates. However, both phones are built with durable materials and are expected to remain functional for many years, especially when considering quality-assured refurbished options that extend their useful life.

Year of Release

2024

2021

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in daily use, from app handling to multitasking, is a key consideration, and both devices deliver smooth experiences through their respective hardware and software optimizations.

  • Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy S24 FE is equipped with a current-generation processor, enabling it to handle demanding applications and multitasking efficiently. [4, 10, 13, 17, 20] The iPhone 13 features a powerful chip that provides a responsive experience for everyday tasks and gaming. [1, 3, 9, 15]
  • System Responsiveness and Multitasking: Users of the Galaxy S24 FE can expect smooth navigation and quick app loading, supported by 8GB of RAM, which aids in managing multiple applications simultaneously. [5, 10, 20] The iPhone 13, with 4GB of RAM, also offers a fluid user interface and efficient multitasking, a hallmark of its optimized operating system. [3, 11, 12, 15]
  • Storage Options: Both devices offer a range of storage capacities to suit different user needs. The Galaxy S24 FE is available with 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, with some regions offering 512GB. [10, 13, 17, 20, 39] The iPhone 13 provides options for 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, allowing ample space for apps, photos, and videos. [2, 3, 18]

Memory (GB)

8 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience is largely defined by the display, and these phones offer distinct characteristics in terms of technology, size, and refresh rate.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy S24 FE features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks with a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels. [4, 17, 35] The iPhone 13 comes with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering a higher pixel density of 460 ppi for sharp visuals and excellent contrast. [2, 3, 12]
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S24 FE supports a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and animations, and can reach a peak brightness of 1900 nits, making it highly visible in bright outdoor conditions. [4, 17, 20, 35] The iPhone 13 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, with a typical brightness of 800 nits and a peak of 1200 nits for HDR content. [2, 3]
  • Viewing Experience: The larger screen of the Galaxy S24 FE may appeal to users who prioritize immersive media consumption or require more screen real estate for productivity. The iPhone 13's display, while smaller, is praised for its color accuracy and overall visual quality. [1, 27]

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1170 x 2532

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, but they approach photography and videography with different hardware configurations and software features.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S24 FE features a versatile triple-camera setup on the rear, including a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS. [4, 17, 19, 35] This allows for a range of photographic styles, from wide landscapes to zoomed-in shots. The iPhone 13 has a dual-camera system with a 12MP wide lens (featuring sensor-shift OIS) and a 12MP ultra-wide lens, known for its strong low-light performance. [2, 3, 9, 27]
  • Front Camera and Video Quality: For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy S24 FE includes a 10MP front camera. [4, 19] The iPhone 13 features a 12MP front camera that performs well for selfies. [2, 3] In terms of video, the Galaxy S24 FE is capable of recording in UHD 8K at 30 frames per second, while the iPhone 13 offers HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60 frames per second and a Cinematic mode for depth-of-field effects. [2, 4, 9, 19]
  • User Experience: Users generally find the Galaxy S24 FE's camera system to be decent and versatile, though some reviews note that colors can appear unrealistic and low-light performance is good but not exceptional. [20, 30, 35, 40] The iPhone 13's camera is often praised for its sharp details, rich colors, and excellent low-light capabilities, providing a reliable point-and-shoot experience. [1, 27, 28]

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and differentiate these two devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy S24 FE supports 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3, and features a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer. [10, 19] The iPhone 13 also offers 5G and Wi-Fi 6, but uses Bluetooth 5.0 and Apple's proprietary Lightning port. [2, 9, 12]
  • Biometric Security: For secure unlocking, the Galaxy S24 FE incorporates an in-display fingerprint sensor. [5, 17] The iPhone 13 relies on Face ID, Apple's facial recognition system. [3]
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S24 FE measures 162 x 77.3 x 8 mm and weighs 213g, offering a comfortable grip with rounded corners. [10, 19, 25] The iPhone 13 is more compact and lighter at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.65 mm and 174g, featuring flat edges. [11, 12] Both devices have an aluminum frame and glass construction. [2, 4, 19, 25]

Weight

213 g

173 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

Lightning

The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE and the iPhone 13 cater to different user preferences, primarily due to their operating systems and release timelines. Users often praise the Galaxy S24 FE for its extended software support, vibrant 120Hz display, and the inclusion of a dedicated telephoto lens, along with its suite of Galaxy AI features. [8, 13, 22, 24, 30, 32, 35] Some criticisms point to its camera performance not always matching flagship levels in all conditions, with occasional unrealistic colors or washed-out shadows. [20, 30]

The iPhone 13 is frequently lauded for its consistent camera quality, particularly in low light, its robust build with Ceramic Shield, and the smooth, integrated experience of iOS. [1, 27, 28] Common concerns for the iPhone 13 include its 60Hz display, which some users find less fluid compared to higher refresh rate screens, and its reliance on the Lightning port rather than the more universal USB-C. [1, 42]

Users prioritizing a larger, high-refresh-rate display, a telephoto camera, and a longer guaranteed software update period may find the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE well-suited to their needs. Its Android operating system also offers greater customization. Conversely, individuals who value a compact design, a highly optimized ecosystem, consistent camera performance, and a familiar user experience may lean toward the iPhone 13. Both devices offer a reliable smartphone experience, and choosing a quality-assured refurbished option can be an eco-friendly alternative for either model.

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