Galaxy S24 FE Vs iPhone 16 Pro Max

Galaxy S24 FE
Galaxy S24 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:329.00

Versus €991.15 new

See options
iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Starting at

Refurbished price:812.00

Versus €1,489.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, released in late 2024, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max, also launched in late 2024, represent distinct approaches to high-end smartphones. While both offer advanced features and robust performance, the Galaxy S24 FE aims to deliver a comprehensive flagship experience with a focus on accessibility within the Android ecosystem, whereas the iPhone 16 Pro Max provides Apple's most premium and feature-rich offering, emphasizing cutting-edge innovation and integration within iOS.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, both the Galaxy S24 FE and the iPhone 16 Pro Max are designed for extended support and durability.

  • Software Longevity: The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE benefits from Samsung's commitment to providing seven years of Android OS and security updates, aligning it with the latest flagship support policies. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, running on iOS, typically receives major iOS updates for five to seven years, with security patches often extending beyond that period, meaning it is expected to receive updates until approximately 2036.
  • Physical Durability: The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a titanium design with a Ceramic Shield front cover and a textured matte glass back, contributing to its durability. The Galaxy S24 FE is expected to incorporate an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ for its display, offering a sturdy build. Both devices are rated IP68 for dust and water resistance, indicating protection against immersion.
  • Repairability and Practical Lifespan: While specific repairability scores can vary, both manufacturers generally design their devices with a balance of durability and serviceability. Users can expect a practical lifespan of several years from either device, supported by their respective software update policies and robust construction.

Year of Release

2024

2024

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both smartphones are equipped with powerful internal components designed to handle demanding tasks, though they approach performance from different ecosystems.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 16 Pro Max is powered by Apple's A18 Pro chip, which delivers fast CPU and GPU speeds, ensuring smooth operation for intensive applications, advanced gaming, and complex multitasking. The Galaxy S24 FE is expected to feature a flagship-tier processor, such as the Exynos 2400e or Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in some regions, providing robust performance for everyday use and gaming.
  • System Responsiveness: Users of the iPhone 16 Pro Max will experience highly responsive interactions and quick app loading times, characteristic of Apple's optimized hardware and software integration. The Galaxy S24 FE also offers a fluid user experience, capable of managing multiple applications simultaneously without significant slowdowns.
  • Storage and Multitasking: The iPhone 16 Pro Max is available with storage options up to 1TB, catering to users with extensive media and application needs. The Galaxy S24 FE typically offers 128GB or 256GB storage variants, often paired with 8GB or 12GB of RAM, which supports efficient multitasking.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both devices is designed to be immersive, though with some differences in display technology and characteristics.

  • Display Technology and Size: The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, known for its deep blacks, vibrant colors, and high contrast. The Galaxy S24 FE comes with a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, which also provides rich colors and excellent contrast.
  • Resolution and Brightness: The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a resolution of 2868 by 1320 pixels at 460 pixels per inch (ppi), with a peak outdoor brightness of up to 3000 nits, ensuring clarity and visibility even in bright sunlight. The Galaxy S24 FE provides a Full HD+ resolution and an impressive peak brightness of 1900 nits, offering a clear and bright viewing experience.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both devices feature a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, enabling smooth scrolling, fluid animations, and a more responsive feel during gaming and general navigation. The iPhone 16 Pro Max also includes Always-On and ProMotion technologies for dynamic adjustment of the refresh rate.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

1320 x 2868

Screen type

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer advanced camera systems, capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos, but with different strengths and features.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The iPhone 16 Pro Max is equipped with a Pro camera system, including a 48-megapixel main camera, a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera, and a 12-megapixel telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom. It supports advanced features like ProRes video recording and spatial video. The Galaxy S24 FE features a versatile triple-camera setup with a 50-megapixel main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and an 8-megapixel telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS.
  • Photography Performance: The iPhone 16 Pro Max excels in computational photography, offering detailed images across various lighting conditions, including improved low-light performance with its 48MP ultrawide camera. The Galaxy S24 FE also delivers strong photography performance, enhanced by its ProVisual Engine for improved low-light imagery and refined editing.
  • Video and Audio Capabilities: The iPhone 16 Pro Max supports 4K video recording at up to 120 frames per second (fps) and includes studio-quality microphones for clear audio capture. The Galaxy S24 FE is capable of UHD 8K video recording at 30fps and offers a 10-megapixel front camera for selfies and video calls.

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate the user experience between these two devices.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity and modern Wi-Fi standards, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max featuring Wi-Fi 7 and the Galaxy S24 FE supporting Wi-Fi 6E. Both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
  • Biometrics and User Interface: The iPhone 16 Pro Max relies on Face ID for secure authentication and navigation, integrated within its Dynamic Island. The Galaxy S24 FE typically employs an in-display fingerprint scanner for unlocking. The iPhone 16 Pro Max also introduces a new Camera Control button for enhanced photography interaction.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone 16 Pro Max, with its 6.9-inch display and titanium frame, weighs approximately 227 grams. The Galaxy S24 FE, featuring a 6.7-inch display and an aluminum frame, is slightly lighter at an estimated 213 grams. These differences impact the feel and handling, with the Pro Max being a larger and heavier device.

Weight

213 g

227 g

Screen size (in)

6.7

6.9

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C (USB 3)

Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE and the iPhone 16 Pro Max involves weighing priorities within their respective ecosystems. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is designed for users who seek the most advanced technology, particularly in camera capabilities, raw processing power, and a large, bright display. Its integration with the Apple ecosystem and features like Apple Intelligence cater to those who value a seamless and premium experience. Users prioritizing cutting-edge video features, the latest iOS innovations, and a robust, high-performance device will find the iPhone 16 Pro Max well-suited to their needs.

Conversely, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE offers a compelling package for users who appreciate a strong balance of flagship features and value within the Android environment. Its capable camera system, vibrant AMOLED display, and long-term software support make it a practical choice for everyday use and mobile productivity. Users who prefer the Android operating system, desire a slightly lighter device, and still want access to advanced features like Galaxy AI without needing the absolute top-tier specifications might lean towards the Galaxy S24 FE.

Both devices offer excellent performance and features for their target audiences. For those considering a more sustainable choice, both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative to purchasing new.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons