Galaxy S24 Vs iPhone 16e

Galaxy S24
Galaxy S24
Starting at

Refurbished price:323.00

Versus €956.40 new

See options
iPhone 16e
iPhone 16e
Starting at

Refurbished price:387.00

Versus €719.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy S24, released in early 2024, and the Apple iPhone 16E, launched in early 2025, represent distinct approaches to modern smartphone design and functionality. While both devices offer robust performance and advanced features, they differ significantly in their camera systems, display technologies, and software ecosystems. The Galaxy S24 operates on Android, offering extensive customization, whereas the iPhone 16E runs on iOS, known for its integrated experience and user-friendly interface.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, several factors come into play, including software support and physical resilience.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy S24 was introduced in January 2024, making it a slightly older model compared to the iPhone 16E, which debuted in February 2025. The iPhone 16E was recently succeeded by a newer model in March 2026, indicating a relatively short period as Apple's current entry-level offering.
  • Software Longevity: Samsung has committed to providing seven years of operating system and security updates for the Galaxy S24, extending its software support until approximately 2031. Apple typically offers 5-6 years of major iOS updates, and the iPhone 16E launched with iOS 18.3, with iOS 26.4 being its current version, suggesting a strong commitment to ongoing software enhancements.
  • Physical Durability: Both smartphones feature an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing submersion up to 6 meters for 30 minutes. The Galaxy S24 utilizes Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for display protection and an Enhanced Armor Aluminum frame, while the iPhone 16E incorporates a Ceramic Shield front cover and an aluminum frame, designed for resilience against everyday impacts.

Year of Release

2024

2025

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Both the Galaxy S24 and iPhone 16E deliver capable performance for daily tasks and demanding applications, though their underlying architectures differ.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy S24 is powered by a current-generation processor, which enables smooth multitasking, rapid app loading, and efficient handling of graphics-intensive games. The iPhone 16E features an advanced Apple-designed processor, providing responsive performance across iOS applications and supporting Apple Intelligence features.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Galaxy S24 typically comes with 8GB of RAM, facilitating efficient switching between multiple applications. The iPhone 16E also includes 8GB of RAM, contributing to a fluid user experience when managing several apps simultaneously. Both devices offer storage options up to 512GB, providing ample space for apps, media, and documents.
  • Battery Performance: The Galaxy S24 is equipped with a 4000 mAh battery, supporting a full day of moderate to heavy use for many users. The iPhone 16E features a 4005 mAh battery, with users reporting extended video playback times, making it suitable for media consumption on the go.

Memory (GB)

8 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on both smartphones is vibrant and clear, though they employ different display characteristics.

  • Display Technology: The Galaxy S24 features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its deep blacks, high contrast, and vivid color reproduction. The iPhone 16E sports a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering similar benefits with rich colors and excellent contrast.
  • Brightness and Clarity: The Galaxy S24 achieves a peak brightness of 2600 nits, ensuring good visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The iPhone 16E offers a peak HDR brightness of 1200 nits, providing clear visuals for HDR content. Both devices feature high pixel densities, resulting in sharp text and detailed images.
  • Refresh Rate: The Galaxy S24 boasts an adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 1Hz to 120Hz, contributing to smoother scrolling and more fluid animations while optimizing power consumption. The iPhone 16E maintains a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which provides a consistent visual experience for everyday use.

Resolution

1080 x 2340

2532x1170

Audiovisual

Photography capabilities are a significant consideration, and both devices offer advanced camera systems with distinct strengths.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S24 is equipped with a versatile triple-lens rear camera setup, including a 50MP wide lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, allowing for a wide range of photographic styles. The iPhone 16E features a single 48MP Fusion main camera that also offers a 2x optical-quality zoom by cropping the sensor, providing detailed shots without a dedicated telephoto lens.
  • Photography Features: The Galaxy S24 benefits from a ProVisual Engine, offering features like faster shutter speeds, Instant Slow-mo, and AI-based processing for enhanced zoom and image quality, including HDR support in third-party apps. The iPhone 16E includes Smart HDR 5, Photonic Engine, Deep Fusion, and Night Mode, delivering strong performance in various lighting conditions, though it lacks some advanced features like Cinematic Mode and a dedicated ultrawide lens.
  • Video and Audio: Both phones are capable of recording high-quality video, with the Galaxy S24 supporting up to 8K resolution. The iPhone 16E records 4K video and includes features like Spatial Audio recording and wind noise reduction for improved audio capture. Both devices offer stereo speakers for an immersive media consumption experience.

Front camera

12 megapixels

TrueDepth 12MP

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements differentiate these smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity and Bluetooth 5.3. The Galaxy S24 supports Wi-Fi 6E, offering faster wireless speeds, while the iPhone 16E supports Wi-Fi 6. Both utilize a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, though the Galaxy S24's port supports USB 3.2 for faster data speeds, whereas the iPhone 16E uses USB 2.0.
  • Biometrics and User Interface: The Galaxy S24 features an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. The iPhone 16E relies on Face ID for biometric authentication and includes an Action Button, which can be customized for quick access to various functions. The iPhone 16E also offers satellite connectivity for emergency services and messaging in areas without cellular coverage.
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy S24 measures 147 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm and weighs 167g, offering a compact and lightweight design. The iPhone 16E has very similar dimensions at 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm and weighs 167g, providing a comparable in-hand feel. Both phones feature glass backs and aluminum frames.

Weight

167 g

167 g

Screen size (in)

6.2

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and iPhone 16E cater to users with differing priorities, each excelling in specific areas. User feedback for the Galaxy S24 often praises its vibrant display, versatile camera system with advanced AI features, and the long-term software support commitment from Samsung. Some users appreciate the flexibility of the Android operating system and the option of an in-display fingerprint sensor. Criticisms sometimes point to the regional variation in processors, which can lead to performance differences depending on the market.

For the iPhone 16E, common praise highlights its strong overall performance, the integrated iOS experience, and the reliable camera for everyday photography. Users often value the inclusion of features like the Action Button and satellite connectivity for added utility and safety. However, some users note the 60Hz display refresh rate as a potential drawback compared to many Android counterparts, and the absence of a dedicated ultrawide or telephoto lens might be a consideration for those seeking more photographic versatility.

Users prioritizing a highly customizable Android experience with a versatile multi-lens camera system, a high refresh rate display, and extended software updates may find the Galaxy S24 well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who value the streamlined iOS ecosystem, robust performance for a wide range of applications, and integrated safety features like satellite communication might lean towards the iPhone 16E. Both devices offer compelling features, and choosing between them often comes down to personal preference for operating system and specific feature sets. For those looking for an eco-friendly alternative, both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options.

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