Samsung Galaxy S24 vs. iPhone 16: A Detailed Comparison After One Year
With Samsung recently releasing OneUI 7, it’s the perfect time to compare the Galaxy S24—one year into its release—with Apple’s iPhone 16. Let’s dive into the updates, features, and performance of these flagship devices to see which one stands out.
OneUI 7: Samsung’s New Look
Samsung’s OneUI 7 update brings the Galaxy S24 even closer to the iOS experience. From animations to widgets, the similarities between OneUI 7 and iOS 18 are striking.
- Animations: OneUI 7 adopts smoother animations similar to iOS. Combined with the Galaxy’s 120Hz refresh rate, it feels noticeably more fluid than the iPhone 16 base model, which is still capped at 60Hz.
- Widgets: Samsung’s new widgets now mimic the design and opening animations of iOS widgets, like the health widget.
- Recent Apps: Both phones now stack recent apps vertically, with the Galaxy retaining a “Close All” button and quick-access icons for frequently used apps.
Notification Center: Samsung’s notification system also aligns more closely with Apple’s. Swiping down from the left side brings up notifications on both phones, but Samsung retains the ability to swipe down from anywhere—a convenient feature missing from iOS.
Dynamic Island on Galaxy?
Both phones make strides in lock screen functionality.
Music Interaction: OneUI 7 introduces a semi-dynamic island at the bottom for music controls, while the iPhone features its iconic Dynamic Island at the top. Both offer similar functionality, though animations differ slightly when interacting with the music app on the lock screen.
Camera Experience: Modes, Features, and Quality
The camera apps on both phones now share a similar layout, but key differences remain:
- Galaxy S24 Camera App:
- New “aim” feature for shot alignment.
- Simplified interface with most settings tucked away—though this can lead to fat-finger issues for users.
- Retains a 3x telephoto lens, offering superior zoom capabilities.
- iPhone 16 Camera App:
- Improved ultrawide lens for stunning macro shots.
- Contrast-heavy images that excel in specific scenarios, such as urban photography with custom styles such as Dramatic mode.
Some Samples for Galaxy S24 Exynos
Gaming & Performance: Exynos 2400 vs. A18 Bionic
In a 15-minute Genshin Impact session, the Galaxy experienced more lag and higher temperatures than the iPhone, which maintained stable performance and better thermal management.
Benchmark Scores:
iPhone’s A18 Bionic outperformed the Galaxy in both single-core and multi-core tests (8400 vs. 6300).
Battery Life and Unique Features
Battery performance and unique capabilities further differentiate these two devices:
- Battery Life:
- After identical usage scenarios, the Galaxy retained 62% battery life compared to the iPhone’s 75%.
- DEX Mode:
- Samsung’s DEX feature allows the Galaxy S24 to double as a PC—a feature Apple has yet to match.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy S24 and the iPhone 16 depends on your preferences:
- Go with the Galaxy S24 if you value:
- A smoother interface (120Hz refresh rate).
- Superior zoom and camera versatility.
- Productivity features like DEX.
- Pick the iPhone 16 if you prefer:
- Reliable performance and better thermal management.
- Better performance.
- Better Ultrawide camera!
Let me know your thoughts in the comments!